This short easy trekking trip is good for those based in Chengdu who want to get out of the city and into clean air and good weather on a long weekend. It's also suitable for those from further afield who can't quite spare a whole week. Although in a Tibetan area, this region is still open for foreign groups.

Itinerary

Day 1

We'll leave early from Chadianzi bus station in the North of Chengdu and our route will take us through Dujiangyan, past the Panada reserve at Wolong and over the impressive 3700m high Balang Shan road pass before arriving in the Tibetan town and climbers base of Rilong (~3000m) where we will stay in a locally owned hostel.

Day 2

In Rilong we will load our horses and set off up Haizigou. We will walk for around six hours, via Caoshan Ping and climbing steadilly up hill to the Yingwu Zui camp. This site beside a lake serves as the base camp for climbs on Mt Yingwu and faces Yaomei (the main peak of Siguniang Shan)

Day 3

From the base camp we will head on to Da Haizi (literally: 'big lake') for lunch and then press on to Hua Haizi ('flower lake') where we will camp for the night.

Day 4

Heading mostly downhill, one day is enough for us to return to Rilong town for the night.

Day 5

Depending on weather and road conditions our route back to Chengdu is likely to be via Dawei, Tianquan and Ya'an.

Equipment

All group equipment is provided. On your part you will need to bring warm comfortable clothing, waterproofs and suitable footwear. Sleeping bags and ground mats can be rented from Dragon Expeditions if necessary.