6-day Hiking Adventure
Siguniang Changping and Bipeng Valley Traverse
Overview
Feel the buzz of one of China’s most populous cities, bask in the glorious beauty of the Chinese “Alps”, challenge yourself on one of China’s top 10 treks and visit a Giant Panda sanctuary.
- Absorb the sights and sounds of an ancient city
- Chase waterfalls in Shuangqiao Valley
- Visit a well-preserved Tibetan monastery
- Camp under the stars in Changping and Bipeng Valley
Day 1: Chengdu
Day 2: Siguniang Mountain - Shuangqiao Valley
We start on a 4-5h drive to Siguniang Mountain in the morning. This UNESCO world heritage site is so named for its “Four Maiden” peaks which soar above 5,000m.
Here, we have entered the Aba autonomous Qiang and Tibetan region where prayer flags and Tibetan stupas are a common sight. We will spend the day exploring Shuangqiao Valley, one of three valleys in the area. Shuangqiao is renowned for its waterfalls, of which there are more than a hundred.
Day 3: Changping Valley
We will be embarking on one of China’s top 10 treks, traversing Changping and Bipeng Valley. Starting at Changping Valley, our trek today for today is 13km. We will be visiting a large and well-preserved Tibetan Monastery and passing through primitive forests, alpine meadows and lakes.
Our campsite lies at the foot of Yaomei Feng, the tallest (6,250m) and youngest sister, also known as the Queen of Sichuan’s peaks. The scenery here is stunning all year round, but our favourite times are Summer when wild flowers bloom, or Autumn, when the mountains turn red, yellow and orange.
Day 4: Changping Valley - Chazi Valley
Wake up to beautiful views of Yaomei Feng and Camel’s peak while we have breakfast at the campsite. Today’s trek will be another 14km to the tail of Changping Valley.
We continue to gain elevation and at around 3900m, you may start to feel a little out of breath as your body continues to acclimatise. If you prefer to take it easy today, horses are also an option to get to Chazi Valley, our second campsite.
Day 5: Chazi Valley - Bipeng Valley - Lixian
Day 6: Lixian - Chengdu
From Lixian, your private transportation will take you back to Chengdu city. Wander the city for a few hours, or unwind at one of the many local tea houses before your flight home.
Optional add-ons: For an unforgettable experience
Challenge yourself to conquer one of Siguniang’s three climable peaks – Da Feng, Er Feng or San Feng, all above 5,000m, in order of increasing difficulty. Da Feng and Er Feng are trekking peaks, while San Feng requires some technical mountaineering skills. If you are a keen mountain climber, make it a twin summit or triple!
