Kas Hell Valley

Introducing Kas Hell Valley

Kasi Hell Valley, located in Kasi Village on the west side of Mount Gongga, stretches from Kasi Village in the south to the Xigerang Ancient Cirque on the western slope of Xiannairi in the east. The 12-kilometer-long valley reaches a maximum depth of 1,000 meters. Its walls rise a thousand feet high, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Stunning and treacherous scenes, such as the Gate of Hell, the Hall of Yama, Ghost Cliff, Tathagata Peak, and the Black Waterfall, formed by grotesque cliffs and rocks, are vividly portrayed, inspiring the imagination. The weathered dolomite at the end of the valley, forming a divine mirror, a scale, a side knife, and a sword, all depicting "tortures of hell," perfectly embody the legend of "Hell Valley," creating a truly astonishing sight.

Kas Hell Valley, one of the eight great cold forests (corpse forests) mentioned in Buddhist texts, is the only way for the human body to pass from the mortal world to heaven. Crossing Hell Valley, one truly reaches heaven—the "Mount Sansara."

Climate and best time to travel

Plateau mountain climate;

Spring, summer and autumn are the best times to visit, as the weather is more severe in winter.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Kas Hell Valley

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Kasi Hell Valley (Kasi Canyon) lies in Daocheng County, within Garzê (Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It is considered a somewhat remote “hidden canyon” natural attraction. The canyon is prized for its pristine landscapes, forested slopes, river corridors, and as part of the wider high-altitude scenic region around Yading. It’s less developed and more wild, which appeals to adventurers seeking less-crowded nature.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The canyon is west of Yading Park, and east of Kasi Village (the canyon is named after the village) To reach it:

• First travel to Daocheng County (often via Daocheng Yading Airport or overland from neighboring regions).
• From Daocheng / Yading region, get to Kasi Village as the trailhead zone (often by road transport or local driver).
• From the village, walk / hike into the canyon along marked trails, bridges, river routes.

There is no metro. Transport is by road, local vehicles, and then foot trails.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The canyon is a natural area and generally accessible during daylight hours (approx. 8:00 AM to late afternoon). Best times: late spring through early autumn (roughly May to October) when trails are snow-free and river crossings safer. Summer brings wildflowers; early autumn offers crisp light and colors. Winter or early spring may have snow, frozen sections, or dangerous river crossings.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

I did not find confirmed, official information about an entrance fee for Kasi Hell Valley. Given its nature as a less commercial canyon, it might have modest local access fees or be free. Payment, if any, would likely be at a local gate or via local operators (offline).

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Because the site is remote and not heavily formalized, it is unlikely you need to pre-book tickets well in advance. However, during peak seasons, or if using guided hiking services, arranging logistics (transport, guided support) ahead is wise.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Many visitors report hiking times of 4–6 hours round trip (ascent + return) depending on pace, route, and stops. To fully absorb scenery, allow a half day. For slower pace or side detours, you might stretch to a full day.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The core canyon gorge section, with steep rock walls and river corridor
• Wooden bridges (there are about 9 bridges mentioned by trekkers) over streams / tributaries
• Forest stretches and narrow valley transitions
• Views upstream toward snow peaks or background mountains
• Cultural fringe area at Kasi Village (as trailhead) and connecting views to Yading surroundings

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

I found no record of formal guided tours or audio guides for Kasi Hell Valley in English. Some local guides or trekking companies might provide Chinese or bilingual hiking assistance. It's best to inquire locally or via tour operators based around Yading / Daocheng.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Excellent photo spots:

• From mid-canyon positions capturing the walls and river corridor in perspective
• At or near wooden bridges crossing streams, for compositional interest
• Where sunlight filters across the gorge walls or on foliage above the canyon edges
• Upstream toward snow peaks or distant ridgelines, if visible from trail high points

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

A sample route:

1. Start at Kasi Village / trailhead in the morning
2. Head into the canyon, following river and trail, crossing bridges as required
3. Stop at scenic points, forest edges, and intermediate vantage areas
4. Decide a turnaround point based on time, energy, and daylight
5. Return by the same path (or loop if a connecting route is available and safe)

Always allow buffer time for slower walking, photography, and river or terrain obstacles.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

No evidence was found of night visits, light shows, or organized nighttime tours in Kasi Hell Valley. It is primarily a daytime hiking/nature experience.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Because Kasi Hell Valley is relatively off the beaten path, it is not usually crowded. The least crowded times are weekday mornings, outside peak summer holiday periods.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities are minimal given the remote nature. You may find basic amenities in Kasi Village (trailhead) — small shops, local services. Inside the canyon, rest spots may be informal; carry food, water, first aid, and basics.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The canyon trail involves uneven terrain, river crossings, possible steep stretches. Elderly or mobility-impaired visitors may find sections challenging. Children (fit and supervised) can do portions of the hike; select route segments according to ability. Disabled access (wheelchairs, etc.) is unlikely feasible for most canyon trail parts.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

In remote regions like this, cash (RMB) is the safer option. In villages or service points, mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay) may or may not be supported — don’t rely solely on cards or mobile if you are deep in the canyon.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Around Kasi Village you may find local Tibetan / Chinese village inns, tea houses, simple restaurants serving local food. Beyond that, inside the canyon there are no guaranteed restaurants.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Specific vegetarian/vegan/halal establishments are not well documented. You may be able to request simple vegetable or tofu dishes in local village eateries.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Accommodations are available in Daocheng / Yading area (guesthouses, lodges) which serve as base for exploring Kasi Canyon. Also lodging in Kasi Village or nearby villages might be possible in simple local inns.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Good companions:

• Yading Nature Reserve — famous for its “Three Holy Mountains” (Chenrezig, Jampayang, Chanadorje) and scenic alpine lakes
• Daocheng scenic areas (valley drives, mountain passes)
• Cultural villages and Tibetan settlements in Daocheng region

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

In villages (Kasi, Daocheng / Yading) you may find small shops selling Tibetan handicrafts (prayer flags, jewelry, yak wool goods, prayer wheels, local textiles) and postcards.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After exploring Kasi Canyon, you return to Daocheng / Yading area by the same road/vehicle arrangements. From Daocheng you can continue onward by road or by flights (Daocheng Yading Airport) to other destinations in Sichuan or Tibet border regions.