Mount Gongga Lodge-based Hiking 7 Days

Start from Chengdu and drive for around 3-4 hours to get to Kangding. We will use the new highway between Yaan and Kangding that was built in 2018. The total drive is around 300km. 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 Yajiageng 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 Yajiageng. We recommend to spend around at least 2-3 hours by around 4000m. After the walk drive back to Kangding and check in hotel. Feel free to explore the town of Kangding at leisure. Kangding is a mixed Tibetan and Chinese town with modern things available. You can choose to walk around the river that runs through the town, or watch the dancing people by the central square or do some shopping by the shops for next days supplies. Have good rest and prepare for the next day's activity.

Total around 4-5 hours' driving. Walking 4-8km, medium pace.

Overnight hotel by 2600m.

Today we will first use a car from hotel and drive for around 3 hours to road end by Zangkha Monastery at 4000m and to start walking from there. Today we will start from our hotel in Kangding and drive directly to Xinduqiao over Zheduoshan Pass then drop down to our hiking starting point and then start to walk. We will have excellent views of the whole Minya Konka range in front of us during the whole hiking. The walking is at above 4000m with open views of mountains, valleys, villages. The walking is on gradual ascent and descent. We shall start with more leisure pace and try catch breath in the low oxygen air. After the hiking we will drive and check in to the same hotel. You may consider to stay late for sunset if weather is good.

Total walking 12km between 4000m and 4200m. Medium Pace.

Overnight 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 Shanmuju 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 20 minutes to the base of Qunahuatan Lake. In the afternoon start to walk to Quanhuatan, a series of calcium ponds that is 3km long from the car park. As we ascend we will see mountains of the west range of Minya Konka. Today you may aalso 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 the hike is at 4000m while end of the hiking by the top ponds is at 4300m. It is still a big ascent to cover in half day even though the distance is not so far. After a short stay by the lake walk back to the base and drive to tonight's overnight place in Shangmuju.

Total walking 7+6km between 3800m and 4300m, Medium pace.

Overnight shared bunk by 3750m

Today is the most challenging day of hiking. Start in the morning from your guesthouse and walk all the way up to the lakes behind the village at 4550 meters. The lakes are not famous no one goes there but the two lakes are very beautiful turquoise lakes at the west range of Minya Konka. The walk is quite hard especially at the final ascent. It is very steep but the hard walking pays off when you see the views from the lake. From the lake one can also see the full range of Minya Konka Mountains. This is another chance of seeing the mountains if you are traveling in cloudy or misty seasons. After short stay by the lake, go back to your guesthouse in Shangmuju. Today's walking is very hard you can consider to skip this day's walking since the views are similar as it is the former day.

Alternatively you may choose to do the more famous Langgatso Lake hiking to the north and south lakes that is total 12km. It will be shorter and easier and will also see other hikers.

Adter the hiking, drive back to Xinduqiao

Total walking 16km between 3750m and 4550m, challenging pace.

Overnight shared bunk by 3750m

Today is a full day drive back to Chengdu. The drive will take about 8-9 hours. On half way we will stop for lunch. It is a full day driving and you will arrive at your hotel in Chengdu in the afternoon normally by around 5-6pm, tour ends.