This article is about the exploring around Ganzi and possible hiking and trekking routes in Ganzi. This part of Sichuan is not of any famous status or of any big names. It is one of the places that fit “not known, but beautiful”. Thanks to the mountains around Ganzi that the good hiking is possible. For people who would like to explore, this article may be interesting to you but normally international(or domestic) travelers who are looking for hiking places in China or Sichuan, won’t set their eyes here.
Exploring Ganzi
Tangbo Monastery
This is a nearly 6000m mountain near Ganzi and a traditional circuit kora trek by local Tibetans exited long time ago that the Kawalori trek follows the pilgrimage route to walk around the mountain in 2-3 days time between 3800m and 4700m. This trek goes in from the north the mountain and ends by the south valley. It normally takes 2 days but can plan for 3 days for better pacing. One has to be acclimated before doing this trek because it involves sleeping at over 4000m and goes to around 4700m by the highest pass. No porterage is available for this trek. It has to be done in self-supported style.
Kawalori Mountain
If Kawalori is a traditional trek. Then Zhuodala and Gonkala is the “new” place for trekking. There is another circuit kora trek around the Zhuodala mountains with super good views. It also takes around 3 days between 3300m and 4800m with nights in tent. This trek also involves sleeping high above 4000m and will need acclimating before doing this trek. No porterage is available for this trek. It has to be done in self-supported style too. The Gonkala massif is also a big place with valleys, lakes, glaciers to offer and good day hiking are possible.
Exploring Ganzi
Exploring Ganzi
Exploring Ganzi
Exploring Ganzi
Village in Ganzi
Below the Mountains
Hidden Shrine
The nearby Chola mountains and Dzogchen mountains offer excellent trekking and hiking options. Chola and the Derge region is more famous due to its significance on monasteries and history. You’ll have more to see because of these big monasteries. Read More >>
Ganzi County Town is the base of all the treks listed above. Ganzi town has decent hotels and good restaurants and can supply for food. There is an airport near Ganzi called Ganzi Gesar Airport that has daily direct flight between Chengdu TFU. For anyone who doesn’t like the conventional routes of trekking in Kangding or Minya Konka, Ganzi is a good alternative.
