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SEO Title: 68-Day Western Sichuan Road Trip: Climbing Banji Peak & Crossing Glaciers (Couple’s Guide)

Meta Description: Discover an epic 68-day Western Sichuan road trip covering 7,000 km. From technical climbs on Banji Peak to deep cultural immersion, this couple’s journey is the ultimate adventure guide.

Crossing Millennia of Ice: One Couple’s 68-Day, 7,000 km Western Sichuan Road Trip

On August 5, 2016, a single car carrying two people left Chengdu. What began as a simple weekend getaway spiraled into a 68-day odyssey across 3 prefectures and 14 counties. The staggering statistic? They traveled over 7,000 kilometers—and never left Sichuan province.

This was not a standard road trip. It was a deep dialogue with snow-capped peaks, ancient glaciers, and Tibetan faith. When strangers asked how long they had been traveling, jaws dropped at the answer: two months, seven thousand kilometers, and still inside Sichuan?

The vastness of the Western Sichuan Plateau defies imagination. This couple measured every inch of its grandeur with their footsteps, lenses, and wheels. This is the story of their ultimate journey, beginning with the technical climb of Banji Peak (Half-Ridge Peak).

Chapter 1: Banji Peak (Half-Ridge Peak) – A Technical Snow Mountain for Beginners

Why Climb a Mountain in Western Sichuan?

On this blue planet, mountains reign supreme. They stood long before humans existed, overlooking all things. Glacial melt gives birth to rivers; rivers nourish fertile plains; plains give rise to life. Without mountains, there would be no terrestrial life, let alone human civilization.

Deep within the famous Bipenggou Scenic Area in Aba Prefecture, Sichuan, lies a captivating yet little-known peak: Banji Peak (Half-Ridge Peak) . Alongside Siguniang Mountain’s Third Peak, it is classified as a technical entry-level snow mountain. However, because it is hidden deep inside the scenic area, ordinary tourists rarely see it. Its name dates back to May 4, 2004, when seven climbers first summited and discovered the peak tucked behind a ridge, naming it for its shape.

Banji Peak boasts true glaciers that never melt year-round. Just 200 kilometers from Chengdu—a three-and-a-half-hour drive—its excellent accessibility makes it the first real snow mountain for countless climbers seeking a Western Sichuan climbing adventure.

Preparation: From Altitude Sickness to Scientific Meal Planning

It had been too long since the couple had been at high altitude, and their bodies needed adjustment. They arrived in Li County two days early—and promptly slept for two straight days. The plateau’s “welcome” is never gentle.

Mountain trekking food is a technical art: it must provide ample energy and vitamins while being lightweight and easy to eat. They chose specific brand products paired with yak jerky bought in Li County. It turned out to be a perfect combination—after the climb, everyone else’s lips were cracked, but theirs were fine. This is a critical tip for anyone planning a high-altitude trek in Sichuan.

The Ascent: The Smallest Team, The Biggest Challenge

On August 8, the climbing team gathered in Li County. For safety, they chose a commercial expedition. Team leader Shi Bao Luo Sang, guide Ya Guo Zhu Zhu, plus one other climber—five people total. This was the smallest team the photographer had ever been on in years.

Since the group had fewer than ten people, vehicles were not allowed into Bipenggou Scenic Area. They had to take the scenic area bus to base camp, fully geared up, drawing stares from tourists. The photographer’s wife, doubling as drone porter, was a true tough cookie.

Base camp was set up at Shanghai Zi (Upper Shanghai) , elevation 3,800 meters—essentially the parking lot at the end of the scenic road. For the next two days, they lived in this high-altitude tent. Acclimatization training, technical gear distribution, learning to use ascenders and figure-eight descenders, practicing self-arrest and crevasse rescue—every item was a matter of life and death.

Persistence Through Mud: The Trek to C1 Camp

From BC to C1 Camp, elevation rose nearly 700 meters, taking about 6 hours. Half the trek wound through muddy forests, the other half climbed through wet alpine meadows. Elevation rose from 3,800 to 4,450 meters—the photographer’s most hated altitude.

The air thinned, oxygen dropped below 70% of sea level, and every few steps required a pause to gasp for breath. To make matters worse, the sky generously poured down steady moderate rain all day. Muddy trails turned into a mix of water and mud, swallowing half a foot with each step. The inside of their shells was coated in a mixture of sweat and rain, cold against the skin—impossible to take off, uncomfortable to keep on.

Six hours later, the five finally reached C1 Camp at 4,450 meters. The tent smelled of sour sweat, but no one cared—they crawled into sleeping bags and passed out.

Summiting Under the Stars: The Final Push

The next morning, sunshine finally blessed them. After drying soaked clothes and tents, they repacked and set off. From C2 Camp to the summit, elevation climbed to 4,900 meters. Because the original C2 site had become unsafe due to falling rocks, the guides worked together to move boulders and clear a space barely big enough for a few tents.

At 1:00 AM, climbers from three teams were woken simultaneously. The sky was uncooperative again, drizzling—but as they gained altitude, the rain turned to snow. Shortly after starting, the wind died and the snow stopped. They switched off their headlamps—above them stretched a sky full of stars.

Guided by the stars, they reached the branching point for summit routes. Banji Peak has four summit routes, ranked by difficulty: Route 4, Route 1, Route 2, Route 3. They planned to take the easiest Route 1, but team leader Luo Sang said: “You’re going to climb Que’er Mountain (Chola Mountain) in the future. Take Route 2.”

Then Luo Sang, Ya Guo, and Xiao Qingwa (Little Frog) disappeared into the night with ice screws and ropes, leaving them at the belay point for forty minutes.

Route 2’s difficulty far exceeded expectations. The ice ridge was nearly vertical on both sides, with bottomless crevasses between it and the rock face—extreme exposure. One team member slipped and was only saved by the safety rope. Next came a nearly vertical ice slope covered in “shiny ice”—ice without snow cover. Climbing this slope drained almost all their energy. Worst of all, the team was led by two female climbers whose ice-axe kicks lacked power; for over ten minutes, they barely gained half a meter.

By the time the whole team topped that ice slope, the eastern sky was turning pale. They later learned this route had not been climbed in over three years.

The Summit: Atop the Mountain

The final snow slope before the summit was not particularly steep, but the photographer’s heavy gear meant every step sank knee-deep into snow. Luo Sang and Ya Guo watched him struggle and gave him a new nickname—“Tank.”

Still, he made it to the top.

Banji Peak’s summit is perpetually covered in snow, hiding numerous crevasses beneath its calm surface. All three teams gathered for a group photo, celebrating this memorable moment. In the distance, Siguniang Mountain’s “Yaomei Peak” was clearly visible, a golden beam of light spilling across the mountain tops.

The descent was equally grueling. The whole team finally reached BC at 18:00 that day and returned to Li County that night. After coming down, both were sore all over—every step was agony. Back in Li County, they slept for two days straight, ate two big meals, and only then began the next leg of their journey.

Banji Peak Practical Tips

• Difficulty: Technical entry-level snow mountain. Unlike Siguniang’s First and Second Peaks, this is a true snow mountain with year-round snow
• Location: 200 km from Chengdu, 3.5-hour drive, inside Bipenggou Scenic Area
• Registration: Must report to the Mountaineering Association and sign a liability waiver with the scenic area
• Recommendation: Join a professional commercial expedition; 5-6 days. Self-supported climbing takes about 3 days
• Porter Service: BC to C1 can hire local villagers to carry packs; price 150-200 RMB
• Sun Protection: High-altitude UV is brutal—sunscreen is mandatory
• Accommodation: Li County is close to Chengdu, well-stocked, reasonably priced. Hotels are fully booked during holidays—reserve ahead (photographer recommends Wuxin Hotel)
• Nearby Attractions: Gu’ergo

Chapter 2: The 68-Day Western Sichuan Road Trip – Beyond the Mountain

After conquering Banji Peak, the couple’s 68-day Western Sichuan road trip truly began. They traversed the vast Western Sichuan Plateau, visiting remote villages, sacred monasteries, and glacial lakes. The journey was a testament to the region’s incredible diversity.

Key Highlights of the Journey

• Crossing 3 Prefectures and 14 Counties: This route covers the heart of the Kham region of Sichuan, offering unparalleled views of the Hengduan Mountains.
• 7,000 Kilometers of Driving: From the lush valleys of the Dadu River to the arid highlands of Serxu County, the landscape changes dramatically.
• Cultural Immersion: The couple spent time in Tibetan villages, learning about Bon Buddhism and local nomadic traditions.

[Link: Best 2-week Western Sichuan road trip itinerary for photographers]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Banji Peak suitable for beginner climbers?

Yes. Banji Peak is classified as a technical entry-level snow mountain. While it requires basic mountaineering skills (using an ascender and crampons), it is significantly less technical than peaks like Que’er Mountain. However, we strongly recommend joining a commercial expedition for safety.

2. What is the best time of year for a Western Sichuan road trip?

The best time is late spring (May-June) for wildflowers or autumn (September-October) for clear skies and golden foliage. July and August are the rainy season, making climbs like Banji Peak more challenging due to mud and unstable weather.

3. Do I need a permit to climb Banji Peak?

Yes. You must register with the Sichuan Mountaineering Association and sign a liability waiver with the Bipenggou Scenic Area management. Your commercial expedition team usually handles this.

4. How do I prepare for altitude sickness on a 68-day trip?

Acclimatization is key. Spend 2-3 days in Li County (elevation ~1,800m) before ascending. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and consider medication like Acetazolamide (Diamox) . The couple in this story slept for two days straight to adjust.

5. What gear is essential for a technical climb in Western Sichuan?

You need: Crampons, ice axe, harness, ascender/descender, helmet, and a high-quality down sleeping bag rated to -10°C. For the road trip, a 4WD vehicle is recommended for unpaved mountain passes.

Conclusion: Your Western Sichuan Adventure Awaits

From the technical ice ridges of Banji Peak to the endless horizons of the Western Sichuan Plateau, this 68-day journey proves that adventure is not about distance—it’s about depth. Whether you are a seasoned mountaineer or a curious traveler, the Kham region of Sichuan offers a lifetime of experiences.

Are you ready to measure the grandeur of Western Sichuan with your own footsteps? Start planning your trip today. Check our detailed Western Sichuan packing list and recommended commercial expeditions to make your dream climb a reality.

Ready to go? [Link: Book a guided Banji Peak expedition] or [Link: Download our free Western Sichuan road trip checklist]

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