Overview
A seven-day circuit around Mount Gongga, the King of Sichuan's Peaks, with the legendary golden-sunrise viewpoint at Zimei Pass.
About This Tour
Mount Gongga (Minya Konka, 7,556m) is the highest peak in Sichuan and the easternmost 7,000m mountain on Earth, towering more than 6,000m above its valleys, a relief so extreme that early explorers mistook it for the highest mountain in the world. This circuit is widely regarded as one of China's most classic and beautiful treks, looping through the wild eastern Tibetan borderlands of Kangding and Moxi. You hike past glacier tongues that descend almost to forest level, soak in natural hot springs at Quanhua Temple, camp beneath the peak's east face, and rise before dawn for the sublime moment the entire range ignites in golden light from the famous Zimei (Tzemei) Pass viewpoint. The route blends Tibetan villages, yak pastures, dense old-growth forest, alpine lakes and high passes, all under the gaze of one of the most revered holy mountains in the Kham region. This is a demanding high-altitude trek for fit, adventurous travelers seeking China's finest mountain scenery without leaving Sichuan. Best in May-June and September-October. Private tour, priced per person, with a full mountain crew. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and border-area regulations. Good to know: • Best season: May-June and September-October for clear skies and stable weather; summer brings rain and leeches in the forest, winter brings deep snow on the passes. • Fitness level: high. Expect 5-8 hour trekking days on steep, rough mountain trails with significant daily ascent and descent. • Altitude: a serious high-altitude trek; you camp around 3,500-4,000m and cross the Zimei Pass viewpoint near 4,500m. Acclimatization is built in and oxygen is carried, but prior multi-day high-altitude experience is recommended. • Weather: Gongga is famously shy; the summit hides in cloud most of the time. We schedule camps to maximize the chance of a clear golden sunrise, but cannot guarantee it. • No special permit is required for this Sichuan route, but bring your passport for scenic-area registration. A four-season sleeping bag rated to -10C or colder is essential for the camps. • Bring sturdy broken-in waterproof boots, trekking poles, rain gear, a warm down layer and any personal altitude medication after consulting your doctor.
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Chengdu to Kangding｜Onto the Tibetan Plateau Edge
Depart Chengdu and drive west around 280km (6-7 hours) along the expressway and mountain roads to Kangding (2,560m), the historic gateway between Han China and the Tibetan world of Kham. The route climbs steadily out of the Sichuan basin into pine-clad gorges and over the first high passes, with the air cooling and thinning as you go. On arrival, settle into your hotel, take a gentle walk along the rushing Zheduo River through this lively trading town, and begin acclimatizing. Your guide runs a full trip briefing and gear check this evening. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Kangding. Breakfast and lunch included. An early night sets you up for the trek ahead.
2
Day 2: Kangding to Laoyulin｜Drive to the Trailhead and First Steps
Transfer by vehicle around the southern flank of the range toward the Gongga trailhead near Laoyulin, a scenic drive of roughly 4-5 hours on winding mountain roads with first views of distant snow peaks. From the trailhead you begin walking, around 8-10km in 4-5 hours, climbing gently through fir and rhododendron forest beside a clear stream to the historic Quanhua Temple area (about 2,900m). Here natural hot springs steam beside the old monastery, the perfect way to relax tired legs on the first night. Camp or stay in basic guesthouse rooms near the temple. Overnight near Quanhua Temple. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Soak in the springs under the stars.
3
Day 3: Quanhua Temple to Riwuqie｜Up the Valley
A solid climbing day of around 14-16km over 6-7 hours, gaining roughly 700-900m as the trail follows the river upstream into the high country. The forest gradually thins into alpine meadow and yak pasture, with glimpses of glaciated ridgelines opening ahead. You pass scattered Tibetan herder camps and grazing yaks before reaching the meadows around Riwuqie (Riwuche, approximately 3,700m). The crew pitches camp on grassland beside the stream as the peaks catch the late light. This is genuine high-mountain wilderness with few other trekkers. Camping overnight at approximately 3,700m. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. The thinner air now makes a steady pace essential.
4
Day 4: Riwuqie to Zimei Pass Camp｜Beneath the King of Peaks
Trek deeper toward the heart of the massif, around 12-14km in 6-7 hours with around 600-800m of ascent, crossing high meadows and moraine toward the renowned Zimei (Tzemei) Pass area at roughly 4,000-4,200m. As you climb, the full east face of Mount Gongga reveals itself, a colossal wall of rock and ice rising to 7,556m, with the Hailuogou and other glaciers spilling from its flanks. The crew sets a high camp positioned for tomorrow's sunrise. Spend the afternoon resting, photographing and acclimatizing. Temperatures plunge after dark at this altitude. Camping overnight near Zimei Pass. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. An early lights-out: tomorrow starts before dawn.
5
Day 5: Zimei Pass Sunrise｜The Golden Mountain
Rise in the dark and climb the short distance to the Zimei Pass viewpoint (around 4,500m) for the trek's defining moment: as the first sun strikes the summit, the entire 7,556m pyramid of Mount Gongga turns molten gold against a deep blue sky, the celebrated 'golden mountain' (richao jinshan) that draws photographers from across the world. After savoring the spectacle and breakfast, continue the circuit, descending and traversing around 10-13km over 5-6 hours through alpine terrain toward the next valley camp at roughly 3,800m. The walking eases as you drop in altitude. Camping overnight. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Few mountain mornings anywhere compare to this one.
6
Day 6: Circuit Descent｜Forests, Pastures and Villages
Continue the loop with a long, scenic descent of around 14-16km over 6-7 hours, losing significant altitude as the trail winds down through old-growth forest, flower-filled meadows and Tibetan farming hamlets. Glacier tongues and waterfalls accompany the route, and the warmer, oxygen-rich air of the lower valley is a welcome relief. You pass prayer-flag-draped chortens and traditional stone-and-timber houses where herders still live much as they have for centuries. Camp or stay in a village guesthouse at around 3,000-3,200m for the final night on the trail. Overnight camping/guesthouse. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. A relaxed last evening with the crew before you return to road's end.
7
Day 7: Trek Out and Drive to Chengdu｜Departure
A final short trek of around 6-9km in 3-4 hours brings you to the trailhead where your vehicle waits. Say goodbye to the horse handlers and mountain crew, then begin the drive back toward Chengdu, roughly 320km and 7-8 hours via Luding and the expressway, descending steadily off the plateau into the green Sichuan basin. Stop for lunch en route and watch the high country recede in the rear window. Arrive in Chengdu in the late afternoon or evening; your guide transfers you to your hotel or the airport per your onward plan. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner at leisure. A memorable close to one of China's greatest mountain circuits.
What's Included
✓ Included
English-speaking professional trekking guide Private vehicle and all listed transfers from and to Chengdu Hotels in Chengdu and Kangding, plus Tibetan guesthouses and full camping en route Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, kitchen, mats) Pack animals (horses/yaks) and trekking support crew All meals as specified (B/L/D on trek) Listed scenic-area and park entrance fees First-aid kit, pulse oximeter and supplementary oxygen Hot spring entry at Quanhua Temple
✕ Not included
International and domestic flights China visa Travel insurance (must cover trekking above 4,500m and evacuation) Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag Tips and gratuities for guide and crew Meals not specified Personal expenses Single supplement
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.
Traveler Reviews
4.8★★★★★Based on 166 reviews
Isabel M.🇨🇦 Canada★★★★★2025-04
I went in most excited about the trail. Funny enough, Chengdu is the part I kept talking about afterward. For 7 days around Chengdu, the pace felt about right.
Hannah J.🇮🇳 India★★★★★2024-07
What helped was simple: pickup and the trail start were timed well, so we were walking before the busiest part of the day. Water and rest stops were discussed clearly. My only advice is not to shorten the time at the trail.
Liam K.🇿🇦 South Africa★★★★☆2026-06
Looking back, my legs noticed the climbs the next morning. I would still do the same route, just with lighter shoes and fewer things in my daypack. With 7 days to work with, the balance felt sensible.