Day Hikes from Haba Village

These day hikes start from Haba Village (哈巴村), situated at an elevation of 2,650 meters. High points range between 3,050 and 4,140 meters.

Hiking times on this website do not include rest breaks. See the explanation here.

Summary: The Yi Village Route (彝家村路线) takes you to a hamlet where the village women wear ethnic clothing, including the massive headpiece that is unique to Yi minority culture.

Summary: Pusa Mountain (普萨山) is a prominent peak located southeast of Haba Village (哈巴村), elevation 3,090 meters. From the main road at the south end of the village, turn right onto a cement road that leads uphill toward the hamlet of Long Wang Bian (龙汪边). The trailhead is one hundred meters up this road at a cut in the embankment. Follow forest paths, cross a small stream and traverse meadows to a 3,020-meter high ridge situated southwest of the peak. Then, make the final ascent toward the views on top, with short stretches of bushwhacking.

Summary: This hike follows the Base Camp Route (大本营路线). Hongtupo Meadow (红土坡坪) offers grand views, from the depths of the Jinsha River (金沙江) valley in the east, to massive Gan Mountain (干山) in the north.

Summary: Follow the Base Camp Route to reach Daqila Shelter (大七拉小屋), deep in the woods high above Hongtupo Meadow. Mountain climbers on their way to Base Camp (大本营) stop here for lunch. A caretaker serves 20 RMB noodles from an enormous pot during the high season, in the first week of May and October. A spring just above the shelter provides water.

Summary: Thirty-meter high Jianshan Waterfall (尖山瀑布) is the only falls on the north side of Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山).

Summary: For a shorter path to the falls, take the Yi Village Route. You’ll need to arrange an auto lift to the end of the paved road above the village.

Loop Hike: Combine the Yi Village and Jianshan Routes (see above) for an enjoyable, full-day hike.

Reminder: Hiking times on this website do not include rest stops. See this page for an explanation.

Summary: The hike from Haba Village to Black Lake (黑海) and return in one day is feasible. However, one must be superbly fit and acclimatized to altitude. Even then, the journey is long and exhausting. Riding a mule is a reasonable alternative. (For a shorter route see the hike below.) The journey on foot requires a 7 A.M. start. Plan on five to six hours for the hike to the lake via the Jianshan Route, one hour for photos and exploring, and return to Haba Village by late afternoon or early evening. Hiring a guide is recommended.

The shortest hike to Black Lake combines portions of the Yi Village and Jianshan Routes. The hike begins at the end of the paved road above Yi Village, a 30-minute drive from Haba Village. Hike up to Jianshan Meadow, turning right (west) on top of the low ridge just before entering the meadow. Walk directly up the wooded ridge to join the Jianshan Route near an overhanging cliff. Pass Jianshan Waterfall on the left and continue the steep ascent to Yellow Lake. At the Yellow Lake hut, leave the Jianshan Route and trace a path that ascends southwest in a few minutes to Pass 4140 with a fine view overlooking Black Lake. Cell phone coverage is usually available here. A short descent leads to the north shore. Hiring a guide is recommended.