Located in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province in China, Mount Gongga, the so-called “The King of Sichuan Mountains”, is the highest mountain in Sichuan with an altitude of 7,556 meters. It is one of the most beautiful mountains in China, and its breathtaking views attract more and more tourists from home and abroad.
Overview of Mount Gongga
Also known as Minya Konka, Mount Gongga in China is a snow-capped mountain with a high altitude. Being the highest peak of the Daxue Shan mountain range, Mount Gongga is one of the mountains that are hard to conquer in the world, like Mount Everest. It spans over 10,000 square kilometers and encompasses 145 peaks with an altitude of over 5,000 meters and 45 peaks over 6,000 meters, showing splendid views of alpine lakes, glaciers, virgin forests, and more.
If you are interested in this tourist attraction, we can customize Sichuan tours to Mount Gongga for you, ensuring a comfortable and flexible trip.
Mount Gongga Facts
- Location: Seated in the southern part of Kangding City, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.
- Opening Time: All day
- Time Needed: About three days
- Best Time to Visit: June to September
- Suited to: Adventurers, hikers, and photographers.
- Ticket Price: CNY 90 per person for Hailuogou Glacier Park, CNY 160 per person for Mount Niubei (including a shuttle bus), and CNY 20 per person for Lenggacuo Lake.
What to See and Do in Mount Gongga
1. Hiking and Trekking
Mount Gongga, or Minya Konka, is a wonderful place for hikers and explorers. It is hard to climb Mount Gongga’s highest peak only 32 people have succeeded in reaching the summit. Hence, you can explore other peaks that are easier to access. Start hiking in Mount Gongga by venturing to the trails, and you will see different scenery as the altitude elevates. Besides, you may come across animals in Mount Gongga, such as antelopes, deer, and more.
2. Hailuogou Glacier Park
Seated at the eastern foot of Mount Gongga, Hailuogou Glacier Park is a must-see tourist resort that features magnificent glaciers, pleasant hot springs, and a luxuriant forest. A cable car is available, making it easy for everyone to overlook the splendid landscape of Mount Gongga. If you prefer glaciers, don’t miss this scenic spot on your travel to Mount Gongga in Sichuan.
3. Yanzigou Valley
Yanzigou Valley, also called Swallow Valley, is an ideal attraction for hiking and taking pictures. Climbing Mount Gongga may be tough for many people, but conquering this valley is much easier due to its lower altitude. This scenic spot attracts visitors with the red stone beach, luxurious forests, limpid streams, and alpine meadows.
4. Mount Niubei
This is a well-constructed scenic site with adequate facilities and hotels. Except for the mountains, clouds, and sunset glow, you can also experience skiing there, making your Sichuan tours to Mount Gongga more interesting.
5. Lenggacuo Lake
Regarded as “A Drop of Tear of Mount Gongga”, this scenic spot is a must-see attraction on your trip to Mount Gongga in Sichuan. Standing by the lake, you will have a better view of Mount Gongga. Additionally, it’s a wonderful place to take breathtaking pictures of the wonderful scenery, such as beautiful clouds, magnificent mountains covered in white snow, charming sunset, and the starry sky in the evening.
6. Tibetan Culture Experience
As it is located in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the dominant culture is the Tibetan culture, which is different from that of Han or any other ethnic groups. You can drop by the villages near Mount Gongga in Sichuan, talk to the local people, join their activities, and enjoy local cuisine. Then, you will have a better understanding of Tibetan culture.
Best Time to Visit Mount Gongga
As it is a glaciated mountain, the best time to visit Mount Gongga is during the summer months from June to September. During this period, the temperature is milder than in other seasons, and the climate is warmer. You can find blooming flowers dotted here and there, making it more attractive.
How to Get to Mount Gongga
By plane: The nearest airport to Mount Gongga is Kangding Airport in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. You can take a plane to Kangding Airport from Chengdu Shuangliu Airport. After deplaning, head to Xinduqiao Bus Station and take bus 6 to Mount Gongga.
By train: Taking a train is also an alternative way for you to travel from Chengdu to Mount Gongga. Make your way to Chengdu West Railway Station or Chengdu South Railway Station, and take a train to Ya’an. After you get off the train, head to the Ya’an bus station and take a bus to Luding. After arriving in Luding, you can hire a taxi to Hailuogou Glacier Park, then you are there.
By bus: There is also a direct bus service from Chengdu to Haluogou. Head to Chengdu East Bus Station or Xinnanmen Bus Station in Chengdu to take a bus to Haluogou. Then you can see Mount Gongga.
Attractions Nearby Mount Gongga
- Ziya Pass: It is one of the viewing platforms close to Mount Gongga, from which you can see a spectacular view of a golden mountain under the sunset. In addition, it is also a great place to see clouds gathered to make picturesque scenery.
- Gongga Monastery: This is an ancient Tibetan Buddhist monastery at the foot of Mount Gongga. It occupies an important position in Tibetan Buddhism as well as the Mount Gongga Scenic Area. In addition, it is home to charming landscapes and surroundings. Exploring this monastery, you can see ancient architecture, intricate murals, and precious relics.
- Lisuo Lake: This is a lake near Mount Gongga where you can see splendid scenery. To get there, you can ask the locals to give you a ride by motorcycle.
