Sichuan
It is a land of abundance, its fertile plains lured many onto the journey, and dynastic upheavals over the last few thousand years have drawn continuous waves of immigrants into the province. Each wave brought along its own culinary and cultural customs.
Fiery food, sleepy pandas, a diverse set of ancient cultures and wild natural landscapes are just a handful of Sichuan's perennial attractions.
It is a land of abundance, its fertile plains lured many onto the journey, and dynastic upheavals over the last few thousand years have drawn continuous waves of immigrants into the province. Each wave brought along its own culinary and cultural customs.
Fiery food, sleepy pandas, a diverse set of ancient cultures and wild natural landscapes are just a handful of Sichuan's perennial attractions.
Lying 200 km west of Chengdu is the majestic UNESCO designated SiGuniang National Park Tibet composes of three major valley which cut into the trans Himalayan Ranges. The park boasts great natural beauty not limited to snow mountain ranges, cypress forests, waterfalls, and alpine lakes. Truly a dream destination for nature lovers.
At its centerpiece, lies the towering quadruplet mountains known as Siguniang-Shan or the Four Sisters Mountain. Local believes the peaks are embodiment of four fairies or goddess. The highest of the four peaks known as YaoFeng stands at 6250 metres followed by Sanfeng, Erfeng and Dafeng with heights of 5355m, 5276m and 5025m respectively. Out of the four, Dafeng and Erfeng are trekking peaks.
At its centerpiece, lies the towering quadruplet mountains known as Siguniang-Shan or the Four Sisters Mountain. Local believes the peaks are embodiment of four fairies or goddess. The highest of the four peaks known as YaoFeng stands at 6250 metres followed by Sanfeng, Erfeng and Dafeng with heights of 5355m, 5276m and 5025m respectively. Out of the four, Dafeng and Erfeng are trekking peaks.
The mountain area is an epiculture mishmash of Chinese/Tibetan culture housing more than a dozen of ethnic culture. One of the primary town we will be visiting is Rilong, nearest to Siguniang and most ideal base to explore the area.
THE ITINERARIES
TEAM A and B - The Journey To Siguniang National Park (Combined)
14 Sept -Departure from Singapore, Arrival at Chengdu (overnight at hotel)
There will be one arrival pick up time for the main team, rendezvous at the hotel for those who arrived early/later
15 Sept - Depart to Rilong after breakfast. Making a stop over at Wolong Panda Centre (B/D, overnight Rilong homestay)
Wolong National Nature Reserve is acclaimed as the Hometown of Giant Pandas, the National Treasure of China. More than one hundred pandas once inhabited there, accounting for over 10% of the nation's total. It is the core part of Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, one of the World Natural Heritages in China. Completed in 1963, Wolong National Natural Reserve is the earliest, largest and best-known panda reserve in China. It was placed on UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve Network in 1980. With the warm and humid climate favorable to bamboos, pandas' favorite food, it is an ideal place for the living and reproduction of giant pandas. Compared to the city panda reserver, it's quiet, so you really get time to watch the pandas..
16 Sept - Acclimatisation walk together at Shuangqiao Valley (B/D, overnight Rilong Homestay)
Shuangqiao Valley is the most beautiful valley among three valleys. With an area of 216.6 square kilometers, it possesses vistas of snowy peaks, pastures, meadows and forests, etc. In the valley, it is accessible by scenic bus which is the easiest and fastest way for natural sightseeing. With 34.8km in length, the valley can be divided into three sections. There are more than ten attractions in this valley. The buses drop you off at each attraction and you can get on the shuttle buses to go to the next attraction or walk to the next attraction. Major attractions include the Sun-Moon Mirror Mountain;the Five-coloured Mountain; the colourful Ginsenguo Flatland and the legendary JiuJia Lake.
14 Sept -Departure from Singapore, Arrival at Chengdu (overnight at hotel)
There will be one arrival pick up time for the main team, rendezvous at the hotel for those who arrived early/later
15 Sept - Depart to Rilong after breakfast. Making a stop over at Wolong Panda Centre (B/D, overnight Rilong homestay)
Wolong National Nature Reserve is acclaimed as the Hometown of Giant Pandas, the National Treasure of China. More than one hundred pandas once inhabited there, accounting for over 10% of the nation's total. It is the core part of Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, one of the World Natural Heritages in China. Completed in 1963, Wolong National Natural Reserve is the earliest, largest and best-known panda reserve in China. It was placed on UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve Network in 1980. With the warm and humid climate favorable to bamboos, pandas' favorite food, it is an ideal place for the living and reproduction of giant pandas. Compared to the city panda reserver, it's quiet, so you really get time to watch the pandas..
16 Sept - Acclimatisation walk together at Shuangqiao Valley (B/D, overnight Rilong Homestay)
Shuangqiao Valley is the most beautiful valley among three valleys. With an area of 216.6 square kilometers, it possesses vistas of snowy peaks, pastures, meadows and forests, etc. In the valley, it is accessible by scenic bus which is the easiest and fastest way for natural sightseeing. With 34.8km in length, the valley can be divided into three sections. There are more than ten attractions in this valley. The buses drop you off at each attraction and you can get on the shuttle buses to go to the next attraction or walk to the next attraction. Major attractions include the Sun-Moon Mirror Mountain;the Five-coloured Mountain; the colourful Ginsenguo Flatland and the legendary JiuJia Lake.
OUR 2018 GUIDE!!!
|
Team A- Journey to the Big Mountain (Dafeng)
17 Sept- Rilong to Mountain Hut at 3800masl (overnight mountain hut) 18 Sept- Mountain hut to Da Feng BC (overnight mountain hut) 19 Sept- Summit attempt and return to Rilong (overnight homestay) 20 Sept- Depart to Dujiangyan City, reunion with Team B (overnight hotel) 21 Sept- Return to Chengdu (overnight hotel) 22 Sept- Return to Singapore |
Team B- Chanzi Pass Trek
17 Sept- Rilong to Muluozi (overnight tent) 18 Sept- Muluozi to Chazi Camp (overnight tent) 19 Sept- Chazi to Bipeng Valley to Lixian (overnight guesthouse) 20 Sept- Depart to Dujiangyan City, reunion with Team A (overnight hotel) 21 Sept- Return to Chengdu (overnight hotel) 22 Sept- Return to Singapore |
DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE TREKS
3D2N DAFENG TREK (GRADE 3.5) - INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
Rilong – Mountain Hut at 3800 Masl
We start at the HaiziGuo entrance, passing through a beautifully paved boardwalk leading to the gate of Siguniang National park. Rolling valley and distant view of the Alps. As we progress along the route we will pass Tibetan pagoda’s (Baita) and prayer flags before entering a forest leading to our first stop for the night, a mountain hut at 3800masl. Don't sleep too early though, walk around to explore, take some pics of star at night and looming peaks beyond the forest (approx 3 hrs) (B,L,D) (mountain hut)
Mountain Hut to Da Feng Base Camp. (Altitude 430omasl)
The second day of hiking (17km) will take about 4 hours. . Finally we leave the narrow valleys and start to climb up the mountain, where the landscape opens out to sport even more spectacular views of the numerous impressive peaks (many unclimbed and some even unnamed). The further we hike up the mountain, the wilder landscape becomes. As we arrive at the base camp (4350m), the stupendous rock walls of Mt Siguniang will gradually emerge. If time permits, will hike around base camp to further help acclimatization, before returning base camp to rest and prepare for tomorrows climb (Approx 4hrs) (B,L,D) (mountain hut)
Da Feng Base Camp to Summit and back to Rilong. (Altitude 5030M) (B and D)
An early 3am departure from basecamp give us the best chance of summiting the mountain. Trek up the steps toward the high-pass directly north of the base camp. At the high-pass, the trail goes to the reverse slopes and curls right up to the summit of Dafeng. Descend to the Dafeng base camp at 4400m. Vertical ascend: about 700m
(Approx 12-15 hours total) (B,LD) (homestay)
Rilong – Mountain Hut at 3800 Masl
We start at the HaiziGuo entrance, passing through a beautifully paved boardwalk leading to the gate of Siguniang National park. Rolling valley and distant view of the Alps. As we progress along the route we will pass Tibetan pagoda’s (Baita) and prayer flags before entering a forest leading to our first stop for the night, a mountain hut at 3800masl. Don't sleep too early though, walk around to explore, take some pics of star at night and looming peaks beyond the forest (approx 3 hrs) (B,L,D) (mountain hut)
Mountain Hut to Da Feng Base Camp. (Altitude 430omasl)
The second day of hiking (17km) will take about 4 hours. . Finally we leave the narrow valleys and start to climb up the mountain, where the landscape opens out to sport even more spectacular views of the numerous impressive peaks (many unclimbed and some even unnamed). The further we hike up the mountain, the wilder landscape becomes. As we arrive at the base camp (4350m), the stupendous rock walls of Mt Siguniang will gradually emerge. If time permits, will hike around base camp to further help acclimatization, before returning base camp to rest and prepare for tomorrows climb (Approx 4hrs) (B,L,D) (mountain hut)
Da Feng Base Camp to Summit and back to Rilong. (Altitude 5030M) (B and D)
An early 3am departure from basecamp give us the best chance of summiting the mountain. Trek up the steps toward the high-pass directly north of the base camp. At the high-pass, the trail goes to the reverse slopes and curls right up to the summit of Dafeng. Descend to the Dafeng base camp at 4400m. Vertical ascend: about 700m
(Approx 12-15 hours total) (B,LD) (homestay)
3D2N Chanzi Pass (GRADE3.0 ) - INTERMEDIATE
*Suitable by beginners with good fitness level
Rilong - Muluozi
Starting from Changping, we walk into Changping Valley and have the first glimpse of the snow-capped mountains of Siguniang. Walk northward in the jungles and forest along the rustling stream on the wooden planks before we pass a Lamasery. Brassica in spring and maple in fall. Changping Valley is one of the three valleys of Mt Siguniang that has beautiful views. Arrive at Muluozi at the foot of Yaomei Peak(highest peak of the four sisters) and camp. (Approx 6h)(B,L,D) (Camping)
Muluozi - Chazi Camp
Continue our trekking by walking in the dense forest. Enjoy the views of snow mountains, pasturing yaks and blooming flowers. Be aware of the muddy trail underfoot during rainy days. Gradual ascent as yesterday, we have plenty time and views for camera stops. Arrive at Chazi Camp when the valley turns westward in the afternoon. (Approx 5h) )(B,L,D) (Camping)
Chazi Camp - Bipeng Camp- Shanghaizi - Lixian
Hardest day on our trek. We set out and ascend for 800 meters before we reach the top. Quite steep at first and then we have open views of the Siguniang Mountains. Panoramic views and possibly view of cloud sea in the valley below from the mountain pass at an elevation of 4660 meters. Descend for near 900 meters down to Bipeng Valley on steep slope where some of sections of the trail are hardly recognizable. We will spend some time to rest at Bipeng Valley before proceeding to trek out to the main and be transferred to Li County (Lixian) and check in guesthouse. (Approx 8h) (B,L) (Guesthouse)
*Suitable by beginners with good fitness level
Rilong - Muluozi
Starting from Changping, we walk into Changping Valley and have the first glimpse of the snow-capped mountains of Siguniang. Walk northward in the jungles and forest along the rustling stream on the wooden planks before we pass a Lamasery. Brassica in spring and maple in fall. Changping Valley is one of the three valleys of Mt Siguniang that has beautiful views. Arrive at Muluozi at the foot of Yaomei Peak(highest peak of the four sisters) and camp. (Approx 6h)(B,L,D) (Camping)
Muluozi - Chazi Camp
Continue our trekking by walking in the dense forest. Enjoy the views of snow mountains, pasturing yaks and blooming flowers. Be aware of the muddy trail underfoot during rainy days. Gradual ascent as yesterday, we have plenty time and views for camera stops. Arrive at Chazi Camp when the valley turns westward in the afternoon. (Approx 5h) )(B,L,D) (Camping)
Chazi Camp - Bipeng Camp- Shanghaizi - Lixian
Hardest day on our trek. We set out and ascend for 800 meters before we reach the top. Quite steep at first and then we have open views of the Siguniang Mountains. Panoramic views and possibly view of cloud sea in the valley below from the mountain pass at an elevation of 4660 meters. Descend for near 900 meters down to Bipeng Valley on steep slope where some of sections of the trail are hardly recognizable. We will spend some time to rest at Bipeng Valley before proceeding to trek out to the main and be transferred to Li County (Lixian) and check in guesthouse. (Approx 8h) (B,L) (Guesthouse)
Check out our photo from 2018 Expedition by clicking the above picture
(you need to be a member of Adventure Village, Click HERE to join)
(you need to be a member of Adventure Village, Click HERE to join)
Land Cost: $1500SGD
Deposit: $500SGD
*Minimum to go 7 pax for each team. Event confirmation will be done by end March 2019 or when minimum is meet, whichever earlier.
Registration and Payment Details to confirm your slot:
Step 1- Deposit of $500 via ATM/Bank transfer to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, DBS CURRENT A/C - 0039351950
Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to Jane +65 9102 0550 (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "ORIENTAL ALPS 2019). Also indicate which trek you like to go for. (TEAM A or B)
Step 3 Receipt for payment will be issued and you will be contacted by one of our event host.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Cost Includes
Experienced trekking guides
Logistic porters, crews and horses
Trek leaders from Adventures Unlimited
Shared accommodation in Chengdu, Rilong and Dunjiangyan
Camping equipments: Tents, Sleeping bags, Sleeping mats, Cooking and Dining equipment
Ground transportation Chengdu-Rilong-Dujiangyan- Chengdu
Meals as indicated in itinerary
Emergency purpose portable oxygen cylinder
Hiking Permits & fees
Entrance Fees to the Wolong Panda Reserve
Pre-Trip assistance and briefings
Cost doesn't include
Air tickets and Visa Fee if required
Single Supplement
Meals not included in itinerary
Tips for the guide and porters
Personal travel insurance (mandatory to get)
Personal expenses
Personal hiking gears
Emergency evacuation, medical expenses and any expenses out of the stated itinerary
Anything else not mentioned in the above inclusion criteria
Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable). In the event that the tour is cancelled by Adventures Unlimited due to insufficient participants, deposit will be refunded.
Until 18 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
13 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
12 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
Deposit: $500SGD
*Minimum to go 7 pax for each team. Event confirmation will be done by end March 2019 or when minimum is meet, whichever earlier.
Registration and Payment Details to confirm your slot:
Step 1- Deposit of $500 via ATM/Bank transfer to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, DBS CURRENT A/C - 0039351950
Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to Jane +65 9102 0550 (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "ORIENTAL ALPS 2019). Also indicate which trek you like to go for. (TEAM A or B)
Step 3 Receipt for payment will be issued and you will be contacted by one of our event host.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Cost Includes
Experienced trekking guides
Logistic porters, crews and horses
Trek leaders from Adventures Unlimited
Shared accommodation in Chengdu, Rilong and Dunjiangyan
Camping equipments: Tents, Sleeping bags, Sleeping mats, Cooking and Dining equipment
Ground transportation Chengdu-Rilong-Dujiangyan- Chengdu
Meals as indicated in itinerary
Emergency purpose portable oxygen cylinder
Hiking Permits & fees
Entrance Fees to the Wolong Panda Reserve
Pre-Trip assistance and briefings
Cost doesn't include
Air tickets and Visa Fee if required
Single Supplement
Meals not included in itinerary
Tips for the guide and porters
Personal travel insurance (mandatory to get)
Personal expenses
Personal hiking gears
Emergency evacuation, medical expenses and any expenses out of the stated itinerary
Anything else not mentioned in the above inclusion criteria
Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable). In the event that the tour is cancelled by Adventures Unlimited due to insufficient participants, deposit will be refunded.
Until 18 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
13 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
12 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
YOUR EVENT HOST
KEION SHENGPANG MARLENE
