Jiaxing Village - Backyard Garden of Meri Snow Mountain

Jiaxin Village, a rare visited place situated at the foot of Meri Snow Mountain, is about 30km far from Chawalong Village. You can barely find any information online because only a handful of people have been and know this place. However, it is regarded as the backyard garden of the famous Meri Snow Mountain because it enjoys the most vantage spot to watch Meri Snow Mountain.

Meri Snow Mountain is a snow mountain group, and one of the major natural scenic spots of the World Natural Heritage. The crystal glacier extends from the peak all the way to the forest area at an altitude of 2700m, which forms the most spectacular low-altitude monsoonal oceanic glacier in the world. The grandeur of Mt. Meri comes from the huge altitude difference. Above the snow line are the snow-capped peaks standing in the cloud and mist; below the snow line are the green high mountain meadow, verdant scrub and luxuriant forests. Due to its complicated climate, Mt. Meri is also a paradise for plants and animals. You can find some rare medicinal herbs and rare animals like snow leopard, small panda, etc.

At the bottom of Mt. Meri, there is a massive pasture. Local herds lying on the grasslands, watch their sheep and horses grazing. They are very friendly, sometimes will even invite you to their homes. It is so tranquil that people may have the illusion that they can hear the sound of flowers blossoming and grassing growing.

When night falls down, locals start to cook their dinner. Some buttered tea, tsampa, potatoes will make a hearty dinner. People are living a simple life here. When you see the grand Mt. Meri, the floating clouds and the fertile pasture, you would really think it’s the Garden of Eden.

Travel Tips for Jiaxing Village

Transportation: The road from Chawalong to Jiaxing Village is about 17km long. It would take 1 hour or so to drive from Chawalong to the viewing platform (elevation above 4000m). From the platform, you can trek all the way to Jiaxing Village (about 13km).

Food and accommodation: There won’t be many restaurants or hotel nearby. It is advisable to bring some food and your own tent with you. If possible, you could stay in local people’s home, but do remember to pay. Some people won’t ask for it but at least you should offer.

Best time to visit: Mid-October would be the best time to visit. Keep a close eye the weather forecast and its road condition. Try to avoid its rainy season (August and September) because the road condition will be extremely bad after rains.