Mt. Gongga Family Hiking Tour - 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 280km. 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 Walking 4km between 3900m and 4000m. Easy Pace.

Overnight in hotel by 2700m.

This is another day's acclimating by sleeping higher. In the morning start by a drive from your hotel in Kangding for about 2 hours and en route we will go to a wild valley at around 3800m with gradual hiking for 8-12km. We will walk in the quiet valley without other tourists, unlike while on the driving way that is usually busy and full of tourist. We use the quiet valley with good nature and wilderness hiking. After around 3-4 hours walking we will continue drive to Xinduqiao. On the drive way we will make a stop by around 4300m by Zheduo/Yala Road Pass to take a short walk at even higher altitude. The views change while we drive to Xinduqiao. Landscape is different. Please note today's walking is also acclimating so don't stress yourself too much.

Walking around 8-12km between 3800m and 3900m. Easy Pace.

Overnight hotel in Xinduqiao by 3400m.

This is another day's acclimating by sleeping higher. In the morning start by a drive from your hotel in Xinduqiao for about 1 hour and arrive in Tagong. Landscape is different in Tagong as in Kangding. Here in Tagong we will see more nomads on rolling grassland with manyy yaks and tents. After arrive in Tagong Grassland we will start to walk more to see its best things in Tagong. Lead accross the seemingly unending grassland dotted with Yaks, horses and local Tibetans we start walking above the ridge. We will see Snow-capped high mountains add a beautiful back drop to the meadows far below. We will visit working monasteries and experience their way of life through talking to the monks with your guide as interpreter. Please note today's walking is also acclimating so don't stress yourself too much.

Walking around 4-6km between 3800m and 4100m. Easy Pace.

Overnight hotel in Tagong by 3700m.

In the morning we will drive for around 3 hours into Minya Konka. The latter part of the drive is on basic country road. After arrive in Shangmuju we switch car to drive for another 40 minutes to the base of Langgatso Lake. In the afternoon start to walk to Langgatso Lake 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 4500m. It is still a big ascent to cover in half day even though the distance is not so far. You may consider to hire a horse to go up instead of walking up. After a short stay by the lake walk back to the base and drive to tonight's overnight place in Yulongshi.

You will be briefed on how to do packing for the next 2 days since it will involve a night camping inside the mountains.

Walking around 6km between 4000m and 4500m. Medium Pace.

Overnight lodge by 4000m

Walk up in the fresh air with quiet sorroundings maybe only the sound of the river. It is usually chilling in the morning so recommended to have more layers before start walking. After having breakfast we will first use local car to drive to hiking start point. Have your day pack ready and walk in the gradual valley. Leave the big packs and logistics to us, you will follow your guide to start hiking by around 9am or so. The hiking trail is basically gradual and without any dangerous sections. The trail follows the horsetrail with open views. Today you will arrive the camp by Gyazela on the grassland. We will have chance to see Mt. Tshiburongi near this camp. Mt. Tshiburongi is also called Little Konka, in contrast with the actual Mt. Minya Konka (the highest mountain in this range) due to its resemblence of a pyramid-looking appearance. By sunset we can see the golden glows on the westface of the mountains. If arriving the camp early you can explore around the camp by the river and bushes while your guide prepaing your dinner.

Total walking around 14km between 4100m and 4500m. Medium Pace.

Overnight camping by 4000m

Today is a detour up to see the lake by around 4400m. Today is the most challening day of hiking. While on the way up the hiking is a little challenging because it goes up for around 1km with steep sections. We may make stops along the way while going up. There is no need to rush today. There is one major ascent in today's hiking. Today's detour is set to get to the lake by 4400m however the views one can get on halfway by the flat part is also stunning. It is hard walk up but once you get higher the views are amazing: more snow-capped mountains you will see and the valley below is amazing. The furthest mountain to the right-most is Mt. Reddomian that is 6112m. The big mountains are Mt. Jiazi (6540m) and Mt. Grosvenor (6376m). The lower mountains are Mt. Tshiburongi (5928m) , Mt. Melcyr (5910m) and Peak 5804. An alternative destination for today's hiking is by the small stream by the flat part where we can see all the mountains. After a short break by the lake come back to camp the same way and walk down to trail head and transfer to hotel by car. Today is the hardest day of all days hiking if we reach the lake.

Walking around 15km between 4400m and 3600m.

Overnight Hotel by 2700m

In the morning you are free to explore the town of Kangding if you want. We'll start by around 9-10am in the morning and drive back to Chengdu. Kangding is a very interesting Khampa town in Tibetan Sichuan with a long history. On the way back to Chengdu you will have a chance to have a short hike by the tea plantations in Yaan. After arrive in Chengdu check in to your hotel. Tour ends.