Haba Snow Mountain Hiking Travel Guide

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I. Geographical Location

Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山) is located in the southeastern part of Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), Yunnan Province, 120 kilometers away from the Shangri-La County (香格里拉县城). The main peak stands at an altitude of 5396 meters and is the only 5000-meter-level mountain in Yunnan Province that is permitted for climbing. It faces Yulong Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) across the Jinsha River (金沙江), forming the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡).

II. Cultural and Historical Significance

“Haba” is a term in the Naxi language, meaning “golden flower.” According to Naxi legend, Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山) and Yulong Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) are brothers, with the Jinsha River (金沙江) flowing between them. Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山) is not only a treasure trove of natural landscapes but also a sacred mountain for ethnic minorities such as the Naxi and Tibetan peoples.

III. Folklore

Haba Village (哈巴村) is a characteristic ancient village dominated by the Naxi ethnic group, preserving the original religion, lifestyle, and social structure. Every year, the village holds mountain-climbing activities and markets, attracting numerous mountaineering enthusiasts.

IV. Weather and Best Travel Times

Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山) has a sub-alpine climate, with snow covering the summit all year round. The best travel times are from March to June and from September to November. From December to April of the following year, the mountain experiences strong winds, increasing the difficulty of summiting.

V. Recommended Attractions

1. Haba Snow Mountain Main Peak (哈巴雪山主峰)

Standing at an altitude of 5396 meters, it is a popular destination for mountaineering enthusiasts.

2. Black Sea (黑海)

Named for its dark water color, the lake is home to a large number of snow fish (also known as Chinese giant salamanders). In suitable temperatures, the fish form a unique ring shape.

3. Rhododendron Flower Sea (杜鹃花海)

Every April to June, the rhododendrons on Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山) are in full bloom, with a wide variety of species.

4. Glacial Remnants (冰川遗迹)

Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山) has China’s southernmost maritime temperate glacier, with rich glacial remnants.

VI. Transportation

From Lijiang (丽江)

• By Bus: Take a bus from Lijiang to Haba Village (哈巴村), which takes about 3 hours.
• By Car: Renting a car is a more flexible option.

From Shangri-La (香格里拉)

• By Bus: Take a bus directly from Shangri-La County (香格里拉县城) to Haba Village (哈巴村).

From Haba Village (哈巴村) to Base Camp (大本营)

• On Foot: Hike from Haba Village (哈巴村) to the base camp, covering about 7 kilometers with an elevation gain of 1400 meters. The hike takes approximately 8 hours.
• By Horse: Rent a horse to reach the base camp to save energy.

VII. Food

Haba Village (哈巴村) and the surrounding areas offer a variety of ethnic specialties, such as Naxi roast meat and butter tea.

VIII. Shopping

Haba Village (哈巴村) and Shangri-La City (香格里拉市) have many shops selling ethnic handicrafts. You can purchase traditional handicrafts from the Naxi and Tibetan ethnic groups.

IX. Accommodation

Haba Village (哈巴村)

• Guesthouses: There are many guesthouses in Haba Village (哈巴村), such as “Yunuan Haba Guesthouse,” which are affordable.
• Inns: The inns in Haba Village (哈巴村) have complete facilities and can provide a comfortable stay.

Base Camp (大本营)

• Tents: The base camp, located at an altitude of 4100 meters, offers tents and color steel houses for accommodation.
• Color Steel Houses: These provide better conditions and can withstand the cold.

X. One-Day Tour Recommendation

Morning

• Departure from Lijiang (丽江) or Shangri-La (香格里拉): Head to Haba Village (哈巴村), a drive of about 3 hours.
• Arrival at Haba Village (哈巴村): Check-in and take a short rest.
• Village Tour: Wander around Haba Village (哈巴村) to learn about the local customs and enjoy the snow mountain views.

Noon

• Lunch in Haba Village (哈巴村): Enjoy a Naxi ethnic specialty lunch.

Afternoon

• Hike to Base Camp (大本营): Trek from Haba Village (哈巴村) to the base camp, covering about 7 kilometers with an elevation gain of 1400 meters. The hike takes approximately 8 hours.
• Rest at Base Camp (大本营): Take a short break and enjoy the snow mountain views.

Evening

• Dinner at Base Camp (大本营): Have dinner at the base camp.
• Camping: Camp at the base camp and stargaze.

Day Two

Early Morning

• Summit Attempt: Get up at 2 a.m. and start the summit attempt.
• Reach the Summit: After about 5 hours of climbing, reach the summit and enjoy the magnificent sunrise over the snow mountain.

Morning

• Descent: Return to the base camp after summiting.
• Return to Haba Village (哈巴村): Head back to Haba Village (哈巴村) to conclude the trip.
• Lunch in Haba Village (哈巴村): Enjoy lunch in Haba Village (哈巴村).
• Return to Lijiang (丽江) or Shangri-La (香格里拉): End your pleasant Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山) journey.

XI. Equipment Needed for Hiking to Haba Snow Mountain Base Camp (大本营)

Clothing

• Waterproof and Breathable Jacket and Pants: Choose a jacket and pants with waterproof and breathable functions, such as “softshell” or “3-in-1” jackets, which can block light rain. Recommended brands: Mammut (猛犸象), Marmot (土拨鼠), Mountain Hardwear (山浩).
• Fleece Jacket and Pants: Made of polyester fiber, these offer warmth, breathability, light weight, and good compressibility. Recommended brands: Mammut (猛犸象), Patagonia (巴塔哥尼亚), Haglöfs (火柴棍).
• Moisture-Wicking Underwear and Pants: Choose underwear made of breathable “polyester fiber” that utilizes the “capillary effect” to achieve quick-drying and moisture-wicking effects. Recommended brand: Salomon (萨洛蒙).
• Down Jacket: Select a lightweight, warm, and packable down jacket. A fill power of 500-600 can withstand temperatures between -0° and -10°, while a fill power of 700-800 can withstand temperatures between -15° and -20°. Recommended brands: Arc’teryx (始祖鸟), Marmot (土拨鼠), The North Face (北面).
• Warm Hat: Prepare a fleece hat or buff for warmth and sun protection. Recommended brands: Outdoor Research (遮阳帽), Arc’teryx (始祖鸟).
• Raincoat: Choose a durable, compact raincoat with a waist tightening system and enough space to cover your backpack. Recommended brands: 3F UL GEAR (三峰出), Decathlon (迪卡侬).

Footwear and Socks

• Mountaineering Boots: Select high-top or mid-top mountaineering boots with full leather coverage, seamless tongue and upper, and a “Vrbrm” mark on the sole for waterproofing, slip resistance, and durability. Recommended brands: SCARPA (冈仁波齐), LASPORTIVA (拉思珀蒂瓦), LOWA (洛瓦).
• Gaiters: Choose gaiters with slightly thicker fabric and good waterproof performance to prevent mud and snow from entering your shoes. Recommended brands: Outdoor Research (OR), Sea to Summit.
• Socks: Prepare at least three pairs of socks, including at least one thick pair for warmth during the summit attempt. Recommended brand: Smartwool (美利诺羊毛袜).

Backpacks

• Large Pack: Choose a 55-60L pack with waterproof and durable features for transporting your gear to the base camp. Recommended brands: Osprey (小鹰), Gregory (格里高利).
• Summit Pack: Select a 25-30L pack with a “double-shoulder carrying system” and “side external hanging system” for carrying essential gear during the summit attempt. Recommended brands: Arc’teryx (始祖鸟), Osprey (小鹰).

Climbing Tools

• Trekking Poles: Choose straight trekking poles made of aluminum alloy or carbon fiber with external locks or Z-pole folding internal locking. Recommended brands: Black Diamond (黑钻), LEKI (老鹰).
• Headlamp: Select a headlamp with continuous lighting capabilities for 6-7 hours. Recommended brands: Black Diamond (黑钻), FENIX (菲尼克斯).
• Sunglasses: Choose sunglasses with windproof, anti-glare, and snow blindness prevention features, and lenses that are not prone to fogging. Recommended brands: Oakley (欧克利), Dragon.

Other Equipment

• Gloves: Prepare thick gloves, such as ski gloves, with waterproof and warm functions. Recommended brands: KAILAS (凯乐石), Outdoor Research (OR).
• Thermos: Choose a thermos with a capacity of no less than 700 milliliters for carrying hot water. Recommended brand: Japan Zojirushi (象印).
• Sunscreen: Prepare sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor of no less than “50➕” to prevent UV damage. Recommended brands: Shiseido (资生堂小金瓶), Vaseline (凡士林).
• Sleeping Bag (Optional): If you prefer to use your own sleeping bag, bring a single-person sleeping bag with a fill power of around 800g and a limit temperature of -5°. Recommended brand: BLACK ICE (黑冰).

The above equipment list is compiled based on the needs of hiking to the base camp of Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山). It is recommended to carefully check whether the equipment is complete before departure to ensure safety and comfort during the hike.