Minya Konka Lodge-based Trek Group Tour - 5 Days

Start from Chengdu and drive for around 6-7 hours to get to Xinduqiao. We will use the new highway between Yaan and Kangding that was built in 2018. The total drive is around 360km. We will make stop along the way for toilet break and lunch stop. In the afternoon after arrival we will drive up to the road pass by Yala and have acclimating walk up to the lake and try walk to over 4000 meters for better acclimating. This is oreintation walk so try not to stress yourself but rather slow down and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views while walking. You will gain amazing views of mountains and gorges while hiking by the lake near Yala Mountain Road Pass. We recommend to spend around at least 2-3 hours by around 4000m. After the walk drive to Xinduqiao and check in hotel. Feel free to explore the town of Xinduqiao at leisure. This is a small place with limited shops you may do some shopping by the shops for next days supplies. Have good rest and prepare for the next day's activity.

This is a trekking tour. Some days involve long hours of trekking and sleeping in tent. Please read through the trekking plan before you sign up for this tour. This trek requires you to be able to walk long hours for multiple days at high altitude. If you don't have experience of high altitude travel, sleeping in a tent, taking care of yourself in a multy day trek then this trek is not recommended to you. Please make preparation in accordance including taking high altitude medicines, power bank for your phone and ask for a full packing list of such trek.

Driving 6-7h. Easy Pace.

Overnight in hotel by 3400m.

Today we will go closer to Minya Konka by driving towards the mountains more. We will drive around total 4 hours over Zimei Pass and then drop down to Zimei Village and start from the village and walk through primitive rhododendron forest on trail of gradual ascents. The first part of the trail is challenging as it is steep. Trail becomes wider where there is decorated prayer flags. These Tibetan Buddhists prayer flags waft the trail leading us to Gongga Gompa, the hidden monastery of Minya Konka. Read the bilingual "Notice" before head towards the Gompa at the open-air doorway. This Kargyupa monastery has long been a basecamp for Minya Konka expedition teams. Gonga Gompa offers excellent views of Mt. Minya Konka, the eastern-most 7000er, the highest mountain in Hengduan Mountains and the highest of Sichuan Province at 7556 meters. Visit the Gompa temple after arrival if available. If time allows go up behind the gompa to see a grand view of the mountains. Today's walking is not very long by distance. You will have chance to sit by the temple to watch the mountain of Minya Konka especially during sunset when it will turn into golden color.

Total walking 7km+ between 3300m and 3700m+, medium pace.

Overnight shared bunk by 3700m

Today is a full day trek to base camp of Minya Konka to gain closer views of Minya Konka and its surrounding mountains and glaciers. Start after breakfast by Gongga Monastery and walk down to the bottom of the valley and start to walk up following the glacier stream. Today's walking is the hardest of all days. The trail is fine but rather rocky. During certain seasons the trail may not be so recognizable since not many come up so far. There are climbers going to Mt. Nama to climb this 5588-m mountain will also use the trail. The first half of the trekking up is steep and on rocky trail. After arriving to the older BC of Nama at 4000m, it starts to become less steep and views get more open. Today's hiking is flexible since it is one way in and the same way out. By 4000m on to the new BC of Nama at 4200 the views are amazing. We will see the snow-capped mountains including Minya Konka itself and the glaciers. After 7km we arrive the Nama BC and have a short break before starting to go back. You are recommended to use walking poles to protect your knees since the walking back is 7km and some sections steep. Today we also have chance to see wild animals including ibes, and we are really lucky we can even see red pandas. After arrive back to the monastery, rest and have dinner.

Total walking 14km between 3600m and 4200m, Challenging pace.

Overnight shared bunk by 3700m

In the morning leave the monastery and retrace the track we walked two days ago. Trek ends in Tsemed Village after around 3 hours. From Tsemed we use a local car to transfer to Shangmuju en route catch a panoramic views of Minya Konka at Tsemed Pass. The drive takes around 1.5 hours total. The drive is on basic country road. Driver needs to drive carefully and use chains in icy seasons. After arrive in Shangmuju we switch car to drive for another 40 minutes to the base of Langgatso Lake. We will spend the whole afternoon hiking up Lenggacuo (Langgatso Lake) to gain panoramic views of the whole range of Minya Konka Mountains including the main peak of Minya Konka, Langemain, Daddomain Peak, Roddmain peak, etc. Langgtso is one of the best places to see the whole range of Minya Konka Mountains and you will walk from the base at 4000m to 4500m by the lake and walk around the lake for some time before walk down back the same way. Please note the elevation is very high and you'll need to walk slow and take your time and keep your own comfortable pace with the sufficient time given for the whole afternoon. You don't need to rush through the hiking as it is still acclimating hiking for the afternoon. Langgatso is one of the lakes here that is perfect for photo lovers. As we ascend we will see mountains of the west range of Minya Konka. Horse-riding is availale by Langgatso. You can consider to hire a horse to take you up to the lake if you don't feel like walking. Today you will also see other hikers doing this hiking because it is considered a popular adventure hike but still not many people comparing to other tourist parks. Starting of Langgatso Lake hike is at 4000m while end of the hiking by the lake is at 4500m. It is still a big ascent to cover in half day even though the distance is not so far.

Total walking 7+7km between 3700m and 4500m, Medium pace.

Overnight lodge by 4000m

Today is a full day drive back to Chengdu. Tour ends by dropping off to downtown Chengdu.