Trekking in the Minya Konka Range (Sichuan)

Duration: 14 days
Months offered: Year round
Costs: From $2,500

In ancient times, throughout all of east Tibet's Kham region no area could claim a more impressive sacred peak than the Kingdom of Minyak's Mt. Minya Konka. The peaks stunning truncated summit rising out of lush rhododendron forests to 7,556 meters, demands the respect of those lucky enough to gaze on it. Throughout the latter part of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, Minya Konka was constantly anticipated by western explorers in Kham, but rarely seen due to the deep valleys through which all nearby roads travel, effectively blocking out the peak. In 1932 the peak was climbed by Americans in an amazing epic ascent. Our trek up the Moxi valley running north-south along the west face of Minya Konka, follows a pilgrimage route that takes in all the major peaks of the range. Enroute are high alpine lakes, idyllic Tibetan villages, with houses built in unique Khampa architecture. Near its base on the western side, sits ancient Konka monastery. This monastery of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism was damaged during the Cultural Revolution, but today is again thriving. We will also take side trips to the various other monasteries in the vicinity, and to the glaciers of Minya Konka itself. For those looking to fully immerse in the heart of eastern Tibetan culture and landscape, in an area that has seen virtually no tourism, this is the trek.