Travel Notes | My first 5,000-meter snow mountain - the peak of Siguniang Mountain

Words before traveling

 

I have climbed mountains more than once, but this is my first time climbing a snow mountain.

After I decided on Mount Siguniang as my May Day trip destination, I thought that Mount Siguniang is an outdoor paradise. I can go hiking in the snow-capped mountains during this season. Instead of spending a few days just wandering around the scenic spots at the foot of the mountain, why not use the time to climb the mountain? A junior snow mountain. After I made the decision, I posted the companionship information on my WeChat post, and there were 4 people who happened to rent a car before departure.

After two weeks of preparation, we finally had this trip to the snow-capped mountains. If you really love the snow-capped mountains, you would not be willing to look at them from a distance at the foot of the mountain.

After returning from mountain climbing, someone asked me how high the altitude of the mountain I climbed was, and it was only over 5,000 meters. I also drove on the Qinghai-Tibet line, and the Tanggula Mountain pass was 5,324 meters. All I can say is that there is a fundamental difference between driving and mountain climbing. In addition, there is a difference between whether there is snow or not when climbing, and whether the snow is thin or thick. Although Erfeng and Dafeng are both entry-level snow mountains, the difficulty of even this "entry-level" cannot be underestimated. There are still thresholds.

Climbing is something that you are obsessed with and others think is crazy. Especially snow-capped mountains are full of challenges, dangers and unknowns.

 

Beautiful picture trailer

 

▲ Giving up and persevering are just a matter of thoughts. Fortunately, I chose to persevere every time.

▲ I like the unreachable snow-capped mountains and the unreal blue of the sky.

▲ Stand on the top of Dafeng Peak and look at the Second Peak, the Third Peak and Yaomei Peak.

▲ The lone tent on the snow at the base camp was the only place we could rest against the cold.

▲ No one forced us to climb before dawn, but we always insisted on our original intention, walked farther, climbed higher mountains, and saw more beautiful scenery.

Itinerary

 

day1: Chengdu→Siguniangshan Town

Day2: Siguniangshan Town→Dajianbao→Dafeng Base Camp

Day 3: Base camp → summit → descent

day4: Siguniangshan Town→Chengdu

 

day1: Chengdu→Siguniangshan Town

 

▲ Considering the huge crowds during the May Day holiday, we set off from Chengdu one day early to Siguniangshan Town (formerly Rilong Town). In the afternoon, the chartered bus driver picked us up and officially started our journey.

▲ Passing through Dujiangyan, Yingxiu, and Wolong all the way, the master drove very fast. When we left Wolong and headed for Balang Mountain, we saw the snow-capped mountains in the distance.

▲ As the altitude gets higher and higher, we get closer and closer to the snow-capped mountains. The sun is shining brightly in Chengdu, but it’s snowing heavily here. It’s really like going from summer to winter in an instant.

▲ Balang Mountain Pass, with an altitude of 4487 meters, is one of the famous highway passes with higher altitude in China.

▲ The day before our departure, a student rode from Chengdu to Balang Mountain here. Cycling on this kind of road is definitely a test of your skills and endurance, so cheer for them!

We went to climb Siguniang Snow Mountain, and they came to ride Balang Mountain, all in order to leave some memorable experiences when they were young.

▲ Shortly after passing through Balang Mountain, we arrived at Siguniang Mountain Town (formerly Rilong Town). The chef sent us directly to the door of the hotel. As soon as we got off the bus, I felt the constant coldness. After my physical examination, the temperature was estimated to be around 0 degrees, so I quickly put on the fleece jackets we had brought.

We are quite satisfied with this hotel. The shopkeeper and waiters are very enthusiastic, the room is clean and sanitary, the air conditioning and other facilities are also very complete, and most importantly, it is relatively cheap. The shopkeeper is a kind-hearted out-of-town girl. She came to Siguniang Mountain alone and dedicated her youth and enthusiasm to this snow-covered plateau. (Partners who need hotel information can reply "Accommodation in Siguniangshan Town" in this article to automatically obtain the information)

After checking in, there are two more important things today. The first is to have dinner, and the second is to find the mountain guide and mountain cooperation as well as the horses to transport tents and other equipment in the next two days.

After dinner, when we were buying water at the canteen next door, we met a young couple who were discussing the guide with the canteen owner. At this time, the boss also invited us into the house for a meeting. It happened that we were also looking for a guide, so we went in and asked the young couple if they had found them. During the chat, I learned that they drove here from Chongqing to climb mountains, and they also wanted to climb the Second Peak.

But the boss told us that it has been snowing heavily in the past few days, and suggested that we not climb the second peak. The snow on the second peak can be submerged up to a person's waist. People who have climbed the second peak recently have failed. We had always been aiming for the second peak, but we didn’t expect it to be so difficult to climb now.

The boss always suggested that we go camping in Changpinggou. But my idea is still to climb the mountain. As for whether to climb the big peak or the second peak, it is up to my friends to decide together. A young couple from Chongqing decided to go with the four of us. Wherever we go, they will go tomorrow. All the guides our hotel owner knew were hired by others, so we went through the guide hired by the canteen owner. There were 6 people and 3 guides. I didn’t immediately decide to climb the second peak instead of the big peak. I wanted to check the weather conditions tomorrow. And ask your guide for advice.

▲ I went to bed early at night. After all, the next two days are full of challenges, and keeping up the energy is the key.

day2:Siguniangshan Town→ Base Camp

 

After getting up, we divided our luggage into three parts:

The first thing we need to bring with us is a backpack, which contains some items we need on the first day of climbing, that is, from Siguniang Mountain Town to the base camp, such as documents, water bottles, some snacks, and wet wipes etc.

The second item is the equipment needed for the horses to come to the base camp, such as tents, sleeping bags, moisture-proof mats, self-heating rice, headlamps, etc.

The third item is the remaining items that need to be stored in the hotel, such as summer clothes from Chengdu, various chargers, unworn shoes, etc.

Breakfast is served on the second floor of the hotel, including porridge, peanuts, pickles, eggs, and steamed buns. 10 yuan per person is a reasonable price. My appetite was not very good in the morning, but in order to absorb more energy, we all ate quite full.

Us: Waiter, two more eggs.

Waiter: (Confused) Only one egg per person.

Us: Then have another bowl of porridge and some kimchi.

At 8 o'clock in the morning, we set off from the hotel on time and went to the canteen where we met yesterday to meet up with the Chongqing couple and our guide. The guide also told us that it was still snowing last night. If we climb the second peak, we can only go up to the base camp of the second peak. There is no hope of reaching the summit. If we climb the big peak, there is still hope of reaching the summit. As long as we don’t have serious altitude sickness tomorrow morning and have a certain amount of physical strength, they will take us to the summit. Okay, I changed my plan temporarily and climbed the peak.

Before climbing, all climbers need to go to the Outdoor Activity Management Center of Siguniang Mountain Management Bureau to purchase tickets for the Haizigou Outdoor Center and register.

▲ The group photo before departure. Behind us is the place where we buy tickets and register. It seems to be different from the place mentioned online. Is it because we moved here?

▲ Walking up the plank road from the Outdoor Activities Management Center is the Haizigou ticket check-in office. Since I packed myself too tightly when I set off in the morning, I was sweating as soon as I walked to the ticket check-in office . Fortunately, there is a toilet here at the ticket gate. We all went to temporarily remove the snow jackets, put the scarves into the backpack, and took off the long johns and put them into the backpack...

▲ Starting from the Haizigou ticket gate is the mountain road. It seems that everyone is quite excited.

▲ Just when everyone was excited, they encountered an uphill slope and it took a lot of effort to climb up. Is this a threat that this mountain has given us? This is just the beginning, and I can’t help but worry about the journey ahead.

▲ Only about 10 minutes after setting off, we saw the snow-capped mountains right in front of us. We were all asking the guide which peak we wanted to climb. The guide said that we can’t see it yet, but we might be able to see it by climbing over the mountain in front. Well, I thought it was the snow-capped mountain in front of me.

▲ From Siguniang Mountain Town to the base camp, in addition to hiking, you can also ride horses. The price of horse riding is 250-300 yuan. The six of us all insisted on hiking, and no one had the idea of ​​riding a horse. A small number of people mainly want to climb to the summit the next day. They choose to ride horses to the base camp on the first day, which can indeed save a lot of energy.

Although walking on your own is not as fast as riding a horse, you will feel very accomplished when you finally reach your destination.

▲ Although I know there is snow in the mountains, I prefer to travel to snow-capped mountains.

▲ Originally there was no road, but then it was a path made by horses. After the snow melted, the road became like this, making it difficult to walk in mud. The advantages of choosing a good pair of shoes are reflected.

▲ About three and a half hours later, we arrived at Dajianbao (also called Haizigou Protection Station).

When I heard the guide talking about making pointy buns, I remembered the scene in the TV series:

Waiter: Sir, do you want to work in a hotel or stay in a hotel?

Guest: Waiter, two pounds of beef and a jar of good daughter red.

About tip bag

Dajianbao is also called Haizigou Protection Station.This is the midway point from Siguniang Mountain Town to the base camp. In addition to selling a few snacks such as instant noodles (10 yuan a bucket), it also sells simple lunch boxes and vegetarian dishes (25 yuan). One serving) and beef (35 yuan per serving).

▲ After eating, replenishing hot water, we continued towards the base camp.

▲ When I came here for the first time, I was full of curiosity about everything. I kept asking the guide, what is this for, what is that for, what is the name of this peak, and what is the name of that peak? Fortunately, our guide was quite patient.

▲ Seeing the horses carrying heavy equipment climbing the mountain, I couldn’t help but pity them.

▲ As things turn around, a different picture appears in front of you.

▲ Guys, wait for me.

▲ Our hikers are very tired by now. I saw how relaxed they were riding horses, but they told me that their butts were very tired...

▲ As soon as we turned around the top of the mountain, we were truly in the snow-capped mountains. At this time, no matter how strong the wind is, you want to open your arms and hug it.

I just walked forward, but I didn't expect to look back and be so shocked.

Everything around us is so beautiful, but we have to admit that this is also the time that tests us the most. Every step up is very difficult. Basically, every step forward, we have to stop and kick a few times.

▲ Finally we saw hope. The place with a stone house on the right front is the base camp.

▲ After 7 hours, around 5pm. The six companions who were traveling with us all arrived at Dafeng Base Camp safely. Thumbs up. I was so tired that a girl sat down and didn't want to move as soon as she came up.

▲ I was very envious when I saw that others had already set up tents and had big tents.

About base camp

Dafeng Base Camp is about 4,400 meters above sea level, and the conditions are still relatively difficult. There is a Datong Bunk in the camp. The cost is 100 yuan a night. You need to provide your own sleeping bag. If you don't have one, you can rent it here. If you bring your own tent, you can sleep in your own tent, but it has to be set up outdoors, and there is a fee for setting it up indoors.

▲ This is the only toilet in the base camp. Although it is not a panoramic self-service toilet, it must be very cold to use the toilet here...

▲ Before it gets dark, we need to put up the tent we will stay in tonight. The guide had moved all our equipment to an empty patch of snow.

▲ After the guide signaled us to go over, he started to set up tents for us again, but we couldn't help much because we were too tired and didn't want to move at all.

▲ Two of my friends were already lying in the tent because they were suffering from high fever. The guide asked the remaining people not to go to bed so early, otherwise they would not be able to sleep at night.

Two girls were building a snowman, and I walked around the camp and saw someone washing dishes. After asking about it, I found out that they had brought their own kitchen utensils and tableware and were preparing to cook dinner. And we only have dry food tonight.

▲ The sky is so blue, so unreal. In fact, the sky is always like this, but we have lived in cities for a long time and are used to living under gray skies. Seeing such a blue sky suddenly seems unreal.

You said that if we don’t go out for a walk often, over time we will forget the original appearance of the sky, just like everyone replied to me in the circle of friends: You are from P, so you can have such a beautiful sky.

▲ Just when we were about to eat self-heating rice, our two guides brought us food. When we got closer, we saw that it was chicken soup and a portion of Lianbai fried pork. The guide said that this was the meal cooked by them and other guides, and the rest of it was brought over to us quietly (the other guides didn’t know yet, hahaha). It was so touching! In the future, in addition to providing help in times of need, there will also be help in times of need in my dictionary. Thank you two guides.

▲ The two people standing here are the guides who brought us chicken soup. Being able to drink a bowl of steaming chicken soup on the cold snow-capped mountains will warm your heart. After the meal, the guide filled each of our hot water cups with boiling water for us to drink at night to warm ourselves up.

▲ Sitting in the tent, watching the sky gradually darken. There is no entertainment here, just quiet snow-capped mountains and friends who encourage each other.

There is no electricity or internet at the moment,

we can do just that

Forget the various labels on your body,

Let go of all the worries in your heart,

Do what you want to do most right now.

At about 9:00 pm, I set the alarm clock for 3:00 am and got into my sleeping bag to get ready for bed. There was a chill on our backs, so we put everything we could, including raincoats and snow jackets, under our sleeping bags, hoping to keep us warm. I also put on the cotton socks I brought with me.

Good night, base camp; good night, all my friends.

Day 3: Summit, descent

 

After a day of hiking, I was really tired. I fell asleep shortly after lying down. When I woke up, I looked at the time and it was only 11:30. I thought I had slept for a long time, but it turned out to be only 2 hours. After waking up for the first time, it was difficult to fall asleep. I tossed and turned in the tent, waiting for the alarm clock to go off.

After 3 o'clock in the morning, the guide finally came to wake us up. First, we were asked about our current physical condition and whether we could reach the summit. Three of my friends had to stay at the base camp because of high altitude sickness. I always insisted on reaching the summit because I had already thought about how to post on Moments and how to show off after I reached the summit. Hahaha, plus my physical condition was really good. good. The other two girls thought they were in good physical condition and decided to try to reach the summit with me. One girl was hesitant at first, so I said we could go wherever we can, and if we couldn't hold on any longer, we would go down.

The three of us put on our clothes, hiking boots, snow jackets, gloves, scarves, headlamps on our heads, two hiking poles each, and prepared a few Snickers bars and a few bottles of glucose oral solution. I would like to remind everyone that you can’t bring other items with you, including cameras.

▲ After getting ready, we went to the stone house where the guide lived to find the guide. Unexpectedly, the guide prepared a hot breakfast, porridge, peanuts and pickles for the three of us. Being able to drink a bowl of hot porridge on a cold snow mountain is already very satisfying. Then they asked us to take out the hot water cups and fill them with boiling water to drink later on the way to the summit.

At 3:40 in the morning, after dinner, the guide checked our climbing equipment and took us to the summit. A guide was exploring the way in front, and another guide was following behind the three of us.

▲ The distance from base camp to the summit is less than one-sixth of yesterday’s, but the time takes almost half of yesterday’s. Because this section of the climb to the summit is more than 4,000 meters above sea level, it is getting higher and higher, and the slope is very steep, and the snow is thicker. It is extremely demanding on our physical strength, adaptability to high altitudes, and snow climbing skills. challenges.

Maybe you will ask, why do you need to climb to the top early in the morning? On the one hand, you can climb to the top early in the morning. If you succeed, you can watch the sunrise from the top. On the other hand, the temperature is low in the early morning and there is no sunlight. The surface of the snow will not melt, making walking easier.

It usually takes 4-5 hours from base camp to the summit. Less than half an hour before departure, some people in other teams could not hold on and retreated back to the base camp. We didn't take it easy either. After an hour, one of the girls was obviously having a hard time. At this time, my nose was also flowing, and I couldn't stop it.

▲ Everyone can feel their rapid heartbeat, and it feels like their heartbeat is about to explode. Every time you take a step up, you have to take a big breath. The guide also kept encouraging us, telling us that we would be there soon after climbing this slope. However, such slopes never stopped, and we climbed one after another.

My goal is the top of the mountain. When I can't walk any further, I stop, take a breath, and keep walking. When you can't hold on anymore, grit your teeth and hold on a little longer.

I couldn't walk anymore. The guide in front had already distanced himself from me. I could only hear him shouting from the front, "Xiong Da, hurry up, the sunrise is coming soon." I didn't have any extra energy to speak at this time, but In order to respond to the guide, I still occasionally said "coming".

Three hours later, we arrived at Dafeng Pass, which meant that the summit was not far away.

▲ Starting from Dafeng Pass, we have truly reached the dangerous section. On the sloping snow slope, there is only the only iron chain as a signpost, guiding us to climb up.

Originally, this chain was about one meter high, but most of it was covered by heavy snow, with only a little bit exposed. Some sections were even completely covered by heavy snow. There are no iron chains as road signs, so the guide can only rely on experience to open the way ahead. It was my first time to climb such a snow-capped peak. I didn’t dare to look at the side because there was a cliff on the side. The more I looked at it, the more I became afraid of heights.

▲ I climb very slowly here. I have to make sure each step is firm before I dare to take the next step. Sometimes when I slide down, I can really break out in a cold sweat.

Although this section of the road is not long, it took us a lot of time. Unexpectedly, after climbing up, we haven't reached the top yet, but a relatively wide platform, and we have to sprint on the platform to really reach the top.

▲ Step on it gently and the shoes will be invisible. With a pair of non-slip and waterproof hiking shoes and a snow cover, you don’t have to worry about snow getting into the shoes.

▲ There are very few climbers who actually reach this platform, and some of them give up when they reach the pass. Until now, our three summit partners are still together, and no one has given up, even though our bodies are extremely exhausted.

Link is the thinnest girl. Less than half an hour after setting off, she was too tired to walk. It was not easy to hold on all the way here.

Q I just arrived at the base camp yesterday afternoon. I don’t know if it was due to high altitude sickness. I had a headache and felt uncomfortable. I vomited after taking headache medicine, but I still persisted here.

The blogger won’t say much, but he was “disliked” by the guide along the way. But as the temporary leader of this 6-person group, I had to grit my teeth and join in.

At this time, the sun has risen, and the snow-capped mountains that were just light blue suddenly turned white and began to feel dazzling. At this time, Link decided to give up the final sprint because he did not have snow goggles, and descended back to the base camp in advance. Fortunately, we now have two guides, one of whom took Link to descend first while the sun was not strong yet. Another guide continued to make the final sprint with the remaining two. No matter what the choice is, we have surpassed most people in being able to get here, which is already great.

▲ Look at these guys, they are exhausted.

▲ My body is exhausted to the extreme, but the peak is right in front of me, so keep going.

 

▲ The sign at the top of Dafeng. It’s not easy to meet you.

After climbing for more than 4 hours and going through a lot of hardships, I finally made it to the top!

It's 7:40 in the morning; today is April 30th; I'm 25 years old.

▲ My first 5,000-meter snow mountain - the peak of Siguniang Mountain, taking photos at the top of the snow mountain.

Giving up and persevering are just a matter of thoughts. Fortunately, I chose to persevere every time.

At this time, maybe you have not defeated a mountain, but yourself. Through our own feet and persistence, we can see the scenery that others cannot see. This may be the motivation for us to keep moving forward and challenge ourselves.

▲ As soon as she turned around, Yaomei Peak also revealed her true face. It is difficult to see it so clearly at the foot of the mountain. From left to right, they are Yaomei Peak, Sanfeng, and Erfeng.

▲ My companion also wanted to go up to watch the sunrise, but the sun rose so high, hahaha.

The summit of Dafeng is relatively narrow, and only a few people can stand at the same time. In order to leave room for those behind us, we took commemorative photos and then started to descend.

They say it is easy to go up the mountain but difficult to go down. This time I really realized it. Only when you safely retreat to the base camp can the mountaineering be considered a perfect end.

Climbing tests your physical strength and adaptability to altitude sickness, while descending will test your leg strength and technique. In a relatively safe place, I slid down, but I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to stop the car. Later, I changed my method, mainly relying on my heels, and moved down step by step, keeping my nerves highly tense.

When rushing to the summit, be sure to reserve at least 40% of your physical strength for the descent. If your physical strength is insufficient, it is better to descend in advance. Just now, a girl used her last strength to reach the top and succeeded, but she didn't have the strength to descend at all.

I just ignored this and used 80% of my energy and stamina during the summit push. When descending to the pass, I obviously felt that I was exhausted. Fortunately, I made it down the Despair Slope safely, but I felt very hungry afterwards, but I couldn't eat anything. I could only drink the last glucose in my body, but it didn't relieve me. For a moment, I felt in a trance and confused. Maybe the guide thought that there would be no problem with my descent, so he and my other companion walked ahead.

▲ Sometimes the sky is clear and the next time it is foggy. The biggest worry is finding no one around...

▲ It felt like a century had passed before I finally saw the base camp. I originally wanted to run down and meet up with my friends, but I couldn't run at all. Fortunately, the guide and the friends who had not climbed to the summit had already packed up the tents and other equipment.

Mount Siguniang is known as the "Oriental Alps", but the foreign friends we met on the way who also climbed the mountain told us that Mount Siguniang is more beautiful than the real Alps. I should believe it.

At 4 o'clock in the afternoon, we descended to the foot of the mountain and met tourists playing in Haizigou Scenic Area. When they knew that we had come down from the mountain, they said, "It's good to be young." Yes, it’s great to be young. Let’s do something you like while you’re young.

▲ If the weather is good, you can see the four peaks of Siguniang Mountain from Guozhuangping in Haizigou. Looking back at the mountain we just climbed, I felt even more in awe.

day4: Siguniangshan Town→Chengdu

 

On the way back, we were still talking about when we would climb the second peak. We could come if we wanted to, but we would need to be more prepared for physical training than this time.

Goodbye, four girls from Siguniang Mountain; good night, my whole world.

Tips

 

1. During the first day of hiking and the second day of climbing to the summit, try to avoid talking loudly, take less selfies, and maintain your physical strength.

2. When carrying a backpack, the backpack straps on the waist and chest should be buckled, and the shoulder straps should not be loose. Do not leave too much space between the backpack and the back. This will consume physical strength and make the shoulders uncomfortable, which will take a long time. If it grows too long, it may cause injury.

3. When hiking, try not to walk on horse trails, because the roads horses take are usually muddy. However, there are many other roads near the horse trails. These are parallel to the horse trails. Basically, hikers or grooms come out. road.

4. Remember, if you find that you have a cold or a headache after camping at the base camp for a night, you must give up your summit push at this time and do not hold on.

5. During the summit push, if you find that your altitude sickness has worsened or you are exhausted, you should immediately inform your mountain guide or alpine coordinator and retreat back to the base camp.

6. Going down the mountain is not necessarily easier than going up the mountain. When climbing to the top, remember to reserve at least 40% of your energy for the descent. I remember that on the day we rushed to the summit, a girl used her last strength to reach the summit successfully, but she had no strength to descend at all. In the end, the guide sent her glucose and other supplies from the base camp, and she rested for a while before slowly descending. You must know that the wind on the top of the mountain was very strong, and it was uncomfortable to blow.

7. Follow the advice and arrangements of the mountain guide throughout the entire process. Especially in case of bad weather, the mountain guide needs to determine whether you have the conditions for summiting. In addition to keeping your life safety in your own hands along the way, the mountain guide is also your safety guarantee.

8. Protecting the environment is the obligation and responsibility of each of us, especially in such a beautiful place. We can’t bear to throw away garbage, but we can still see some climbers on the road leaving their packaging bags after eating snacks. on the ground.

9. Those without hiking experience or plateau experience should proceed with caution.

Mountain climbing guide

 

I wrote a separate picture and text about the transportation to and from Siguniang in Chengdu, the choice of climbing peaks, mountaineering equipment, guides and horses, costs, base camp accommodation and meals, camping introduction, etc. Please check it on the homepage of this article (Working Bear) Reply to "Siguniang Mountain Climbing Guide" to get it or check it in the travel guide column.

write at the end

 

Mount Siguniang is one of the few snow-capped mountains in the country with an altitude above 5,000 meters. No one forces us, it’s just that we always stick to our original intention, walk farther, climb higher mountains, and see more beautiful scenery.

Because I love the snow-capped mountains, I go through all the hardships to stand on the top of the snow-capped mountains; because I love life, I constantly challenge myself to stand on the top of the mountain and watch the sun rise.

Thanks to our guide for protecting us along the way;

Thanks to my companions who took care of and encouraged each other along the way;

Thank you for reaching the top and choosing to persevere countless times along the way!