Early Winter Dagu Glacier Travel Guide｜At the 4,860m Snow Mountain Summit, Embark on an Ice and Snow Fairy Tale Date

Early winter at Dagu Glacier is the "ultimate romance" of Western Sichuan! In the extreme cold of -8℃ to 5℃, the glacier is embedded like a sapphire atop the snow-capped mountain. When the sea of clouds surges, it feels within reach. Take the world's highest altitude sightseeing cableway to the summit, soak in the snow mountain hot springs while watching the rime, this comprehensive guide helps you unlock the early winter exclusive "cloud-top ice and snow secret realm"～ Core Attractions｜Must-Visit Checklist 1. Glacier Summit (4,860m Viewing Platform) - Highlights: The core spot of Dagu Glacier, accessible directly by sightseeing cableway (altitude rises from 3,600m to 4,860m). At the summit, you can get close to the millennia-old glacier, overlook the endless snow mountains and sea of clouds. The "Glacier Café" is located beside the viewing platform; order a hot coffee and enjoy the snowy view through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the atmosphere is instantly elevated; - Activities: Check in at the "Glacier Monument" (a must-photograph landmark) and the "Blue Ice Crevasse" (a naturally formed glacier crack with stunning blue color). It is recommended to wear bright-colored jackets (red, yellow, blue) to create a strong contrast with the white snow for excellent photos; - Tips: Due to the high altitude, avoid strenuous exercise after reaching the summit. Prepare an oxygen bottle in advance (sold at the scenic area for 30 RMB/bottle). Limit your stay to within 1 hour to prevent altitude sickness. 2. Loggers Divine Mountain Trail - Highlights: A hiking secret beneath the glacier, 3 kilometers long. Early winter snow covers the path, rime decorates the branches, frozen streams sparkle like shattered jade. Occasionally, you may encounter Tibetan macaques and blue sheep foraging; - Activities: Start from the cableway lower station and hike along the wooden plank trail. Focus on photographing the "rime + prayer flags + snow mountain" in one frame. The mid-trail "viewing platform" offers a panoramic view of the glacier. Wear anti-slip snow boots and use trekking poles for safety; - Tips: The hike takes about 1.5 hours with no supplies along the way, bring a thermos with hot water. 3. Dagu Lake (Ice and Snow Sacred Lake) - Highlights: A natural lake at the entrance of the scenic area, completely frozen in early winter. The lake surface is as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the snow mountains and colorful forests. Rime trees line the shore, creating a "fairy tale ice and snow world"; - Activities: Stroll along the lakeside wooden boardwalk, check in at the "Lakeside Pavilion" (an excellent spot for snow mountain reflections). You can shoot "reflection masterpieces" on the ice (pay attention to ice thickness and stay away from edges). At dusk, the sunset casts golden light on the ice, breathtakingly beautiful! - Tips: The lakeside is windy; wear a windproof down jacket with scarf and gloves to avoid frostbite. 4. Snow Mountain Hot Springs (Warm and Healing) - Highlights: Natural hot springs around the scenic area. Recommended is the "Dagu Glacier International Hotel Hot Spring Center," with outdoor pools facing the snow mountains. Soaking in 40℃ hot springs while looking up at the snowy peaks and rime-covered branches is a healing contrast of cold and warmth; - Activities: It is recommended to visit after climbing the glacier to relieve hiking fatigue. The hot spring area provides ginger tea and towels; bringing your own bathrobe is more hygienic. Accommodation Recommendations - Luxury Choice: Dagu Glacier International Hotel (5 minutes by car from the scenic area, with its own hot spring center, rooms with floor heating, windows facing the snow mountains); - Cost-effective Choice: Heishui County Luhua Hotel (20 minutes by car from the scenic area, includes breakfast, about 200 RMB per person, well-equipped); - Unique Choice: Tibetan-style homestays (such as "Dagu Tibetan Family Courtyard," about 180 RMB per person, offering Tibetan cuisine and roasted whole lamb, experience Tibetan life). Must-Try Foods - Tibetan-Qiang Specialties: Yak meat hot pot (about 90 RMB per person, served with wild mushrooms and radish, warming and comforting), stone slab grilled lamb chops (crispy outside, tender inside, aromatic), Tibetan-style earthen hot pot (rich ingredients including Tibetan fragrant pork, crispy meat, vegetables); - Local Snacks: Sauerkraut noodle chunks (15 RMB per bowl, sour and spicy appetizer), Highland barley cakes (5 RMB each, perfect with butter tea), Yogurt rice (20 RMB per serving, a blend of sweet and savory). Attraction: Dagu Glacier Scenic Area Address: Maqiao, Luhua Town, Heishui County Early winter at Dagu Glacier is a triple feast of snow mountains, glaciers, and sea of clouds. Here, you can reach the clouds to touch the blue ice, stroll by the lake to admire the rime, soak in hot springs while watching the snow scenery, feeling the shock and healing power of nature. This is the ultimate romance of early winter travel～