Trekking at Yala Mountain and in Dangling Reserve in West Sichuan

Home > Trekking Tour in Tibetan Areas Kham and Amdo

11 Days Private Tour Chengdu – Yaan - Luding - Kangding - Xinduqiao - Tagong - Zhonggu Village - Trekking at Mountain Yala - Danba - Trekking in Dangling Nature Reserve - Siguniangshan - Wolong - Dujiangyan - Chengdu

On this trip, we will enjoy the leisure life in Chengdu firstly. Then we will departure to Kangding, the gateway of Tibetan Area Kham in west Sichuan. Afterwards we cross over the Zheduo Pass, pass by Xinduqiao - the “Paradise of Photographers”, and reach Tagong that is “the Buddha's favorite place” and is reputed as “Little Lhasa”. Following Khampa Tibetan, we turn the prayer wheel of Tagong Monastery and listen to their sounds of reading in the Gyergo Nunnery... Now we start Yala trekking at Zhonggu Village after two-day’s acclimatization on the Western Sichuan Plateau.

We will arrive at the foot of the holy mountain Yala in pyramid shape. Among blue lakes and glaciers, alpine cirque lake and plunging waterfall create a magnificent natural scroll painting.

After finishing the hiking at holy mount Yala, we continue to Danba, the most beautiful village in China. We will stay at guesthouse in Tibetan style and feel the farming life of Jiarong Tibetan.

After some rest, we go to Dangling Village and start the second part of our trekking tour – hiking in the Dangling Nature Reserve. Thanks to unique geology, landform and climate condition, Dangling still preserves original nature ecological system. Besides, it preserves a mass of living fossils of rare animals, plants and insects that are disappeared in more regions and that are since around the fourth century (2500 thousand years ago), so Dangling is the very important “geological history museum” and species gene bank of the world. The Dangling Snow Mountain is the north part of Daxueshan Snow Mountain of the Hengduan Mountain Range. And its main peak is Xiaqiangla (means beauty immortal mountain in Tibetan) at 5470 meters above sea level is regarded as holy mountain by local Tibetans and is a pilgrimage land for religious believer in Tibetan areas.

After finishing the hiking tour, we drive back to Chengdu. On the way, we take a walk at Siguniang Mountain, honored as “the Chinese Alps”. Besides, we closely view the cute panda in Wolong, the first panda reserve in China, and visit the world cultural and natural heritage, the ancient irrigation project in Dujiangyan, and encount Taoist at Two Kings Temple (Erwang Miao).

Highlights

Trekking at Yala Mountain and in Dangling Reserve in West Sichuan

Itinerary

Itinerary
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DAY
1

Arrive in Chengdu

Enjoy Chengdu leisurely daily life, Kuanzhai Xiangzi, drink tea in People’s Park

Arrive in Chengdu, pick up and transfer to Broad and Narrow Lane (Kuan and Zhai Lane). It is the relic of the Manchurian garrison since 1718 and consist of 3 parallel lanes with the old classical houses, which is unique in southern China just like the northern Chinese architectural style presented by Hutong. After a careful renovation in June 2008, the pubs, teahouses, restaurants and guesthouses concentrate here, and in no time at all, it becomes the "lobby of leisure capital Chengdu". A walk here gives you a first impression of the "city of loafers". Visit Chengdu People’s Park. This park is an important entertainment place for Chengdu citizen. Every day, especially the holidays, there are many local people in it, especially the seniors. They are dancing and singing here for entertainment. Besides, there are tea house. Local people always drink a cup of tea and play Mahjong here with their families, friends, even their business partners here. Except these, there is a very special corner for local people. Many parents take their unmarried children’s information here to find potential candidates.

Overnight at 4*Xinliang Hotel

Tea House in People’s Park

DAY
2

Chengdu – Yaan – Luding – Kangding

Luding Chain Bridge

Transfer from Chengdu to Kangding, passing Yaan and visiting Luding Chain Bridge on the way. Luding Chain Bridge (Iron Chain Bridge) on the Dadu River is a treasure of Chinese ancient architecture. The bridge was built in the 44th year of Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty (1705) in order to enhance the connection with Tibetan culture. On May 29th, 1935, the Chinese Red Army reached Luding Bridge during the Long March. Facing a hail of bullets, the Chinese Red Army, with 22 warriors as the pioneers of the commando, destroyed the bridge’s guards in one fell swoop, which is an important historical monument of the Communist Party of China.

229 km
4 hours and 25 minutes
Overnight at 4*Love Song Hotel (2560 m)

Breakfast

Luding Chain Bridge

DAY
3

Kangding – Xingduqiao – Tagong – Zhonggu Village

Lhagang Monastery (Tagong Si), Gyergo Nunnery and the grand mani wall of Hepingfahui, Yala Mountain

Drive to Tagong (113 km). Climb over Zheduo Mountain firstly, a branch of Daxue Mountain and an important geographical boundary. The highest peak of the mountain is 4962 meters above sea level and the mouth of the mountain is 4298 meters above sea level. It is the first mountain pass on the Sichuan-Tibet line that we need climb over, so it is known as the "Khampa first pass". Visit Xingduqiao on the way. Xingduqiao is the “Paradise of Photographers”, a small town on the road juncture where the northern route of Sichuan-Tibet Highway (Chengdu - Lhasa) and the southern route of Sichuan-Tibet Highway (Chengdu - Lhasa) meet. When the weather is good, you can see the main peak of Gongga Mountain (7556 m, Minya Konka, “the King Peak of Sichuan”) from Xinduqiao. Arriving at Tagong, visit the Lhagang Monastery (Tagong Si) of Sayka Sect, which is surrounded by three hills symbolizing three Budhisattvas. It is said that the blessing of a reserved Jowo Shakyamuni image left by Wencheng Princess in this monastery to the pilgrims resembles the Lhasa Jowo Shakyamuni image in Lhasa. Then visit the impressive Gyergo Nunnery and the grand mani wall of Hepingfahui. From the hillside next to the Muya Golden Pagoda, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Zhara Lhatse (5.820 m, also Jara or Yala). Drive to Zhonggu Village (77 km), have a bath in a natural hot spring in the evening. Be sure to keep warm and avoid colds when have a bath in the hot spring.

190 km
5 hours and 28 minutes
Overnight at simple guesthouse (3050 m)

Breakfast

Nunnery of Hepingfahui in Tagong

DAY
4

Trekking Zhonggu Village – Yala Valley – Xindianzi

Trekking starts

Trekking takes 6 hours today and the altitude is rising slowly, so tourist will feel very easy about today’s trek. Starting from the hotel at 9:00 in the morning, tourist trek into the mountain and go up along the Yala Valley. With bushes and sporadic meadows, Yala Valley gives you a special feeling about the nature. Arrive at Xindianzi Camp at around 3:00pm. The Xindianzi Camp is a very wide meadow with rivers and forests, and you can see cattle everywhere.

Trekking 13 km, 6 hours
Camping at Xindianzi (3500 m)

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Yala Valley

DAY
5

Trekking Xindianzi – Yala Pass – Sister Lake (Zimei Hu) – Yala Youcuo Lake

View of Mt. Yala, Sister Lake (Zimei Hu), Yala Youcuo Lake

Get up at 7:00 am and pack out the equipment to prepare to trek over the Yala Pass. With very beautiful landscape, Yala Pass boasts around 4200 meters above sea level. When you look back after trekking over the Yala Pass, you will find the excellent landscape, the winding Yala Valley and the snowy mountain in the distance. Two close Haizi - Sister Lakes will be found when you trek over the Tala Pass. Continuing to trek about one hour, you will come to the next camp, another Haizi – Yala Youcuo Lake (2980 m) at the foot of the main peak. The mountaineering base camp of Yala Mountain is located at the side of Shenhu Lake. Looking up at the pass, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, the majestic Yala Mountain that is covered snow all year round, the Shenhu Lake at its foot that is surrounded by forest and the reflection of Yala Mountain on the lake.

Trekking 16 km, 7 hours
Camping at Yala Youcuo (3500 m)

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Yala Youcuo Lake

DAY
6

Trekking Yala Youcuo – Zhongbanchang – Taizhangoukou; by bus Taizhangoukou – Zhonglu Village of Danba

Tibetan village Zhonglu

After breakfast, go down the Ganlongke Valley and walk through a path between the dense forests. Come to Zhongbanchang at around 3:00pm or 4:00pm and look back Yala Valley and Yala Snow Mountain. Take a local taxi (van or bus) at Taizhangoukou to Danba Zhonglu Tibetan Village and enjoy “natural bonsai” and Yak Valley scenery on the way. With an altitude of 2,100 meters and a total of more than 3,600 people, Danba Zhonglu Tibetan Village is located in the northeast of Danba County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The white houses and the temples with Golden Dome are faintly visible under the blue sky, and its color is colorful but not chaos. There are historic ancient blockhouses, grand coming-of-age ceremony, various Guozhaung Dance, solemn ancient Tibetan Opera, gorgeous Jiarong Tibetan Costume, etc.

Trekking 16 km, 7 hours
Drive 60 km, 1 hour and 43 minutes
Overnight at Shengdi Yingxiang Hostel (2100 m)

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Wild Deer

DAY
7

Danba Zhonglu Tibetan Village – Dangling Village

Soft trekking in Zhonglu, cook and have meal with the local residents

Walk at Zhonglu Village in the morning or have a rest. In the afternoon, take a local taxi (van or bus) to Dangling Village. Dangling Village boasts beautiful scenery, the majestic snow peaks, the dotted mountain lakes, the natural open-air hot springs, the lush and thick forests, the slow flowing stream, the rare and precious flora and fauna, which create a comprehensive tourist attraction integrating sightseeing, hiking, scientific research and hiking adventure. The lunch can be arranged at local residents’ house. Tourists can cook and eat together with local residents.

67 km, 2 hours
Overnight at a simple hostel (3400 m)

Breakfast Lunch

Tibetan Village Jiaju

DAY
8

Trekking Dangling Village – Feijiping – Hulu Lake – Zhuoyongcuo – Hulu Lake Camp

Panoramic view of Hulu Lake, observe the glaciers in Xiaqiangla

In the morning, trek into the most charm spot, Dangling. Enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way. Go up along the valley and go through ancient forests to Hulu Lake. Hulu Lake is cucurbit shape and is formed two large and small lakes. Stronger can continue to trek up and watch the Hulu Lake panoramic. Arrive at the charm Zhuoyongcuo to observe the glaciers in Xiaqiangla. Come back Hulu Lake Camp in the evening. Trekking from Hulu Lake to Zhuoyongcuo to Hulu Lake will takes tourists 2 hours.

Trekking 15 km, 5 hours
Camping by Hulu Lake (4110 m)

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Hulu Lake

DAY
9

Trekking Hulu Lake – Dangling Hot Spring – Dangling Village, by bus Dangling Village – Danba – Siguniangshan Town.

Dangling Hot Spring, Sunset of Mt. Siguniangshan

Today is very light. Enjoy the sunrise in the morning and continue to walk around Hulu Lake. And then decamp and go downhill to Dangling Hot Spring. Finish the wonderful trek tour when you trek back Dangling Village. After packaging the luggage, you can drive back to Danba County and continue to Siguniangshan Town. If the weather is well, you can watch the panoramic of Siguniang Shan (Four Girls Mountain), and enjoy the sunset and the beautiful scenery on the mountain. The Siguniang Shan Mountain (also Four Sisters Mountain, Four Girls Mountain, Four Maidens Mountain) has four over 5000 m peaks, legend has it that each peak represents a girl of the 4 sisters. The highest peak, Yaomei Feng, the youngest girl and at 6250 m, is also known as the “queen of Sichuan's peaks”.

Trekking 3 hours
Drive 164 km, 4 hours and 15 minutes
Overnight at Yunshang Hotel (3160 m)

Breakfast

Sunset of Mt. Siguniangshan

DAY
10

Siguniangshan Town – Wolong – Dujiangyan – Chengdu

Sunrise of Mt. Siguniang, Panda in Wolong, Dujiangyan Irrigation System

If you have interest or if the weather is well, you can get up early to Maobiliang for enjoying the great panoramic view of Mt. Siguniang that immerses in the sunrise. After breakfast, you can drive back to Chengdu. Visit Wolong National Nature Reserve on the way. With 52 km long from east to west and 62 km wide from south to north, a total area of Wolong National Nature Reserve is 200,000 hectares. It is one of the China earliest natural reserves and it is rated the preservation zones network of humankinds and living beings by the Organization of Education, Science and Culture of United Nations (UNESCO). The virgin forest, second bush forest and bamboo groves are very lush. There are over 4,000 kinds of high-level plants, 24 kinds of them are valuable plants, such as Gongtong (Chinese dove tree), red China fir, Lianxiang and so on. There are more than 450 kinds of vertebras, 45 kinds of them are rated national focal preserved animals, such as giant panda, golden monkeys, antelopes, white-mouth deer etc. The natural beautiful scene is quiet and secluded. Visit the Shenshuping Panda Base in Wolong and there are about 50 pandas. Wolong National Nature Reserve is the largest breeding center for giant pandas, integrating scientific research, feeding, breeding, reproduction, wildness training, etc. Drive to Dujiangyan to visit the Irrigation System. It was built around 250 BC by Li Bin, a governor of Shu Prefecture in Qin State. The great project still works well today after more than two thousand year’s function, which not only puts an end of the water disaster to the local people but also makes Chengdu Plain “the land of abundance”. While visiting the water conservation work, you may find that the methods of harnessing the river the ancient people used are so simple but useful. In 2000, Dujiangyan became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, drive back to Chengdu.

222 km, 3 hours and 58 minutes
Overnight at 4*Xingliang Hotel

Breakfast

Pandas in Wolong

DAY
11

Chengdu

Travel to next destination

Transfer to airport or railway station, leave Chengdu.

Breakfast

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Private travel, great experiences! Please contact us for your tailor-made travel offer.

With individual China Tibet travel, you can decide when, where and how you go on tour by yourself. What's more, you can choose the length of travel and whom you go with.

Information

Hotel, program and itinerary are subjected to change with prior notice.
We must point out that you counter a basic tourism infrastructure in this region. You stay overnight mostly at simple hotel/guesthouse and tent. Long journeys on bad roads and trekking on high altitude and delays require good physical fitness, resilience and flexibility of the participants. Program and route changes due to unforeseen events are expressly reserved. If you desire the unknown and have an understanding of contingency, this is the right trip for you.

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