While the Hengduan Mountains may not ring a bell with most adventurers, Sichuan’s vast Hengduan Range boasts peaks ranging from 3,500 to over 7,500 meters and some of the world’s most impressive biodiversity. Three separate two day treks offer the chance to experience different types of environments and habitats amidst the endless peaks of Sichuan’s Hengduan range. The mountain range lies in the heart of the Tibetan Kham region, well known for its nomadic herders, many of whom have adopted classic cowboy style dress. Still, traditional Tibetan hamlets and nomadic camps dot the scenic highlands. The first trek takes place around the sacred Tibetan Yala Mountain. The next two treks explore the pristine gullies beneath the massive chain of peaks known as Four Maidens Mountain.

All three legs of the trek include both professional guides from the Sichuan Mountaineering Association as well as local Tibetan partners who often work in conjunction with the SMA to form a capable, reliable, and experienced team. We’ll typically hike for about 5-6 hours per day.  We'll either camp out or stay in a small village on the first night of each trek, and then return to a hotel or guesthouse on the second night. We'll have horses or mules to help us carry our equipment during the treks. Guests will only need to carry a day bag with personal effects such as water, sunscreen, and a camera. The guides may also help to shoulder the load.  We'll use sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) to drive into the mountains.  During the trip we'll be staying in hotels when visiting towns and cities
 
Days 1-2, Chengdu – Kangding: Introduction and Preparation

We’ll pick you up at the airport in Chengdu (day 0) on the day you arrive and take you directly to your hotel to rest up from the lengthy travel. We’ll arrange dinner or a snack depending on the time of your arrival.  The first full day after arriving in Chengdu, the bustling capital of Sichuan Province, will include a tour of the city with ample time allotted to catch up on any jetlag.  The tour includes the Giant Panda Research & Breeding Base, the Wenshu Monastery, and two classic (and spicy, if so desired) Sichuan-style meals for lunch and dinner. On day 2 we head westward and upward along the Sichuan-Tibet highway. Just west of Chengdu the ascent onto the Tibetan Plateau dramatically begins. Heading north and west from Chengdu allows adventurers to climb more than 2000 meters (6500 feet) in less than a full day’s drive.  Kangding, the former capital of the Tibetan state of Kham, has become a bustling Han and Tibetan town dissected by the powerful Yala River.  Just a few mountain passes away from the city rests the glorious Minya Konka (Gongga Shan in Chinese), whose highest peak stretches to over 7,500 meters.  It is the third tallest mountain in the world outside of the Himalayan range.    

Days 3-4, Yala Valley: 2 Day Trek

The first trek passes through the Yala River Valley, although it’s not exactly a typical river valley, as its lowest areas still measure over 3,000 m (10,000 feet) in elevation. We’ll complete about 10-11 hours of hiking over the 2 days including a 4,600 meter pass on day 2.  At the end of the second day we’ll drive two more hours to reach the quiet Tibetan outpost of Bamei where we will stay for the night.

Day 5, Bamei – Danba – Four Maidens Mountain: Tibetan Ganzi County

A day of rest and sightseeing in Tibetan Ganzi takes us from Bamei through scenic Danba County to Four Maidens Mountain at the town of Rilong.  Danba's legendary scenery features picturesque mountainside Tibetan hamlets and the hundreds of ancient watchtowers which dot the steep landscapes.  The county also boasts impressive contrasting scenery from the snowy peaks above to the grassy river valleys far below.
 
Days 6-7, Four Maidens Mountain: The Great Peaceful Valley 2 Day Trek

On the first day we will need about 5 hours to reach the Wood Mule campsite at an elevation of 3,500 meters (11,500 feet). On the second day we’ll have extra time to explore some hidden secrets in the valley before returning to Rilong town for the night. We’ll spend around 5-6 hours hiking on day 2.
 
Days 8-9, Four Maidens Mountain: Twin Bridges Valley 2 Day Trek

On the first day we’ll need about 6 hours to reach the Tibetan village which will act as our hosts for the night. On day 2 we’ll allot another 6 hours of hiking time to traverse the Great White Meadow before returning to Rilong.  Horticulturalists should fall in love with the vast meadows below Four Maidens’ Peaks as blooming flowers obscure the green grass beneath them.

Days 10-11, Four Maidens Mountain – Wolong Nature Reserve – Chengdu: The Giant Panda’s Habitat and Departure

We’ll say goodbye to Four Maidens Mountain early in the morning, so we can make the three hour drive to the Wolong Nature Reserve and Giant Panda Base.  Dramatic scenery accompanies the drive including a 4,200 meter pass beneath Balang Mountain. At the reserve we’ll be able to observe the pandas in their natural habitat before making the final three hour drive to Chengdu. Back in the city we’ll be able to enjoy a traditional and spicy hotpot meal (those fearing the spice should not worry as a split pot with a spicy and non-spicy side is also available). After more than a week in the mountains returning to the fertile Sichuan Basin allows us a much wider variety of items to drop into the spicy broth. Depending on the time of your departure on Day 11 or 12 we can arrange any number of activities in or around Chengdu. If we have a full day we’ll visit the imposing Giant Buddha at Leshan or to the ancient town of Huanglongxi for a relaxing day of tea, mahjong lessons, or local snacks by the riverside. If we only have part of a day we’ll visit Chengdu’s Songxianqiao Art Market, the Sanxingdui archaeological excavation site and museum, or the Jinjiang Brocade Factory and Museum.