40 miles of hiking • 0' elevation gain • 3 nights
Fantastic! I hiked a half-circuit around the Gongga Mountain area through valleys. There is a lake where the river broadens that has islands in it where horses were feeding. A side trip up to Gongga monastery might reward you with a view of the mountain (taller than Mt. McKinley), or just the lower end of its glacier (if raining). There are herds of yaks, some wild boar, a variety of botany, and great views of glacier covered, very steep mountains. The pass you cross to return to civilization is at 4,800 meters. Most of the trail very slowly rises or descends, except for the approach to the pass. Right up there with Wonderland Trail. Pics on flickr: pieterpan.
