The Best Genie Mountain Hiking Loops in China for Foreign Travelers – From Chengdu to the Wild Heart of Sichuan

If you’re hiking in China and skip Genie Mountain (Géniè Shénshān, 格聂神山), you’re missing Sichuan’s best-kept secret.It’s wilder than Bipeng Valley (Bìpéng Gōu, 毕棚沟). Easier than Gongga (Gòngjiā Shān, 贡嘎山). And far less crowded than anywhere near Chengdu.

But here’s the problem:

Most blogs just say “Go to Genie!”—but don’t tell you how to get there, which trail fits your fitness, or where to find a real guide.

A German friend once showed up in Litang with no plan.

He tried to hike the C+V Line solo.Got lost in fog near Black Lake (Hēi Hú, 黑湖).

Thankfully, a Tibetan herder walked him back.

Genie Mountain Hiking

This guide fixes that.

I’ll break down 4 real Genie hiking loops—with exact daily itineraries, transport tips, camp vs. guesthouse info, and where to hire horses or guides (with prices!).

All start from Chengdu (Chéngdū, 成都).

All tested by foreign hikers.

Pick your loop—and hike with confidence.

（Best Genie Mountain hiking trails in China for foreign travelers）

Loop 1: Genie Small Loop – Easy & Scenic (6 Days / 23km)

Best for: First-time high-altitude hikers or those who want comfort + views.Max altitude: 4,200m

Longest hike: 10km (Day 5)

Daily Breakdown:

• Day 1: Arrive in Chengdu. Eat hotpot! No hiking.

• Day 2: Chengdu → Kangding (Kāngdìng, 康定) → Litang (Lǐtáng, 理塘). 10-hour drive. Sleep in Litang (guesthouse, ¥100).

• Day 3: Litang → Tiejiangshan Pass (Tiějiàngshān Yàkǒu, 铁匠山垭口) → Lama Pass (Lǎmā Yàkǒu, 喇嘛垭) → Genie’s Heart (Géniè Zhī Xīn, 格聂之心) → Genie’s Eye (Géniè Zhī Yǎn, 格聂之眼) → Genie Town (Géniè Zhèn, 格聂镇). Light hike: 5km. Sleep in guesthouse (¥120).

Genie’s Eye

• Day 4: Genie Town → Lenggu Monastery (Lěnggǔ Sì, 冷古寺) → Reti (Rètī, 热梯) → Zeba Village Camp (Zébā Cūn Yíngdì, 则巴村营地). Hike: 8km. Sleep in glamping tent (provided by local guide).

Yike Shu (“One Tree” viewpoint)

• Day 5: Zeba Camp → Yike Shu (Yīkē Shù, 一棵树 – “One Tree” viewpoint) → Lama Pass → Litang. Hike: 10km. Sleep in Litang guesthouse.

• Day 6: Litang → Kangding → Chengdu. 10-hour drive.

Transport & Support:

• No public bus from Litang to trailhead. Hire a driver in Litang (¥600 round-trip).

• Guide: Optional but recommended (¥300/day). Ask at Kangba Guesthouse in Litang.

• Horses: Not needed—light packs only.

Why it works:You get Genie’s Eye, glacier views, and Tibetan culture—with 4 nights in beds and just 1 night camping.

Loop 2: Genie South Loop – Lakes, Peaks & Hot Springs (5 Days / 30km)

Best for: Hikers who want more scenery but still avoid multi-day camping.Max altitude: 4,300mLongest hike: 10km

Daily Breakdown:

• Day 1: Chengdu → Heishicheng Viewpoint (Hēishíchéng Guānjǐngtái, 黑石城观景台) → Yajiang (Yǎjiāng, 雅江). 6-hour drive. Sleep in Yajiang (guesthouse, ¥80).

Heishicheng Viewpoint

• Day 2: Yajiang → Litang → Genie’s Heart → Genie’s Eye → Genie Town. Hike: 7km. Sleep in guesthouse.

• Day 3: Genie Town → New Lenggu Monastery (Xīn Lěnggǔ Sì, 新冷古寺) → Yike Shu → Zeba Camp. Hike: 9km. Sleep in tent.

• Day 4: Zeba Camp → Genie South Slope → Reti Hot Springs (Rètī Wēnquán, 热梯温泉) → back to Zeba → Litang. Hike: 10km. Soak in hot springs before dinner! Sleep in Litang.

Reti Hot Springs

• Day 5: Litang → Kangding → Chengdu.

Transport & Support:

• Chengdu → Yajiang: Take bus from Xinnanmen Bus Station (¥150, 6 hrs).

• Guide: Strongly recommended (¥300/day). Trails unmarked past Genie Town.

• Horses: Not needed.

Real perk:

You soak in natural hot springs under stars—after hiking through flower meadows.

Loop 3: Genie Grand Loop C – For Confident Hikers (7 Days / 66km)

Best for: Those with high-altitude experience who love wild camping.Max altitude: 4,980m (Yele Pass – Yēlè Gōu Yàkǒu, 耶勒沟垭口)Longest hike: 15km+

Daily Breakdown:

• Day 1: Chengdu arrival. Rest.

• Day 2: Chengdu → Kangding → Litang. Sleep in Litang.

• Day 3: Litang → Tiejiangshan Pass → Lama Pass → Genie’s Eye → New Lenggu Monastery → Hengda (Hāngdá, 夯达). Hike: 10km. Sleep in tent.

• Day 4: Hengda → Daodao River Valley (Dǎodǎo Hé Gǔ, 岛岛河谷) → Reti Hot Springs Camp. Hike: 12km. Sleep in tent.

• Day 5: Reti → Yele Valley → Yele Pass (4,980m) → Gemu Village (Gémù Cūn, 格木村). Hike: 15km, +900m climb. Sleep in tent.

• Day 6: Gemu → Hagala Pass (Hāgālā Yàkǒu, 哈嘎拉垭口) → Anjiu Village (Ānjiǔ Cūn, 安久村) → Litang. Hike: 14km. Sleep in Litang.

• Day 7: Litang → Chengdu.

Transport & Support:

• Must hire a guide (¥300/day).

• Horse team: Essential for gear (¥400/day, carries 20kg). Hire in Litang or Zeba Village.

• Food: Bring all meals or pay guide to cook (¥50/day for meals).

Warning:

Day 5 is steep and exposed. Not for beginners. Acclimatize 2 nights in Litang first.

Loop 4: Genie C+V Line – Expert Only (10 Days / 110km)

Best for: Seasoned backpackers who want raw, remote wilderness.Max altitude: 4,980mLongest hike: 18km (Day 4)

Daily Breakdown:

• Day 1: Chengdu arrival.

• Day 2: Chengdu → Litang (10 hrs). Sleep in Litang.

• Day 3: Litang → Genie’s Eye → Old Lenggu Monastery (Lǎo Lěnggǔ Sì, 老冷古寺) → Genie Town. Hike: 7km. Sleep in guesthouse.

Old Lenggu Monastery

• Day 4: Genie Town → Genie’s Heart → Rizhao Jinshan Camp (Rìzhào Jīnshān Yíngdì, 日照金山营地). Hike: 18km. Sleep in tent.

• Day 5: Camp → Hengda. Hike: 15km. Sleep in tent.

• Day 6: Hengda → Black Lake (Hēi Hú, 黑湖). Hike: 12km. Sleep in tent.

• Day 7: Black Lake → Cuoniangka (Cuòniángkǎ, 错娘卡) → Zhaxikang (Zhāxǐkāng, 扎喜康) → Reti. Hike: 14km. Sleep in tent.

• Day 8: Reti → Yele Valley → Yele Pass (4,980m) → Gemu. Hike: 16km. Sleep in tent.

• Day 9: Gemu → Hagala Pass → Anjiu → Litang. Hike: 15km. Sleep in Litang.

• Day 10: Litang → Chengdu.

Transport & Support:

• No public transport. Private car from Chengdu to Litang: ¥1,200 one-way.

• Guide + horse team mandatory. Cost: ~¥2,500/person for 10 days (includes food, tents, horses).

• Where to book: Kangba Guesthouse in Litang or local trekking agencies.

Reality check:

Zero phone signal for 6+ days.

Carry satellite messenger.

Bring all food.

How to Get to Genie from Chengdu (Without a Tour)

Option 1: Private Car

• Chengdu → Litang: ¥2,200 one-way, 8–10 hours.

• Best for groups of 2–4.

Option 2: Public Bus (Budget)

• Chengdu Xinnanmen Station → Kangding: ¥120, 4 hours.

• Kangding → Litang: ¥180, 6 hours.

• No English signs—show driver “Litang” written in Chinese.

From Litang to Trailhead:

• No bus. Hire local driver (¥500–700 round-trip).

Where to Hire Help in Litang:

• Guides: Kangba Guesthouse or Litang Tourism Office. ¥300/day.

• Horse teams: Same places. ¥400/day (carries 20kg).

• Camping gear: Rent tents/sleeping bags for ¥50/day.

Why Trust This Guide?

I’ve lived in Chengdu for 10 years.

I’ve sent hundreds of foreign hikers to Genie—not one got lost.

I’ve compared Genie to Gongga, Yading, and Siguniangshan.

Genie wins for raw beauty + fewer crowds.

And yes—I’ve hiked all 4 loops myself.

What Foreign Hikers Say

“The Small Loop was perfect—saw glaciers, lakes, and Tibetan herders—but never felt overwhelmed.”— Lucas, Germany

“Soaking in Reti hot springs after hiking? Unforgettable.”— Marco, Italy

“C+V Line was hard—but seeing Black Lake alone in the wild? Worth every blister.”— Tom, USA

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Go with confidence