The trail that runs around Tianchi Lake is the best way to escape the crowds that congregate near the main entrance and the cable car. The eastern shore is the busiest section, serving the tourist facilities; heading west along the northern shore, or south along the western bank, the path enters spruce forest and within ten minutes the yurt restaurants and tourist buses are behind you.
The western shore trail extends south toward the Bogda glacier approaches and provides progressively better views of the peak face as you gain elevation above the lake. This section takes about two to three hours to walk properly, with a turnaround point where the trail becomes more technical above the treeline. The views from the high point on the western shore — looking back north across the lake with Bogda behind you — are considerably more impressive than the standard lakeside photographs.
Bring food and water: the trail facilities are concentrated at the eastern entrance, and there is nothing on the western circuit. The terrain is rocky above the treeline and can be slippery when wet.