DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
(B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Day 01 Arrive in Chengdu
Arrive in Chengdu. If the time permits, take a visit to Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre to explore the daily life of the cute pandas intimately. This evening have a briefing from the tour leader and then will enjoy the fiery cuisine in local restaurant.
Overnight in Buddha Zen Hotel
Meals:D
Day 02 Drive to Kangding (2,550m)
Early in the morning, spend 6-8 hours driving into the Hengduan Mountains to Kangding. Through the Mount Erlang Tunnel,visit the famous Luding Bridge. Near Kangding, we find ourselves among grasslands and snow-capped mountains.
Overnight in King Gesar Hotel
Meals:B,L,D
Day 03 Kangding Sightseeing
From the hotel have a short drive up to the highest part of Kangding which is the launching point for visits to monasteries located in the Pao-Ma Hills overlooking Kangding. The afternoon will include a fascinating introduction to this new land with a visit to the Tibetan Museum of Cultural History. This evening, enjoy our dinner in a local restaurant and then repack for the trek.
Overnight in King Gesar Hotel
Meals:B,L,D
Day 04 Trek to Da Cao Ba (3,595m)
11km/4hrs hiking;
Altitude: 3,595m; Ascent: 395m;
After breakfast, drive approximately half an hour to the village of Lao Yulin (3,060m), where can meet our packhorses and set off on foot. Hike up steadily along rushing Gyazi River. Almost the entire walk is gentle and easy, partly along a farm track to reach the first camp located in a meadow surrounded by the Da-Cao-Ba (3,595m) mountains.
Camp at Da Cao Ba (3,595m)
Meals:B,L,D
Day 05 Trek to Lower Riwoche (3,900m)
8km/5-6hrs hiking;
Altitude: 3,900m; Ascent: 350m;
Following the Liangcha River on an undulating trail, trek through a wooded and hilly landscape surrounded by high cliffs and glimpsed higher peaks. In the afternoon, arrive at campground in a small meadow by the edge of a clear, cold stream.
Camp at the Lower Riwoche (3,900m)
Meals:B,L,D
Day 06 Trek to Upper Riwoche (4,330m)
9km/6-7hrs hiking;
Altitude: 4,330m; Ascent: 450m;
Today, climb up above the tree line to the meadows of the Upper Riwoche Valley. Ahead and to the southeast can see peak of \'Little Konka\' (6,027m) if the weather permitting. Continue up to the head of the valley the trail starts to climb more steeply. There are likely to be tents of Tibetans yak herders\' here at the time of our visit and they are sure to give us a warm welcome. Set up the camp below the imposing face of Riwoche Feng (6,376m) and within sight of our pass, the Riwuqie Pass.
Camp at the Upper Riwoche (4,330m)
Meals:B,L,D
Day 07 Cross the Riwoche Pass (4,900m) / Moxi Valley (4,100m)
15km/7-8hrs hiking;
Altitude: 4,900m; Ascent: 590m; Descent: 750m;
Head up the valley before start to climb on a good trail which gradually ascends the rolling hills above the grazing area. Cresting the ridge confronted with the Riwoche Pass forming the watershed between the Riwoche Valley and the Moxi Valley. After a picnic lunch on the summit,begin a long descent. Eventually reach the grasslands of the upper valley and follow downstream to reach our night\'s camp at 4,100m.
Camp at Moxi Valley (4,100m)
Meals:B,L,D
Day 08 Downhill to Lower Moxi Valley (Moxi-Gou-Wei) (3,660m)
15km/6-7hrs hiking;
Altitude: 4,100m; Descent: 440m;
The trek today is continuously interesting through the Moxi valley. After 5-6 hours walking, camp at another lower elevation meadow before beginning a gentle upward trek to Konka monastery in the morning.
Camp at Lower Moxi Valley (3,660m)
Meals:B,L,D
Day 09 Trek to Konka Monastery (3,750m)
12km/6hrs hiking;
Altitude: 3,750m; Ascent: 350m; Descent: 260m;
Crossing the river climb up the hillside and follow a good trail which descends steadily. After around 4 hours of generally downhill trekking stop for a picnic lunch (3,400m) and afterwards arrive at a trail junction. Heading left and gently climbing and start to see the monastery buildings.
Overnight in Minya Konka Gompa (3,750m)
Meals:B,L,D
Day 10 Exploration above the Monastery / Descend to Upper Zimei (3,440m)
12km hiking;
Altitude: 3442m; Ascent: m; Descent: 310m;
It is well worth making the effort to climb up above the Gompa. Having taken in the scene, descend back through the forest and then retrace steps away from the monastery to continue south to the Zimei. After a rest and a visit with some villagers, begin the last ascent of the trip and enjoy a home stay with a local family (3,440m) before crossing the Zimei Pass in the morning.
Overnight in Upper Zimei Village (3,435m)
Meals:B,L,D
Day 11 Upper Zimei Village/Zimei Pass (4,660m) / Shangmuju Village (3,500m) /Kangding(2,550m)
A new road now links the settlement of Zimei with the outside world. Early in the morning, jump on our 4WD and take full advantage climbing the 1,000m out of this remote valley to the top of the Zimei La (4,660m). From the top can see Zimei Village directly below but it is the view of Minya Konka that takes the eye and our breath away. From the pass, drive on more switchbacks past grazing yaks down to beautiful Shangmuju village at the base of the pass. The village is a great spot not only gives us a glimpse of what typical Tibetan life is like but also for us to appreciate the magnificent view of Minya Konka from afar. Finally drive back to Kangding
Overnight in Kangding
Meals:B,L,D
Day 12 Drive Back to Chengdu
After the best night\'s sleep in over a week and a belly full of a hot breakfast, it’s time for driving back to Chengdu. Enjoy a highly scenic drive and upon arrival, check in the hotel. After freshening up, enjoy a celebratory dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight in Buddha Zen Hotel
Meals:B,L,D
Day 13 Departure
Drive to the airport for the flight back home.
Meals:B
