Jiuzhaigou Hiking & Camping

Zhara Valley at Jiuzhaigou National Park in Sichuan province is now open to limited hiking and camping. Just 15 people per day are allowed into this magnificent valley with towering cliffs on each side. The valley has 22 Tibetan families living there who still practice the ancient Benbo Religion originated in Tibet in the 2nd. Century B.C. Some people have never been out of the valley during their whole life. As few as 25 years ago they still lived up on the cliffs overlooking the valley needing to hike down 1,500 feet to obtain water each day. You will be able to visit their present modern homes as well as what they call their "ruins" of their old homes on the valley floor. 

Zha Yi Zha Ga Mountain is located in Zharu Valley and is enshrined by local Tibetans as "King of the Mountains". It is the highest peak of Jiuzhai Valley National Park reaching over 14,000 feet above sea level. On the 15th day of every Lunar month, local Tibetans make a sacred pilgrimage circumnavigating the mountain to pray and honor their ancient religious faith.

Two and four day itineraries are available that includes the entrance fee and day in the main park of Jiuzhaigou which is open to the public and is limited to 5000 people per day. (A one day visit to the Zhara Valley must be attached to a normal visit and entrance fee payment to the main park). Modern green buses take you up the wishbone shaped park with many stops along the way to visit the  beautiful waterfalls, colorful blue green streams and lakes with towering peaks and mountains draped in pristine forests. 

• Zhara Valley Hiking and Camping Itinerary