
Zheduo Mountain is located in Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province, at the junction of Kangding County and Litang County. It is the boundary mountain between the two counties. It has an altitude of 4,298 meters and is known as the "First Pass of Kham". Tibetans built a white pagoda here and hung many prayer flags, which complement the beautiful scenery of the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
To the east of Zheduo Mountain is a mountainous area, while to the west of Zheduo Mountain is the eastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the real Tibetan area.
Zheduo Mountain is also a key geographical dividing line. To the west lies the plateau uplift, bordered by the Yalong River, while to the right lies the high mountain valleys and Dadu River. The Dadu River basin is a transitional zone in terms of ethnicity and culture, primarily inhabiting a branch of the Tibetan people known as the Jiarong. Its territory extends northward to the Xiaojinchuan and Dajinchuan areas of Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province.
The area east of Zheduo Mountain has a subtropical monsoon climate and is basically located in the rain screen zone of western China. It has dense vegetation, rainy summers, snowy winters, and a mild to cold climate with frequent rainfall. The gentle slopes are covered with grass, the valleys are covered with forests, and there are many snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes.
You can stop at the viewing platform along the way for a half-hour visit; it takes about 4 hours to cross Zheduo Mountain.
free
All day
Zheduo Mountain is part of the Hengduan Mountain range and serves as a natural boundary in Sichuan. It is significant for its ecological diversity, alpine landscapes, and cultural importance to Tibetan communities.
Zheduo Mountain is located in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. The mountain is typically accessed by car or tour bus from nearby towns such as Kangding or Litang. Walking and short treks are possible for exploring local trails.
The area is generally accessible year-round. The best time to visit is from May to October when weather conditions are favorable, and the scenery is at its peak.
Entrance fees may apply at specific scenic or protected areas along the mountain. Tickets can usually be purchased on-site or via local travel agencies.
Booking in advance is recommended during peak tourist season (summer months and holidays), ideally a few days before the visit.
1–2 days are generally sufficient to explore key viewpoints and nearby scenic areas.
Guided tours are usually available through local travel agencies and are primarily in Chinese. English-speaking guides may be arranged in advance.
Start from the base of the mountain, follow hiking trails to key viewpoints, explore nearby villages, and return via scenic meadows and rivers.
Night visits and light shows are not common. Special tours focusing on photography, wildlife, or culture may be available through local guides.
The area is relatively quiet compared to major tourist spots. Weekdays and off-peak months like May, September, and October are less crowded.
Basic facilities include restrooms, small local eateries, rest areas, and occasional souvenir shops at key viewpoints or village stops.
Trails vary in difficulty; some are suitable for children and moderately fit elderly visitors. Wheelchair access is limited and mostly available at main entrance or village areas.
Cash is useful for small eateries and local purchases, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Local Tibetan-style restaurants and small cafes are available near village areas and key scenic spots along the mountain routes.
Vegetarian options are generally available. Halal or vegan options may require prior inquiry at local restaurants.
Souvenirs include Tibetan handicrafts, local snacks, textiles, and postcards featuring mountain scenery.
Private car or taxi to nearby towns like Kangding or Litang; local buses connect to other regional scenic areas.