6-Day Mosika Alpine Lakes Traverse
Overview
Quick Answer
6 days from Chengdu back to Chengdu. Qingren Lake and the Maori approach.
Walk through the lake country between Maori and Mosika, linking open basins, high passes and two mountain camps before descending to Danba. The journey begins with a road approach through Barkam and the Sun River valley, with an early stop at Qingren Lake. The route is known locally as the Mosika Twelve Lakes traverse; verotrip focuses on the named walking stages rather than guaranteeing a fixed lake count in all conditions.
Why Choose This Journey
- Qingren Lake and the Maori approach
- Two camp nights in the alpine lake country
- Mosika village exit and a Danba hotel night
Your Route at a Glance
Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Route | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Chengdu | Chengdu hotel |
| 2 | Chengdu to Qingren Lake and Maori | Maori guesthouse |
| 3 | Twin-Eye Lakes to Niugan Mafei Lake Camp | Niugan Mafei Lake camp |
| 4 | Lake Pass to Huahaizi Camp | Huahaizi camp |
| 5 | High Lakes to Mosika and Danba | Danba hotel |
| 6 | Danba to Chengdu | Not included; Chengdu night recommended |
Good to Know Before You Go
Activity level: Very challenging
The trek includes high camps and passes, with the walking stages around 10, 12 and 17 km. Wildlife sightings are incidental; keep a respectful distance and do not feed or handle marmots around Mosika.
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 through Barkam and the Sun River valley toward Qingren Lake. The road winds through a landscape of mountain valleys and scattered Tibetan settlements. Stop at the permitted lake area when timing and access allow, then continue to Maori for simple local accommodation. Meet the mountain support team and organize the bags for the next morning’s walk-in.
Overnight: Maori guesthouse
Today’s pace: Approximately 6–7 hours by road
Walk from the valley through forest and higher pasture toward the Twin-Eye Lakes. Cross the guide’s selected pass line before descending into the Niugan Mafei lake basin. The varied shapes and colours of the lakes are best appreciated at a patient walking pace. Settle into the agreed camp and keep the evening close to camp rather than adding an unplanned exploration.
Overnight: Niugan Mafei Lake camp
Today’s pace: Approximately 10 km; around 5–6 hours
Leave the lake basin and climb to the next pass, looking back over the water when visibility allows. Descend into the broader Cuolang valley, then follow the valley toward the Huahaizi camp area. The landscape alternates between open grassland and more enclosed mountain ground. Camp placement and any additional lakeside walk depend on conditions and the day’s progress.
Overnight: Huahaizi camp
Today’s pace: Approximately 12 km; around 6 hours
Continue toward the paired-lake pass and descend through the lake country toward Mosika. The route includes the Gucencuo area before reaching the village and road access. Respect local sacred places and observe wildlife from a distance. After regrouping, transfer to Danba for a hotel night and a chance to rest after the camping stages.
Overnight: Danba hotel
Today’s pace: Approximately 17 km walking plus road transfer
Leave Danba after breakfast for the return road journey through the confirmed mountain corridor to Chengdu. Rest stops and lunch follow the road conditions. Keep onward plans flexible and, if possible, stay in Chengdu that night. The final drive gives the trip a gradual return from the high lake country to the bustle of the basin.
Overnight: Not included; Chengdu night recommended
Today’s pace: Approximately 5–6 hours by road
