CE-TK-08

Remaining as the ever last lure to mountaineers, Mount Gongka lies in the transitional zone between Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Sichuan Basin. The main peak (7,556 ms) is the highest peak of east Tibetan plateau, called "the king of Shu Mountains". The high and steep mountain is covered forever with thawless snow. If visitors look at the mountain from far, it seems to float above a vast snow-sea. . Besides the highest peak of 7556 ms, a few peaks above 6000 also are standing around it as its brother.  In the zone, there are many natural sights, such as ancient glaciers relic, modern glaciers, virgin forests, hot springs, lakes, snow peaks, etc.   

In this trekking, we will trek from Laoyulin to Gongka Monastery, then exit from Zimei village. We will enjoy the beautiful landscape en route, such as Shuangcha river, Riwuqie, etc. The average sea level is above 4000 meter and the highest place is about 5000 meters.

 

 

 

 

Trekking rate: Hard.
Itinerary :
Day 1 Chengdu
Arrive in Chengdu, prepare for the trekking.
Day 2 Chengdu / Kangding     Driving 350km
In the morning, we spend 6-7 hours taking coach to the Hengduan Mountains to Kangding, one of Sichuan's "Wild West" cities. On the way we visit the famous Luding Bridge, which was built in 1706 with Calligraphy of Emperor Kangxi remaining at the east end of the bridge. In 1935 the Red Army successfully captured this bridge and broke through defending troops of the Nationalist (KMT) Government. The battle here is considered one of the turning points of the Long March. Luding Bridge is a unique structure, with nine iron chains spanning the roaring Dadu River. As we near Kangding, we find ourselves in a land of grasslands, alpine lakes, virgin forest, glaciers and snow-capped mountains. The rushing Zheduo River flows through the center of Kangding. As the capital of the Ganzi Tibetan Ethnic Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan, Kangding is a culturally rich area, home to several lamaseries in and around the city.
Day 3_7 Kangding / Gongga Mountain ( Trekking )
We will use 6 days to trek from Laoyulin to Gongga temple via Riwuqie, Zimei etc. In this trekking you will enjoy the most beautiful snow peaks of Mount Gongka and the grassland. And you will arrive in the small Tibetan Buddhism temple of Gongka monastery. It is an trekking only once in your life. Camping all the route.
Day 10 Liuba / Litang
Today we can drive back to Chengdu or we can continue our Tibet plateau overland expedition. We can drive to Litang all the day. Enjoy the vast Tibet Plateau all the day. Visit Litang Monastery in the late afternoon.
Day 11 Litang / Xiangcheng
Today we will drive to Xiangcheng, visit the great landscape of Tibetan plateau and pretty monastery, the Litang Monastery is the largest in Kham area. And today you will pass by a few mountain pass around 4700 meter in sea level. Night in hotel.  
Day 12 Xiangcheng / Shangri-la  
Drive to Shangri-la via the Da Xueshan ( big Snow mountain ) and Xiao Xueshan ( Small snow mountain ) . Enjoy the Xichang style Tibetan village en route.
Day 13 Shangri-la / Lijiang   Driving Day
Drive to Lijiang in about 4 hrs’ driving, and drop a visit in Tiger leaping Gorge. Arrive in Lijiang in the late afternoon, free to walk around in the old town of Lijiang.
Day 14 Shangri-la Departure
Bid farewell to Shangri-la and fly to Kunming or Lijiang. Travel finished.

Note: There is also a only 4-day’s trekking route with less beauty under the valley of the mountain.  

Seasons: May, June, July, August, September, October