Start your enquiry 
Mountaineering / Zhongshan expedition
Private expedition · guided
Fourteen days to a near-7,000-metre summit — Zhongshan, the second-highest mountain in Sichuan after Gongga itself: a 36-kilometre approach with more than 4,500 metres of ascent, camps up the glacier, and two flexible days for the weather.
Ask about this itineraryMt. Zhongshan · 6,886 metres, the second peak of Sichuan
Zhongshan summit — second highest in Sichuan, a height comparable to Aconcagua
your own dates and group, from one climber upward
from 2,350 m to the summit on animal trails, debris, glacier and snow
a two-week expedition with two flexible days at the end
Why this route
Zhongshan and Gongga are the two great peaks of the Minya Konka range. Gongga at 7,556 metres keeps the crown; Zhongshan at 6,886 metres is the far more climbable mountain — second-highest in Sichuan, a similar height to Aconcagua, and a near-7,000er that a strong climber can actually plan for, with a comparatively short drive to the trailhead.
It is still a serious expedition. The approach is 36 kilometres from the start of the trail to the summit on steep terrain — among the longest approaches of any 6,000er in China — with a total of over 4,500 metres of ascent from 2,350 metres up animal trails, debris slopes, glacier and snow. The reward en route is the glacier: Zhongshan's ice towers are clean, rock-free ice of a kind the normal debris-streaked glaciers never show. Fourteen days, with the first three given to acclimatisation and the last two held flexible for the weather. Note for planning: the guiding on this expedition is Chinese-speaking; an English-speaking guide can be arranged at additional cost.
Route Briefing
Three acclimatisation days, seven climbing days up the 36-kilometre route, two days to come out — and two flexible days to protect the whole plan.
Along the way
Zhongshan's approach passes ice most climbers never see clean — and the scale of the range grows by the day.
The foothills · the glacier · the dome
undefined
undefined
Day by day
The source plan gives the shape — three days of acclimatisation, seven of climbing, two of retreat, two spare. The mountain decides the detail.
The approach valley, from 2,350 m
The first three days belong to the body: the drive to the trailhead at 2,350 metres, the first kilometres of the 36, and camps that rise slowly enough for a 4,500-metre ascent to become possible. Expedition rhythm, established early.
Overnight in camp each night.
The mountain, to 6,886 m
Seven days of climbing: up animal trails and debris slopes, onto the glacier with its clean ice towers, and camp by camp towards the 6,886-metre summit of the second-highest peak in Sichuan. Camps, carries and the summit push are arranged by the guide around the weather — this is the part of the plan that breathes.
Overnight in tents on the mountain.
Back to Chengdu
Two days to reverse the approach — down the glacier, the debris and the trails, and back on the road to Chengdu.
Flexible days
Two flexible days at the end of the plan — the buffer that lets a storm on the mountain be a delay rather than a failure. On a two-week expedition at this height, they are not optional padding; they are the design.
Private departures
This expedition runs privately between 1 June and 26 October — no fixed join-in dates. The price per person falls as the group grows; every departure is guided end to end.
| Group size | Per person | Booking type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 climber | CNY 109,600per person | Private only |
| 2 climbers | CNY 72,500per person | Private only |
| 3 climbers | CNY 67,300per person | Private only |
| 4 or more | CNY 62,400per person | Private only |
A two-week commitment at near-7,000 metres — expect a conversation about your altitude history before we confirm the plan.
What's included
A guided private expedition: leadership, permits and the mountain logistics are in the price.
Arranged and paid for before you arrive.
A mountain guide
Guiding for the whole expedition (Chinese-speaking; see the notes above).
Camps and camp food
Lodging and tents at the campsites; breakfasts and dinners while camping, basic mountain food above base camp.
Shared climbing gear
Ropes and group technical equipment for glacier and snow ground.
Gear carrying
Part of the personal gear carried for each climber before base camp.
Permits and support
Climbing permits, logistics and medical support, and every transfer on the plan.
Yours to arrange, or ask us about.
English-speaking guide
Can be arranged at additional cost.
Chengdu lodging and meals
And lunches throughout; flights and trains.
Personal gear
Including crampons, harness, helmet, boots and ice axe — these can be arranged.
Summit certificate
And optional porter service above base camp, and tips.
undefined
Enquiry
Tell us your altitude history and expedition experience, as well as your dates. We will come back with an honest assessment and a written outline.
Enquiry sent
We reply within one business day. A copy of what you sent has gone to your inbox.
Need to add something? Write to inquiry@chinadventure.com.
Back to the itineraryRead next