5-Day Zilong Valley and Changhai Wilderness Trek
Overview
Quick Answer
5 days from Chengdu back to Chengdu. Zilong Valley waterfall approach.
Cross from Zilong Valley into the high Changhai basin, then follow the forested Yeniu Valley toward the road exit. Three camp nights link waterfalls, alpine water and the varied slopes of the Qionglai Mountains. The route is remote and the main pass is weather-sensitive, making the guide’s local assessment central to the journey. verotrip prepares both the primary traverse and a clearly agreed alternative before departure.
Why Choose This Journey
- Zilong Valley waterfall approach
- High Changhai basin and mountain camp
- Yeniu Valley forest exit
Your Route at a Glance
Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Route | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Chengdu | Chengdu hotel |
| 2 | Chengdu to Pengta and Zilong Camp | Zilong Valley camp |
| 3 | Changhai Pass and the High Lake Camp | Changhai camp |
| 4 | Changhai to Yeniu Valley Camp | Yeniu Valley camp |
| 5 | Yinchangping, Heika Ridge and Chengdu | Not included; Chengdu night recommended |
Good to Know Before You Go
Activity level: Very challenging
The Changhai crossing is weather-dependent and may be closed by snow. Confirm the altitude profile with the mountain team before departure. If a lower-valley alternative is needed, verotrip will explain the revised route and overnight stops.
Choose Your Version
If the main pass is closed, an alternative can explore the Qiceng lake area from Zilong camp, continue toward Baoxing Changhai and Guzan, and return via the Jiamifeng area. verotrip will confirm the revised day-by-day route and accommodation before treating it as a replacement.
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 the Luding and Dadu River corridor toward Pengta, then use the locally confirmed vehicle for the rougher approach into Zilong Valley. Begin walking near the waterfall area and follow the forest path to camp. The combination of road travel and walking makes a full day, so keep photography stops within the guide’s schedule.
Overnight: Zilong Valley camp
Today’s pace: Around 5–6 hours driving plus 8 km walking
Climb steadily from camp toward the pass above the Changhai basin. The ground becomes more open and stony as the route gains height. Cross only when snow, weather and the party’s progress allow, then descend toward the lake camp. The high overnight setting is a major part of the day’s difficulty, so the decision to continue is made before committing to the crossing.
Overnight: Changhai camp
Today’s pace: Approximately 6 km; around 6–7 hours; sustained ascent
Leave the lake basin and descend through the waterfall and forest corridor into Yeniu Valley. Follow the guide’s path through pasture, woodland and streamside sections rather than treating the valley as an open off-trail exploration. The descent changes the scenery substantially, with the high rocky basin giving way to more enclosed forest. Settle into the confirmed lower camp.
Overnight: Yeniu Valley camp
Today’s pace: Approximately 10 km; around 6–7 hours
Continue through the valley toward Yinchangping, then cross the Heika ridge approach and descend to the road near Jiefang Village. This is a long walking exit before the return drive, so the party leaves camp early and keeps to the agreed pace. Meet the vehicle and return to Chengdu, where a late arrival is possible.
Overnight: Not included; Chengdu night recommended
Today’s pace: Approximately 22 km walking plus a long road transfer
