The closet we come of a kora of Mt. Zhakra. Choose between riding and hiking. Packhorses carry your stuff either way. Day 2 is very difficult, long, high altitude, with rock scrambling to remote areas. Semi-technical hikes require English and Chinese-speaking guide and instructor.
Day 1: Meet at Zhonggu Village, the hot springs near Kangding City (we recommend you stay the night at the trailhead hotel here.) Then ride or hike up a steep forested trail to an campsite in an open meadow. 3500 meters.
Day 2: Leave the horses and hike into a side valley just at the back base of Zhakra. This valley is known as Yeti Valley and is very little visited. It is mainly on talus fields, and we will help you learn the ropes of scrambling on these rocks! Many high lakes in this area, and lots of animals. 4100 meters.
Day 3: Hike or ride to Yimsto, the sacred turquoise lake. Do a traditional kora of the lake, visiting meditation huts. You’ll hear many local stories and legends, and vist the meditation retreat area above the lake, often running into monks on retreat here. (This lake has become part of a new park, with a paved road part of the way. It requires entry ticket of Y100, and is subject to park opening and rules). Camp in the forest below.
Day 4: Ride or hike to the Zhakra hot springs, an undeveloped spring at the base of the peak, completing your 3/4 kora. Enjoy bathing in the springs as your reward.
Day 5: Ride or hike over high Griffon Pass, pass to Gyergo Nunnery. Ride or hike up over Griffon Pass (4700 meters) to Gyergo Nunnery. This is a big day! If you still have energy, do an afternoon visit to the nunnery sky burial, meditation cave, and temples.
Best in Summer. Horse riding 6-7 hours per day, hiking 8-9 hours per day. As a hike, this is very strenuous, for the very fit. Horse riding is medium difficulty with hiking required, particularly in Yeti valley on day 2.
Includes food, food preparation, guide, horse or packhorse, and car one-way to the Ecolodge or Tagong. Tents are also provided. Sleeping bags and mats can be rented. Trekkers can book Ecolodge Rooms for a 15% discount. First book the trek and receive a discount code, then book your room.
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*All pricing include all trek meals, tents, and guides and horses/yaks as listed. Groups of 6 or more get an automatic 10% discount. Sleeping bags can be rented.
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