Gonggashan (Minya Konka) Photo Spot: Lisuo Lake

Lisuo Lake is one of the most beautiful photo spots of Minya Konka Mountains from the southwest side. It is located on a mountain side south to Zimei Road Pass near Shangmuju Village. One can see the southwest range of Minya Konka from the lake. The location is at the elevation of around 4500m above sea level.

Lisuo Lake

Location and Getting There

Lisuo Lake Photo Spot is located 140km south to Xinduqiao and by driving it takes around 3h(2h if via Yaha Pass) to get to its base and from there one needs to hire a local motorbike for another 30 min to go up to the lake. One can also walk up to the lake from the village at 3700m with single way 8km to the lake at 4500m over a 4700m pass, a hike few has done because it’s too hard in a single day.

Travel Season

Lisuo Lake is open to visitors from May to October. The busy season is July, August and October. In summer you have 50% chance of seeing foggy weather but the mountains are green. In autumn and winter the chance of clear days are higher but the mountains are not green(March to early May). Spring may see more snow than winter and other seasons.

Suggestions and Planning

The direct distance to Minya Konka Range from Lisuo Lake is around 15km (20km to the highest peak Mt. Gongga). Using phone cameras can get very good photos of the mountains and views. Flying drone is allowed at Lisuo Lake. Sunset time is usually between 7pm and 8:15pm. We suggest you to plan a night by the village below near Shangmuju or Xiamuju village. Everyone that goes to Lisuo will hire motorbike from the village that costs CNY280 per person. Please be aware the motorbike ride is not comfortable and some even consider this dangerous especially after snow on the mountains and especially when after sunset the motorbike needs to be riding in the dark on the way down.

There is no lodge or hotel by Lisuo Lake. Camping is allowed by this place.

Normally the nearby places are recommended to be included while on your trip to Lisuo. The nearby places are also good photo spots including Zimei Pass, Lenggacuo Lake, Quanhuatan Calcium Lakes, that are all nearby Lisuo Lake with 1 hour drive to their bases for more chances of good photos or short hikes.