Minya Konka Expedition

Join Himalayan explorer and WT Trip Leader Gary McCue for an incredible trek to the base of mighty snow-capped Minya Konka (Minyak Gangkar in Tibetan, 24,790'), the world’s highest summit outside of the great Himalaya and the Karakoram ranges, set on the far eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau in China’s Sichuan Province. Our 14-day trek on Minya Konka’s western flanks brings us through an extraordinary alpine landscape of pristine lakes and rhododendron forests as well as Khampa settlements with traditional Tibetan culture. After hiking over the Bu Chu La (16,200'), we reach the idyllically situated Minya Konka Monastery (12,550') for stunning views of Minya Konka's sheer, icy west face. We depart the mountain by way of the Yulingshing Valley, with its nomadic yak herders and Tibetan pilgrims, and enjoy our final vistas of Minya Konka as we make our way back to the former tea caravan town of Kangding. Join us to discover one of the most dramatic corners of the Tibetan Plateau with a true expert!

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Chengdu, China / Kangding

From Chengdu, we drive the Sichuan-Tibet Highway to Hailuogou Glacial Park on the eastern side of Minya Konka, where we take a cable car ride to view the glaciers. Later we head to the small city of Kangding (8,300'), gateway to Minya Konka and Kham, the eastern region of the Tibetan Plateau. This former tea caravan town is still the cultural boundary between Tibet and China.

Days 4-7
Trek through Bu Chu Valley

We meet our Tibetan horsemen and begin trekking through the Bu Chu Valley, crossing birch forests and beautiful alpine meadows with craggy mountains towering above.

Days 8–11
Across Bu Chu La to Minya Konka Monastery

Crossing the Bu Chu La (16,200'), with views of the rugged, snow-capped Minya Konka range, we descend to the spectacularly located Minya Konka Monastery on a pilgrim trail through forests of rhododendrons. The monastery is at the foot of Minya Konka, and with two Exploration Days here, we enjoy optional hikes including one to Rock’s Ridge (17,200'), a high point from which famed plant hunter and explorer Joseph Rock took some of his famous pictures for National Geographic in 1930.

Days 12–17
Yilungshing / Gyazer La

Departing the monastery, we trek into the Yilungshing region, a long broad valley that parallels the Bu Chu Valley, following trails through yak-herding country and hillsides of purple-blooming dwarf rhododendron. Crossing the Gyazer La (15,350') on Day 15, we’ll enjoy incredible mountain panoramas and a final glimpse of Minya Konka. We continue descending through an amazing glacial valley to our final camp at Gesar Tsera (12,200').

Days 18-20
Kangding / Chengdu

We bid farewell to our Tibetan trek staff and horsemen, drive to Kangding, and continue to Chengdu. Depart on Day 20.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 6, Very Strenuous. The average trekking day varies between 4 to 7 hours at altitudes between 10,000 and 16,200 feet (the highest sleeping elevation is at approximately 14,300 feet). We will also have three pass crossings during the trek. Altitude gains and losses on hiking days can be as much as 2,500 feet. Most of the time we’ll be trekking on established trails, but we’ll also be doing some cross-country hiking on boggy or rough, rocky terrain, and there may be a stream or two to ford. Our two Exploration Days at Minya Konka allow us to enjoy day hikes in the beautiful surroundings near our campsites. Trip members carry only a daypack. Community camping gear and your personal duffel bags will be carried by pack animals. Nevertheless, every participant must understand that this trek is truly challenging—you should be in excellent physical condition. Please also note that we’ll be traveling through remote mountainous areas where no medical care or quick evacuation is readily available. The availability of medical supplies or the adequacy of medical attention, once provided, cannot be guaranteed and cannot be expected to measure up to western standards. Although we are accompanied by a support crew staffed by experienced veterans of the Minya Konka region, it takes cooperation and flexibility from each participant to ensure a successful trek.

Explanation of Trip Levels