Col 4460

Lisu Lakes from near Col 4460

Overview

Overview

Col 4460 offers splendid views, especially of the vast mountainous terrain north and west of Haba Snow Mt (哈巴雪山). Highly recommended in clear weather.


Route Description

Route Description

Start from the southwest shore of Black Lake (黑海). Look for a drainage that cuts through a band of rhododendron forest on the lower slopes of Peak 4520. A trail ascends in or near the drainage. Follow the trail through forest to the meadow above.


Given the vertical grade of the next section, some folks may decide to make this the high point of the outing. To continue, climb very steeply to reach easier rocky terrain and the col. A knoll to the southwest provides extensive views.


Views

Views

On the way up, but before reaching the col, look for snow mountains barely visible on the north horizon. They lie within Yading Nature Reserve (亚丁自然保护区) in southern Sichuan. From the col, you may catch a glimpse of snow mountains in the distant west. These peaks rise above the Nujiang (怒江) and Lancang (澜沧江) rivers near the border with Myanmar (缅甸).


Look northwest for a magical sight, a patch of pure white floating on the horizon at a distance of 190 kilometers. That is Mount Kawagebo on the Yunnan-Tibet border. At 6,740 meters it is the highest peak in Yunnan Province. Also known as Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山), Kawagebo lies on the north end of its massif. On the south end sits the awesome Mianzimu (缅茨姆), counted among the loveliest peaks on earth.


Summary: Col 4460 (山坳 4460)

Summary: Col 4460 (山坳 4460)

Region: Alpine Lakes Region
Location: 1 km southwest of Black Lake
Itinerary: Black Lake—Col 4460
Duration: 4 hours round-trip
Altitude in Meters: Start 4,100. Destination 4,460
Elevation Gain: 360 meters
Rating: Moderate (steep grade)
Water Sources: Black Lake