Mount Siguniang Campsites

Mt. Siguniang, the highest mountain in Qionglai ranges, translates to Four Girls Mountains (or Four Sisters Mountain). As the name suggests there are four main peaks namely Dafeng Peak (5025m), Erfeng Peak (5276m), Sanfeng Peak (5355m), and Yafeng Peak (6250m). Bordering these mountains are three valleys namely Haizi Valley, Changping Valley, and Shuangqiao Valley. Most of these peaks and valleys are one of the most frequently climbed summits in Asia.

Mount Siguniang Campsites

Located 220km west of Chengdu, the base town for climbing is Rilong Town. With so many options to climb or trek, travellers can choose the peak or valley they want to climb. There is something for first time climbers, for experienced climbers, for those who want to camp in the valleys, for those who want to sleep under zillions of stars, for those who want to wake up surrounded by mountains, and for those who simply to want to get away from civilisation for a while.

Campsites in Changping Valley

Changping Valley is one of three valleys available for exploring in Rilong. At the entrance the altitude is about 3,200m. It gets higher gradually from there onward. Mt. Siguniang is only 22km from the entrance of the valley.

Campsites in Changping Valley

The ticket office for the valley is located 2km east of Rilong Town. From the entrance you can go to the Lama Temple by bus. From there you can start exploring by walk or in a horse. You can rent the horse near the temple itself. The temple is about 7km from the entrance and the shuttle bus ticket costs around CNY 20. The valley has a wooden path that makes it easier for those who hike. There is also Tangbai Ancient Path, an old trade path used during the time of Ming and Qing dynasties.

Muluozi Campsite

Muluozi is 15km from the Lama temple. En route you will come across some impressive views of Mt. Siguniang, Mt. Luotuofeng, and Mt. Pomiu. By horse it will take around two hours to reach Muluozi Campsite. If you are trekking it could take around 5-6hrs. Camping permits should be obtained beforehand. The camping ticket costs CNY 150 per person. The campsite is at altitude of 3,400m. The highest elevation you are likely to climb before reaching the camp is 3,760m.

Muluozi Campsite

Chazigou Campsite

Next campsite is 14kms from Muluozi Campsite. It would take about 7-8hrs to cover this distance. The landscapes get more rugged and even more beautiful. You will be going via Wuguishi and Yangmantai, where you can rest up. Once you reach Chazigou you will see that the campsite is near a river. The whole area is full of wilderness and fully surrounded by elements of nature. The highest altitude you will be climbing in this stretch is 3,400m.

Chazigou Campsite

Chaizigou is used as a campsite mainly by trekkers who are trekking from Changping Valley to Bipeng Valley. From Chazigou campsite, Bipeng Valley is 15km. This is said to be hardest part of the trek. It’s a steep path that ascends up to 4,668m, after which it is going downhill. The view from the peak is known to be absolutely gorgeous. Here, there only snow and rocks, there is no clear path to go down. As the elevation drops, the descend gets harder. Upon reaching Bipeng Valley you will see winding U-shaped paths, abundant cedar trees, and towering silver snow mountains.

5 Days Mt. Siguniang Changping Valley to Bipeng Valley Hiking Tour

Campsites in Haizi Valley

Haizi Valley ticket counter is just a 10-minute walk from the Changping Valley entrance. Haizi Valley is also the entrance to climb up to the Defang summit and the Erfeng summit, the first two peaks of Four Girls Mountain. There is a 19km board walk for convenient hiking in the valley.

Campsites in Haizi Valley

You can either explore the valley by walk or on a horse. Beyond the board walk the path leads to Defang and Erfeng summit. En route there are campsites/ rest stops. Guozhaunping is 7km from the entrance and you can reach there by 2hrs. It is also one of the attractions in the valley. Following this are Dahaizi and Huahizi campsites, this is 4-5hrs from the entrance. As you ascend higher the views of Mt. Bumoshi start to appear. Other rest points include Zhaijieping and Xiniuhai.

6 Days Mount Siguniang Dafeng and Erfeng Climbing Tour

Dafeng Basecamp

The peak of the Daguniang Mountain also known as Dafeng is at an altitude of 5,025m. It is known as the oldest of the four sisters. The Dafeng base camp is 16km from the entrance of the valley and is at an altitude of 4,300m. There are mountain hut with basic amenities where you can stay overnight. The trek to the base camp takes about 6-7hrs. The next day you will trek to the summit and get back to base and have some food and return back to Rilong.

Dafeng Basecamp

Erfeng Basecamp

The peak of Erguniang Mountain also known as Erfeng is at an altitude of 5,276m. It is the second oldest of the four sisters. The Erfeng base camp is at an altitude of 4,200m and it is 24kms from the entrance of the valley. This climb requires at least a little bit previous mountaineering experience. The path to summit is rocky than the climb in Dafeng Summit. You can rent horses to carry your bags during this trek.

You can rent horses to carry your bags during Erfeng trek.

Best Time for Camping in Mt. Siguniang

Most of the hike requires being at an altitude more than 3,000m and the elevation only gets higher than that. Because of the high altitude the summers are cool and winters are cold. The best time to climb Mount Siguniang is between the months of September and April. Mid-October is said to be the best time to go. The views during these months are said to absolutely breath-taking with golden yellow flowers and plants covering distances as long as you can see.

Best Time for Camping in Mt. Siguniang

May and June see a lot of rainfall so it gets hard to climb and camp in the mountains. February and March see a lot of snow which makes it a little harder. But it is during these months Ice climbing festival happens. No matter which month you go, the nights get colder. Throughout the change in seasons you can see leaves changing from red to brown to green to golden yellow.

Things to Prepare

Wearing multiple layers of clothing is the most important thing to be mindful of during long treks in high altitude regions. In such areas the weather changes from dry to chill to cold in the same day. You can remove or add on layers according to the weather at any point in the day. Sleeping bag is another necessity that you got to have. Even if there are tents or small lodges to sleep in the campsites, it is best to keep sleeping bag with you all the time.

Sleeping bag is a necessity.

Keep a down jacket to wear while resting in the campsite. The main clothing you would need is fleece jacket, thermal wear as base clothes, and wind/water proof jacket. Sunscreen lotion and mountaineering eye glasses is also important for protection from the sun. Carry a trekking backpack that has ample for everything.

Tips for Camping in Mount Siguniang

Carry enough food with you when you go to camping in Mt. Siguniang because there are no places to buy food even in the valleys.

Ensure your hands and feet are warm during the nights by layering it gloves and socks.

Keep yourself hydrated and hydrate some more. As you rest up during the nights, you might not feel thirsty or get the need to drink water because of the cold weather, but it is important to drink a lot of water.

Ensure that you have a backpack big enough to keep all you ressentials.

Pack you light gear at the very bottom of the bag; followed by medium weight items like slippers, toiletries; followed by light weight items like socks and gloves, followed by heaviest stuffs you have like batteries, electronics, and food; and top it off with light weight frequently needed items like energy food, torch, etc.

You can hike around the campsite for better acclimatization.

The most important thing to do while going on a hiking expedition is being prepared. There is all basic information required to plan a trip to hike mighty mountains of Sichuan Region. For more information contact your travel agent.