Pudacuo National Park, Shangri-la – Ticket, Opening Hours, Location, and Highlights

One of the main attractions in Pudacuo National Park is Shudu Lake, one of the largest lakes in in Shangri-La City and designated as an “International Important Wetland.” In Tibetan, “Shudu” means “as solid as Stone,” reflecting the lake’s stability. With its expansive water surface, Shudu Lake hosts a diverse ecosystem combining highland lakes, marshy grasslands, and pristine dark coniferous forests. The lake is home to abundant rare flora and fauna, including the prized “Shudu Split-Belly Fish,” known for its golden body and delicate, delicious flesh. Additionally, numerous waterfowl such as wild ducks, water chestnuts, and yellow ducks can be found here.

Along the shores of Shudu Lake, visitors can explore a 3.3-kilometer-long wooden plank walkway on the southern bank, providing panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the 2.2-kilometer-long Shudu Gang River Ecological Hiking Trail follows the riverbank, offering opportunities to observe diverse flora and fauna up close. On the northern bank, the 3-kilometer-long Shudu Lake Cultural Experience Trail delves into the culture of the local Tibetan nomadic tribes, providing insights into their traditional way of life.

Surrounding Shudu Lake is a vast expanse of highland pasture, particularly enchanting during the spring and summer seasons when wildflowers bloom, painting the grasslands in vibrant hues. In the winter, especially during the early morning hours, a unique phenomenon occurs as water vapor condenses over the lake’s surface, creating a layer of mist that blankets the water. This ethereal sight is best experienced by catching the first morning bus to the lake, offering a serene and captivating view of nature’s beauty.

Bita Lake is another primary attractions within Pudacuo National Park, serving as a provincial-level nature reserve and an internationally significant high-altitude freshwater lake wetland. The wetland ecosystem and the surrounding forests, marshes, and meadows remain largely pristine, providing a habitat for rare fish species like the Yeshu fish and serving as a resting and wintering ground for endangered birds such as the Black-necked Crane.

The name “Bita” translates to “oak tree becomes felt” in Tibetan, referencing the abundance of oak forests and pristine woodlands surrounding the lake, whose reflections create a picturesque scene on the water’s surface. Among the oak forests, rhododendrons flourish, particularly during the warm months of May and June when they bloom in vibrant colors. As the rhododendron petals fall into the water, fish consume them, causing them to float to the surface in a mesmerizing display known as “Rhododendron Drunken Fish,” a famous spectacle unique to Bita Lake.

A 4.4-kilometer-long wooden plank walkway meanders along the lakeshore, providing a leisurely stroll with scenic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can follow this pathway to reach the lakeside pier, where boats await to offer tranquil lake cruises, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the mountains and waters.

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