Baima Snow Mountain 白马雪山

A wild and pristine Protected Area in Northern Yunnan with multiple trekking options passing through a multitude of vegetation zones. GPX files are provided, but specific hiking routes are not recommended--this is a place to explore and find your own way. Entrance point is on the road to Deqin (德钦) and the more popular Yubeng treks. Permits are required to enter, and must be obtained in Shangri-La town (香格里拉).

Rating

Difficulty

Distance

Elevation Gain

Trail Type

Moderate--> Very Strenuous

⭐⭐⭐⭐

10-40 km

6-25 miles

200-3,000 meters

600-10,040 feet

Narrow Dirt Trail; Point to Point; Loop or Out and Back

Yala Holy Mountain 雅拉神山

A spectacularly beautiful high-altitude area in Western Sichuan with three trekking options. All between 3,200 and 4,800 meters, the gradual ascents and descents, pristine meadows, alpine lakes, grazing yaks, and glacial peaks make this an incredible backpacking option.

Rating

Difficulty

Distance

Elevation Gain

Trail Type

Strenuous--> Very Strenuous

⭐⭐⭐⭐

27-64 km

17-40 miles

1,280-3,060 meters

4,200-10,040 feet

Narrow Dirt Trail; Point to Point OR Loop

Backpacking Trips

These are hiking trips in Yunnan and Sichuan that require at least one night on the trail in order to complete. See Camping/Backpacking Tips for more information on what to bring on an overnight hike.

Some of these routes are more established than others. Some you will see large crowds and others you won't see a single other person. For all of them, don't rely solely on our description, make sure you do some outside research, know what you are doing/where you are going, and have an emergency plan in place in case something goes wrong.

Yading Outer Kora 稻城亚丁转山

A truly world-class trek in one of the most stunning landscapes you will ever see. A 5-6 day circumnavigation of three Holy Buddhist mountains--Chenresig, Jampalyang, and Chenadorje--in the Yading Scenic Area of Southwest Sichuan (亚丁自然保护区). This is a once-in-a-lifetime trek that should not be missed. There is also an inner Kora that can be done as an overnight for those pressed for time.

Rating

Difficulty

Distance

Elevation Gain

Trail Type

Very Strenuous

⭐⭐⭐⭐

54 km

31 miles

3,700 meters

12,000 feet

Narrow Dirt Trail;