Explore Genyen Massif

Genyen Massif is a lotus-like mountain range located southwest to Litang Xian and one of the least explored places in China. Many peaks are unclimbed, many lakes unknown to the outside world, many valleys unexplored.

The highest mountain, Mount Genyen, or Ge'nyen, or Genie, with an elevation of 6204 metres, is the highest peak of the Shaluli Mountain range in Sichuan Province in western China, watershed of the Yangtze and Yalong River. It was first climbed by Karl Unterkircher with a Japanese team in 1988. Over 10 peaks are more than 5000 metres high around Genyen. Mount Genyen is the third highest mountain in Sichuan Province of China and one of the 24 great shrines of Tibetan Buddhism according to the Vajrayana classics. At its north is the vast highland at the altitude between 4500 to 5000 meters. It has distinct vertical landscape in the valleys south and west to Mount Genyen: grassland at the bottom beside the river, shrubs and forest in the middle and rocky mountain faces below the glaciers. Mount Genyen is considered a Buddhist god in Tibetan Buddhism. In the legend, Genyen is an ascetic Buddhist with the impression of riding white horse and wearing white rode.

The Nigong Monastery is one of the oldest Karmapa Monasteries in Tibetan regions. It was first built in 1164AD and was worshiped by many Tibetans. It is located at the heart of Mount Genyen in the Gamula Valley east to the peak of Genyen. It is a small monastery with grey walls and red roof standing on the rock. At the elevation of 4150 meters, Nigong Monastery is rarely known by the outside and it is a meditation place for Tibetan monks and a pilgrimage destination of Mount Genyen. One can have great views in front of this monastery.

Thapathang, or more widely known as Hupiba(Tiger Skin Meadow), is a stream wriggling small flat meadow south to Mount Genyen. It has a stunning alpine view with green forest, wild flowers, zigzagging flowing water and the splendid Mount Genyen.

Ligando, or Likado is a small village en route to Mount Genyen. It is two hours' walking distance from the village of Zhamla. This is a "pure village at the foot of the Holy Mountain". Constructions are in a pleasant order and painted with religious praphics. In this beautiful village you can also see some Tibetan kids running and lingering around.

Mapya Grassland is one of the major known attractions near Litang. It is a giant patch of green meadow on the road side of G318(National Highway 318 in China). We can see the wraggling streams flow through the pasturing yaks and blooming wild flowers. At its surroundings are 4000+ snow mountains, making it more vast and good for picture-taking.

Ganden Thubchen Choekhorling or Litang Chode Monastery, or simply Choekhorling Monastery, is an over 400 years old Gelugpa Monastery in Tibetan Kham of Litang(Lithang). It is one of the most important monasteries in Kham. It is located at the northern suburb of Litang on a mountain side. Its massive complex of construction and delicate architectural technology make itself famous in northern Kham. As most of the other monasteries, it is also a collection of art works including pagodas, statues and many Tibetan books. Its sublime architechture and time-honoured sacredness are known by the Kham Tibetans. Every year in July, there will be a big celebration at this monastery to worship god and pray for peace.

The wild animals found in Genyen include wolves, hot spring snakes, marmots and some kind of chicken called Horse Chicken by local people.

Read our guide's travel journals on West Genyen, South Genyen and Central Genyen.

Recommended length of visit: hours or days depending on what you do there. If you are on a photo tour, you are recommended to stay 1 to 2 days if you want to do a hiking tour, it requires 9-12 days.

It is open to visitors all year round.