7-Day Genyen Pastures and Southern Lakes Trek
Overview
Quick Answer
7 days from Chengdu back to Chengdu. Genyen pasture approach and a mountain-facing camp.
Walk from Genyen’s eastern pasture country into the southern lake basins on a seven-day journey via Litang. The route includes Rizhao Jinshan camp, Lenggu, Hangda, Black Lake Pass and Niangka Lake before returning through Reti. Four linked mountain stages and three camping nights let the landscape unfold from open grazing country to high lakes and glacial peaks. verotrip plans the camp support and daily pace around the sustained demands of this route.
Why Choose This Journey
- Genyen pasture approach and a mountain-facing camp
- Lenggu Monastery and Hangda
- Black Lake Pass, Luolongba and Niangka Lake
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 Return to Litang | Litang hotel |
| 7 | Litang to Chengdu | Not included; Chengdu night recommended |
Good to Know Before You Go
Activity level: Very challenging
This journey links the southern pastures with high lake basins. The highest camp and pass stages require prior acclimatization. Snow, water levels and access can affect which lake viewpoints are reachable.
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 8 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
Leave Luolongba for the ascent toward Niangka Lake, allowing time for the guide’s chosen viewpoint when visibility is good. Descend through the Reti valley to the agreed road access point. Meet the vehicle and continue to Litang for the night. The return to a hotel is a welcome opportunity to rest after several days of simple camp living.
Overnight: Litang hotel
Today’s pace: Approximately 13 km walking plus transfer
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
