Alternate Base Camp Route

This route takes an alternate and less steep path than the lower part of the Base Camp Route (大本营路线). It leads to the meadow known as Xiaoqila (小七拉坪). Just above the meadow, the path merges with the Base Camp Route. This alternate route is used regularly by mountain guides from Haba Snow Mountain Inn (哈吧雪山客栈), which is located in the Naxi hamlet of Guluba (古鲁八). Hiring a guide is recommended.

The initial section of Alternate Base Camp Route coincides with the Jianshan Route (尖山路线 as far as Black Boulder Junction (黑色盘石路口). For details, please read the page for Haba Village to Black Boulder Junction.

At Black Boulder Junction, take the left fork and immediately cross an intermittent brook. Ascend for 20 minutes on a wide and often rocky path, to a ramshackle hut on a level spot. Continue another 20 minutes to West Hongtupo Meadow, a name unknown locally but used for convenience on this website. This is a large opening with huts, corrals, and beehives. Yaks live and graze here.

Cross the stream on log bridges and zigzag up the steep meadow above the huts. At the top of the meadow, enter the forest and continue ascending to Xiaoqila Meadow, elevation 3,400 meters. You’ll reach the meadow 45 minutes after passing the huts and corrals. The path ascends the meadow diagonally, to the remains of a hut. A spring hidden within a stand of trees to the right (west) of this hut provides water.

Note on the descent from Xiaoqila Meadow

15 minutes below the lower edge of Xiaoqila Meadow, go left at the fork to continue descending the Alternate Base Camp Route.

Enter the forest above Xiaoqila Meadow and soon join the standard Base Camp Route. Continue upward to Daqila Shelter (大七拉小屋) and Base Camp.