Best Aba Sichuan Itinerary: 5 Days Through Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong

If you're looking for the best Aba Sichuan itinerary, you've landed in the right place. I've been leading tours across western Sichuan for over a decade, and I can tell you straight up: most guidebooks overcomplicate it. You don't need a PhD in logistics to see the turquoise lakes of Jiuzhaigou or the golden travertine of Huanglong. You just need a solid plan. Here's mine – a 5-day loop that gives you the highlights without burning you out.

Why This Aba Itinerary Works for First-Timers

Aba (Ngawa in Tibetan) is massive – about the size of Austria. Most travelers try to cram Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, and the grasslands into three days. Bad idea. Altitude sickness hits hard, and the driving distances are brutal. This itinerary gives you:

• Altitude acclimatization: You sleep at 2,500m in Songpan before climbing to 3,600m at Huanglong.
• Buffer time: Afternoons are free to rest or explore – no rush.
• Local food stops: I'll point you to eateries where the yak butter tea actually tastes good.

Day 1: Arrive in Chengdu – Gateway to Aba

Most international flights land in Chengdu (CTU or TFU). From downtown Chengdu, you have two options to reach Jiuzhaigou:

My recommendation: Take the 7:30 AM bus from Chengdu. Bring snacks, a neck pillow, and download podcasts – the scenery after Wenchuan is stunning, but the road has 400+ curves. You'll arrive in Jiuzhaigou town (Zhangzha) by late afternoon. Check into a hotel near the entrance (most are within walking distance). Grab dinner at a local restaurant – try the suan cai yu (pickled cabbage fish) at a place called Leshan Grandma's Kitchen (No. 35, Jiuzhaigou Avenue). It's spicy, sour, and perfect after a long bus ride.

Day 2: Full Day at Jiuzhaigou Valley

Jiuzhaigou opens at 7:30 AM (summer) or 8:00 AM (winter). Get there by 7:15 to beat the tour groups. Ticket prices (as of my last visit):

• Peak season (Apr–Nov): 169 RMB entry + 90 RMB shuttle bus = 259 RMB
• Off-season (Dec–Mar): 80 RMB entry + 80 RMB shuttle = 160 RMB
• Students & seniors: half price (carry your passport).

You must buy tickets online in advance via the official WeChat mini-program “阿坝旅游网” (Aba Travel) or through a site like Trip.com. Walk-up sales are rare nowadays.

Your Shuttle Strategy

The valley is a Y-shape. Most shuttles go first to the top of the left branch (Changhai) or the right branch (Primitive Forest). I always take the right branch first – it has the most iconic spots:

1. Get off at Arrow Bamboo Lake. Walk downhill along the boardwalk – you'll pass Panda Lake, Five Flower Lake, Pearl Shoal, and Mirror Lake. This 5km walk takes about 2.5 hours with photo stops.
2. At Mirror Lake, catch a shuttle back to the central confluence. Have lunch there – the boxed meals (30 RMB) are okay; I prefer the yak meat skewers from the stall near the bus stop.
3. After lunch, take the left branch shuttle to Changhai (the highest lake, 3,100m). Then walk down to Five-Color Pond – it's small but brilliantly blue.
4. Finally, shuttle down to Nuorilang Waterfall and then to the exit. You'll be done by 4:30 PM.

Photography tip: The light hits Five Flower Lake best between 9-11 AM. After 2 PM, it becomes backlit and loses its magic. Plan accordingly.

Day 3: Huanglong Scenic Area – Travertine Pools

From Jiuzhaigou town, it's about 2–2.5 hours by bus or taxi to Huanglong (120 km). Shared minivans cost about 60-80 RMB per person; private taxi is 400-500 RMB. The road climbs from 2,500m to 3,600m at the entrance.

My route: Take the cable car up, then walk 2.5 km along the boardwalk to the main pool group. After that, walk downhill through the valley, passing hundreds of smaller pools. The total downhill walk is about 4 km and takes 1.5 hours. You'll exit at the main gate.

Altitude warning: At the top, I've seen people collapse from AMS (acute mountain sickness). Bring Diamox (prescription) or at least ibuprofen. Move slowly – I mean turtle slow. If you feel dizzy, go down immediately. There's a medical station near the cable car exit.

After Huanglong, drive 1.5 hours to Songpan Ancient Town (2,800m). This is your base for the night. Songpan has a lovely Tibetan quarter and is much less touristy than Jiuzhaigou town.

Day 4: Songpan Ancient Town & Horse Trekking

Songpan is a hidden gem. Most tourists skip it – their loss. Spend the morning walking the Ming Dynasty city wall (free), visiting the Tibetan Buddhist temple (Songpan Chengguan Temple), and bargaining at the local market for a Tibetan wool hat or handmade prayer flags.

After lunch, book a half-day horse trek into the hills. Several local families offer it – I always use Mountain Horse Treks (find them on the main street, next to the big white pagoda). Cost: about 200 RMB for a 3-hour ride. You don't need experience; the horses are gentle and follow the leader. The scenery of alpine meadows and prayer flags is unforgettable.

Dinner: head to Mama Wok Restaurant (No. 8, South Street) for momo (Tibetan dumplings) and shaomai with spicy dip. The owner is a Tibetan lady who learned to cook in Lhasa – her momo dough is perfectly chewy. Cash only, about 30 RMB per person.

Day 5: Return to Chengdu via Wenchuan

Drive back to Chengdu (6–7 hours). Break the trip at Wenchuan County, the epicenter of the 2008 earthquake. The Wenchuan Earthquake Memorial Museum (free entry, open 9-17) is sobering but essential. It's about 1.5 hours from Songpan. Alternatively, if you're tired of driving, catch a direct bus from Songpan bus station to Chengdu (departs 7:00, 9:00, 14:00; 120 RMB).

Arrive in Chengdu by evening. If you still have energy, hit the Jinli Ancient Street for night snacks – the spicy rabbit head is a local dare.

Altitude Survival Tips (Don't Skip This)

I've seen too many travelers waste a day in bed. Here's what actually works:

• Ascend slowly: Stay at 2,500m (Songpan) for one night before going above 3,000m.
• Hydrate like crazy: Drink 3–4 liters of liquid per day. Yak butter tea helps – it's salty and full of electrolytes.
• Avoid alcohol: Even one beer can worsen headache. Save the drinking for your last night in Chengdu.
• Medication: Acetazolamide (Diamox) – start taking 125mg twice a day, 24 hours before ascending. It's available at Chinese pharmacies with a prescription (or bring from home).
• Signs to go down: If you have a persistent headache, nausea, or your fingertips turn purple – descend by at least 500m immediately.

Where to Eat & Sleep – My Picks

All prices are approximate and may vary. Always confirm on booking platforms like Ctrip (Trip.com).

This article has been fact-checked based on my tours and local updates. Prices are subject to change – always verify on official sites or with your hotel.