The Best Sichuan Trekking and Camping Tours for Beginners

With over half of the province of Sichuan in western China being mountain areas, there are a lot of opportunities for exploring and trekking. From the heights of Minya Konka, the highest mountain in the province, to the stunning alpine scenery of the Mount Siguniang area, Sichuan has something for everyone. And you do not need to be an experienced trekker or adventurer to partake of these spectacular natural wonders. While there are many places that cater to those who want a lot more challenge to their treks, there are also many places that cater to those who are just taking their first excursion into the wilds of western Sichuan.

Trekking in the western Sichuan area.

Trekking in Sichuan, especially the western Sichuan area, has become a popular activity in recent years, and the province is opening up even more than ever before, with new treks and trails being sought out every year. Formerly part of the ancient area of Tibetan people, the western area of Sichuan is filled with huge snow-capped mountains and beautiful, fertile valleys; sparkling turquoise lakes and gentle-flowing rivers; traditional Tibetan villages, mystical Buddhist monasteries, and ancient virgin forests. And while Tibet itself offers a hoist of amazing sights and experiences, there is a place where you can experience some of Tibet, without going to Tibet.

Qizanggou Trekking and Horseback Riding Tour

Qizanggou, or Qizang Valley, is a beautiful, untouched valley between Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou, and is the perfect place to start your experiences in trekking. Trekking in Qizanggou incorporates many of the best things about trekking in Sichuan, from the high mountain passes to the beauty of the crystal-clear lakes. The tours to Qizanggou are considered to be relatively easy, with an average altitude of around 3,500 meters. There are two passes that exceed 4,000 meters, but ascending them is not rushed, and you can take your time to enjoy the climb and the time at the tops of the passes, where the views are stupendous.

Horseback Riding in Qizanggou

You will have a local guide to show you the trails who knows the area well, and there are horses available to carry your packs, and even to ride along parts of the route if you wish, as well as the opportunity to get more comfortable with nature while you spend four nights sleeping under the stars.

Sample Route of Qizanggou Trekking Tour

After a trip from Chengdu, which makes a stop at the Diexi Lake, created by a landslide in the earthquake of 1933, the tour starts from the Kakagoukou campsite, where the guide and porter will take you on the start of your adventure. The whole route is 54 kilometers long, and will be split into small sections of 10-15 kilometers each day.

The main highlights of the trek are the high passes and beautiful lakes that you will pass or stop at along the route. Long Lake is the first spot, where you will stay the night. The passes are Qizanggou Pass, at 4,200 meters, and Hongxing Rock Pass, at 4,000 meters.

Hongxing Rock Pass

The first stretch takes you to Long Lake, where you will camp for the night. The uphill climb is fairly gentle, and the trail is good, making the first day as easy as possible. The second day sees it getting a little harder, as the climb heads up to the Qizanggou Pass, at 4,200 meters. The climb heads over the pass, and then on down to the beautiful Grass Lake, where you camp for the night. Hongxing Lake is regarded as the pinnacle of Qizanggou hiking, and the trek includes Grass Lake and Fish Lake en route to Aengoou Goukou, the spectacular Colorful beach and Colorful Forest, and the 1800-year-old Chuanzhusi Temple.

Mount Siguniang Changping Valley to Bipeng Valley Trekking Tour

The classic tour for anyone visiting Sichuan, the trek from Changping Valley to Bipeng Valley is an easy one, and perfect for beginners. The stunning scenery of the Siguniangshan Scenic Area will take your breath away, and you will get to experience the unique hospitality and culture of the local Tibetan people. This 3-day trekking tour takes you from the bustling noise of civilization to the silent solitude of one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, Four Girls Mountain.

The Stunning Scenery of the Siguniangshan Scenic Area

Sample Route of Changping Valley to Bipeng Valley Trekking Tour

The trekking tour actually starts from Rilong town. Covering 51 kilometers in just 3 days, the hike itself starts at the ruined Lama Temple in Changpinggou, a short bus ride into the valley from Rilong. The Muluozi Campsite, where your first night is spent, is at the base of the mountains, around 16km from the entrance to the valley. The scenery in the Changping valley is spectacular, and varies depending on the season. In spring the mountain flowers are in full bloom, while in autumn the leaves turn the forest floor into a carpet of red and gold.

Changping Valley to Bipeng Valley

Some of the best features of the Changping Valley are the Water Dam, the ancient Turtle Stone, and Sheep Full Stage, as you ascend to the tail of Changping to Ya Kou, the main pass between Bipeng and Changping valleys at 4,668 meters.

The Bipeng Valley offers just as much in delightful scenery, and has some amazing sights in store as you walk down its length. Droma Lake is a stunning feature of the valley, which is only overshadowed by the stupendous White Dragon Waterfall. As you near the end of the valley, the sightseeing bus will take you to Shanghaizi Station, where the car will be waiting.

Mount Siguniang Dafeng Summit Climbing

Mount Siguniang, or the Four Sisters Mountain, is well known for its having four separate peaks, hence the name, “Four Sisters”. Known separately as Dafeng, Erfeng, Sanfeng, and Yaomei Feng, these peaks make up what is known as Mount Siguniang, or Siguniangshan. The lowest of all the peaks, Dafeng, known also as Daguniangshan, is 5,028 meters above sea level, and is an excellent place to go climbing for beginners, is not very dangerous, and attracts many beginners in mountain climbing.

Dafeng Summit

Even though it is not a difficult climb, it is still over 5,000 meters, and it is a good idea to spend an extra day in Rilong to acclimatize properly before attempting to scale the mountain. Rilong is an excellent spot to acclimatize, set at the entrance to Changping Valley and the Four Sisters Mountain. Climbing Dafeng is one of the best ways to learn more about climbing mountains, and all you really need to complete it is to be physically fit and to pay attention to your guides. Starting in Haizi Valley, it is a 24km trek to the summit of Dafeng, and the route rises around 1,800 meters to the peak.

6 Days Mount Siguniang Dafeng and Erfeng Climbing Tour

Sample Route of Dafeng Summit Climbing Tour

The trek starts by hiking from Rilong through the Haizi Valley, to get to the western side of the mountain, where Dafeng Peak is situated. Known for its beautiful alpine lakes and expansive meadows, Haizi Valley is a place of outstanding natural beauty, and a delightful trek in itself. From the Dafeng Base Camp in Haizi Valley, the climb starts early in the morning, around 4am, and it takes around 3 hours to climb the 8 kilometer distance to the summit. The view from the peak is stunning, and seeing the other three peaks around and above you is a breathtaking experience. The most spectacular part of the whole trek, is watching the sun rise over the mountains from the peak, and seeing the rays turn the sides of the mountains a burnished orange through the thinner atmosphere. The return journey to the base camp is a lot easier, though care still needs to be taken when descending, and then it is back to Rilong for the journey home.

Climbing in Dafeng Summit

Daocheng Yading Trekking

Made famous by the 1920s explorer, Joseph Rock, Yading in Daocheng County has some of the most spectacular scenery in China, and has been the subject of hundreds of articles, the most famous of which was the Rock article in the National Geographic Magazine in 1928. Known as the “last piece of pure land on earth”, Yading consists of three holy Snow Mountains – Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, and Xianuoduoji), several beautiful alpine lakes, and some of the most beautiful meadows and forests in China.

Daocheng Yading Trekking

Trekking through Yading is the best way to see the beauty of the area, and there are two main routes you can take. The longer route is one for the more experienced, and circles all three mountains over the course of seven days. The shorter route, which is more suited for beginners, circles around Xiannairi Mountain, a distance of around 30 kilometers, which takes 2 days of average trekking.

8 Days Chengdu Daocheng Yading Tagong Danba Loop Tour

Sample Route of Daocheng Yading Trekking Tour

Known as the “Inner Kora” of the holy mountain, it is a Tibetan Buddhist pilgrim route, which they walk in the belief that they will accrue merits in their journey to enlightenment. The trek starts from Longtongba village, and heads up to the Chonggu Temple, where you get your first sighting of the holy mountain. The route stops at the C3 campsite for your one night of camping, next to Resongcuo Lake, and includes visits to Lurong Pasture, Five-color Lake, Milk Lake, Pearl Lake, and Shengshuimen.