Mount Siguniang Dafeng Peak Climbing Guide (2026)

Dafeng Peak of Mount Siguniang (四姑娘山大峰, 5,025m) is one of China’s most beginner-friendly 5,000-meter snow mountains. Its route is fully hikeable, with no technical difficulties, and an 85%+ summit success rate, making it the ideal choice for a first high-altitude adventure. This guide covers itinerary, equipment, fitness, safety, seasons, and guides for climbing Erfeng Peak.

Basic Information

Dafeng, Siguniang Mount

Climbing Dafeng, Siguniang Mount

• Altitude: 5,025m (the lowest and easiest of Mount Siguniang’s four peaks)
• Difficulty: ★☆ (beginner hiking level; no technical skills required)
• Best Seasons:
  • April–May, September–November: stable snow, clear weather, stunning views
  • June–August: rainy season, fog, slippery paths, lower summit success
  • December–March: winter, heavy snow, very cold (-15°C to -20°C), requires crampons; suitable for experienced climbers
• Climbing Duration: 3 days 2 nights (standard), 4 days 3 nights (altitude-friendly or leisure version)
• Core Terrain: Alpine meadows → Boulder slopes → Gentle snow slopes → 40° “Desperate Slope” (iron chains) → Flat summit
• Summit Success Rate: 85–95% (good weather, normal fitness, mild altitude effects)
• Route: Entirely via Haizi Valley (海子沟)

Standard 3-Day 2-Night Itinerary (Classic & Beginner-Friendly)

Day 1: Chengdu (成都) → Mount Siguniang Town (四姑娘山镇, 3,200m) – Altitude Adaptation

• Transportation:
  • Bus from Chengdu Chadianzi / Xin Nanmen → Mount Siguniang Town (approx. 4h via Balang Mountain Tunnel, 巴朗山隧道)
  • Private car or shared ride options available
• Altitude Adaptation Tips:
  • Walk slowly upon arrival, avoid running or jumping
  • Avoid showers, alcohol, smoking
  • Drink 2L+ water, eat vegetables and fruit, sleep early (before 20:30)
• Accommodation: Guesthouse in Mount Siguniang Town (standard room with heating and oxygen supply)
• Meals: Tibetan cuisine, Sichuan cuisine (light meals, avoid greasy food)
• Essential Prep: Start Rhodiola 7 days before; take Altitude Medication on arrival

Day 2: Mount Siguniang Town → Haizi Valley → Dajianbao (打尖包) → Dafeng Base Camp (4,300m)

• Distance & Duration: 15–16km, 6–8 hours hiking, altitude gain 1,100m
• Route Segments:
  • Haizi Valley Entrance → Dajianbao (3,750m): ~7.5km, gentle meadow trail; horse riding optional for beginners (single ride)
  • Dajianbao → Base Camp (4,300m): ~8km, boulder slopes + gentle snow climb, faster altitude gain
• Energy Tips: Maintain a steady pace; rest 3 minutes every 20 minutes
• Equipment Transport: Horse pack service available for luggage (weight limit 20kg)
• Accommodation: Stone house or multi-person tents at Base Camp (sleeping bag -15°C, stove provided)
• Meals: Breakfast (provided), trail lunch (self-prepared), Base Camp dinner (hot food + hot water)
• Key: Adjust to 4,300m altitude; sleep before 20:00 to save energy for summit attempt

Day 3: Base Camp → Summit (5,025m) → Descent → Mount Siguniang Town → Chengdu

• Wake-up: 2:00–3:00 AM, hot porridge, glucose, check equipment (headlamp required)
• Summit Start: 3:00–4:00 AM (total 4km, 725m elevation gain, 3–4h)
• Summit Route:
  • Base Camp → Gentle snow slope (30°) → 4,800m pass (~2h)
  • Pass → “Desperate Slope” (100m, 40°): use iron chains, hands and feet climbing, most challenging but safe
  • Desperate Slope → Summit (5,025m): flat open area, arrive 6:30–7:30 AM to enjoy sunrise, sea of clouds, and Yaomei Peak (幺妹峰) glowing in golden sunlight
• Descent Rule: Regardless of summit success, descend before 10:00 AM due to afternoon wind, snowstorms, and thunderstorms
• Return: Base Camp → Mount Siguniang Town (4–5h) → Chengdu (4h)
• Certificate: Commercial groups provide official summit certificate and medal

6 Days Mount Siguniang Dafeng Climbing Tour from Chengdu

Tour Route：Chengdu-Mount Siguniang-Chengdu

Tour Type：Hiking Tours / Snow Mountain Climbing

6 Days

4 Places

View Detail

Equipment Checklist (Personal & Shared – Beginner Version)

1. Personal Equipment (Essential)

• Clothing (Three-Layer System):
  • Base: quick-dry clothing or merino wool
  • Mid: fleece jacket or light down (200g+ for warmth)
  • Outer: GTX waterproof and windproof jacket & pants
  • Warm layer: thick down (-15°C), fleece hat, neck warmer, heavy waterproof gloves
• Footwear: Waterproof high-altitude boots (crampon-compatible), wool socks ×2, gaiters (winter essential)
• Technical Gear (provided by guides/club): Crampons (April–May, October–March), 2 trekking poles, headlamp (with extra batteries), thermal flask (2L)
• Other Essentials: Sunscreen (SPF50+), snow goggles / sunglasses, power bank, waterproof phone pouch, personal medications (altitude pills, ibuprofen, cold medicine, digestive aid, bandages)

2. Shared Equipment (Provided by Commercial Groups)

Tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags (-15°C), stove, cooking utensils, fuel, first-aid kit, satellite phone

Fitness Requirements & Training (Beginner-Friendly)

• Basic Requirements: No serious heart/lung disease, hypertension, or heart conditions; able to hike 6–8h continuously with 10kg load
• Beginner Training (1 month in advance):
  • 3x/week jogging or brisk walking (5km+) to improve endurance
  • 2x/week leg training (squats, lunges)
  • Weekend: mountain hike (10km+, 800m+ elevation gain)
• Technical Skills: None required; no prior climbing experience needed

Safety & Altitude Awareness (Must-Know for Beginners)

Altitude Sickness Prevention

• Take Rhodiola 7 days before, Altitude Medication on arrival
• Hydrate 2–3L/day, walk slowly, avoid late nights, overeating, alcohol, smoking, or strenuous activity
• Symptoms: headache, insomnia, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue
• Treatment:
  • Mild: rest, oxygen, hydration, ibuprofen
  • Severe: vomiting, confusion, breathing difficulties → immediate descent required

Climbing Safety Rules

• Follow certified guides (1:2 ratio, scenic area filing required)
• Hold iron chains on “Desperate Slope,” do not push or run
• Proper crampon use during snow/ice season
• Descend with a low center of gravity, small steps, zigzag pattern; avoid loose rock slips
• Descend immediately in sudden weather changes (wind, snow, fog)

Dafeng Peak vs Erfeng Peak (Comparison – Beginner Guide)

FAQs

Can absolute beginners summit Dafeng Peak?
Yes! It is the most beginner-friendly 5,000m snow mountain in China. With proper fitness, commercial guides, and altitude preparation, a 90% summit rate is achievable.

Do I need a climbing permit or certification?
No professional permit required. Only scenic area filing and guide accompaniment (handled by commercial tours).

Can elderly or children attempt it?

• Elderly: under 60, healthy, no severe altitude issues
• Children: 12+, fit enough; 4-day tour recommended

Can it be climbed in rainy or winter seasons?

• Rainy season (June–August): possible but foggy, slippery, lower summit success
• Winter (Dec–Mar): possible but extremely cold, crampons required; recommended for experienced climbers

Where can horses be used?
Horses can only reach Dajianbao; summit attempt must be on foot

Dafeng Peak (四姑娘山大峰) is the safest, easiest, and most cost-effective first 5,000m snow mountain experience. In just 3 days, climbers can enjoy summit achievement, sunrise above the clouds, and high-altitude adventure. Perfect for absolute beginners ready for their first snow mountain challenge.