Mt. Gongga Challenge 中国
A remote, high-elevation Himalayan-style adventure (up to 16,100′) beneath Mt. Gongga, King of the Sichuan Mountains (24,790′), and through the storied traditions of western China.
Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
$3,998
Discover a Side of China Few Ever See
Discover one of the most spectacular and least-visited mountain regions on Earth on an original TSX experience we scouted, designed and built specifically for our community. We’ll journey deep into western Sichuan and the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture beneath 7,556-meter (24,790′) Mt. Gongga, also known as Minya Konka, the “King of the Sichuan Mountains”, through a landscape of glaciers, alpine valleys, towering peaks, prayer-flagged passes and traditional Khampa Tibetan culture.
This experience blends the best of several worlds: time in the high mountain towns of Xinduqiao and Kangding, two nights at a remote Tibetan Buddhist monastery, day hikes beneath Mt. Gongga, and four nights of expedition-style backpacking through the high country (up to 16,100′). TSX guides will lead the journey alongside our local Chinese partners, creating a truly collaborative experience on the trail, in camp and around the table. For those who want to extend the adventure, we’ll also offer an optional two-night pre-trek experience in Shanghai before the team gathers in Chengdu.
What’s included
- One night hotel accommodation in Chengdu before the trek
- Welcome dinner and pre-trek orientation in Chengdu
- Round-trip transportation between Chengdu and the Mt. Gongga region
- Hotel accommodations in Xinduqiao and Kangding
- Dinner in Chengdu, Xinduqiao and Kangding
- Two nights of rustic accommodations at Gongga Monastery
- Four nights of expedition-style camping in the high country
- 80+ km / 50+ miles of guided hiking and backpacking
- TSX guides working alongside our local Chinese guide team
- Local translators and on-the-ground support
- Tents, group camping equipment and other major trek gear
- All meals while on the trail
- Required permits and local registrations
- Cultural experiences throughout the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
- Inspiration for a lifetime
What’s not included
- International airfare to and from China
- Transportation to our meeting hotel in Chengdu
- Front-country meals not specifically listed as included
- Lodging before or after the scheduled trek dates, except as noted
- China visa and related travel documentation, if required
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Travel and medical evacuation insurance
- Optional two-night pre-trek Shanghai experience
How it works
Reserve your place with a $500 deposit due at registration. The remaining balance is paid in three installments:
$500 — Due at registration
$1,000 — December 15, 2026
$1,000 — February 15, 2027
$1,498 — June 15, 2027
A 5% park recovery/NPS fee applies. The first $1,500 paid toward your trip is considered your trip deposit.
Cancellation policy: Cancel 180+ days before departure and payments above the trip deposit will be refunded; amounts paid toward the deposit will be issued as TSX credit. Cancellations 60–180 days before departure receive a 50% refund of eligible payments, with the trip deposit issued as credit. No refunds or credits are available within 60 days of departure. TSX credit is transferable to friends or family, valid for two years, and may be applied toward any future TSX experience.
Itinerary
Arrive in Chengdu – Trek Briefing & Team Dinner
On the evening before our trek begins, we’ll meet at 6:00pm in the lobby of our designated Chengdu hotel for orientation, a pack check, gear distribution and a review of the route and safety. Afterward, we’ll head out together for a traditional Chinese welcome dinner.
Day 1 – Chengdu to Xinduqiao | Travel & Acclimatization
After breakfast, we’ll drive six to seven hours into the high mountains of western Sichuan, crossing a pass near 4,300 meters (14,100 feet) and stopping for a short acclimatization walk and lunch along the way. We’ll descend to Xinduqiao at roughly 3,500 meters (11,500 feet), with time to explore before dinner and an important first night adjusting to elevation. We’ll over night at a local hotel.
Day 2 – Xinduqiao to Gongga Gompa | 7 km / 4.5 miles
A morning drive takes us deeper into the mountains before we begin a roughly 7 km day hike to Gongga Gompa, a historic 13th-century Buddhist monastery set beneath Mt. Gongga. Our gear will be transported separately to meet us at the monastery. We’ll spend two nights here at approximately 3,700 meters, with time to acclimatize and take in incredible views of the surrounding high peaks.
Day 3 – Gongga Gompa to Basecamp & Return | 14 km / 9 miles
Today we’ll hike higher into the alpine terrain beneath Mt. Gongga, climbing to roughly 4,200 meters to the lower base camps used for ascents of Mt. Gongga. We’ll then return to Gongga Gompa for a second night. This 14 km round trip is one of the most scenic days of the trek and gives us a closer look at the glaciers, valleys and immense scale of the mountain.
Day 4 – Gongga Gompa to Yulongxi Pass Camp | 11 km / 7 miles
After a morning hike descending from the monastery (7 km), we’ll transport by vehicle to the start of our four-night backpacking expedition. The short afternoon hike (4 km) will take us over Yulongxi Pass at 4,500 meters. The day covers roughly 11 km and takes us into increasingly remote alpine terrain, marking our transition from lodge accommodations to expedition-style backpacking.
Day 5 – Yulongxi Pass to Moxi Valley | 16 km / 10 miles
Today is one of the longer and more dramatic days of the trek as we descend Yulongxi Pass at approximately 4,500 meters and hike through to upper Moxi Valley. Expansive mountain views and changing terrain make this challenging 16 km day one of the most memorable of the journey.
Day 6 – Moxi Valley to Riuqi Lake Camp | 10 km / 6 miles
We’ll climb steadily out of Moxi Valley to the highest elevations of the trek, reaching approximately 4,900 meters (16,100′) before descending slightly to camp near Riuqi Lake at the base of a massive glacier at around 4,500 meters. This is our highest day and one of the most spectacular, as we’ll be surrounded by rugged alpine terrain, glaciers and high peaks.
Day 7 – Riuqi Lake to Liangcha | 13 km / 8 miles
From Riuqi Lake, we’ll begin descending out of the highest mountains, trekking roughly 13 km through a changing landscape of alpine terrain, broad valleys and increasing vegetation. It’s a rewarding transition day as we leave the high passes behind and continue toward Liangcha. At this camp we’ll enjoy our evening meal indoors with other hikers, and have the option to sleep indoors in a local hut accommodation.
Day 8 – Liangcha to Kangding | 11 km / 7 miles
Our final day on trail takes us approximately 11 km downhill through increasingly lush terrain before reaching the trailhead and transferring to Kangding. A hotel, hot shower and celebratory dinner await as we mark the completion of our trek through the Mt. Gongga region.
Day 9 – Kangding to Chengdu | Return to the City
After breakfast, we’ll drive back to Chengdu, retracing our route through the mountains and valleys of western Sichuan. We’ll arrive by intime to catch an afternoon flight out of Chengdu towards home, or your next destination (flights should be scheduled no earlier than 3pm).
Logistics
Arrival in Chengdu
Participants should plan to arrive in Chengdu, China no later than the afternoon of September 12, 2027. One night of hotel accommodation in Chengdu is included. We’ll meet in the lobby of our designated hotel at approximately 6:00pm for a team orientation, pack check and trip briefing, followed by our welcome dinner together. Final hotel information, arrival instructions and recommended flight timing will be provided well in advance of the trip.
Optional pre-trek Shanghai experience
For participants who would like to see more of China before heading into the mountains, we’ll offer an optional two-night pre-trek experience in Shanghai. Participants will meet in Shanghai, explore the city together and then continue to Chengdu before the trek begins. Additional pricing, accommodations and travel details will be provided separately.
Departing Chengdu for the mountains
On the morning of September 13, we’ll depart Chengdu together in private transportation for the drive into western Sichuan and the mountain town of Xinduqiao. Transportation throughout the Mt. Gongga experience, including our return to Chengdu, is included. We’ll make stops for food, rest and acclimatization along the way as we gradually make our way into the high country.
Personal gear and luggage
Bring the personal clothing and equipment outlined on the TSX gear list; tents, group equipment and other major trek gear will be provided as noted. Participants should also bring a separate travel bag with clothing and personal items that will not be needed while backpacking. Before heading into the backcountry, we’ll coordinate storage and transport of excess luggage so it can be reunited with the group after we come off the trail.
On the trail
This experience combines hotels, lodge-style accommodations and four nights of expedition-style camping. TSX guides will work alongside our local Chinese guide team throughout the journey, with group equipment, trail meals and logistics coordinated between both teams. Participants should be prepared to carry their personal backpacking equipment and the items identified on the final gear list.
Returning to Chengdu
We’ll finish our trek and spend our final night in the mountains in Kangding before returning by private transportation to Chengdu on September 21. We recommend planning your international departure for 3pm or later, or the following day.
FAQs
How difficult is the Mt. Gongga Challenge?
This is a high-elevation adventure covering 50+ miles of hiking and backpacking, with several days above 4,000 meters and a high point near 4,900 meters (16,100′). Participants should arrive in strong hiking condition and be comfortable with consecutive days on trail and four nights of expedition-style camping.
Do I need prior backpacking experience?
Prior backpacking experience is helpful, but the trip includes a mix of day hiking, lodge stays and backpacking rather than nine straight days carrying a full pack. TSX guides and our local Chinese partners will support the group throughout the journey.
What will I carry?
Participants should be prepared to carry their personal backpacking gear and the items outlined on the final TSX gear list. Tents, group camping equipment and other major trek gear are provided.
Where will we sleep?
The experience includes hotels in Chengdu, Xinduqiao and Kangding, two nights of lodge-style accommodation at Gongga Monastery, and four nights of expedition-style camping in the high country.
Are meals included?
All meals on the trail are included, along with dinner in Chengdu, Xinduqiao and Kangding. Other front-country meals are not included unless specifically noted.
When should I arrive and depart?
Plan to arrive in Chengdu by the afternoon of September 12, 2027 for our 6:00pm orientation and welcome dinner. We return to Chengdu on September 21; flights should be scheduled for 3:00pm or later, or the following day.
Can I visit Shanghai before the trek?
Yes. We’ll offer an optional two-night pre-trek Shanghai experience for participants who want to explore the city before continuing to Chengdu to meet the full team.
How do I reserve my spot?
A $500 deposit reserves your place, with additional payments due December 15, February 15 and June 15. A 5% park recovery fee applies.
GET TO KNOW US
We come from different places, with different experiences, but have one common goal – we help motivated people accomplish incredible things.