Genyen Inner Kora Trek – 9 days
from $1560
Genyen Outter Kora Trek – 9 days
from $1180
Genyen iis also called Genie. It is a mountain range located in western Sichuan Province near the border with Tibet Autonomous Region. Genyen is located 700km west to the capital city Chengdu in Garze Tibetan Prefecture near the town of Litang. It is a group of mountains covering a vast area and is one of the least explored places in China. Genyen is home to beautiful mountains, nomads grassland, alpine valleys, wild animals. It is available and open to foreign travelers and climbers. The mountains and valleys in Genyenawait you to explore.
Hiking and Trekking have been the best way to explore Genyen althuogh in recent years sinice 2020 the locals have built roads into the mountains and connecting to the towns and villages, making traveling there much accessible and takes shorter time. Trekking is a very popular way while traveling in Genyen and some travel involves inevitable trekking and hiking to see things in Genyen. The trek in Genyen is normally hard camping trek. In Genyen you can see many snow-covered mountains including Mt. Genie itself, Mt. Kaimailong, Mt. Xiaozha, Mt. Hutsa, along with the local villages and nomadic Tibetan people and monasteries.
A trekking trip to Genyen usually starts from Chengdu or from one of the airports in western Sichuan such as Yading Airport or Kangding Airport??. Normally people do the trek by driving from Chengdu for better acclimating to its high altitude. Genyen is located 700km west to Chengdu. By driving it usually takes about 1 and half to 2 days. Driving is a popular way as it provides different views on the way and a longer time of acclimatization for hikers. By driving you get to Litang first. Litang is a town with shops and hotels and is usually used as stopover place for a Genyen trek. From Litang, it is another 2 to 3 hours’ drive to the usual highlight of Genyen, Lamaya Village, Ranrikawa Village, Lengu Monastery, etc. Normally the hiking will start from Lamaya or Ranrikawa village, which is the biggest and the first village in Genyen for hikers. Please read more on Getting from Chengdu to Litang.
The best time to trek Genyen is from May to October. See below detailed climate in Genyen.
Spring is from February to May when normally the snow will melt up on the mountain tops. July and August are the raining seasons, with the average temperature range from 20 °C (65 °F) and 28 °C (83 °F) during daytime. Autumn comes at early September. Winter came by November and will last until the next early February. Weather changes quickly in summer time. In May, June, September and October, it may rain less but colder during night time, sometimes below 0C or even below -5C. In July and August it may rain a little more but it’s less cold during night time. Travelers visiting Genyen in spring time have the risk of stucking there due to heavy snows.
Hiking in Genyen, the best time are June, July, August, September and October. However, if you wish to have better visibility or higher chances to see mountains, May, October and November will usually be a better option. But to see the good green mountain views, June, July and August are a better option. Please read more on Genyen Travel Season.
From 2019 there is new fire restriction that only allows hikers to go in by certain seasons in the summer. Please contact us for any updated information on this.
Duration and Transfer
Genyen is not a famous place but rather a wild adventure travel destination waiting to be explored. Genyen is in general a far place to travel from any major city in China. The nearest city with airport is Chengdu and it is around 650km total to drive to Genyen. Normally people spend nights along the drive way for better acclimating for trips to Genyen due to its high altitude. Because of the roads built now it’s much easier to access to the central part of Genyen within a short time. One can do a road trip from east of Genyen around its south and then exit from its west to Batang in a car. Although a classic way is to do trekking here to explore the beauty of Genyen where roads don’t go to. One will need normally at least a week’s time to do the multi-day kora treks in Genyen. One can also combine the visit to Daocheng Yading and Genyen Mountains to exprience the best and wildest views of western Sichuan. From Yading to Genyen it is around 300km and the airport of Yading is located in between the two places.
Lodging Hiking
New roads have been built since 2020 and it is possible to drive into Genyen without trouble. The road takes you to see the highlights of Genyen including the mountains by the south at Ranrikawa and Lenggu Monastery. You can do short hiking to the old Lenggu Monastery from end of the road, other day hikes you can do includes hikes to Xiaozha Lake, Retti Valley, Dao Valley, Zongna Valley, etc. You can also plan Genyen to be one of your travel places on a road trip as a stop. Some people also combine Yading and Genyen by flying in and flying out, saving a lot of time.
Inner Kora Trek
To do an inner kora trek in Genyen, you will need a minimum of 8 to 9 days in total from and back to Chengdu. The Inner Kora Trek of Genyen is not much walked and a new trek. It starts from the south of the mountains and walk on grassland and lower range of the mountains and into the valley with open hot springs, and traverse over one or two 5000 meters mountain passes before walk to the Lenglong Valley east to Mt. Genyen. The walking itself requires either 5 days or 10 days time depending on the plan. This trek summarizes the best part and the wildest parts of Genyen Massif. If someone is looking for a completely wild trek, this is the best option. It’s not famous and few has ever been there. Please read our Genyen Inner Kora Plan A - 9 Days.. For Genyen Inner Kora Plan B - 14 Days please send your inquiry to us.
Outter Kora Trek
To do an outer Kora Trek in Genyen, it requires a minimum of 11-12 days from Chengdu. The Outer Kora of Genyen is the big loop walking around the Genyen Massif. The trek starts from the Nigong Monastery and goes clockwise all the way to Maoya Prairie. The walking takes 7 to 8 days in total. It is one of the longest treks in Sichuan and also one of the most beautiful ones. Please read more on Genyen Outter Kora Trek.
You can keep reading on our trip reports on exploring trips Genyen West , Genyen South and Central Genyen.
Genyen Outter kora goes to Genyen south and Genyen west.
Genyen Inner Kora Plan A goes to Genyen south and Central Genyen.
Genyen Inner Kora Plan B goes to Genyen south, Genyen west and Central Genyen.
Genyen trekking is getting popular among domestic hikers in China although a lot of these trekking plans don’t provide enough time for acclimating thus it is usually risky. Most of the travel plans available from some sources will have first night overnight by 3950m in Litang and second night by 3900m camping and the rest nights after over 4000m. It goes from Chengdu which is at only 500m to almost 4000m by driving in one day and doesn’t provide an intermediate overnight place in between for acclimating. We think these plans are risky and hikers usually have higher chance of getting mountain sickness. We recommend to have at least one night’s stop in between by either Xinduqiao at 3400m or by Tagong at 3700m. Genyen trek is overall a hard and challenging trek given the high altitude and sometimes long walking.
Genyen Hiking Availability
Genyen trekking is open to everyone. There is no age limit for hikers but generally you need to be fit enough to do this trekking. Hikers between 12 and 60 years old are able to do this trekking generally. Genyen trekking involves long ascent and descent on steep trails, multiple days of walking at high elevations and a minimum of 4-5 consecutive nights of camping.
Elevation and Walking Distance
TTotal walking 5-10 days. Average altitude of Genyen trekking is about 4100 meters with the highest at 5000 meters. There are multiple mountain passes that are over 4800 meters and the camp sites are normally at the elevation between 3900 meters and 4500 meters. It is a very high-elevated trek consider the long days you will be walking. A well-paced hike will have each day about 10-15km of walking. The inner kora is in total either 50+km or 100+km and the outer kora it in total 80+km by walking.
Terrain and Trails under Foot
The trail of Genyen trekking is a frequently used horse trail by local nomads Tibetans. Most of the trails are easy to recognize but there are multiple intersections along the trail of the outer kora. The seasonal climate change may also result into overflowing of rivers hence there may also be changes of trails covered under water but will be safe to walk on. The rivers are not big but the water is extremely cold and the current flows fast. River-crossing is usually by higher range of a river in the inner kora trek. Walking trails of Genyen are basically safe. Walking in the valleys are rather pleasant due to the gradual terrain although when walking over passes you will expect steep ascent and descent. Traversing the rolling hills at lower range of mountains will expect short ups and downs on the open meadows. You will have open views of mountains and valleys for most of the time while hiking in Genyen.
Mountain Sickness
First time travelers to Genyen or even experienced hikers all have the risk of getting Acute Mountain Sickness due to change of altitude/Temperature and air pressure. Elevation in Chengdu is at about 500 meters, Litang is at about 3950 meters and elevation of the trekking is between 3800 meters to 5000 meters. Acclimatization is necessary and precautions are essential. Precautions for trekking in Genyen: Drink more water than you need everyday. Wear more layers to avoid getting a cold due to elevation/temperature/pressure change. Eat properly (no alcohol and be careful of local street food) and do try to have enough time to sleep. Try not stress yourself both physically and mentally. A little physical preparation beforehand is always helpful. Prepare medication for AMS, cold and diaries in case. Symptoms of mountain sickness include loss of will to do things, don’t want to eat and get tired easily, headache, sometimes vomit, color of your lips turn into purplish.
Physical Requirement
Genyen is a serious trekking. Hikers to Genyen need to be adequately fit to do it. Genyen trekking involves walking at elevation over 4000+ meters and the highest place being 5000+ meters. An outer trek or an inner trek will require multiple days of camping. Former camping and highland travel experience help. You have to consider your fitness before you decided to do a Genyen trekking. A little physical training may be helpful. Travelers who have never been to this height before are suggested to consult with your doctor before you go.
Luggage and Porters
A Genyen trekking starts from Chengdu and ends in Chengdu (or starts/ends by the ariports either by Kandging or Yading). You can leave your luggage you don’t need for trekking at your hotel in Chengdu or the town of Litang and come back to collect them after the trekking. It is better to keep your packs the most economic way and not bringing things you don’t need for the trekking. Litang is a second option of leaving your things you don’t need behind. In the recommended itinerary of a Genyen trekking, travelers will go back to Litang after the trekking (either by flying or driving). So you can leave gears and things you don’t need at your hotel in Litang as well. While on trekking, you can use porters to help with your big pack. At Genyen, they use Tibetan horses or motorbikes to carry the bags. Maximum weight a horse can carry is about 30kg to 40kg. So please consider this while you do your packing. The horse usually comes with a horseman. Motorbikes are also available thanks to the good roads been built in the last few years. Motorbikes are used usually for the outter kora trek while for the inner kora trek some parts are not accessible by motorbikes nor even horses.
The Camping
Whilst on trekking, there are no permanent huts or shelters made available for hikers. There are villages on the outer kora that you can even use local people’s house to stay overnight. The houses are Tibetan houses and quite basic and different from hotel but warm. Most of the campsites are very good campsites considering the easy access to water and they are quite flat. You can always use the flat patch used by former hikers but normally you need to move the yak dunes before you set up your tent. There are no deadly insects found in Genyen before while a bigger worry is usually from the yaks while camping. The yaks are almost everywhere and they like anything that contains salt. And they have very good sense of smell. So you are suggested to keep your food covered or sealed and choose a toilet farther away from your sleeping tent maybe at least 200 meters. The yaks do not attack people and they are scared of humans too but you certainly don’t want to be woken up by the snuffling yaks at your tent while you are sleeping. Please avoid startle a yak especially a big one as they may attack you when they think they are attacked. Other animals found at Genyen include wolves but not big in numbers nor dangerous. They are afraid of humans and they usually don’t come close to the human campsites. Making a camp fire is now a forbidden while trekking at Genyen. Rivers and streams are plenty in Genyen, it’s never difficult to find a place with clean water source to make the camp site. The wind is usually very strong and strong tents are recommended especially for the outter kora trek.
There are no cell phone receptions or internet access during the whole trekking at Genyen except in the villages such as Lamaya, Daxiukuo and sometimes Rari Kawa or Naigado and for some sections on the outter kora. You will have your temporal loss of contact with your friends and families for a few nights. However there is electricity and simple shops along the outter trekking trail. What you can normally find in the village shops will include colas, beers, instant noodles, some cookies and vodka. But in the inner kora, there are no villages, no electricity, no any modern facilities but just some seasonal nomadic settlements.
Genyen Hiking Packing list
trekking boots, trekking hat, Jacket/windbreaker, Base layer/T-shirt, Walking trousers, Thermals, Fleece, Socks
Backpack, -15C down Sleeping bag, Water bottle, Walking poles
Waterproof, Sunglasses, Sun block, headlamp, Insect repellent, Toiletries
Camera, Cell phone, batteries
First-aid kit, Personal medications
Eat, Drink and Accommodations
Drinking directly from the stream or river is not recommended as it may result into a serious diarrhea that may ruin your trekking. You can always use water purifier but normally we use boiled water for drinking. That is why a big water bottle/flask is necessary. Prepare enough water before you start trekking if you are a heavy water-drinker. For eating you can always bring your own instant mountain food but if you go with an arranged tour, food will be provided for you including fresh veges and meat, rice or noodles. In Litang you can buy fresh fruit and veges. Please read more on Genyen Accommodations.
Safety Issues
Except AMS, there other risks you may also need to pay attention to include:
A. Potential wild animals hazard: possibly dangerous wild animals found in Genyen include wolves, snakes and crows.
The wolves are plenty in Genyen. They usually move in small groups though not aggressive. You usually see them at the elevation of 4500 meters above the tree line and near the bush line. The wolves are not interested in humans and some may try stay away from humans. Wolves breeding season is from May to September in this region. You are recommended to try camp lower if you are traveling by yourself or in a small group just to be in case.
The snakes found in Genyen are often called Hot Spring Snakes, which is believed to be Thermophis baileyi. You usually see them by the valleys where there are hot springs. They are normally not active as they will need warmth. There is no report so far that there was any attack by such snakes towards neither humans nor yaks. Be careful while you are walking near any hot springs in Genyen, sometimes the snakes lie on the trail to get the warmth from the sun and eb careful not to step on them. These snakes are not considered aggressive and they are nonpoisonous.
The crows do not attack people but they can steal your precious food. Make sure your food is fully covered up and sealed up when you leave your food outside of your range. Their strong beaks can peel though your plastic bags and eat out your food when you find a broken food bag meters away.
B. Loss of gears: Always keep your gears covered up especially the expensive ones. The usual threats of loss of gears come from the kids in the village and at the yak ranches due to their curiosity over your gears they never saw before. However it is controversial to give the local kids freebies since we have seen a rise of usually encouraged requesting things from travelers by local kids especially along the driving roads. But when requested, you can always say no. Also when using a porter, make sure all your things are sealed and well-packed before loaded on a horse back.
C. Register to local authority. It is highly recommended to register at local police office in Litang and in Genyen while traveling there especially when you are a foreigner. It was not required until 2017. Although you don’t need to do this by yourself if you are using service from local companies. To register is to simply get your passport registered and your travel plan submitted to the local police. The good side of this is when you have some accident the local police will organize a rescue. Although if you don’t do it you will not be asked to leave or to give up your visit. If accidents happen during your trekking, you need to find solutions quickly. For serious mountain sickness, you always go lower. In this case, Batang Xian is the best option, if not or if you are too far from Batang where it happens, go to one of the villages like Lamaya or Zhangna where they are lower than the hiking trail. For injuries you need transfer to a hospital probably using the horse as a start.
Please read more on our detailed Genyen Travel Guide.
Route: Chengdu - Genyen - Chengdu
Route: Chengdu - Genyen - Chengdu
