In summer and early autumn comfortable weather causes the verdant Tagong grasslands to come alive with nomadic herders and small Tibetan encampments dotting the area. Laying peacefully at about 3,600 meters, Tagong is only about 3 hours drive from Kangding. The vast grasslands are surrounded by snow-capped peaks year round, and the scenery is crowned by the sacred Mount Yala's 5,800 meter peak. The tiny town remains relatively undeveloped for tourism, and many of the so-called Khampa Cowboys of the Tibetan Kham region can be seen around town. Moderate hikes and visits with nomadic camps are both possible in the surrounding area. The local Tagong Monastery, also referred to as a Lamasery, and the Muya Golden Pagoda are quietly situated out in the middle of the grassland.   

Visit Tagong on an Overland China journey:
Hike the Hengduans: Sichuan's Endless Peaks