Genyen Outter Kora Trek - 8 Days

Depart Chengdu after breakfast. We’ll go from ChengYa Express Highway to Ya’an and then toYa’Kang Expressway. After Kangding we’ll drive over Zheduo Mountain Pass and several other mountain pass that are over 4000 meters including Gaoersi, Jianziwan and Kazila before arrive in Kanding at around 6pm.. Today is a long driving day.

Driving 12 hours; Moderate pace

Overnight hotel at 3950m

After breakfast, we head to the trail head to kick off today’s hike. We will first visit the Eye of Genyen, a stunning natural landmark. Afterwards we begin hiking, with views of the snow peaks and glaciers on the southeast side of Genie Massif along the way. Trekking across alpine meadows beneath the snow mountains, we arrive at Golden Sunrise Camp. From here, we can admire the golden sunrise glow over Genie Sacred Mountain as well as Xiaozha Waterfall.

Driving 3 hours, hiking4 hour/10km between 3900m and 4300m; Moderate pace

Overnight camping at 3900m

Wake up early to take photos of the morning glow over Genie Sacred Mountain. After breakfast, we head to New Lenggu Monastery and may have chance to view its three rare treasures: a female deer antler, reversed conch and the "Heart of Genyen". Afterwards we leave the monastery and commence our hike. We trek out from Lenggu Monastery and pass through a virgin forest before emerging onto an expansive grassland. On one side stretches a vast meadow carpeted with countless wildflowers; on the other rises Genie Sacred Mountain, with glittering glaciers almost within arm’s reach. We continue across the grassland amid views of snow peaks and glaciers, arriving at our campsite — Hangda Camp in the afternoon. Nestled beneath the south face of Genyen Massif, Hangda Camp boasts an excellent location very close to the sacred mountain. From the camp we can see the snow-capped peaks and glaciers up close, looking utterly magnificent bathed in morning and evening glow.

Walk 15km/7h between 3800m and 4300m;; Moderate pace

Overnight camping at 3800m

After breakfast, we depart Hangda Camp and hike approximately 10 kilometers to the Black Lake. Here we can enjoy the stunning scenery of the lake as well as the majestic Genyen Sacred Mountain. Several other beautiful alpine lakes lie nearby. In the afternoon, we will take time to appreciate these gorgeous lakes. We spend the night at Black Lake Camp, waiting for the sunset over Genie Massif.

Walk 10km/6h between 3900m and 4800m; moderate pace

Overnight camping at 3900m

We set off after breakfast, climbing up a flower-strewn grassland along the canyon. A short trek across the grassland brings us to Nyangka Tso, one of the finest viewpoints for Genie Sacred Mountain. We circle the lake toward its head and reach the rock formations, where we bid farewell to views of Genie for a while. We continue trekking through mixed terrain of rocky moraines, alpine meadows and shrubs within the river valley. Far ahead lies Zhaxikang Lake, known as the “Sunlit Beach”, the last alpine lake on this route. From here, you get an unobstructed view of Retti Valley as well as stunning vistas of the western face of Genie Massif. Accompanied by the view of sacred mountain, we will arrive at Retti Camp by afternoon.

Walk 20km/9h between 4100m and 4800m;; challenging pace

Overnight camping at 4100m

Today’s hike is challenging. We will set off early after breakfast. The trail goes up continuously right from the campsite. After roughly 4 hours of trekking, we reach the 4,980 m mountain pass. We can still enjoy views of Genie Sacred Mountain from the pass. Once we cross it, there will be no more sightings of the sacred mountain for the following days. Take a last photo of Mt. Genie before descending by the pass. The wind is strong up here; prolonged stay not recommended. After crossing the pass, the trail descends all the way down Lapu Valley. Upon reaching Bangduo Valley, we follow the river valley uphill to Gemu Village.

Walk 20km/10h between 3800m and 5000m; challenging pace

Overnight camping at 3800m

Today we will cross the final mountain pass. We will hike mostly above 4,000 meters. Although the altitude is high, the elevation gain is moderate and the hiking distance is not great since it will involve car-using to cover the paved road part. In the morning, we drive from Gemu Village to Hagala Pass, where we start our trek. The trail descends continuously after the pass. In the afternoon, we will encounter a wide river section that may require river crossing in high water seasons. After wading through the frigid water, we arrive at the Hari Camp, home to a natural hot spring ideal for foot spa. We then follow Hari Valley all the way to Anjiu Village, a herder settlement on the Maoya Grassland where we will be picked up by vehicle and drive ot Litang. We bid farewell to our horse team and guides here, then take vehicles across the Maoya Grassland to Litang County. If time allows, we will make a detour to Ruogen Tsho before heading back to Litang. Tour ends by dropping off to downtown Litang.

Walk 20km/7h between 4800m and 4100m, driving 2h;; moderate pace

Full day drive back to Chengdu in 12h, usually arrive by late afternoon. Genyen Kora Trek ends.