Qizanggou Trek | Hidden Alpine Lakes & Wilderness of Northern Sichuan

Qizanggou trekking landscape with pristine valleys, forests and mountains in Sichuan China

Highlights

Highlights: Qizanggou Valley • Changhaizi Lake • Hongxing Lake • Alpine Lake Groups • Primitive Forests • High Mountain Meadows • Tibetan Plateau Wilderness

Trip Overview

Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Best Time: May–October
Altitude: 3,500–4,200 m
Fitness Level: Moderate to Challenging

Travel Information

Accommodation: Mountain camping and local accommodation options
Departure: Private departures available upon request
Ideal For: Mountain lovers • Landscape photographers • Outdoor enthusiasts • Off-the-beaten-path explorers • Travelers seeking remote alpine landscapes

Photos

Qizanggou trekking landscape with pristine valleys, forests and mountains in Sichuan China

Discover a Hidden Trekking Paradise Near Jiuzhaigou

Located in Songpan County of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Qizanggou is a remote alpine valley hidden among the mountains of northern Sichuan. Unlike the famous nearby destinations, this area remains peaceful and undeveloped, offering a true wilderness trekking experience.

Explore Crystal-clear Alpine Lakes

The route passes through a collection of spectacular high-altitude lakes including Changhaizi Lake, Yuhaizi Lake, Caohaizi Lake, and Hongxing Lake. Surrounded by snow mountains, grasslands, and forests, these lakes display unforgettable shades of emerald and deep blue.

Trek Through Primitive Forests and Mountain Meadows

Follow ancient trails through alpine forests, highland pastures, valleys, and mountain passes. The landscape changes dramatically each day, from dense forests to open plateau scenery surrounded by snow-covered peaks.

Lightweight Trekking with Local Horse Support

Thanks to local horse support for equipment transportation, travelers can enjoy this multi-day trek without carrying heavy loads. Focus on the scenery, photography, and the experience of exploring one of Sichuan’s most beautiful hidden valleys.

An Authentic Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure

With fewer visitors and untouched landscapes, Qizanggou offers a deeper connection with the Tibetan Plateau. This is an ideal route for travelers looking for remote nature, high-altitude hiking, and a genuine wilderness experience.

Day 1 — Songpan • Chuangzigou Entrance • Changhaizi Camp

Distance / Time: Approx. 17 km trekking / 6–8 hrs
Altitude: Chuangzigou Entrance 3,500 m → Changhaizi 3,750 m
Accommodation: Changhaizi Mountain Camp

Meet in Songpan County and transfer to the trekking entrance at Chuangzigou. Begin hiking into the valley, first passing through highland pastures before entering primitive mixed forests.

Continue deeper into the valley surrounded by mountain cliffs and alpine scenery. In autumn, the forests become colorful, creating some of the most beautiful landscapes in northern Sichuan. Arrive at Changhaizi Camp in the afternoon.

Highlights: Alpine Meadows · Primitive Forests · Changhaizi Camp

Day 2 — Changhaizi Lake • Changhaizi Pass • Yuhaizi Lake • Hongxing Lake Camp

Distance / Time: Approx. 15 km trekking / 6–8 hrs
Altitude: Changhaizi 3,750 m → Pass 4,200 m → Camp 3,600 m
Accommodation: Hongxing Lake Mountain Camp

After breakfast, continue toward Changhaizi Lake, a peaceful alpine lake surrounded by mountains. Cross Changhaizi Pass at approximately 4,200 meters, where you can enjoy views of surrounding peaks and valleys.

Descend through the valley and continue past Yuhaizi Lake and Caohaizi Lake before reaching the campsite below Hongxing Lake. Experience one of the most scenic sections of the entire route.

Highlights: Changhaizi Lake · High Mountain Pass · Yuhaizi Lake · Hongxing Lake Valley

Day 3 — Hongxing Lake • Yuhaizi Lake • Aweng Valley • Songpan

Distance / Time: Approx. 13 km trekking / 4–6 hrs
Altitude: Hongxing Lake approx. 3,900 m
Accommodation: Not Included

Begin the final trekking day toward Hongxing Lake, located beneath the impressive Hongxing Mountain area. The lake is surrounded by dramatic peaks and offers one of the most unforgettable views of Qizanggou.

After photography and exploration, descend through Aweng Valley and return to Songpan County. Travelers continuing to Jiuzhaigou or Huanglong can arrange onward transportation from Songpan.

Highlights: Hongxing Lake · Mountain Valleys · Return to Songpan

Booking & Cancellation Policy

  • Scheduled tours require a 30% deposit to confirm the booking.
  • Customized or private tours require a 50% deposit after itinerary confirmation.
  • The remaining balance is payable upon arrival before the tour starts.

Cancellation Policy

  • More than 30 days before departure: Full refund
  • 15–29 days before departure: 70% refund
  • 7–14 days before departure: 50% refund
  • Less than 7 days before departure: No refund

Travelers are responsible for ensuring valid passports, visas, and travel documents before departure.

Some services, including permits, transportation tickets, and hotel reservations, may be non-refundable once confirmed.

By booking with PandaRoaming, travelers agree to our full Cancellation & Refund Policy.

✓ What’s Included

✓ Chengdu round-trip transportation during the itinerary
✓ Transportation between trekking points
✓ Mountain camping accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
✓ Professional trekking leader / local mountain guide
✓ Horse support for equipment transportation
✓ Meals mentioned in the itinerary
✓ High-altitude outdoor insurance
✓ Waste cleaning fee
✓ Trekking completion medal
✓ Technical trekking equipment provided
✓ Travel Insurance

✕ What’s Not Included

✕ Transportation between your home city and Chengdu
✕ Personal trekking meals / trail lunches
✕ Horse riding expenses
✕ Personal expenses
✕ Emergency rescue costs during the trek
✕ Any expenses not mentioned as included

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