Trekking around Gongga Shan

· Location: Western Sichuan Province, 260 km from Chengdu
· Difficulty: challenging
· Duration: 5 days
· Best times to hike: April to October
Gongga Shan is the highest mountain in Sichuan Province and the most easterly peak over 7,000 m, standing at a staggering 7,556 m (24,790 ft), and is of huge spiritual importance to Tibetans. There is a more accessible trail that snakes around the west of the mountain, following the sacred pilgrimage kora undertaken by many Tibetans each year.
The starting point of the kora is just a short drive from Kangding, 260 km (160 miles) from Chengdu. The route takes you past snow-capped peaks, alpine views of classic "Tibetan" landscapes, nomadic Tibetan camps, glaciers, and Tibetan monasteries.
A trek around the Gongga Shan normally needs about 5 days and it is a serious camping trek. Each day the walking distance is about 15 km (9 miles), which usually takes about 6–7 hours, and involves walking at altitudes over 3,500 meters (11,000 feet), the highest place being 4,500 meters (15,000 feet).
Recommended Tours:
· 9-Day Panorama Western Sichuan Tour