The Hengduan Mountains are among the world’s youngest mountain ranges, and also represent China’s longest, widest, and most characteristic north-south trending mountain system.
Standing tall in the southeastern part of the Tibetan Plateau, this range boasts dozens of peaks above 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). Numerous rivers rush through deep valleys. The elevation differences between peaks and valleys often reach several thousand meters. These high mountains and deep valleys raise a question: how many hidden natural wonders does the Hengduan Mountains conceal?
The Crown of Western Sichuan
As part of the Daxue Mountains, Mount Yala may not be as globally renowned as Mount Gongga, the “King of Sichuan Mountains.” However, it remains a respected sacred mountain in the Kham region. From the Tagong Grassland, Mount Yala looks like an unfurling snow lotus or a giant silver crown. This earned it the title “Crown of Western Sichuan.” 
The Kham Tibetan people call Yala “Shamu Yala Lazhe,” meaning “White Yak of the East,” believing it to be a guardian deity of the Muli kingdom. Tibetan ancient texts, such as The Chronicles of Sacred Mountains, describe Yala as the “Second Shambhala.”
It is both a single mountain and a collection of countless snow-capped peaks. The 5,820-meter (19,094-foot) main peak points directly to the blue sky, while numerous mountains, snow peaks, valleys, and meadows collectively form this magical land.
The Mount Yala Scenic Area lies in the heart of Garze, facing Mount Gongga and Mount Mù’ěrdū in the distance. Its towering snow peaks and surrounding ravines showcase the extreme beauty of the Hengduan Mountains.
Snow peaks, glaciers, forests, meadows, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and hot springs all converge here, where countless rare and endangered wild flora and fauna flourish.
As part of the Ancient Tea Horse Road, the area at the foot of Yala is a hub of commercial activity. It’s also a meeting point for the cultures of Tibetan, Qiang, and Han ethnic groups. This unique geographic location has shaped the snow-capped mountain’s distinct character, contributing to the beauty of Mount Yala.
Majestic geological formations and stunning cultural treasures intermingle, showcasing every aspect of high-altitude scenery. Every step on Mount Yala feels like wandering through a fairyland.
A Feast of Ice and Snow
Mount Yala is perpetually covered in snow, with glaciers visible to the naked eye. This untouched summit, which remains unclimbed, is often shrouded in a veil of mystery.
Over millions of years, the thick snow on the summit shines brilliantly under the sun, resembling diamonds set atop a crown.
As the seasons change, huge pale-blue glaciers melt, forming waterfalls that thunder down the steep cliffs, creating a spectacular sight, akin to a “silver river falling from the heavens.”
Jewels of the Plateau
Scattered throughout the Yala Mountains are numerous high-altitude lakes, most formed by glacial activity. These varied lakes are of different sizes and shapes.
At an altitude of more than 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), you will find the jade-like Yala Youcuo (Jade Lake), reflecting the image of Mount Yala, and the sister lakes, Yari Acuo and Suolangcuo, nestled together and appearing and disappearing in the mountain mists.
Vast Forests
Yala’s vegetation is exceptionally abundant, with a forest coverage rate of 34.02%. There are 302 species of medicinal plants in 78 families, and edible wild fungi are sold throughout the country.
The riverbanks have a multitude of shrub species, while the towering trees in the mountains block out the sun, creating a lush, green landscape in the summer, and a colorful display in the fall.
Hidden Hot Springs
The hot springs at the foot of the snow-capped mountains are a symphony of ice and fire. Natural hot springs are hidden in verdant valleys, with mist drifting about, appearing and disappearing.
According to local legends, most of these hot springs are “Beluzhana” (meaning “hidden hot springs”). It is believed that bathing in these sacred springs can quickly eliminate one’s karmic obstacles.
High-Altitude Pastures
The Kham Tibetan people are mainly nomadic, moving through high-altitude areas in search of lush pastures. Each summer and fall, thousands of yaks and horses roam the vast wetlands and meadows of Yala.
A Biological Treasure Trove
“Four seasons in one mountain, different skies every ten li” – Yala possesses diverse natural environments, making it an ideal home for countless wild animals.
Yala is home to many rare animals, including snow leopards, leopards, white-lipped deer, takins, blue sheep, musk deer, short-tailed monkeys, otters, Pallas’s cats, hazel grouse, black storks, and Tibetan eared pheasants.
Outdoor Paradise
The ancient Tea Horse Road at the foot of Mount Yala, once a trade route for centuries, is now becoming a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Each year, countless hikers and mountaineers flock to this area, whether it’s to take an easy hike on a classic route to enjoy the scenery of Yala, or to traverse high mountains in search of undiscovered hidden landscapes.
Yala’s diverse geological features, abundant ecological resources, and rich nomadic culture create a microcosm. Here, nature and culture blend seamlessly, offering great potential for Garze’s future development.
