Unbelievable Daocheng Yading: Your Holiday Inn Express Adventure Awaits!
Unbelievable Daocheng Yading: Your Holiday Inn Express Adventure Awaits!
Unbelievable Daocheng Yading: My Holiday Inn Express… Almost Paradise, (Mostly, Anyway!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't just a travel review. This is a confession. A rambling, slightly-too-honest, and probably too-detailed confession about my recent "adventure" at the Holiday Inn Express Daocheng Yading. Spoiler alert: it was a mixed bag. Like a bag of trail mix where one of the raisins is suspiciously… squishy.
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Holiday Inn Express Daocheng Yading! Find out if it lives up to the hype, including details on accessibility, dining, spa, safety, and more. Real experiences, quirky observations, and the truth about this Sichuan hotel!
Alright, now that we've satisfied the Google Gods, let's get messy.
First Impressions (and the Altitude!)
Landing in Daocheng is an experience in itself. That thin mountain air hits you like a brick of yak butter. And after a long flight. The hotel, thankfully, is relatively close to the airport, which the website touted as a "convenience." Truer words.
Getting Around (and Staying Upright):
- Airport Transfer: They offer a service, which is a godsend because, honestly, after that descent, navigating public transport would have broken me. (Good)
- Car Park [free of charge]: Plenty of spaces. No complaints there.
- Accessibility: Now, this is where things get… interesting. Wheelchair Accessible: The website says accessible, and there is an elevator. But maneuvering in the hallways felt a bit tight. Definitely do a recce run.
- Elevator: (See above)
- Exterior corridor: The outer design of the rooms are quite fun to be in.
Check-In (and the Altitude Again!)
The front desk staff were, bless their hearts, incredibly patient. I was probably babbling about altitude and needing oxygen by this point. And because of it, I also needed information on the other amenities.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Great!
- Check-in/out [express]: They actually offer a express check-in/out system, which I'm sure on the way out, it's going to be a blessing.
- Concierge: They do offer concierge services, though I'm not sure on the quality.
- Facilities for disabled guests: As I said, there's an elevator and an attempt at accessibility, but I'm not sure of the facilities for disabled guests.
The Room: My Temporary Himalayan Hut (with Wi-Fi!)
My room felt like a sanctuary. Relatively. Because the altitude made me feel like I was trying to breath from a straw. Thankfully, it offered these amenities.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yes! And it works. Which is a miracle in the middle of nowhere, basically.
- Air conditioning: Needed that. Especially when the sun came out.
- Additional toilet: Helpful.
- Alarm clock: Useless when you're awake 2 hours after going to sleep, due to the altitude.
- Bathrobes: Nice touch. My inner lazy potato loved them.
- Bathtub & Separate shower/bathtub: Nice options.
- Blackout curtains: Blessed be these.
- Closet: Standard.
- Coffee/tea maker & Complimentary tea: Always a yes.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless, my room.
- Desk & Laptop workspace: For my laptop - that I could get to work?
- Extra long bed: Needed that.
- Free bottled water: Dehydration's a thing at this altitude.
- Hair dryer: Essential.
- High floor: No choice in the matter.
- In-room safe box: Didn't use it.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Didn't need them, but good to know.
- Internet access – LAN & Internet access – wireless: Both are offered.
- Ironing facilities: Never used them (I embrace the wrinkles).
- Laptop workspace: See above.
- Linens: Clean.
- Mini bar: Didn't partake.
- Mirror: Many.
- Non-smoking: Yes.
- On-demand movies: Didn't use it.
- Private bathroom: Nice.
- Reading light: Needed that.
- Refrigerator: Useful.
- Safety/security feature: There are many, but I didn't explore.
- Satellite/cable channels: Didn't watch, but good to have.
- Scale: Always a cruel reminder.
- Seating area: Nice.
- Shower: Good water pressure.
- Slippers: Useful.
- Smoke detector: Present.
- Socket near the bed: Very handy.
- Sofa: Nice.
- Soundproofing: Could have been better, but still relatively quiet.
- Telephone: I didn't use it.
- Toiletries: Basic, but functional.
- Towels: Clean.
- Umbrella: Never needed it.
- Visual alarm & Wake-up service: Didn't need either.
- Window that opens: Needed a way to get air.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or, you know, Just Staying Alive)
- Breakfast [buffet]: Alright, the breakfast. This is a big one for me. Breakfast is included, which is a lifesaver. But it's a classic Holiday Inn Express buffet: Eggs, some sort of mystery meat, toast, and instant coffee. The Asian breakfast was… interesting. Lots of pickled things, some unidentifiable (to my Western palate) items, and a general feeling of "am I eating something I shouldn't be?" (Pretty good, but could be better)
- Restaurants: The restaurant itself offered a la carte and buffet.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: The coffee was instant, but the tea was available.
- Desserts in restaurant: Available.
- Coffee shop: I didn't see one.
- Snack bar: I missed if there's one.
- Poolside bar: Nope.
- Room service [24-hour]: Always a bonus, although I didn't use it.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Buffet in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: All available.
Things to Do: Spa, Pool, and Peak Performance (Maybe)
- Fitness center: I'm pretty sure my lungs were the fitness center at that altitude.
- Pool with view & Swimming pool [outdoor]: Nope, not open during my stay. Disappointing.
- Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Nope. Sad.
- Massage: Offered.
- Body scrub & Body wrap: Didn't try.
- Spa: The spa services looked decent, but who had the energy??
- Things to do, ways to relax: Other than gasping for air, not much, honestly.
- Gym/fitness: As I said, not much.
Cleanliness and Safety: Amidst the Altitude's Grip
- Cleanliness and safety: I felt safe.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: The Holiday Inn Express Daocheng Yading definitely takes the safety seriously.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms: There are cameras, alarms, and security everywhere.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Thankfully, I didn't need it.
- First aid kit: Good to have.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: You can have your clothes washed.
- Shared stationery removed: They got rid of the stationery.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: They let you opt out of the room sanitization.
Services and Conveniences:
Halifax Airport's BEST Hotel? IHG's Hidden Gem Revealed!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a real person's attempt to survive, thrive (maybe), and occasionally melt down in the face of the raw, untamed beauty of Daocheng Yading, all while operating out of the surprisingly luxurious (for the middle of nowhere) Holiday Inn Express. Let's GO.
The Messy, Wonderful Daocheng Yading Debacle: An Itinerary
(Subject to Change – Like, Constantly. Because, you know, life.)
Day 1: Arrival – Altitude Amnesia and the Quest for Oxygen
- Morning (approximately 6:00 AM, local time, assuming I didn't miss the alarm again): Land in Daocheng Yading Airport. Now, let's be real: Getting here is a trip. Flight connections, potential delays (because, airlines), and the sheer remoteness… it's all part of the adventure. Grab luggage (pray it's all there), and stagger towards the airport exit. The air is… thin. Very thin. I swear the taxi driver looks like a particularly buff yak.
- Morning/Afternoon (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Check into the Holiday Inn Express. Seriously, I was expecting something spartan, but this place is… swanky. Really helps to have a solid place to decompress from a flight. The instant regret of not booking a higher altitude. The room is… fine. Clean, warm, and blessed with hot water (a luxury in these parts). Try to rehydrate like a camel escaping the Sahara.
- Rest of the day: Rest, hydrate, try to get acclimated. This means:
- Nap(s): Lots of them. The altitude is a beast. I swear I had the briefest of dreams where I was a sloth, which felt incredibly on-brand.
- Eat something light: Possibly something from the hotel restaurant. Hopefully, they have something that doesn't involve yak butter tea (still haven't built up the courage).
- Walk around slowly: Seriously, SLOWLY. The hotel staff repeatedly tells you to move as slow as possible while you are there. Explore the hotel, at least, because that's pretty much what your day will entail unless you're a superhuman cyborg.
- Evening: Dinner. More hydration. Early bedtime. Pray to the altitude gods for mercy. The view from my hotel room window is stunning as the sun begins to set. You know what? It’s absolutely worth it. The mountains have to be seen to be believed.
Day 2: The Holy Trinity (And My Gasping Lungs)
Morning (8:00 AM -ish): Wake up. If you slept through the night, consider it a miracle. Breakfast at the hotel. They had some yogurt that didn’t look like it wanted to kill me, which was a win.
Morning/Afternoon (9:00 AM - 3:00 PM): The MAIN EVENT: Visit the Yading Nature Reserve! This is why we’re here, right? So, pack your daypack (snacks, water, MORE water, sunscreen, hat, layers – it changes weather every 10 minutes).
- Transportation: Hire a local driver (there are plenty offering their services, but bargain a bit!). You'll need to navigate the bumpy roads and the park entrance fee. (Get ready to take a bus).
- The Hike: This is where the real fun begins. You’ll probably take the shuttle bus to the entrance and hop off, begin the gradual hiking. The main attraction is the three iconic snow-capped peaks: Chenrezig, Jambeyang, and Chanadorje. It's beautiful. Jaw-dropping, even. But remember the altitude? Yeah, it's brutal. I had to stop every few feet to gasp like a fish out of water. There were moments I wanted to quit. And then… the views! They're worth every breathless gasp. You take photos. You try to capture the immensity. You fail. You just take photos anyway.
- First stop: The Chonggu Monastery, and the Pearl Lake, which is just a magical, shimmering turquoise wonderland. You’ll probably not see a soul, but I would take the time to be alone.
- Second stop: The Milk Lake (by far the most strenuous part of the trip) and Five-Colour Lake. The scenery on the way is more than you can imagine. The Milk Lake is so blue that you might think it's a magical portal. A real experience. It's a tough climb so give yourself plenty of time.
Late Afternoon/Evening (3:00 PM - onwards): Head back to the hotel, completely exhausted, emotionally overwhelmed, and slightly delirious from oxygen deprivation. Shower. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.
Day 3: Reflection and… Maybe Some Souvenir Shopping?
- Morning (9:00 AM): Slow wake-up. Let my body and mind recover from the previous day's epic hike. Breakfast. Contemplate life, the universe, and why I thought this was a good idea. (Kidding! Sort of.)
- Morning/Afternoon:
- Explore Daocheng Town: It's not exactly bustling NYC, but it's charming in its own way. Stroll and take in the sights, get to know the culture, and pick up some souvenirs (yak wool scarves, prayer flags, maybe a little bronze Buddha… if your wallet can handle it).
- Possible option: If you’re feeling truly ambitious (and the altitude gods are feeling kind), consider a shorter hike. Maybe something gentle, like a walk around a local lake.
- Evening: Farewell dinner. Reflect on the trip. Be grateful for having the resources to do it. Start thinking about what to pack, because it will be time to go.
Day 4: Departure – Goodbye, Mountains!
- Morning: Breakfast. Pack. Check out of the Holiday Inn Express.
- Morning/Afternoon: Head back to Daocheng Yading Airport, and try to survive the travel.
- Evening: Plane ride. And maybe, just maybe, start planning your next adventure.
Important Caveats & Ramblings:
- Altitude is no joke: Acclimatization is key. Listen to your body. Don't push yourself. Drink tons of water. Take it easy. Seriously.
- The weather is unpredictable: Be prepared for sun, rain, and snow… potentially all in the same day. Dress in layers.
- Embrace the mess: Things will go wrong. You will sweat. You will get tired. You will probably feel like you're going to die at some point. (Dramatic, maybe, but honest.) Just roll with it. That’s the beauty of travel.
- The Holiday Inn Express is a lifesaver: Okay, okay, maybe I am being slightly dramatic. But seriously, a comfortable bed, hot water, and relatively decent food are worth their weight in gold in this part of the world.
- This is your trip: Do what you want to do. Modify this itinerary to fit your interests, energy levels, and tolerance for altitude-induced suffering.
Happy travels! And may the odds be ever in your favor. (Especially when it comes to the oxygen levels.)
Sydney's BEST Backpacker? Nate's Place Awaits!
Unbelievable Daocheng Yading: Your Holiday Inn Express Adventure Awaits! (Well, Sort Of...)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because Daocheng Yading…it’s a thing. And if you're picturing a glamorous, perfectly Instagrammable jaunt, well, maybe think again. Especially if you're thinking of a Holiday Inn Express as your base camp. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? ...Right?
1. Seriously, Is Daocheng Yading Worth It? Because My Instagram Feed is Telling Me Lies...
Oh, absolutely. But prepare yourself. Think less "luxury glamping" and more "breathtaking beauty tempered by altitude sickness and questionable (but delicious) yak butter tea." It's like... a majestic, albeit slightly chaotic, masterpiece. The turquoise lakes? Unreal. The snow-capped mountains? Jaw-dropping. The crowds? Let’s just say you'll become intimate with the personal space of strangers very quickly. And the altitude? Oh sweet, sweet oxygen deprivation… you’ll learn to love the feeling of your lungs slowly imploding. But, yes, absolutely worth it. Just…manage expectations.
My first trip? I thought I was prepared. I watched documentaries. I read blogs. I even practiced those deep breathing exercises that sound so helpful until you're gasping for air at 4,000 meters. Nope. Didn't help. Ended up crawling back to my *ahem* comfortable Holiday Inn Express in Daocheng, feeling like a slowly deflating balloon. Still, the view from my breakfast table sort of made up for it. Kind of.
2. Okay, So What's the Best Time to Go? Avoid Those Tourists, Please! (And the Snow, if Possible…)
Good luck with avoiding tourists. It’s like saying you want to avoid air when you’re breathing. But realistically, the shoulder seasons – late spring (May/June) and early autumn (September/October) – are your best bets. You still get decent weather, the crowds are slightly less insane (slightly!), and the scenery is just… *chef's kiss*. Avoid the Golden Week holidays like the plague. Seriously. Unless you *enjoy* fighting for oxygen and elbowing your way through hordes of people. Then, by all means, enjoy the chaos! (I don't.)
I once tried to go in July. Giant mistake. Think monsoon levels of rain, clouds obscuring all the views, and trails turned into mud pits. My hiking boots nearly dissolved. And the bus ride in? Don't even get me started. Let's just say I saw things… things I'll never unsee. Stick to the recommendations. Seriously. I learned the hard way (and now have permanent trauma).
3. Altitude Sickness: My Worst Nightmare. How to Survive (and Thrive!) (Kind Of…)
Altitude sickness is a *beast*. It's not a joke. It’s like your body is actively trying to kill you. You need to acclimatize. Slowly. Like, molasses-in-January slow. Don't race up the mountain thinking you're some kind of super hiker. You. Are. Not. Drink tons of water. Hydration is your best friend. Avoid alcohol. Don't overexert yourself. Chew coca leaves (they're legal there – ask your hotel). And if you feel awful, go down. Seriously. Don't be a hero. Your body will thank you.
I remember this one time, I *thought* I was acclimatized. I'd spent a few days in Daocheng, feeling okay. Then I hiked up to Milk Lake. Big mistake. By the time I reached the top (which felt like climbing Mount Everest, frankly), I was seeing double, throwing up, and convinced I was going to die. The descent was a blur of nausea and desperation. Learned my lesson. Always underestimate your speed. Always overestimate your altitude reaction. And ALWAYS carry those oxygen canisters (they are a godsend...but not a miracle worker).
4. The Holiday Inn Express: Is It REALLY the Best Option? (Because I'm Seeing Pics of Like, Yurts...)
Okay, let's be honest. The Holiday Inn Express in Daocheng isn't exactly the Ritz. It's a functional, clean, and relatively comfortable base camp. It's the equivalent of a warm hug after a day of freezing your butt off at 4,000 meters. You won’t find charming log fires or anything especially *Tibetan-y*, but you WILL find a hot shower (crucial!), a decent breakfast (essential!), and a bed that's not a rock (hugely important!).
Yes, there are yurts, eco-lodges and all sorts of supposedly "authentic" accommodations. But remember, this is at altitude. Comfort and a guaranteed warm shower are VERY high on your list of priorities. The IHE is not a bad choice, but don't expect any kind of luxury. Just a functional, reliable place to pass out.
5. Food, Glorious Food (And How to Avoid Stomach Issues or…Worse…)
The food in Daocheng? Let's say it's…an experience. You’ll find yak butter tea (acquire a taste *or* suffer), Tibetan dumplings (delicious!), and various other local specialties. The key here is to be cautious. Don’t go wild on street food unless you have a cast-iron stomach. Stick to reputable restaurants (the ones with the most locals are usually a good sign). Bring your own snacks – trail mix, energy bars, etc. – because you'll be burning calories like crazy.
I made the mistake of eating some questionable noodles from a roadside stall. The next 24 hours involved a dance-off with the toilet. Not pleasant. I almost missed what would have been the most spectacular sunset ever! So, yeah, be careful with the food. Carry Immodium. Trust me on this one.
6. Getting Around: Buses, Jeeps, and…Foot? What to Expect From the Transportation Circus
Getting to Daocheng Yading is an adventure in itself. You'll probably fly to a nearby airport (the airport is itself a marvel, built at a huge altitude!) and then you'll need to take a bus or a shared jeep. The roads can be… interesting. Prepare for bumpy rides, hairpin turns, and the occasional landslide (okay, maybe not the *occasional*). Inside the park, you can take a shuttle bus and then hike or take a cable car (highly recommended if you're struggling with altitude). Or, if you're feeling brave, you can hike the whole way, carrying your own luggage. (Don't. Just…don't.)
My bus ride in was an epic tale of chaos and delays. The air conditioning was non-existent. The driver was playing the same terrible pop song on repeat. AndEscape to Grande Cache: Cozy Inn & Suites Await!
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