About the Hiking

Hiking to Jiuding Mountains involve hard walking at over 3000m and sleep by 3600m in a tent for overnight. Going up is very steep but basically safe trails. From start of the hike it is horse trail all the way to the camps. First 5km is medium steep ascending on horse trail followed by a 2km steep ascending to open grassland and then another 3km to Jizhuapeng Camp. Going up is total 10km. Going down is total 12km. All trails are safe to walk despite some steep sections. From Camp on the second day one goes up to Black Dragon Lake at 3800m and come back from another trail down to White Dragon Lake and then back to the starting point of hiking. Start of the hiking is at 2800m. Campsite is at 3600m Highest point of hiking is at 3800m to 4000m. For the second part of the hiking you will have good chances to see great views of the mountains and valleys below in clear days. If you are traveling on weekends you will probably see other guided hikers. You are recommended to use a guide for this hike. Hiking to Jiuding Mountains is overall a hard hiking trip.

​

About the Altitude

​

At the start of hiking the altitude is at 2800m, it is pretty high compared to other hikings. Camping place is at 3600m on the open steppe. Total elevation gain is about 800 meters. Usually it takes about 5-6 hours of walking time to reach the camp. Our former experience is mountain sickness is rare since everyone walked from the base to the top that your body has already acclimated to the altitude through walking. But if you are not certain you can always use AMS medicine. The next day you will go higher to around 3800m and then drop down back to below 3000m. 
Tips to avoid altitude sickness:
drink more water and keep yourself hydrated all the time
keep your warm clothes handy and ready to wear them when you are not moving
use a hat to protect your head against the wind
proper eating and sleeping at former night
extra base layer for changing if the other one gets wet