4-Day Qizanggou Changhai to Emerald Lakes Traverse
Overview
Quick Answer
4 days from Chuanzhusi back to Chuanzhusi. Changhai and Yuhai camp stages.
Follow the longer Qizanggou route from Kakagou through Changhai, Yuhai and Hongxing before crossing to the Emerald Lakes and exiting through Tazigou. Three camp nights break the journey into distinct mountain stages, each with a different lake or valley setting. This is a sustained wilderness trek with high passes and a long final day. verotrip confirms the guide, camp support and current trail access before finalizing the departure.
Why Choose This Journey
- Changhai and Yuhai camp stages
- Hongxing Lake excursion
- Emerald Lakes crossing to a different valley exit
Your Route at a Glance
Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Route | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chuanzhusi to Kakagou and Changhai Camp | Changhai camp |
| 2 | Changhai Pass to the Yuhai Valley | Yuhai camp |
| 3 | Yuhai and Hongxing Lake | Lower Hongxing camp |
| 4 | Emerald Lakes and Tazigou Exit | Not included; Chuanzhusi night recommended |
Good to Know Before You Go
Activity level: Very challenging
The longer schedule includes an additional crossing rather than simply slowing down the three-day route. The last day is around 22 km on the planned route. River levels, snow and trail restrictions can require a different exit.
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
Meet in Chuanzhusi and transfer to Kakagou, where the local mountain guide joins the party. Follow the valley upstream through pasture and forest before the terrain narrows between higher slopes. The approach is long, so keep food and rain protection accessible. Reach the Changhai camp in the afternoon and settle into tents, leaving time to organize the next day’s walking kit.
Overnight: Changhai camp
Today’s pace: Approximately 20 km; around 8 hours
Walk beside Changhai before climbing toward the pass, around 4,200 metres on the planned route. The views open over the surrounding basins, followed by a descent on uneven and sometimes loose ground into Awengou. Continue through pasture and forest toward Yuhai. Settle into the camp near Yuhai, with the afternoon pace adjusted to the crossing.
Overnight: Yuhai camp
Today’s pace: Approximately 14 km; around 7 hours
Walk through the Caohai grass basin toward the lower Hongxing camp, then tackle the steeper approach to Hongxing Lake only if conditions allow. The lake lies below the rocky Hongxing skyline, with a more enclosed mountain setting than the earlier valley. Return to the lower camp after the visit. The guide may shorten the lake excursion if the ground is wet, snowy or unstable.
Overnight: Lower Hongxing camp
Today’s pace: Approximately 10 km; around 5 hours
Leave the lower Hongxing camp and climb toward the Emerald Lake pass. Descend through the basin of the paired lakes, then follow the valley toward Tazigou and the agreed exit near Changgou Village. This final stage is long and includes river terrain, so the guide’s choice of crossing and turnaround points matters. Transfer back to Chuanzhusi after the party has safely reached the road.
Overnight: Not included; Chuanzhusi night recommended
Today’s pace: Approximately 22 km; potentially 10 hours
