9 days Yala Snow Mountain and Siguniang Valley trekking
Itinerary
Enjoy this 9 days Sichuan Hiking tour which is overflowing with natural beauty. Trek deep into the natural protective area of Western Sichuan to capture the scenery of the two most majestic mountains, Yala Snow Mountain and Mount Siguniang. Travel through several Tibetan villages to discover their traditional cultures.
Sichuan province, located in the west of China, is filled with natural features that will blow your mind. In the next 9 days, you will trek deep into Western Sichuan to explore its natural beauty and unique cultures.
As the capital city of Sichuan, Chengdu is the first destination of this memorable trekking tour. Upon your arrival, your local guide will greet you and help you get settled into the hotel. After, the guide will tell you the trekking tips and details. Both of you will also do an equipment check to ensure the boots and other equipment to meet the environment requirement.
Morning drive from Chengdu to Danba, a county where you may see different Tibetan people and also their unique Danba ancient block towers. The drive takes about 7 hours, stop at Maobiliang view platform for a panorama of Mount Siguniang. Upon arrival in Danba, you will shop for the food for the following days camping in the local market. Then continue the way to Jiaju Tibetan village, which is considered as one of the most beautiful villages in China. It extends to the base of sacred Yaxiao Mountain. The elegant white Tibetan houses scattered in the forest, resembling many stars in the sky.
The first day is always the easiest! It will only take you about 4 to 5 hours trekking to Xindianzi, where you can immerse yourself into the boundless grassland and surrounding mountains. Upon your arrival, spend the rest of the day to capture the breathtaking scenery. Camping on the grassland for the overnight. Dinner will be prepared by your guide.
Today is a challenging day as you will hike about 6 hours to Yalayongcuo Lake. As a reward, the scenery along the way will be awe-inspiring. First hike uphill to cross a high pass, which is located 4,200 m. (13,780 ft.) above sea level. Stop here to have a spectacular view of the Yala Snow Mountains. Then continue hiking to the lake for camping.
Upon your arrival at the lakeside, see the unspoiled water of the lake resembles a large mirror, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains and dense forests. Next, head to your campsite between the two lakes for the evening.
Keep your camera ready as you will walk surrounded by mountains and snow-capped peaks whole morning. One of the most famous is the Zhara Holy Mountain, which only recently ascended by a British group.
After having lunch by the lake, spend another hour to hike downhill to the Road Kuangchang, where you will meet your driver. Drive to Danba Zhonglu Tibetan Village. Upon arrival, roam this ethnic village to explore the cultures and lifestyles of the locals. You will spend the night in a local Tibetan family-run guest house.
Danba is famous for its beautiful Tibetan building and women. In the morning we will search for beauty in the beautiful Tibetan village of Zhonglu. The beautiful villages and Tibetan castle tower pile down from the half mountain. Trek about 3 hours to visit the Suopo village which is famous for the Castle style tower. In the late afternoon drive to Rilong town, the foot of Mt. Siguniangshan.
Spend today to hike along the Changping Valley and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Mount Siguniang.
During your trek along the stream that flows through the valley, have a panorama of the four peaks of Mount Siguniang in the distance. Immerse yourself into the unspoiled natural beauty which combines the snow-capped peaks and blue sky. As you enter the mountain range, you will notice the steep and imposing ridges of the Mountains, which attracts numerous travelers from all over the world. Also called the 'Alps of the Orient', Mount Siguniang got its name from a local Tibetan legend that says the four peaks are the embodiments of four pretty girls. As you cross the cypress pass of Changping Valley, discover some ancient monasteries and the customs of the local Tibetans.
Drive back to Chengdu this morning. The drive takes about 4-5 hours, and you will get across the Mount Balang Pass Upon your arrival, get settled into the hotel. Then spend the remainder of the day to go out for a victory dinner. You can choose to taste some local snacks, which is renowned for the spicy flavor, and explore the leisurely lifestyle of the locals.
You need an early breakfast today, to reach the Chengdu Panda Base to see the morning feeding of the adorable pandas. Spend time and get up close with the panda, one of the rarest animals in China. Now the giant panda only lives in Sichuan Province mountain ranges in central China and cultivation centers like the Chengdu Panda Base.
After lunch, your driver and local guide will drive you to the airport for departure. If you wish to continue your travels, we are experts in tailor-made trips and ready to assist you in extending your stay in China.