Ice Lake (Binghu)

Ice Lake (Binghu) is reached by a full-day return hike from Lower Yubeng, gaining around 800 metres over rocky alpine terrain above the treeline. The trail diverges from the Holy Waterfall route in the upper valley and climbs through boulder fields and meadows before reaching the lake at 3,900 metres. Above and beyond the lake, the glacier feeding it is visible on the flanks of the peaks above, and the full scale of the Meili Snow Mountain massif opens up from this elevation.

The hike requires a reasonable level of fitness and is harder than the Holy Waterfall route. Altitude effects are noticeable — most people who have been in Yubeng for only one night will feel the effort more than expected. The recommended approach is to spend two or three nights acclimatising before attempting this. The trail can be combined with the Holy Waterfall in a very long day with an early start, but most people do them on separate days. A local guide is useful but not strictly necessary.

things to do sight
A story
Ice Lake sits in a cirque at around 3,900 metres, fed by a glacier flowing from the flanks of Kawa Karpo. The lake freezes completely in winter and retains ice around its margins well into summer. Tibetan pilgrims consider it sacred — the lake figures in the kora circumambulation of Kawa Karpo — and prayer flags on poles driven into the ice or the frozen shore are a common sight. The reflection of the surrounding peaks in the lake surface on windless mornings is among the more extraordinary views available on foot in Yunnan.