Mount Xuebaoding

Mount Xuebaoding, literally "Snowy Treasure Peak", is situated in Songpan County, Aba (Ngawa) Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of central Sichuan Province. With an elevation of 5,588 meters, it is the highest peak of the Min Mountain Range, known to the local Tibetans as Shar Dung Ri.

Mount Xuebaoding is covered by snow all the year round, with 108 alpine lakes in craggy rocks and crisscross valleys. Virgin forests, lush shrubs and towering pines are where rare herb medicines grow, such as Frillitaria thunbergli, Rheum officinale, and Saussurea involucrate, and where wildlife lives, like goats, deer, and roes. On the west, north and south faces of the Xuebaoding Summit are precipitous cliffs. The east side, though a little more gentle in gradient, can terrify any attempt of mountaineers. Yet in 1986, the Sino-Japan Mountaineering Team successfully reached the top of the Summit.

The Tibetans form the majority of the population in the area, are pious practitioners of Buddhism, and in this region Bonism. Bon was the dominant religion in the area before the arrival of Buddhism - and today the region continues to be a Bon stronghold. Also living here are Muslim, Chinese, Qiang, and Yi peoples. The walk into the mountains presents visitors lush valleys dotted with farms, evergreen forests, and small monasteries representing the Buddhist, Bon, and Daoist religions. While walking, Mt. Xuebaoding continually looms higher in front of us. Visiting (in fact trekking) there will take about 3 days on the Bon religion's pilgrimage route. The route takes three days and crosses several high, non - technical passes before dropping us into the World Heritage site of Huanglong.

The other option is to trek through the upper valleys which lead to the glaciers of the peaks, and several exquisite lakes. This trek is perfect for those wishing to experience the indigenous peoples of Aba (Ngawa) as well as a mountain landscape of great beauty in an area totally unspoiled by tourism. The low angle of Mt. Xuebaoding makes it an attractive goal for climbers interested in one day semi - technical ascents. Depending on group interest, this climbing option can be included with little extra cost. 

Although it looks easier for mountaineers on its appearance, but in fact the loose snow on the mountain slope will cause a lot troubles to mountaineers, in 1985, several members of Sino - Japan mountaineering team stayed there forever. Because the climate here is relatively warm and the rainfall is more than other places for its geographical location in a valley on the southern side of huge Min Mountain Ranges.


Ask Question


Recommended China Tour Packages

Share to