6 Days Mt. Siguniang Changping Valley to Bipeng Valley Hiking Adventure

The Dujiangyan Dam

May 12, 2008 Earthquake Relic

After breakfast at the hotel around 7:30am we will set off on our first destination, Dujiangyan Irrigation System that is honoured as the "pearl of Sichuan", the oldest and only surviving no-dam irrigation system in the world. Then stop by the 2008 earthquake memorial site in Ying Xiu town, where you will feel horrified by the destruction and devastation; stand in silence and say a little prayer for those who perished.

After lunch in Wolong which used to be the Giant Panda Breeding Base, we will cross the Mount Balang (4532m) and enjoy the magnificent mountain landscape along the way; we will be able to see the panorama of Four Girls Mountain if the weather is great. At about 17:30, we will arrive in Rilong town where the Four Girls Mountain is located.

Stay overnight in Rilong Town

• Drive 250KM, about 5.5 hours
• High Altitude: Chengdu (540m), Rilong town (3160m)
• Internet & Wifi
• Rilong Local Hotel (Standard Room with private bathroom)
• Breakfast

The Lama Temple in Changping Valley

Camping in Changping Vallley

Today after breakfast, we will walk less than 1km to the east of Rilong, from here we purchase tickets and wait for the next sightseeing bus to Lama Temple, the start point of our 3 days' hiking adventure. Today's hiking route is from Lama Temple to Muluozi, 16km and about 5 hours. Camping at Muluozi, the foot of the "Yongest Sister" of Four Girls Mountain tonight.

The length of Changping Valley is 29km with about 100 square kilometers, and the Four Girls Mountain is situated at point that is about 16km away from the entrance. The scenery is gorgeous and varies in distance and seasons, and we will traversing in the ancient post road lined with numerous ancient pines, quiet boardwalk, dry seas, and tens of meters waterfalls. In spring, the mountain flowers and rape flower in full bloom; In autumn, the red birch and red maple will have a beauty contest.

Stay overnight in Changping Valley

• Hike from Lama Temple to Muluozi, about 5 hours
• Muluozi (3760m)
• No
• Camping
• Breakfast

The beautiful Changping Vallley in spring

The beautiful Changping Vallley in autumn

After breakfast, leave Muluozi for the tail of Changping Valley, Chazigou Valley (Fork Valley), almost the same distance as yesterday and about 5 hours as well. But the elevation is much higher, you will feel a little harder. The landmarks along the way are Water Dam (Shui Da Ba), Turtle Stone (Wu Gui Shi) and Sheep Full Stage (Yang Man Tai). After the dinner, sleep early for the most difficult part.

Stay overnight in Chazigou Valley

•  Hike for about 5 hours
•  High Altitude: Fork Valley(3900m)
• Internet & Wifi: No
•  Camping
• Meals: No

The four peaks of Mt. Siguniangshan

Hiking cross over Ya Kou

Today we need to get up very early at about 4:00am, as we will hike the most difficult part from the Chazigou Valley Base Camp to Ya Kou, which is about 6KM, and the elevation rises up to 4800m from 3900m with a very steep section.

Once crossing over Ya Kou, the rest is much easier with downhill road all the way. After about 2.5 hours, we will arrive at the Bipeng Valley, and enjoy the gorgeous landscape with the highlights of White Dragon Waterfall and Droma Lake. Get on the car waiting for us in Shanghai Zi Station and head to Li County.

Notice: The horse and the porter from Rilong town can only take you to the Ya Kou, and you should carry your luggage to cross the Ya Kou and get to Bipenggou Valley by yourself. If your luggage is too heavy, you can hire a porter at Chazigou Valley.

Stay overnight in Li County

• Trek about 8.5 hours; Drive about 3.5 hours
• High Altitude: Ya Kou (4668m), Shanghai Zi Station (3570m)
• Internet & Wifi
• Li County Local Hotel (Standard Room with private bathroom)
• Meals: No

Today we will return back to Chengdu; Li County is 208km away from Chengdu, about 5 hours. Transfer to your hotel in Chengdu or airport/train station for your next destination.

• Drive about 5 hours
• High Altitude: Chengdu (540m)
• Breakfast