9-Day Southern Shaluli Lakes and Mountain Trek
Overview
Quick Answer
9 days from Chengdu back to Chengdu. Jindiru pasture and Houlacuo lake camp.
Explore the southern Shaluli mountains through a sequence of high pastures, unusual rock formations and lake basins. The route reaches Jindiru, Houlacuo and Juenong before crossing toward Yalongtu and making an excursion to Yamocuogen. Five mountain nights create a sustained remote journey between Litang hotel stays. verotrip confirms local transport, camp support and the exit plan before departure, with extra acclimatization days added when the party needs them.
Why Choose This Journey
- Jindiru pasture and Houlacuo lake camp
- Chongbenhaluo mountain terrain
- Yamocuogen lake excursion from Yalongtu
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 | Litang to Naduo and Jindiru Pasture | Jindiru camp or basic shared shelter |
| 4 | Jindiru to Houlacuo | Houlacuo camp |
| 5 | Houla Pass, Gemu and Juenong | Juenong camp |
| 6 | Chongbenhaluo North Pass to Yalongtu | Yalongtu camp |
| 7 | Yamocuogen Lake Excursion | Yalongtu camp |
| 8 | Mountain Exit and Return to Litang | Litang hotel |
| 9 | Litang to Chengdu | Not included; Chengdu night recommended |
Good to Know Before You Go
Activity level: Expedition-style; very challenging
Several camps are high and the route has repeated passes. This is an expedition-style trek for experienced participants. The nine-day Chengdu version is the main programme; a seven-day Litang start-and-finish version follows the same mountain stages.
Choose Your Version
Seven-day Litang version: Day 1 meet and stay in Litang; Days 2–7 follow the Naduo–Jindiru–Houlacuo–Juenong–Yalongtu–Yamocuogen–Litang mountain sequence. The Chengdu assembly and return-road days are omitted; acclimatization must be arranged before joining.
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
Drive through the Haizishan and Bogexi approach toward Naduo, changing to the locally confirmed vehicle where required. Begin the walk through forest and stream country toward Jindiru pasture. The open grazing land gives a broad view of the surrounding mountains, but the sleeping altitude is high. Settle into the agreed camp or simple shared shelter and keep the evening quiet.
Overnight: Jindiru camp or basic shared shelter
Today’s pace: Approximate walk around 14.75 km plus road transfer
Climb from the pasture toward Houlacuo, with the eastern side of the Yangmolong mountain group becoming visible in clear conditions. Although the distance is relatively short, the high altitude makes a measured pace important. Set up camp near the agreed lake area and keep any afternoon exploration gentle and guide-led. The evening is for rest before the longer crossing ahead.
Overnight: Houlacuo camp
Today’s pace: Approximately 4 km; around 4 hours; high camp
Cross Houla Pass and descend through pasture toward the Gemu road corridor. Use the confirmed short transfer between walking sectors, then continue toward Juenong beneath the distinctive Chongbenhaluo rock formations. This combination of crossing, descent and renewed walking makes a full day. The guide adjusts timing to reach camp with sufficient daylight and energy for the following stage.
Overnight: Juenong camp
Today’s pace: Approximately 14 km; around 7–8 hours plus local transfer
Leave Juenong for the northern pass of Chongbenhaluo, then descend along the pastoral paths toward the Yalongtu area. The route crosses varied mountain ground with repeated changes in gradient. Clear conditions may reveal Yangmolong and neighbouring peaks, while cloud can close the views quickly. Stay with the guide and preserve a steady rhythm through this long stage.
Overnight: Yalongtu camp
Today’s pace: Approximately 20 km; around 8 hours
Walk from camp toward the high lake basin of Yamocuogen, crossing the guide’s selected line through stony terrain. Spend time at the lake when conditions allow, then return to Yalongtu by the same approach. Using the same camp for two nights allows a lighter walking pack, but the altitude and uneven ground still make this a substantial mountain outing.
Overnight: Yalongtu camp
Today’s pace: Approximately 12 km; around 6 hours
Pack camp and descend toward the agreed road access in the Bogexi area. A hot-spring stop is only included when available and specified in the final plan. Meet the vehicle and return to Litang for a hotel night, a proper rest and time to organize equipment. The day’s timing depends on both the walking exit and local road conditions.
Overnight: Litang hotel
Today’s pace: Approximately 8 km walking plus around 4 hours by road
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
