9-Day Genyen Extended Lakes and High Pass Trek
Overview
Quick Answer
9 days from Chengdu back to Chengdu. Five mountain-camp nights across distinct valleys.
Link Genyen’s pasture approach, southern lake basins and Gemu crossing on an extended nine-day trekking journey. Five camp nights connect Rizhao Jinshan, Hangda, Luolongba, Reti and Gemu before the exit toward Anjiu and Litang. The route rewards experienced hikers with a broader sequence of landscapes, from forest edge to high lakes and open passes. verotrip prepares the support plan around the remoteness and sustained effort of the journey.
Why Choose This Journey
- Five mountain-camp nights across distinct valleys
- Black Lake Pass and Niangka Lake
- A second high crossing to Gemu before the Anjiu exit
Your Route at a Glance
Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Route | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Chengdu | Chengdu hotel |
| 2 | Chengdu to Litang via Kangding | Litang hotel |
| 3 | Genyen Heart and Rizhao Jinshan Camp | Rizhao Jinshan camp |
| 4 | Lenggu Monastery to Hangda Camp | Hangda camp |
| 5 | Hangda, Black Lake Pass and Luolongba | Luolongba camp |
| 6 | Niangka Lake and the Reti Valley | Reti camp |
| 7 | Reti over the High Pass to Gemu | Gemu village-area camp |
| 8 | Gemu to Anjiu and Litang | Litang hotel |
| 9 | Litang to Chengdu | Not included; Chengdu night recommended |
Good to Know Before You Go
Activity level: Very challenging
This is an extended trekking route, not a summit climb of Genyen. It contains several long days and high overnight camps. A road alternative to the Gemu crossing may be possible, but availability and cost must be confirmed rather than assumed.
Dates and Mountain Conditions
Choose dates after checking current trail access, snow, rainfall and the availability of the required mountain support. Clear views and summit or pass access cannot be promised. verotrip will confirm the operating plan before booking.
Plan Your Journey
Share your dates, group size, previous mountain experience and accommodation preference through Plan My Trip. verotrip will return with a route-specific plan and quotation, including any extra acclimatization nights.
Daily Itinerary
Arrive in Chengdu and check into the hotel named in your final confirmation. The day is free for a gentle city walk, a teahouse visit or simply rest after travelling. Meet the team at the agreed time to go over the mountain programme, equipment and luggage arrangements. Guided city sightseeing and airport transfers are included only when shown in your quotation.
Overnight: Chengdu hotel
Today’s pace: Arrival and preparation
Travel west through Ya’an and Kangding, then continue across the plateau through the Xinduqiao and Yajiang corridor. This is a long road day with changing valley and grassland scenery. Keep stops gentle and allow for traffic or weather delays. On arrival in Litang, eat, rest and go over the next stage with the team rather than adding strenuous sightseeing.
Overnight: Litang hotel
Today’s pace: Around 9–10 hours by road; variable with conditions
Transfer to the trailhead near Ranrika and walk toward the small lake known as Genyen Heart. Continue across Yingge pasture and the open slopes toward the Xiaoza valley. The camp offers a mountain-facing setting, although sunset colour depends on the weather. Arrive with time to organize equipment and settle in; this is a high camp with simple facilities rather than a resort stay.
Overnight: Rizhao Jinshan camp
Today’s pace: Approximately 10 km; sustained high-altitude walking
Visit the accessible part of Lenggu Monastery in accordance with local practice, then begin the walk through forest and open pasture toward Hangda. The southern face of the Genyen massif comes into view when the weather clears. Follow established paths through grazing land and leave space for local herders and livestock. Settle into camp with time for a quiet evening beneath the mountains.
Overnight: Hangda camp
Today’s pace: Approximately 11–15 km; starting point dependent
Leave Hangda for the high lake country above the southern slopes. Pass through the Black Lake area and cross the pass before continuing via Luoren Lake toward Luolongba. The mix of altitude, uneven ground and a high overnight camp makes this a demanding stage. Keep the party together and allow enough daylight for the descent and camp setup.
Overnight: Luolongba camp
Today’s pace: Approximately 18 km; around 8 hours; pass around 4,850 m
Climb from Luolongba toward Niangka Lake, where still conditions may reveal a reflection of the Genyen mountains. Spend time at the agreed viewpoint without extending the day beyond the guide’s schedule. Descend through the valley toward Reti, passing from the higher lake basin to lower grazing country. Settle into camp for the next crossing.
Overnight: Reti camp
Today’s pace: Approximately 13 km; around 6 hours; lake around 4,750 m
Begin early for the sustained climb from Reti through Yelegou to the pass, at approximately 4,980 metres. The climb is followed by a long descent through the Lapu valley and a final approach toward Gemu. This is one of the most demanding days of the journey. The guide sets the turnaround decision before the party becomes committed to the crossing.
Overnight: Gemu village-area camp
Today’s pace: Approximately 20 km; around 9–10 hours
Use the confirmed local transfer toward the Hagala pass approach, then walk down through the Hari valley toward Anjiu. The route includes high pasture and river terrain; crossings depend on water levels and the guide’s assessment. Meet the vehicle at the road, say goodbye to the mountain support team and continue to Litang for a hotel night and a chance to reorganize luggage.
Overnight: Litang hotel
Today’s pace: Approximate walking distance around 20 km plus road transfers
Leave Litang after breakfast and retrace the plateau road through Yajiang and the Kangding corridor. The journey gradually returns from open highland country to the lower Sichuan basin. Stops and arrival time depend on traffic, roadworks and weather. Plan to spend the night in Chengdu and continue home the following day, leaving the mountain journey room for delays.
Overnight: Not included; Chengdu night recommended
Today’s pace: Around 9 hours by road; variable with conditions
