5 Days Xinjiang Bogda Trekking Adventure

Welcome to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang and a sparkling gem nestled in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains. All team members will individually travel to the designated hotel for assembly. In the afternoon, we will check equipment, hold a pre-trip meeting, and enjoy a welcome dinner. The rest of the day is for you to rest up for an amazing trekking adventure ahead.

A day full of surprises starts with a hearty breakfast. After that, you'll meet your guide at the hotel at 9:00 AM. By noon, head to the starting point of your trek. Your first leg is a 4-kilometer trek to Site No. 2, located at an elevation of 2,540 meters. The trail ends at the Three-Way Pass, where you'll encounter a small settlement in the Mizoguchi area. Here, a local family warmly welcomes you, and the owner, Subchan, often invites visitors for a traditional tea break—a perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture.  

From Mizoguchi, you'll have two options: venture into the enchanting aspen forest along the riverbed or follow the trail along the hillside. After 5 kilometers, you'll reach No. 1 Fold (a friendly reminder: watch out for snakes near the sheepfold when walking through the grass!). As the trail steepens, you'll enter lush summer pastures, a serene landscape dotted with grazing animals. Continue for another 6 kilometers to reach your campsite at No. 2 Fold, perched at 2,500 meters above sea level. Settle in for the night and enjoy the tranquility of the mountains.

Waking up from a tranquil night, new challenges await you. After packing up at 9:00 AM, you'll begin your trek toward Bogda Camp. The day starts with a climb through a long, dry ravine. After about an hour, you'll reach the top, standing at 3,000 meters above sea level. From here, the majestic snow-capped peaks of Bogda dominate the horizon, and the Three-Way Pass is almost within reach.  

As you descend into the valley, you'll pass through gently sloping alpine meadows, where flocks of cattle and sheep graze peacefully. The real challenge begins as you approach the Three-Way Pass, a steep climb with a vertical rise of 300 meters and a 60-degree slope. This is the most demanding part of your journey, so take it slow and steady to avoid exhaustion (pro tip: drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and reduce the strain on your heart at high altitude).  

By lunchtime, you'll arrive at Bogda Camp, where you'll set up camp and soak in the breathtaking views of the Tianshan Mountains. Keep an eye out for the rare Snow Lotus, a symbol of purity and resilience in these high-altitude landscapes.

Today is all about exploring the stunning surroundings of Bogda Camp. In summer, the area near Bogda Peak is a paradise of natural beauty: snow-capped mountains, glaciers, glacial lakes, and the elusive Snow Lotus (remember, this plant is protected by law, so admire it but don't pick it!).  

Just 100 meters from the base camp, you'll approach the North Slope Glacier, a massive expanse of ice that feels like stepping into a crystalline wonderland. Marvel at the ice cliffs, ice rivers, and ice bridges formed by centuries of glacial movement. You'll encounter fascinating ice formations like ice mushrooms, ice fountains, and deep ice wells with an otherworldly green hue. It's like walking through a mythical ice kingdom!  

Scattered across the glacier are moraines—huge boulders carried down by the ice, some as large as houses and others small enough to hold in your hand. Below Bogda Peak, you'll find glacial lakes of varying sizes, their sapphire-blue waters glistening in the sunlight. (Important note: Only experienced climbers should venture onto the glacier, as hidden ice cracks can be extremely dangerous. Tragic accidents, like that of the Japanese climber Miss Whitewater, serve as a sobering reminder of the glacier's risks.)

On your final day, wake up early at 8:00 AM and prepare for your adventure to the iconic Heavenly Lake. By 9:00 AM, you'll begin your trek, climbing about 100 meters and crossing Three Daban to reach the eastern valley. As you descend into the northern section of the Tianshan Mountains, you'll pass through a diverse landscape of alpine plants and dense forests, a refreshing contrast to the icy vistas of the previous days.  

When you arrive at Heavenly Lake, you'll be greeted by one of the most picturesque scenes in Xinjiang. The lake's crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a postcard-perfect view. Take your time to relax and soak in the beauty of this natural wonder. In the afternoon, you'll head back to Urumqi, marking the end of your unforgettable four-day trekking adventure in Bogda.