Multi-Day Treks

For details on these treks, click on the links provided below

Summary: Experience the world-famous trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡). The trek begins at Qiaotou Town (桥头镇) and ends at Tina’s Guest House (中峰国际青年旅舍), or vice versa. The majority of trekkers spend one or two nights at guest houses within the gorge. Hiring a trekking guide is not necessary for most people.

Summary: An extension of the classic gorge trek, with three nights spent in guest houses. The end point is Haba Village (哈巴村) at the northern base of Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山). For details on days 1 and 2, read Dan Siekman’s guide to the classic trekking path. For days 3 and 4, see Luke-Haba Route (栌克-哈巴路线). Hiring a guide is recommended for the Luke-Haba portion of the journey.

Summary: Black Lake (黑海), with grand vistas of alpine landscapes, sits at 4,100 meters. Three routes lead to the lake—Lanhua Meadow (兰花坪路线), Jianshan (尖山路线) and Base Camp (大本营路线). Combine two for a rewarding loop hike. Hiring a guide is recommended for all three routes. The Lanhua Meadow Route offers the wildest and most secluded journey. The Jianshan Route passes near a waterfall and provides the shortest path to the lake, but the upper section is steeper and more strenuous than the others. The Base Camp Route offers the opportunity to spend one night in a basic dormitory at the tree line.

Itinerary: Day 1 ascend the Lanhua Meadow Route and camp at one of the meadows en route, the highest of which is Kentahua Meadow (肯塔花坪). Day 2 move camp to Black Lake, using your free time to explore the area. Day 3 descend Jianshan Route with a stop at the Jianshan Waterfall.

Summary: Spend the night at Base Camp (大本营), after hiking up the Base Camp Route. You’ll likely see dozens of mules and mountaineers, so be prepared to share the trail. On the second day continue to Black Lake and descend the Jianshan Route with a side trip to the Jianshan Waterfall.

Summary: Traverse the remote Jizhi Valley (鸡枝山谷) with outstanding views of Haba Snow Mountain’s massive West Face and long-ranging South Ridge. The trek starts at Haba Village and ends at Qiaotou Town (桥头镇), near the start of the trekking path through Tiger Leaping Gorge. See Base Camp Route and Jizhi Pass Route (鸡枝山谷路线) for details. Hiring a guide is recommended.

Summary: Trek into the heart of a true alpine hideaway. Haba Muru Sanctuary (哈巴雪山庇护所) lies beneath the remote East Face of Haba Snow Mountain. The trek starts at Haba Village north of Tiger Leaping Gorge, traces the Haba-Bendiwan Route, and ends at Bendiwan Village (本地湾村) within the gorge. Doing the trip in reverse may require four days, due to the huge elevation gain. Hiring a guide is essential.

Summary: The ultimate Haba Snow Mountain trek, circling around the entire massif. Hiring a guide is recommended for all portions except Tiger Leaping Gorge. Various itineraries are possible. Here is one.
North: Lanhua Meadow Route
West: Jizhi Pass Route
South: Classic Gorge Trek
East: Luke-Haba Route

Read a journal about the full circle journey: Part 1 and Part 2.