1-Day Jiuzhaigou Zhongchagou Hiking to Xudi Sacred Lake
- Jiuzhaigou Zhongcha Valley
- 1 Day
From $350 p.p
Overview
- 1 Day
- Private Vehicle, Walk
- Private
- Custom
A Full-Day Highland Adventure into the Hidden Wilderness of Jiuzhaigou
Step beyond Jiuzhaigou’s famous lakes and waterfalls to explore the quieter mountain landscapes of Zhongchagou Valley.
This full-day guided trek takes you through an ancient Tibetan village, peaceful primeval forest, open alpine pastures and sweeping mountain meadows before reaching the secluded Xudi Sacred Lake. Along the way, your local guide shares stories of Tibetan traditions, mountain beliefs and the area's natural environment.
With around 10 km of hiking, over 770 m of elevation gain and a high point above 3,350 m, this is a rewarding challenge for experienced walkers seeking a deeper connection with the mountains.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1:
Zhongchagou Valley | Bori'e Tibetan Village → Primeval Forest → Bori'e Pasture → Alpine Meadows → Xudi Sacred Lake → Horse-Caravan
Key Route Information
- Total Distance: Approximately 10 km
- Total Elevation Gain: Over 770 m
- Maximum Altitude: Over 3,350 m
- Duration: 7–8 hours, including interpretation, rest stops, photography, and sightseeing
- Route Type: Full-day, one-way advanced hiking traverse
- Difficulty: Advanced; basic fitness and hiking experience required
Hotel Pickup and Transfer to the Trailhead
The pickup time is flexible and can be adjusted to suit your preference. Your local hiking guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to the trailhead in Zhongchagou Valley. Once you arrive, you will set off on your full-day mountain adventure.
Stop 1: Bori'e Ancient Tibetan Village
This is the first stop. Bori'e is a traditional Tibetan village with a long history of local settlement. As you walk through the village surroundings, your guide will introduce the distinctive local houses, traditional building techniques and everyday customs that have shaped life here over generations.
Stop 2: Forest Prayer Site
Leave the village behind and follow the trail into the dense primeval forest. Along the way, you'll reach a traditional prayer site associated with local mountain beliefs. Historically, villagers have passed through this area when gathering medicinal plants or searching the mountains for missing livestock, and the site reflects the close relationship between local communities and the natural environment.
Stop 3: Bori'e Alpine Pasture
Continue uphill to the open grasslands of Bori'e's high-altitude pasture. The broad meadows provide seasonal grazing land and help sustain local livestock through the colder months. A designated shelter offers a convenient place to rest, drink water and catch your breath before continuing the climb.
Stop 4: Highland Meadow Photography Spot
The trail continues toward expansive alpine meadows, where open grassland and mountain scenery create some of the most photogenic views of the day. In the warmer months, the meadows may be dotted with wildflowers, while changing seasonal colours bring a different atmosphere throughout the year.
Stop 5: Xudi Sacred Lake
Reach Xudi Sacred Lake, the highest point of this trek and the only natural lake within Zhongchagou Valley. This secluded alpine lake offers a peaceful setting far removed from the busier sightseeing areas of Jiuzhaigou.
Descent
After visiting the lake, begin the descent along the designated trail on its right-hand side. The return section follows a different route through a mountain reservoir area, natural alpine wetlands and mature forest, offering another perspective on the valley's varied terrain.
Keep an eye out for mountain birds and other wildlife, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Your hike ends at the designated horse-caravan meeting point.
Hope Drop-off
Your guide will transfer you to the hotel. You can have a rest then.
None
Lunch
Bori'e Ancient Tibetan Village, Forest Prayer Site, Bori'e Pasture, Highland Meadow, Xudi Sacred Lake
Accommodation
This is a one-day hiking experience, so overnight accommodation is not included.
This trek is usually combined with a Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong itinerary to extend your stay and explore more of the region's spectacular natural scenery. We can arrange accommodation for your full trip, from comfortable local hotels to higher-end stays. Tell us your preferred comfort level and budget, and we'll tailor accommodation and transport to your travel plans.
Cost
Included
- Professional local hiking guide for the full-day trek
- Hotel pickup and drop-off to/from the hiking starting point
- Hiking equipment, including a hiking backpack and trekking poles
- Basic hiking supplies, including drinking water, wet wipes and tissues
- Basic road lunch, like bread, cakes, snacks, etc.
- Basic first-aid and outdoor emergency equipment carried by the guide
- Route coordination and assistance throughout the hike
Excluded
- Accommodation in Jiuzhaigou
- Meals, snacks and drinks beyond those specifically included
- Transportation to and from Jiuzhaigou from other cities
- Personal travel insurance and emergency medical or evacuation expenses
- Personal expenses and optional services not mentioned in the inclusions
- Tips for the guide, if you wish to give them
- Any additional transport or services required because of route closures, weather conditions or changes to the original arrangements
Transportation
- Hotel transfers: Private vehicle
- Hiking: On foot
Essential Tips
- Check your fitness before booking. This is an advanced, full-day mountain hike, not a leisurely nature walk.
- The trail reaches above 3,350 m. Consider spending time in the Jiuzhaigou area before the hike, and speak to a healthcare professional if you have concerns about exercising at altitude.
- Choose shoes with good grip and ankle support. Forest paths, muddy sections and wetland areas can become slippery, especially after rain.
- Temperatures can change considerably between forest, meadow and lake sections. Bring a warm layer, a waterproof jacket and sun protection.
- Confirm what drinking water is supplied and bring additional snacks or energy food for a 7–8-hour hike.
- Follow your guide's instructions. Stay on the designated trail, particularly during the descent.
- Observe village life without entering private homes or photographing residents without permission. Follow your guide's advice at local prayer sites.
- Keep your distance from animals, avoid feeding them and leave plants, feathers, quills and other natural objects where you find them.
- Mountain conditions can change quickly. The guide may adjust the route or cancel the hike if conditions make it unsafe.
- Confirm seasonal conditions in advance. Ask about trail accessibility, snow, rain, muddy sections and the condition of the lake approach for your planned travel date.
Route Designer Notes
Jack Chen
We recommend this trek to travelers who want more than a conventional sightseeing trip around Jiuzhaigou. However, this is a demanding mountain hike, not a casual walk, and the altitude adds to the challenge. We suggest allowing time to acclimatize before setting out and choosing this route only if you're comfortable with a full day on the trail.
Like This Route, But Want It Your Way?
Whether you’re taking the whole journey or just need a few services, we’ll help make it work.
FAQ
This particular route is classified as advanced. With approximately 10 km of walking, over 770 m of elevation gain and a maximum altitude of 3,350 m, it is best suited to people with basic hiking experience and good fitness. If you are new to hiking, ask us about shorter or less demanding alternatives around Jiuzhaigou.
The main challenges are the sustained climb, high altitude, uneven mountain terrain and the long descent. The hike takes around 7–8 hours, including breaks and sightseeing. It does not require technical climbing skills according to the route description, but you should be prepared for a demanding day outdoors.
Xudi Sacred Lake is located in the mountain landscape of Zhongchagou Valley near Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan Province. It is a less-visited mountain route, so we recommend hiking with an experienced local guide.
Birds such as golden pheasants and blue-eared pheasants, as well as squirrels and marmots, may be spotted along the route. Other wildlife may inhabit the deeper forest and lake area, but sightings are never guaranteed. Please observe animals from a safe distance and follow local conservation rules.
This hike can be enjoyed year-round, with each season bringing a different look to the mountain landscape.
The warmer months are ideal for green alpine meadows, wildflowers and lush forest scenery, while autumn adds golden foliage and seasonal wild fruits. In winter and early spring, snow and colder conditions can create a more rugged mountain atmosphere, but may also affect trail accessibility. We recommend checking local conditions for your travel dates before setting out.
The hike is designed around a local guide who accompanies you along the route and explains village culture, local mountain traditions and the natural environment. However, the local guide can only speak Chinese, not English. If you need an English-speaking tour guide or translator, there may be an extra cost.
Accommodation is not included in the hiking price. A simple packed lunch is provided, usually consisting of bread, cakes, drinking water and other basic snacks. If you have specific dietary preferences or would like a more substantial lunch, please prepare your own food in advance.
Bring suitable hiking shoes, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, sun protection, and personal medication. Snacks and drinking water are included. A hiking backpack and trekking poles may be provided as part of the package, but confirm the equipment list before departure.
Yes. You can plan the Zhongchagou Valley hike alongside a visit to Jiuzhaigou National Park and potentially Huanglong, depending on your available time.
This hiking route follows an established trail that has been carefully designed and tested for safety and practicality, so the trek itself is generally not customizable.
However, QuietRoutes can tailor the wider Sichuan itinerary around your interests, hiking experience and travel plans. You can combine this trek with Jiuzhaigou National Park, Huanglong or other destinations in Sichuan, with accommodation and transportation arranged to suit your needs, subject to local access and availability.
From $350
price per person, based on a group of 2
We Handle
- Private transportation
- Accommodation
- Train & flight tickets
- Attraction tickets
- Airport & station transfers
- Experienced local guides
- Any other arrangements you need
- Free itinerary customization within 24 hours
Explore More Destinations
Why Travel with Us
10+ Years
Proven experience planning journeys across China.
Local Experts
China travel knowledge from people who live here.
100% Tailor-Made
Journeys designed around your interests and pace.
Authentic Trips
Local places and experiences beyond the usual routes.
98%+ Happy Guests
Trusted by travelers from around the world.
Always Supported
Our team is here whenever you need us.
How to Book Your Private Journey
Submit Your Inquiry
Customize Your Trip
Secure Your Booking
Enjoy Your Journey
Start Planning Your China Journey
Tell us a few details about your trip, and our local experts will design a personalized itinerary tailored to your travel style, pace, and interests.