Erfeng Peak of Mount Siguniang (四姑娘山二峰, 5,276m) is one of China’s most popular 5,000-meter beginner technical snow mountains. Its moderate difficulty, mature commercial routes, and stunning scenery have earned it the nickname “Beginner’s Everest Simulator.” This guide provides full details on the itinerary, equipment, fitness, costs, safety, seasons, and guides for climbing Erfeng Peak.
Basic Information
Summit Erfeng, Siguniang Mount
Erfeng, Siguniang Mountain, Sichuans
- Altitude: 5,276m (Second Highest Peak of Mount Siguniang, 四姑娘山二峰)
- Difficulty: ★★☆ (Beginner technical level; requires crampons and basic rope techniques)
- Best Season: April–May, September–November (stable snow lines and good weather);
June–August: rainy season, frequent fog and rain;
December–March: winter, heavy snow and extreme cold, requires professional ice equipment
- Climbing Period: 3 days 2 nights (standard), 4 days 3 nights (altitude-friendly version)
- Core Terrain: Alpine pastures → Boulder fields → Snow slopes → 40° mixed ice-rock slopes → Knife-edge ridge (Moon Bay, 月亮湾) → Summit
- Summit Success Rate: 70–80% (weather permitting, normal fitness, mild altitude effects)
Standard 3-Day 2-Night Itinerary (Classic Route)
Day 1
Arrive in Chengdu → Transfer to Siguniang Town (3,200m)
Rest and acclimatize, avoid strenuous exercise, and prepare climbing equipment.
Day 2
Siguniang Town → Base Camp (4,400m)
Hike in the morning, hire a horse or porter for luggage if needed, and arrive at the base camp in the late afternoon. Rest and acclimatize to the high altitude.
Day 3
Base Camp → Summit (5,025m) → Base Camp→ Siguniang Town → Chengdu
Wake up at 2:00 AM, have a simple breakfast, and start climbing with headlamps. Reach the summit around 7:30-8:30 AM to watch the sunrise. Rest and take photos, then descend back to the base camp for the night. Hike back to Siguniang Town in the morning, then transfer back to Chengdu to end the trip.
Day 1: Chengdu (成都) → Mount Siguniang Town (四姑娘山镇, 3,200m)
- Transportation: Chengdu Chadianzi / Xin Nanmen → Mount Siguniang Town (approx. 4h via Balang Mountain Tunnel, 巴朗山隧道)
- Altitude Adaptation: Walk slowly upon arrival, drink plenty of water, avoid hot showers, alcohol, and strenuous exercise
- Accommodation: Guesthouse in town (standard room, heating, oxygen supply)
- Key Tips: Altitude sickness prevention (start Rhodiola 7 days prior; take Altitude Medication on arrival)
Day 2: Mount Siguniang Town → Haizi Valley (海子沟) → Dajianbao (打尖包) → Erfeng Base Camp (4300m)
- Distance & Duration: 16–19km; 6–8 hours hiking; altitude gain 1000–1100m
- Route:
- Haizi Valley Entrance (ticket included in tour)
- Dajianbao (6km gentle slope, 3,750m)
- Dajianbao → Base Camp (10km boulder field + intermittent snow slopes, 4,300m)
- Energy Management: First half easy, second half steep with strong winds and increased altitude effects
- Optional: Horse ride available (approx. 200 RMB one way) for those struggling, but hiking is recommended for acclimatization
- Accommodation: Base Camp tents (multi-person; sleeping bags rated to -15°C)
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner (camp meals); bring your own lunch for the trail
Day 3: Base Camp → Summit (5,276m) → Descent → Mount Siguniang Town → Chengdu
- Wake-up: 2:00–3:00 AM, hot porridge, glucose, equipment check
- Summit Start: 3:00–4:00 AM (headlamp required)
- Climbing Route:
- Base Camp → Mixed ice-rock slope (40°, ~3h, crampons + trekking poles)
- 5000m Pass → Moon Bay Knife-Edge Ridge (single-file, cliff on both sides, guided rope protection)
- Final 30m “Desperate Slope” (50°, hands and feet climbing)
- Summit Time: 6:30–7:30 AM (watch sunrise over clouds, Yaomei Peak (幺妹峰) golden hour)
- Descent: Must descend before 10:00 AM due to high wind and weather risks
- Return Journey: Base Camp → Mount Siguniang Town (4–5h) → Chengdu (4h)
Tour Route:Chengdu-Mount Siguniang in Sichuan-Chengdu
Equipment List
1. Personal Equipment (Mandatory)
- Clothing:
- Base layer: quick-dry or merino wool clothing
- Mid-layer: fleece jacket or thin down (200g+)
- Outer layer: GTX waterproof and windproof jacket & pants
- Warm layer: thick down jacket (-15°C), fleece hat, neck warmer, heavy gloves
- Footwear: High-altitude mountaineering boots (crampon-compatible), wool socks ×2, gaiters
- Technical Gear (provided by guides/club):
- Crampons, harness, main lock, ascender, headlamp (with extra batteries), 2 trekking poles
- Others: Thermal flask (2L hot water), energy gels/chocolates, sunscreen (SPF50+), snow goggles/sunglasses, power bank, waterproof phone pouch, personal medication (altitude sickness, cold, stomach)
2. Shared Equipment (Provided by Club)
- Tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, stove, cooking utensils, fuel, ropes, first-aid kits, satellite phone
Fitness Requirements & Training
Basic Requirements: No serious heart or lung disease; able to hike 8h continuously with 10–15kg load
Recommended Training (1–2 months prior):
- 3x per week long-distance running (5km+)
- 2x per week core + leg training (squats, lunges, planks)
- Weekend: mountain hike (10km+, 800m+ elevation gain)
Safety & Altitude Concerns
Altitude Sickness Prevention
- Prevention: 7 days of Rhodiola, altitude medicine on arrival, hydrate 2–3L/day, slow walking, no running/jumping, no alcohol or smoking
- Symptoms: headache, insomnia, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue
- Treatment:
- Mild: rest, oxygen, hydration, ibuprofen
- Severe (vomiting, confusion, difficulty breathing): immediate descent
Climbing Safety Rules
- Always follow certified guides (1:2–1:3 ratio)
- Summit in teams using rope protection on knife-edge sections
- Descend before 10:00 AM; afternoon brings high wind, snow, and thunderstorms
- Proper use of crampons; maintain center of gravity during descent
- Immediate descent if weather changes suddenly
Dafeng Peak vs Erfeng Peak (Comparison)
Dafeng vs. Erfeng Comparison
FAQs
Can beginners summit Erfeng Peak?
Yes, but only with proper fitness, commercial guides, and altitude adaptation; pure beginners are advised to attempt Daping Peak first.
Do I need a climbing permit?
No professional climbing certificate is required for Erfeng Peak, but guides and filing with the scenic area are mandatory.
Is winter climbing possible?
Yes, but extremely cold (-20°C) and heavy snow; requires crampons and strict team rope use. Only for experienced climbers.
Can I summit in the rain?
No, rain + low temperatures = extreme hypothermia and slip risk. Summit is strictly prohibited in rainy conditions.
Is there a summit certificate?
Yes, commercial groups provide a summit certificate and medal.
Erfeng Peak (四姑娘山二峰) offers the best value and accessibility for a 5,000m snow mountain with slight technical skill requirement. In just 3 days, climbers can experience their first high-altitude snow mountain, sunrise above clouds, and technical climbing adventure. This peak is perfect for travelers seeking to challenge themselves and start their snow mountain journey.