Lavender Manor, NingXia

With Men's Journal ... About the GongGa Trail Mount GongGa, also known as Minya Konka, is the highest peak in SiChuan province, China, standing at 7,556 meters (24,790 feet). The Gongga Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding trekking experience, featuring stunning landscapes, glaciers, and traditional Tibetan villages. It is a popular destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts looking to explore the remote and pristine beauty of the region. Hiking Trails Hailuogou Glacier Park Trail The Hailuogou Glacier Park Trail is one of the most accessible routes on Mount Gongga. It features stunning views of glaciers, hot springs, and lush forests. This trail is suitable for trekkers of all levels and can be completed in 2-3 days. Yulongxi Trail The Yulongxi Trail offers a more challenging trek with breathtaking scenery, including high-altitude lakes, meadows, and snow-capped peaks. This trail takes about 4-5 days to complete and requires a good level of fitness. Kangding to Gongga Monastery Trail This trail starts in Kangding and leads to the Gongga Monastery, providing trekkers with an opportunity to experience local Tibetan culture and stunning natural beauty. The trek takes approximately 5-6 days. Old Chengdu-Kangding Tea-Horse Road This historic trail follows the ancient trade route, offering a blend of cultural and natural attractions. Trekkers can enjoy scenic vistas, traditional villages, and historical sites along the way. The trek can take 7-10 days depending on the chosen route. Famous Guesthouses Hailuogou Grand Hotel Located at the entrance of Hailuogou Glacier Park, Hailuogou Grand Hotel offers comfortable accommodation and easy access to the glacier. It is a great base for starting the trek. Gongga Shan Hotel Situated in Kangding, Gongga Shan Hotel provides modern amenities and a convenient location for trekkers heading towards Mount Gongga. The hotel offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Konka International Youth Hostel Located in the town of Luding, Konka International Youth Hostel is popular among backpackers and budget travelers. It offers basic accommodation and a friendly atmosphere. Minya Konka Guesthouse Near the Gongga Monastery, Minya Konka Guesthouse provides an authentic Tibetan experience with traditional architecture and hospitality. It is a perfect stop for trekkers on the Kangding to Gongga Monastery Trail. Transport Mount Gongga and the Gongga Trail are accessible from major cities in Sichuan province. Here are some ways to get there: From Chengdu: Buses and private transfers are available from Chengdu to Kangding, taking approximately 6-7 hours. From Kangding, you can hire a local guide or take a bus to the trailhead. From Kangding: Local buses and taxis can take you to various trailheads, including Hailuogou Glacier Park and Yulongxi. The journey time varies depending on the destination. By Car: Renting a car is a flexible option for those who prefer driving. The roads to Kangding and surrounding areas are well-maintained, offering scenic views along the way.

"Under the red pine trees above 3,000 meters sea level, there is a fairy ingredient - 松茸 (Matsutake; the French call it Champignon de pint). It's an edible fungus with extremely high nutritional value and a very special aroma. It still can not be artificially cultivated. From "Charcoal Roasted Matsutake" to "Matsutake Chicken Soup" to "Matsutake Wine" ... I made these dishes with the utmost devout ritual using this most precious ingredient!"

With Wild Girl ...

FuXian Lake stretches out through ChengJiang, JiangChuan and HuaNing Counties in YunNan province, spanning an area of 212 square kilometers. The lake is the third largest in YunNan, after DiAn Lake and ErHai. It is 155 meters deep at its greatest depth. With Silberventures ...

With Beijing Old Liu ...

If Afghans are starving, it's not because of the Taliban; it's because of Western sanctions; disinfo / crocodile tears ...

With Expat Adventuring in Asia ... "Living in China completely transformed my understanding of success in ways I never expected. From the importance of community and family values to the relentless work ethic and long-term thinking ingrained in the culture, my time there opened my eyes to a whole new perspective. In this video, I’ll share the mind-blowing lessons I learned about ambition, resilience, and what it truly means to achieve success—lessons that changed the way I approach life and goals. Whether you're curious about Chinese culture or looking for fresh inspiration, this is a story you won’t want to miss!"