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More than ten years ago, China National Geographic said: "The Hengduan Mountains, which linger at 30 degrees north latitude, is the most beautiful place in China." And this is the most central and beautiful part of the Hengduan Mountains.
Looking across China, there seems to be no other place like this, as holy and mysterious as Tibet, but more colorful than Tibet.
This is western Sichuan, a place you long for before you go there and still have endless aftertastes after you go there.
The 236,000 square kilometers of western Sichuan Plateau are home to countless breathtaking natural scenery and mysterious cultural landscapes. Once you enter western Sichuan, it feels like you have fallen into a fairyland on earth.
The towering glaciers and snow-capped mountains, standing for millions of years, are breathtaking and awe-inspiring. The diverse and captivating natural landscapes of meadows, lakes, canyons, and primeval forests are hailed by many hiking enthusiasts as "epic hiking scenery."
In western Sichuan now, the ice and snow on the mountains have not melted yet, but green has quietly emerged on the grasslands. April and May are the best time to hike in western Sichuan.
Today, You Xiaoxia will give you an inventory of 8 epic hiking routes in western Sichuan. Let’s see how many of them you have been to?
⏰Recommended time: 4-5 days
⛰️Maximum altitude: 4450m
👣Total hiking distance: about 30km
The Yala Snow Mountain is located at the junction of Kangding, Daofu and Danba counties in Sichuan Province, with an altitude of 5,820 meters. It faces Gongga, the king of Sichuan Mountains, from afar. All the peaks of Yala are tightly together, and when viewed from the direction of Tagong, it looks like a half-opened lotus.
The Yala Snow Mountain hike is a must-see for snow mountain enthusiasts. Several sacred mountains, including Gongga, Yala, and Meldo, will appear one after another during the hike.
During the hiking trip, you can also visit Zhonglu Tibetan Village, which was rated as the "most beautiful village" by National Geographic China, and get close to Jiarong culture in the wilderness.
Come to the vast meadows of Tagong and gaze at the clouds surrounding Yala from the ridge.
Cross the Yala Snow Mountain Gorge, look back at the Muyajin Pagoda with faith, and explore the origins of Honghaizi and Mugecuo.
⏰Recommended time: 4-8 days
⛰️Maximum altitude: 4900m
👣Total hiking distance: about 49km
Mount Gongga, known as the "King of Sichuan Mountains," is the easternmost of the 7,000-meter-high snow-capped mountains. "Gong" in Tibetan means ice and snow, and "Ga" means white, signifying "white iceberg." Mount Gongga is renowned for its glaciers, with 159 modern glaciers at its foothills, covering over 390 square kilometers. Glacial erosion has transformed the steep peaks into pyramidal shapes, towering into the clouds and piercing the sky.
In recent years, one snow mountain viewing platform after another has become popular in the outdoor circle around Mount Gongga, including Niubei Mountain, Lenggacuo, Yuzixi, Huajian Mountain, Heishi City, Yaha Pass... The majestic and beautiful figure of Mount Gongga is finally getting closer and closer to us.
The hiking routes around Gongga are also the first choice among the classic hiking routes in western Sichuan. Among them, the hiking routes on Gongga's west and southwest slopes are the most scenic and offer the best experience.
We have planned a brand new Gongga trekking route - Gongga Glacier Exploration. During the hike, you can stroll along the Ledomain Glacier, the continuous snow-capped peaks and permanent glaciers, each of which is magnificent and touching. You can also go deep into the Riwuqie Valley and explore the beautiful glaciers.
We crossed alpine pastures and stream canyons, admired the majestic appearance of Jiazi Peak and Riwuqie Peak, visited Ridaman Pass and Lenggacuo, and admired the dreamlike reflections of the snow-capped mountains and the brilliant Milky Way on the Gongga Mountains.
No need to carry any heavy loads, you can hike lightly and enjoy the unique plateau scenery.
⏰Recommended time: 3-4 days
⛰️Maximum altitude: 5025m
👣Total hiking distance: about 29km
If you are an outdoor novice and want to experience snow mountain climbing, you must not miss the peak of Siguniang Mountain.
Dafeng is the most cost-effective mountain for hiking among all 5,000-meter snow-capped mountains. It has a short snow line, low altitude, low physical fitness requirements, low cost, short time, mature mountaineering camps, and many commercial teams.
You can basically go there all year round, and it is the first choice for many mountaineering enthusiasts to climb their first 5,000-meter snow mountain.
Hiking on the Great Peak offers breathtaking scenery rivaling even the Alps. Take in the breathtaking vistas of mountains and ravines, and savor the unique beauty of the summit. Standing high above the clouds, the snow-capped mountains seem within reach.
⏰Recommended time: 3-5 days
⛰️Highest altitude: 5276m
👣Total hiking distance: about 40km
The difficulty of hiking to the Second Peak is slightly higher than that of the Big Peak, but the cost-effectiveness is still very high, the commercial operation is perfect, and it is also a snow mountain suitable for beginners to climb.
The Second Peak, with its highest point at 5,276 meters, resembles Mount Everest in appearance. It offers a more challenging climb than the Great Peak, a longer climb, lower risk, and a more immersive experience. During the hike, you can explore Haizi Valley and experience the captivating plateau scenery and unique Jiarong Tibetan culture.
After climbing the second peak, you can get a close look at the Queen of Shu Mountains - Yaomei Peak of Siguniang Mountain. Standing on the top of the snow-capped mountain, you will be greeted by brilliant rays of light, looking up will see the vast sky, and under your feet is the boundless earth.
At this moment, the world became so quiet that only the sound of the wind and my own breathing could be heard, but my heart became so vast and broad that it could accommodate the entire world. It was a shock that no words could express.
⏰Recommended time: 4-5 days
⛰️Maximum altitude: 4650m
👣Total hiking distance: about 40km
The hike from Changpinggou all the way to Panyang Lake in Bipenggou is one of the most classic hiking routes in China and the first choice for beginners of high-altitude hiking.
The first section of the "Long Crossing Bi" walks at the foot of Yaomei Peak, the middle section walks under the snow-capped peaks such as Yangmantai and Luotuofeng, and the latter section crosses Chazigou and enters Bipenggou, where the charm of the western Sichuan scenery can be seen at a glance.
As you walk along, the scenery around you keeps changing: jungle, snow-capped mountains, sea of flowers, meadows, starry sky, sea of clouds. You can enjoy all the beautiful scenery in one hike. It is definitely an adventure full of surprises and joy.
⏰Recommended time: 7-9 days
⛰️Maximum altitude: 4850m
👣Total hiking distance: about 44km
Mount Genyen, with an altitude of 6,204 meters, is shaped like a snow lotus with petals converging towards the main peak. Compared with the well-known Gongga Mountain, the "King of Sichuan Mountains", and the Siguniang Mountain, the "Queen of Sichuan Mountains", Mount Genyen is less known due to its secluded geographical location and is known as the "last secret place of Sichuan Snow Mountain".
There are many large and small lakes among the Genyen Mountains. Under the sunlight, the lakes reflect the snow-capped mountains, which is another kind of beautiful scenery.
Our product manager traveled all over Genyen and planned a very unique and niche hiking route - the Genyen Sea View Route.
Cross the plateau lakes of different shapes and colors among the mountains, pass through the primeval forests and alpine meadows, and appreciate the different appearances of the Genyen peaks from all angles at the Blacksmith Mountain Pass, Handa Camp, and Coniangka.
On the way, you can also visit Litang, the hometown of Ding Zhen, the "Sky City". In this snowy holy land with beautiful mountains and rivers, you will encounter plateaus, snow-capped mountains, white horses, young people... every frame is like a movie scene.
⏰Recommended time: 4-7 days
⛰️Maximum altitude: 4150m
👣Total hiking distance: about 22km
Dangling is a hidden gem in western Sichuan, even lesser-known than Genyen, perhaps only known to 1% of the population. This hiking route passes by the foot of the majestic Xiaqiangla Snow Mountain, showcasing all the beauty of western Sichuan.
More than 30 alpine lakes are quietly embedded in the valley, like five-colored mirrors. Standing by Jiayilacuo Lake, you can look up at the mysterious scenery of Xiaqiangla Snow Mountain.
The Dangling hike we planned will take us through Yala Youcuo, facing the sacred mountain and walking up the gentle slope. The Yala Snow Mountain reflected in the holy lake seems to be within reach.
⏰Recommended time: 7-11 days
⛰️Maximum altitude: 4650m-4900m
👣Total hiking distance: about 55km-75km
This is the "last pure land on the blue planet" - Daocheng Yading. It is a paradise on earth that does not require any filters and is a hiking destination longed for by countless outdoor enthusiasts.
Herds of cattle and sheep dotted among snow-capped mountains, meadows and lakes are like a slowly unfolding picture scroll.
This year, based on the results of our continuous exploration around Aden, we launched a new Aden hiking route, the Aden Ten Lakes Hiking Route.
With Yading Village as the central axis, it integrates many rarely visited secret places such as Poyong Co, Snake Lake, Frog Sea, Xiannairi Ice Lake, and Zag Co, and arranges one-day round-trip hiking exploration to enhance the fun of hiking and explore more scenery.
The most classic hiking route in Aden is the Aden circumambulation.
The three sacred mountains of Aden, Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong and Xianuoduoji, are covered with snow all year round, reaching up to the sky.
Hike around the three sacred mountains, making a pilgrimage in the most primitive way, enjoying a 360° panoramic view of the beauty of the sacred mountains and checking in at 9 beautiful lakes up close.
Snow-capped mountains, steep cliffs, lakes, glaciers, grasslands, forests and streams create a quiet and peaceful paradise for us, allowing us to deeply experience the scenery of the Aden no-man's land.
People always ask, “Why do you like hiking?”
Maybe it’s because of the scenery you’ll see during your hike.
Maybe it is to have a close contact with nature in the distance.
Maybe it's the excitement and satisfaction after surpassing yourself again and again
Maybe it's a rebirth, a self-baptism
…..
