Recommended Trekking Trails in Sichuan with Great Tibetan Culture Experience

Sichuan is a great tourist destination with all kinds of experiences to enjoy. Because of its geographical location that occupies most of Sichuan Basin and eastern part of Tibetan Plateau, Sichuan is also a place where you can experience authentic Tibetan experience. There are trekking trails in Sichuan where you can climb for sport and also have a rich Tibetan cultural expedition. Sichuan is also one of the largest provinces in China. Chengdu is the landing point for most tourists in China and Chengdu is also the gateway for most of the trekking trails in Sichuan. Here are some of the trekking trails where you can experience Tibetan culture.

Sichuan - A place where you can experience authentic Tibetan experience.

Daocheng Yading Trekking Tour with Kora Treks

Daocheng Yading is dubbed as the paradise James Hilton in his book ‘Lost Horizon.’ The mountains in Daocheng might not be as mighty as the Everest, but they are very welcoming and full of colours. With an average elevation of 3, 753m, Daocheng is the pit stop before going to Yading Nature reserve. The scenery consists of barley fields, village houses dotted along the pathways, and beautiful mountains in the background. Yading Nature Reserve has a lot of attractions like Chonggu Monastery, Luorong Pasture, Five Colour Lake, Pearl Lake and Milk Lake. You can either trek inside the nature reserve to see all the attractions or take a tourist bus. Trekking inside the nature reserve is an easy trek and anybody can do it. Here is a small break down to walk inside the nature reserve from one attraction to another:

From Park entrance to Chonggu meadow - 20mins
Chonggu meadow to Pearl Lake - 60mins
Chonggu meadow to Luorong Pasture - 150 to 180mins
Luorong Pasture to Milk Lake - 120 to 150mins
Milk Lake to Five Colour Lake - 45mins

Trekking activity in Yading is Kora.

Another trekking activity in Yading is Kora. Kora is the act of walking around the holy mountains in a circle. Local Tibetans do it as a way of worshipping and believe that these holy mountains protect them. They also believe that if they sincerely do Kora their wishes will come true. It is a common site to see many locals and worshippers walking around the mountains. There are three holy mountains in Yading—Chenrezig, Jambeyag, and Chanadorje. There is small Kora trek and Big Kora trek. Small Kora trek is only two days and not very physically demanding, many locals finish this in a day. The big Kora trek is 7 days long and has lot of downward descending than upward climbing. There are campsites along the way near attractions where you can rest for the night.

8 Days Chengdu Daocheng Yading Tagong Danba Loop Tour

Mount Gongga Trekking

At an altitude of 7, 556mm Mount Gongga is the highest mountain in Sichuan. It is located in the eastern edge of Tibetan Plateau. Mount Gongga also called as Minya Konka, when translated means the ‘King of Sichuan Mountains.’ You need to have a little bit of prior experience in trekking. Many have said that climbing to the summit of Mount Gongga is said to be more difficult than climbing the Everest summit. This is owed mostly due to the ever changing climate in Mount Gongga, and the usual weather there is just moist and snow.

Mount Gongga - The Highest Mountain in Sichuan

In addition to several trekking routes in Mount Gongga, there are many attractions that in and around the mountain that are worthy to be explored. The attractions in the mountain are 600-yr old Konka Monastery and Yaha Pass at 4,558 m from where you can see the most spectacular view of the mountains. Attractions around Minya Konka that can be explored are Haliuogou Glacier Park, Moxi Ancient Town, Yanzi Valley, Tagong Prairie, Wuxu Lake Scenic Area, and Mugtso Lake.

5 Days Mt.Gongga Trekking Tour

Price From: USD 935

Trekking in Mount Gongga can be tailored from 4 days to 11 days. There are various itineraries to choose from, here are some routes that you can take: Shangmuju - Caoke route (4 days), Laoyulin - Shangmuju Route (5 days), Laoyulin - Caoke route (6days.) in the first route you will be trekking over Zimei Pass at 4,550m, in the second route you will be trekking over Riwuqie Pass at 4,900m, and in the third route you will be trekking over both the passes. There will be campsites in some places and in some places you might have to pitch a tent. The passes are the hardest part of the treks and you can hire horses to carry your luggage.

Trekking around Genie Holy Mountain

Genie Holy Mountain is one of the 24 holy mountains of Tibetan Buddhism. It is at an elevation of 6,024m and is located in Reke Township of Litang County. It is also the third highest mountain after Mount Gongga and Mount Siguniang in Sichuan. This mountain is sort of an untouched part by many tourists and views are often describes to be ‘supernatural, magnificent, and beautiful.’ This mountain is also known for its traditional Tibetan villages, temples and authentic Tibetan local foods.

Genie Holy Mountain - One of the 24 Holy Mountains of Tibetan Buddhism

The whole area is now generally classified as Genie Natural Reserve and it covers three mountains—Genie Main Peak, Xiaozha Holy Mountain, and Kemailong Holy Mountain. All three mountains are suitable for trekking. At the foothills of the mountains there are attractions like Lenggu Temple, Xiaozha Lake, and Hupiba. Xiaozha Lake is a must visit attraction while travelling to the Genie Mountain Area. The road to the lake is said to be rugged and dangerous but it is also said that it is worth it. Many tourists walk around the lake which takes almost a day. A little farther from the lake is a small 20-feet high waterfall. The Genie Mountain can also be climbed. It can be climbed from northeastern slope, western slope, and southern slope. While trekking in this area you can stay with the local families for a more immersive experience.

9-Day Genie Holy Mountain Hiking Tour from Chengdu

Two Popular Hiking Routes around the Genie Holy Mountain

Route 1: This route takes 5 days and starts from Zhangna Township.

Zhangna Township-Lenggu Temple - Naiganduo Village - Hupiba-Lenggu Monastery - Xiazho Lake - Xiazho Valley - Legu Monastery - Lamaya Township. From the town you can go back by car to Zhangna Township. This route covers all the attractions.

Route 2: This route takes 4 days and starts from Lamaya Township.

Lamaya Township - Lazayakou - Xiazetong Village - Moyalakayakou - Naiganduo Village - Hupiba-Lenggu Monastery - Zhangna Township.

Yala Snow Mountain Trekking with Tagong Monastery in Tagong Grassland

Yala Mountain is located in the in-between three counties—Danba, Kangding, and Daofu. It stands at an elevation of 5,820m and is covered in snow all around the year. In ancient texts of Tibet, this mountain is referred to as ‘Oriental White Yak.’ It is one of the four holy mountains in the area and the Tibetans have been worshipping the mountain for centuries. When you get closer to the mountain you see lots of prayer flags and religious items lining up the hillsides. It is the second highest peak in Sichuan Daxue Range and the views from the Yala Pass at an elevation of 4,216m are phenomenal. Surrounding the Yala Mountain to the north near Kangding are the vast Tagong Grasslands. The green grasslands with a background of silver white mountain is a stunning view.

Yala Snow Mountain and Tagging Monastery

Tagging monastery located in the town centre is the most visited tourist attraction in this area. While starting the Yala trek from Kangding you visit the monastery and explore the grassland. Only experienced climbers are advised to trek Yala as the temperatures often go below zero during the nights. Trekking in Yala is usually just for three days and is recommended that you have or rent all equipment required for high altitude trekking. The trek can start from Danba or Kangding. From there you should go to Zhonggu Village in a car and then start hiking.

4 Days Sichuan Mount Yala Trekking and Camping Tour

Here is a small breakdown of the route:
Zhonggu Village - Xindianzi - Yala Pass - Sisters Lake - Yalayosto Lake -Zhongbanchang - Taizangou-Danba. From Danba you can go to Kanding or Chengdu.

The above mentioned four mountains are located in the Tibetan regions of Sichuan and are the best places to experience Tibetan culture without going to Tibet.