Tears of joy, Gongga fulfilled all my fantasies about snow-capped mountains...

**Gongga Mountain Travel Guide** Gongga Mountain (7,556m), hailed as the "King of Sichuan Mountains," is the highest peak of the Hengduan Range and one of China's most magnificent snow-capped mountains. Its surrounding areas boast breathtaking viewpoints like Lenggacuo, Zimei Pass, and Lisuo Lake, perfect for hiking, photography, and deep exploration. Here’s a detailed travel guide to Gongga Mountain: --- ## **1. How to Get to Gongga Mountain?** ### **1. Main Entry Points** - **Kangding (Old Yulin)**: Traditional hiking starting point, ideal for the Gongga Grand Loop. - **Xinduqiao**: Transportation hub, convenient for accessing Lenggacuo and Zimei Pass. - **Shangmuju/Yulongxi Village**: Nearest villages to Lenggacuo and Zimei Pass. ### **2. Transportation Options** - **Self-driving (Recommended)** - Chengdu → Ya’an → Luding → Kangding → Xinduqiao → Shangmuju (~8 hours). - Xinduqiao → Lenggacuo/Zimei Pass (by off-road vehicle or horseback). - **Public Transport** - Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station → Kangding (4-hour bus) → Shared taxi to Xinduqiao (2 hours) → Chartered car to Shangmuju (2 hours). --- ## **2. Best Time to Visit** - **May-June**: Rhododendrons bloom, snow remains, ideal for hiking. - **September-October**: Stunning autumn scenery, clear skies, perfect for photography. - **November-April**: Spectacular snowscapes, but some routes may be closed due to cold and altitude sickness risks. --- ## **3. Must-Visit Viewpoints** ### **1. Lenggacuo (Best Reflection Spot of Gongga)** - **Location**: Behind Yulongxi Village, 4,500m elevation. - **Transport**: Horseback (~2 hours) or hike (4-5 hours) from Shangmuju. - **Highlights**: Mirror-like lake reflecting Gongga, stunning sunset, and starry skies; great for camping. ### **2. Zimei Pass (Frontal View of Gongga)** - **Location**: Near Shangmuju, 4,500m elevation. - **Transport**: Off-road vehicle (1 hour) or hike. - **Highlights**: Sea of clouds, golden sunrise, just 5km from Gongga’s main peak. ### **3. Lisuo Lake (Hidden Gem)** - **Location**: Shangmuju, 4,550m elevation. - **Transport**: Motorcycle + hike (more challenging than Lenggacuo). - **Highlights**: Twin lakes reflecting Gongga, fewer tourists. ### **4. Niubei Mountain (Cloud Sea Viewpoint)** - **Location**: Yingjing County, 3,666m elevation. - **Transport**: Chengdu → Yingjing → Niubei Mountain (scenic bus + hike). - **Highlights**: 360° cloud seas, sunrise, and starry skies, though farther from Gongga. ### **5. Heishicheng (Western Slope Viewpoint)** - **Location**: Near Mount Gaersi, 4,300m elevation. - **Transport**: 1.5-hour drive from Xinduqiao (off-road required). - **Highlights**: Panoramic views of Gongga’s peaks and stellar night skies. --- ## **4. Accommodation Recommendations** ### **1. Shangmuju/Yulongxi Village (Near Lenggacuo & Zimei Pass)** - **Tibetan Guesthouses**: Dengba Inn, Yulongxi Homestay (~¥100-200/night). - **Camping**: Lakeside at Lenggacuo (bring tents; temperatures below -10°C at night). ### **2. Xinduqiao (Transit Hub, Better Amenities)** - **Gongga Zong Manor Hotel** (scenic views, ¥500-800/night). - **Dengfenglai B&B** (budget-friendly, ¥200-400/night). ### **3. Zimei Pass/Lisuo Lake** - **Temporary Tents** (limited; recommend day trips). --- ## **5. Classic Hiking Routes** ### **1. Gongga Grand Loop (7-8 Days, Advanced)** - **Route**: Kangding (Old Yulin) → Riwuqie Pass → Moxi Valley → Gongga Monastery → Zimei Pass → Caoke Village. - **Highlights**: Full-circle Gongga views; requires guides and pack animals. ### **2. Lenggacuo Light Hike (1-2 Days, Beginner-Friendly)** - **Route**: Shangmuju → Horseback/hike → Lenggacuo (camp) → Return. ### **3. Zimei Pass Off-Road + Hike (1 Day)** - **Route**: Shangmuju → Off-road vehicle → Zimei Pass → Explore on foot. --- ## **6. Tips & Warnings** 1. **Altitude Sickness**: Lenggacuo/Zimei Pass exceed 4,500m; take Rhodiola rosea in advance and carry oxygen. 2. **Weather**: Mountain conditions change rapidly; pack rainproof gear and warm layers. 3. **Transport Limits**: - Off-road vehicles/horses required for Lenggacuo/Zimei Pass; regular cars won’t make it. - Some routes close in winter; check road conditions before departure. 4. **Eco-Friendly**: Pack out all trash to protect the fragile alpine environment. 5. **Safety**: Hike with companions; avoid solo trips. Camping requires wind/cold protection. --- ## **7. Itinerary Suggestions** ### **3D2N (Photography & Light Hiking)** - **Day1**: Chengdu → Xinduqiao → Shangmuju (overnight in Tibetan homestay). - **Day2**: Shangmuju → Lenggacuo (hike/horseback, camp under stars). - **Day3**: Lenggacuo → Zimei Pass → Xinduqiao → Chengdu. ### **5D4N (In-Depth Adventure)** - **Day1-2**: Same as above. - **Day3**: Zimei Pass → Gongga Monastery → Hike Moxi Valley (camp). - **Day4**: Moxi Valley → Riwuqie Pass → Old Yulin (overnight in Kangding). - **Day5**: Kangding → Chengdu. --- Gongga Mountain is a paradise for travelers chasing extreme landscapes, whether hiking, photographing, or simply soaking in the views. Feel free to ask if you have more questions!