What is the best time of year to see pandas?

Pandas can be seen year-round, but spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal. Early morning visits (7:30-9:00 AM) offer the best viewing.

Can I hold or hug a panda?

No, panda hugging has been discontinued since 2022. However, volunteering allows close observation within 2-3 meters.

Which panda base should I visit?

Chengdu Base is best for first-timers (closest, most famous). Dujiangyan for volunteering. Wolong for natural setting and hiking. Ya'an for off-beaten-path experience.

More Than Pandas Sichuan Travel Guide

Kangding Tours and Travel Planning

Kangding as the frontier town between traditional Tibet and China, is the door to the vast land of Tibet westward. Kangding in general is a big place not limited to the town of Kangding but rather many beautiful places including Mugetso Park, Minya Konka (Mr. Gongga or Gonggashan), Tagong Grassland, Hailuogou, Xinduqiao, etc. In Kangding the landscape varies from river gorges by Luding and Kangding Town, to Glaciers in Gongga Mountains; and from Highland lakes of Mugetso Park to rolling grassland of Tagong; and from the lightened up Kangding city to tranquil monasteries and nunneries in remote mountains. Below are the tour and hiking & trekking packages of Kangding and around.

Gongga Mountain Treks

Tagong Nomads Land

Hailuogou Glacier Park

Xinduqiao Gateway of Wild Sichuan

Top Kangding Tour Packages

Choose from our carefully crafted itineraries designed for different styles

Private Tour

Kangding Minya Konka Camping Hike - 2 Days

Private Tour

Kangding-Riwuqi Trek - 4 Days

Private Tour

Kangding Tagong Grassland Hiking - 2 Day

Private Tour

Classic West Sichuan Circuit Tour - 5 Days

Private Tour

Kangding Minya Konka Panorama Hiking - 5 Days

Private Tour

Mount Gongga Photo Tour – 5 Days

Private Tour

Mt. Yala Trekking Tour - 5 Days

Private Tour

Mount Gonggashan In-depth Trekking – 9 Days

Private Tour

Western Sichuan Adventure Hiking Tour - 9 Days

Frequently Asked Questions About Kangding Tours

Everything you need to know before booking your Kangding/Minya Konka adventure

What's the best season to travel to Kangding?

In general May to November are the best seasons travel to Kangding. but please be noted of the busy/possible crowded seasons of China Holidays including 1st week of May and 1st week of Oct;
Kangding is a big place and when you check the weather it usually refers not only to the town of Kangding but when you travel it usually means you are going to the areas around Kangding (not where the weather forecast usually shows) including the famous traveler destinations such as Minya Konka for hiking and photography, Tagong, Mugetso Lake, Hailuogou and Xinnduqiao, while these places have a very different climate and weather conditions than Kangding town itself. Read More...

Can foreigners travel to Kangding?

Yes. All parts of Kangding are open. Anywhere domestic travelers can travel to in Kangding, foreigners can also travel to.

What to see in and around Kangding?

Minya Konka... (=Mt. Gongga, or Gonggashan), Tagong Grassland, Xinduqiao, Mugetso Park, Hailuogou Glacier Park.

What's the good season to do trekking in Minya Konka?

From Late May to December. Please note a lot of trekking places will shut off during the fire restrictions seasons. Read More...

Do I need a permit to do hiking and trekking around Kandging or Minya Konka?

No.

More Kangding Travel Guide →

Planning a Trip to Kangding?

Talk to our Kangding/Minya Konka Travel Expert and start planning your adventure today!