Mt. Gonggar Trek
Overview
Mt. Gonggar is also called Mt. Miya Gonggar. The word ‘Gong’ means accumulated and never melted snow in Tibetan language, and ‘gar’ means the colour white, so ‘Gonggar’ meaning white accumulated snow. It got the name ‘Miya Gonggar’ as it is located in the Region of Miyaraogang divided according to the rule of traditional Tibetan Buddhism. Mt. Gonggar is the main summit of Snow Mountain Branch of Hengduan Mountain Range, lying between the east of Tibet and the west of Sichuan Province. The main summit of Mt. Gonggar is 7556 metres above sea level, the highest peak in Eastern Tibet, with 45 adjacent summits over 6000 meters. As with a relative height of over 5500 metres, Mt. Gonggar is covered by shining snow all year, and its body piercing into the cloud can be seen from several hundred kilometers away. No matter standing under the blue sky, or hiding in the thin mist, the mountain always shows its varieties of faces under cover of mysterious veil. It is warm at the foot of the mountain where vegetation is exuberant and flowers are blooming. It is a famous holy mountain in the legend of Tibetan Buddhism, and is the embodiment of a goddess, the sister mountain of Qomolangma.
Half way up the mountain, there is a Gonggar Monastery, which is well-known in Eastern Tibet
Retrace the route of pilgrimage through history; and trek into Gonggar for pilgrimage and expedition.
Duration: 11 Days
Grade: 3
When to Visit: May to June and September to October.
Start: Chengdu
Finish: Chengdu
Itinerary
Day 1.
Arrive in Chengdu Sheraton Hotel*****
Check in at the Hotel, attend an instruction meeting, and prepare for the expedition.
Day 2.
Chengdu / Shimian (by bus) Shimian Hotel**
We can admire the beautiful scenery of western Sichuan Province, Mt. Niba, and Daduhe River.
Day 3.
Shimian / Caoke / Lisaipu (by bus and trekking) Camping
We can admire the great canyons of the Dadu Tianwan Rivers. We prepare for trekking in Caoke, picking up our porters and packhorses. Trek up the Tianwan River, via the hot springs, stone gate, Dayankuang and many Tibetan villages. Journeying through broad leaved forests, valleys and seeing many wild animals along the way.
Day 4 & 5.
Lisaipu / Shiduiwo (trekking) Camping
Walking north alongside the Tianwan River, crossing to Shitizi, Simatang, then thick ancient forests and the opportunity to see many wild animals.
Day 6.
Bawanghai / Gonggar Monastery (trekking) Stay in Gonggar Monastery
Start from Bawanghai, and then trek over Mt. Mogangling and Guogailiangzi to Gonggar Monastery where we will stay the night. From here we can view Mt. Gonggar
Day 7.
Gonggar Monastery (trekking) Stay in Gonggar Monastery
Tour Gonggar Monastery, and then we can take the challenging trek to climb Gonggar Mountain. It is not important to reach the summit, just to try, and to appreciate the magnificence of the mountain.
Day 8.
Gonggar Monastery / Zimei Village (trekking) Stay in Tibetan village
Trekking over the mountain, descend following the ever increasing brook to the Zimei Village. Enjoy the unique scenery of this plateau, with its strong Tibetan customs.
Day 9.
Zimei Village / Liuba / Kangding (by bus) Kangding Hotel****
Take a specially adapted bus, to drive over Zheduo Mountain to Kangding. We can admire the Snow-mountains and grassland; enjoy Tibetan customs, and the famous Kangding City, Mt. Paoma.
Day 10.
Kangding / Chengdu (by bus) Sheraton Hotel*****
Driving over Erlang Mountain, along the Qingyi River, Via the Rain City—Ya’an, to Chengdu. At night, we can taste the world renowned flavours of Sichuan food,
Day 11.
Leave Chengdu
Leaving Chengdu in the morning or in the afternoon, we take you to the airport by air-conditioned bus for your onward journey.
Included:
The services provided by Samsara Expeditions:
- Provide air-conditioned buses;
- Provide camping equipment, including tent, sleeping bag, anti-damp mattress;
- Hire porters for the group, three porters for every two group members;
- Provide food, including the camping food during trekking;
- Arrange experienced English speaking guide
- Supply cook and logistic staff;
- Responsible for all the accommodations and tour programs during the journey;
- Buy the Special Tour Personal Injure Insurance for all the participants;
- Other services according to the contract.
- The best time for this tour is from May to June and September to October.