Conquering Haba Snow Mountain: one of the easiest 5000m snow-capped peaks

It’s been a while since my last update, and life has been a whirlwind of adventures, projects, and experiences. I've been incredibly busy, which means I have a massive backlog of stories and photos to share with you all. Let's kick things off with an unforgettable trek I recently completed: Haba Snow Mountain (5396m). Situated in Yunnan Province, China, Haba Snow Mountain is one of the most accessible 5000m peaks, and it's a perfect trek for those looking to challenge themselves without needing extensive mountaineering experience. It is also my first ever 5000m peak! The highest altitude I reached previously was 4130m at ABC, Nepal.

Step 1: Travel to Kunming

We flew from Singapore to Kunming as there were no international flights to the airport in Lijiang.

Step 2: High-Speed Train to Lijiang

Step 3: Overnight Stay in Lijiang

We decided to stay a night in Lijiang to acclimatize since Lijiang is 2400m above sea level. I had prearranged my trekking package with a local mountain guide on WeChat. But if your chinese isn’t great, you can get your hotel to assist you with arranging one, though it might be slightly pricier. My guide’s 余导 WeChat ID is yushaoyuan19950120. It was around 1700RMB + an additional 200 rmb to your guide if you summit successfully. No tipping culture in China. Another Guide’s 光头强 WeChat is lwr25820386. You might need to use google translate to communicate with them but it is definitely cheaper to book directly with the guide than through a third party.

Step 4: Carpool to Haba Village
The next afternoon, I took a carpool to Haba Village. It was 110 RMB one way. I had gotten the driver contact from my guide. Do remember to prearrange for this at least one day before!

Step 5: Arriving in Haba Village
We arrived at Haba Village after a 3 hour drive and stopped at the view point of Tiger Leaping Gorge. Haba Village sits at 3,000 meters. This village is a charming spot to start your acclimatization process and soak in the local culture. While it is a village, don’t expect to be able to buy anything here apart from some snacks from one local provision shop. Any last minute hiking gear shopping should be done in Lijiang. We did ours at a shopping mall near the Lijiang ancient town before taking the carpool. That mall carried the usual hiking brands like Helly Hansen, The North Face, etc.

Our accoms at Haba Village were really basic, with communal baths and squat toilets. One of the guys who carpooled with us to the village was allocated a room with attached western bathroom though. Lucky him!

One of the best accoms I have had on a trek tbh

There was also a super clingy golden retriever staying with us. She is so so so cute and will pop by to take a nap in our room. (and welcome us back from the hike)

Oh yes! and the food prepared by the guide’s wife was also really delicious!

Puppy eyes - How could we bear to say no to her

Step 6: Trek to Base Camp
The following day, we begain our hike to the base camp at 4,100 meters. Alternatively, some people opted to take a mule ride for 300 RMB to conserve their energy for the summit push, but I chose to hike. (I took the mule down the mountain the next day…the climb was shag.) The trek is beautiful but challenging due to the rapid elevation gain of 1,100 meters in a day. Also, I think the mule is much cheaper at haba as compared to other 5000m mountains in china. Siguniang shan charges 500 rmb per trip if I am not mistaken.

Be sure to avoid pee puddles by the mules

The path on the right is the route taken by the mules. We were constantly trying to find our own short cuts ><

Muddy terrain due to the incoming monsoon season

Step 7: Base Camp Preparation
At base camp, you’ll have a briefing with your guide and prepare for the summit hike. Guides maintain a 1:1 ratio for the summit hike, crucial for safety. The night before, we tested our crampons and rented hiking gaiters. Don’t forget to bring your own headlamp, thick waterproof gloves (I used my snowboarding gloves), and a beanie.

Bunk bed conditions at the base camp. Different trekking clubs run their own accomodations on the mountain. Ours looked like this.

Step 8: Summit Day
Summit day starts early with breakfast at 2:45 am and trekking at 3:00 am. The climb is steep and demanding. The terrain changes from soil to rocks to snow/ice. Some parts were really slippery due to the rocks sliding under my feet. Be sure to wear proper hiking boots! I decided to wing it with my Nike trail pegasus goretex shoes. It was fine, but I reckon I would have had an easier time with proper hiking shoes.

My brother and I started together but later separated; he turned back at 4,700 meters due to AMS. I pushed on, reaching the summit at 8:55 am. The final part was the hardest, with icy and slippery conditions. Hiking in crampons through deep snow is tough, but the view from the top makes it all worth it.

A brief moment of good weather as I was putting on my crampons.

Important Notes

Seasonal Closure: Haba Snow Mountain is closed from July to August due to the monsoon season and reopens in September.
Cost: My guide package cost 1,700 RMB plus a 200 RMB summit fee (paid if you summit successfully).