Mt. Gongga Challenge 中国
A remote, high-elevation Himalayan adventure through the King of Sichuan Mountains and its storied traditions in western China.
Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
Original price was: $500.00.$250.00Current price is: $250.00.
Encounter a Himalayan Experience Less Traveled
Discover one of the most stunning and least-visited mountain regions on Earth on a one-week, high-elevation trek through the Mt. Gongga (Gongga Shan) massif, the 7,556-meter (24,790′) giant known as the King of the Sichuan Mountains. Located just southwest of Chengdu in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, discover the other side of China featuring glaciers, alpine valleys, towering cliffs, prayer-flagged passes, and traditional Khampa Tibetan villages tucked into dramatic river gorges.
This TSX Challenge experience is designed for those seeking a remote Himalayan-style adventure without the crowds… a place where yaks graze in quiet meadows, monasteries cling to mountainsides, and sunrise reveals the massive eastern face of Gongga in fiery red with a distinctly local flare.
Participants will meet the TSX team in Chengdu, China, with an optional pre-trek two-day invite to explore Shanghai for those who’d like to experience one of the world’s most awe-inspiring cities before the expedition begins. Pricing for 2027 will be released Summer 2026 and your 2027 deposit is 100% refundable until details are provided, and accepted.
What’s included
- One night hotel stay and welcome meal in Chengdu, China on arrival
- Round-trip transportation from Chengdu to the Mt. Gongga region
- Guided multi-night trek through Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
- Base camp or tented overnight accommodation (depending on season and final route)
- All major permits and local registrations
- Cultural interactions in Tibetan villages and monastery zones
- Guides, translators and major gear
- All meals in the field
- Inspiration for a lifetime
What’s not included
- International airfare to/from China
- Meals in the front-country, including while in transit
- Transportation to our Chengdu, China meeting destination
- Lodging in the front-country post-trek
- Visa, if required based on nationality
- Optional Shanghai exploration add-on
How it works
For 2027 Early Access registration, your $250 deposit is fully refundable and indicates interest only, and does not confirm your spot on this trip.
We plan to provide refined trek details, cost, logistics, travel, and additional information by Summer 2026, at which time an additional deposit will be required. Your deposits holds your spot and place in line, and is fully refundable until dates and details are confirmed, and you accept placement on the trek.
Why China?
Mt. Gongga is our second international trek release after Baffin Island. Why China? Watch this excerpt from our new trek release event to learn how and why this trek was added to our lineup.
Mt. Gongga Challenge Tentative Itinerary
Step into a corner of China that few ever experience. A setting where the the pace slows, the mountains rise sharply, and the path ahead invites you to test what you’re capable of. This multi-night trek to the base of Mt. Gongga combines the cultural experience of traveling in China with trekking through Tibetan villages, quiet valleys, and high alpine passes in a region often overlooked, and underappreciated. Get to know the “King of Sichuan Mountains” and the people who call it home in a remote mountain landscape that few travelers ever see.
Tentative Trip Overview
- Duration: Up do to 9 Days / 8 Nights expected
- Distance: Approximately 60-80 km (50 miles)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Elevation Range: 3,200 m to 4,800+ m (15,000’+)
- Location: Start and end in Chengdu
- Group Size: Maximum 10 participants and 2 guides
- Season: Late May–June or late September–October
Sample Day-by-Day Itinerary
“All subject to conditions”—here’s our day-by-day route plan:
Pre-trek (optional): Shanghai arrival & exploration
Arrive in Shanghai. Meet the TSX team in the evening for welcome dinner. Overnight in Shanghai for two nights to explore the city.
Day 1 – Chengdu to Xinduqiao
Summary
Travel from Chengdu into the highlands and begin acclimatizing.
Drive 6–7 hours (≈360 km) via highway through Yaan and Kangding to Xinduqiao (~3400–3500m). Check into hotel, walk 2–3 hours around town for acclimatization, and complete final food preparations.
Distance / Elevation: Drive 360 km; acclimatization walk at ~3500m.
Overnight: Hotel at ~3400m.
Day 2 – Xinduqiao → Lenggacuo (Langgatso Lake) → Yulongshi
Summary
Enter the Minya Konka west range and hike to a high alpine lake.
Drive 4 hours deeper into the mountains to the hiking start. Trek 8 km from ~4000m to ~4500m to reach Lenggacuo (Langgatso Lake), with panoramic views of Minya Konka, Langemain, Daddomain, and Roddmain Peaks. Return to the trailhead and lodge in Yulongshi (~4000m).
Distance / Elevation: 8 km on foot; ascent from 4000m to 4500m.
Overnight: Lodge at ~4000m.
Day 3 – Yulongshi to Yulongshi Pass then Moxi Camp
Summary
A steep, demanding ascent to a high pass, followed by a long descent into Moxi Valley.
A short 10-minute transfer leads to the trailhead. Hike 16 km from ~4000m up to Yulongshi Pass (~4500m) with sustained steep climbing. After the pass, descend gradually into Moxi Valley and set up camp at ~4000m.
Distance / Elevation: 16 km between 4000m and 4500m, descending back to ~4000m.
Overnight: Camping at ~4000m.
Day 4 – Moxi Camp to Reddomain Camp
Summary
A steadier day following the Moxi Valley with continuous glacier and mountain views.
Walk 10 km along the river valley toward Reddomain Camp, gaining elevation gradually from ~4000m to ~4400m. Views throughout include glaciers and the Minya Konka peaks to the east.
Distance / Elevation: 10 km between 4000m and 4400m.
Overnight: Camping at ~4400m.
Day 5 – Reddomain Camp to Riuqi Pass and then Upper Riuqi Camp
Summary
The biggest climb of the trek over the high point at Riuqi Pass.
Ascend steeply toward Riuqi Pass (≈4950m), the highest point of the route, with views of Jiazi, Grosvenor, Little Konka, Reddomain, and Daddomain. Descend to the glacier-fed Reddomain Lake (~4400m) and continue to Upper Riuqi Camp (~4500m).
Distance / Elevation: 12 km between ~4400m and 4950m, descending to ~4500m.
Overnight: Camping at ~4500m.
Day 6 – Upper Riuqi → Kangding
Summary
A long descent through the Riuqi Valley before returning to town.
Hike 18 km from ~4500m down to ~3600m through the north side of the Minya Konka Range, with views of Little Konka, Jiazi Feng, Reddomain, and Grosvenor. Continue by vehicle to Kangding (~2700m) for the night.
Distance / Elevation: 18 km between ~4500m and 3600m.
Overnight: Hotel at ~2700m.
Day 7 – Kangding to Chengdu
Summary
Return to Chengdu and conclude the trek.
Spend the morning exploring Kangding, then take a public bus back to Chengdu (4–5 hours). Arrive mid-afternoon; trek concludes.
Distance / Elevation: Drive 4–5 hours.
Overnight: Not included.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can join this trek?
- This trek is suitable for participants in good physical condition who are comfortable hiking multiple days in a row at altitude. No technical climbing experience is required, but the route includes steep terrain, sustained elevation, and high-altitude environments up to ~4,800 meters.
2. What is the deposit and payment process?
- A $250 deposit indicates interest and places you on the priority list for 2027 departures. It is fully refundable and does not confirm a spot. Finalized trek details, pricing, and logistics will be shared in summer 2026, at which time an additional deposit will be required to secure your place.
3. What kind of training should I do?
- We recommend a consistent training routine that includes hiking with a loaded pack, stair climbing, strength work, and cardio. Aim to comfortably complete 6–8 hour hikes with elevation gain prior to departure.
4. What weather should I expect?
- Weather in the Mt. Gongga region can change quickly. Expect cool mornings, mild afternoons, and temperatures ranging from 0°C to 12°C, depending on season. Higher elevations can bring wind, rain, or light snow at any time of year.
5. Are meals provided?
- Yes. All backcountry meals and snacks during the trek will be included. We provide hot, hearty, and energizing meals prepared by our team. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.
6. What wildlife might I see?
- The region is home to blue sheep, marmots, pika, yaks, birds of prey, and occasionally red pandas or takin in surrounding forests. Sightings vary depending on weather and season.
8. How do I get to the start of the trek?
- Our experience begins in Chengdu, where we meet for orientation and a group dinner. From Chengdu, we handle all transportation to and from the Mt. Gongga region. An optional 2-day pre-trek exploration in Shanghai will also be available.
9. What safety measures are in place?
- TSX guides and our licensed local partners carry first-aid kits, satellite communication, and high-altitude safety equipment. We follow established altitude protocols and have evacuation plans in place, though participants should understand this is a remote mountain environment.
10. Is there a weight limit for gear?
- Yes. Personal gear should be kept to approximately 20-30 pounds. Participants may carry a portion of group gear, usually adding 10–15 pounds depending on group size and final route.
11. What happens if there are travel delays?
- We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect against unexpected delays, cancellations, or itinerary changes. Any added expenses for extra lodging or meals due to travel disruptions are the responsibility of the participant.
12. Are there layover days during the trek?
- Yes. We plan to build an itinerary that includes acclimatization time at higher elevations to support safe travel and adjustment, generally at or near Base Camp. Daily mileage and elevation gain are structured to help the group adapt gradually.
13. What kind of gear will I need?
- A complete checklist will be provided upon finalization of trek dates, route and itinerary.
About this route
The Mt. Gongga region sits on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau and has been traveled for centuries by Khampa herders and traders moving between valleys and monasteries. Our route follows a classic approach from Xiazimei Village to the glacier-fed basin beneath Mt. Gongga, the 7,556-meter peak known as the “King of Sichuan Mountains.” This corridor offers access to traditional Tibetan settlements, high alpine meadows, and one of the most impressive mountain faces in China. Today it’s a sought-after trek for those interested in the culture and geography of western Sichuan, without requiring technical mountaineering experience.
Contact Us
Have a question about joining our Mt. Gongga experience? Get in touch.
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