How to Visit Mount Gongga in 2025 and What's Its Elevation?

Mount Gongga, also known as Minya Konka, is a renowned mountain in Kangding, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. As the main peak of the Daxue Mountains in the Hengduan Mountains, its summit reaches an elevation of 7,508.9 meters (24,636 feet), making it the highest peak in Sichuan and earning it the title "King of Sichuan Mountains." It's also one of the mountains with the greatest elevation difference in the world, surrounded by 45 peaks over 6,000 meters high. In Tibetan, "Gong" means ice and snow, and "Ga" means white. Therefore, Gongga Shan translates to "white ice mountain," making it a perfect destination for a visit! So, how should you plan your trip to Mount Gongga in 2025? What precautions should you take? Let's find out! First, How to Visit Mount Gongga in 2025 Many people are drawn to the majestic snow-capped mountains, and Mount Gongga, one of the most beautiful in China, is no exception! With glacier hiking, snow mountain camping, and pristine lakes, every photo you take here could be a National Geographic cover! What's even more incredible is the chance to encounter wild blue sheep and experience the "cloud-end highway" that's been trending on social media! Here's a suggested five-day itinerary: Day 1: Chengdu → Kangding → Xinduqiao (for acclimatization) Day 2: Xinduqiao → Jiagenba → Zimei Pass (sunset views of the golden mountain + stargazing) Day 3: Zimei Pass → Lengga Tso → Yulongxi Village (camping or staying with a Tibetan family) Day 4: Quanhuatan → Guandejie Lake → Xinduqiao Day 5: Xinduqiao → Tagong Grassland → Chengdu During these five days, you can capture stunning photos of Mount Gongga's main peak from Zimei Pass, just 5 kilometers away. At Lengga Tso, a high-altitude lake at 4,500 meters, you can admire the "mirror of the sky" with breathtaking reflections of the snow-capped mountains. When the lake freezes, you can capture amazing "blue ice" shots, while in summer, it transforms into a "starry lake" reflecting the Milky Way. At Quanhuatan, you'll encounter a Sichuan version of Huanglong, with terraced calcium pools filled with emerald-blue water and panoramic views of the Gongga mountain range from the summit. If you have more time, visit Guandejie Lake, a sapphire-like gem nestled at the foot of the snow mountains, accessible by a one-hour horseback ride across the meadows, perfect for capturing "wilderness" photos! Second, Precautions for Visiting Mount Gongga 1. Transportation: Self-driving, carpooling, or chartering a car (RMB 1,500-2,000 per person) is recommended, as local drivers are familiar with the road conditions. 2. Expenses: Zimei Pass is free (villagers may charge a RMB 20 sanitation fee), motorcycle to Lengga Tso (RMB 200/person + RMB 20 cleaning fee), Quanhuatan (RMB 20/person), Guandejie Lake (horseback riding round trip RMB 200/person), Hailuogou Glacier Park (entrance ticket RMB 160/person, sightseeing bus RMB 70/person, cable car RMB 135/person), Yanzigou Scenic Area (entrance ticket RMB 100/person, sightseeing bus RMB 80/person), Mugecu Scenic Area (entrance ticket RMB 105/person, sightseeing bus RMB 90/person). 3. Safety: Take Rhodiola in advance, carry glucose and oxygen tanks, and avoid washing your hair for the first two days. This is crucial! 4. Weather: The plateau weather is unpredictable. Pack a raincoat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. 5. Mobile Signal: There's no signal at Zimei Pass and Lengga Tso. Download offline maps beforehand! 6. Environment: Take your trash with you. Don't let these "internet-famous spots" become "garbage dumps"! 7. Photography: Recommended spots include Zimei Pass, Lengga Tso, Yuzixi, Gedilamu, Aerial Garden, Black Stone City, Chongcao Pass, Juli Temple Pass, Mount Na Ma, Lisohai, and Zerenbengzeng Scenic Area. These locations offer stunning scenery and great photo opportunities! So, does this give you a better idea of how to explore Mount Gongga? Mount Gongga Practical Information: Tickets can be purchased as needed. Located in Kangding, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, Mount Gongga is surrounded by other snow-capped mountains like Little Gongga, Jiazi Peak, Riwuqie Peak, and Ledomanyi Peak, which are also worth exploring. Are you interested in visiting Mount Gongga? Share your thoughts in the comments below!