Haba Snow Mountain in Shangri-la, Diqing

Why is Haba Snow Mountain So Special

Haba Snow Mountain is a mountain rising above the northwest side of Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan, China. It rises opposite the higher Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and towers 3,500 metres above the upper reaches of the Yangtze River(Jinsha River). The summit of the mountain is a popular destination for amateur mountaineers and its lowest slopes are crossed by the popular Tiger Leaping Gorge trail. Its massif is considered the southernmost extent of the expansive Shaluli Mountains, themselves a component range of the Hengduan Mountains.

Where is Haba Snow Mountain - Location

Haba Snow Mountain or Haba Xueshan is located in 120 kilometers southeast Shangri-La city, Yunnan province. Mountain raises 5396m above the sea level, and is one of the tallest peaks in Yunnan province. Its lowest slopes are crossed by the popular Tiger Leaping Gorge trail.

Legend about Haba Snow Mountain

Jinsha River in northern Yunnan province refers to the upper section of the Yangzi River. She runs between her sisters – the Salween and Mekong Rivers. She wanted to marry the eastern sea and made a sudden turn east to meet the sea, while her way was blocked by her jealous brothers, Haba and Jade Dragon Snow Mountains. They guarded her way day and night until one night, when Haba fell asleep on duty, Jinsha slipped past speedily leaving the deep Tiger Leaping Gorge behind her. When Jade Dragon awoke to find his sister gone, he was so angry with Haba that he beat one side of Haba's face. So, Haba’s head fell on the western side, leaving his peak little shorter and flatter today.

How to Get There

Tourists can take a bus to Haba Village and it will take about five hours from Lijiang and four hours from Shangrila. Or hike from Tiger Leaping Gorge to Haba Village, which will be more adventurous and strenuous. Renting a car to Haba village is also available.

Key Features of Haba Snow Mountain:

1. Location:

   Haba Snow Mountain is part of the southeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, on the northern bank of the Yangtze River’s Tiger Leaping Gorge. It is across from the imposing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山), another famous peak in the region. The mountain is about 120 km (75 miles) from Shangri-La city and around 60 km (37 miles) from Lijiang, making it accessible for trekkers.

2. Trekking and Climbing:

   • Difficulty Level: Haba Snow Mountain is considered suitable for beginner to intermediate climbers. It’s a good introduction to high-altitude mountaineering since the ascent does not involve technical rock climbing or significant glacier crossings.
   • Best Season to Climb: The best time to attempt the climb is from April to June and from September to November. During these periods, the weather is relatively stable, with fewer chances of snowstorms and avalanches. July and August are the rainy seasons, which make climbing more difficult, while the winter months can be very harsh.
   • Acclimatization: Because of the high altitude, climbers need to be cautious about altitude sickness and spend time acclimatizing at base camp or nearby areas before attempting the summit.

3. Base Camp:

   The Haba Snow Mountain Base Camp is located at around 4,100 meters (13,450 feet) above sea level. Most climbers spend a night or two here to acclimatize before their summit attempt. The camp offers basic amenities, and there are horses available to carry supplies for climbers.

4. Wildlife and Scenery:

   The mountain is part of a nature reserve, home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including rare plants and animals like golden snub-nosed monkeys, blue sheep, and pheasants. The lower slopes are covered in forests, while the higher altitudes transition to snow and glaciers.

5. Nearby Attractions:

   • Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the world’s deepest gorges, located between Haba Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It’s a great trekking destination with stunning views and dramatic river canyons.
   • Shangri-La: The city of Shangri-La is known for its Tibetan culture, monasteries, and beautiful landscapes like Napa Lake and Potatso National Park.
   • Baishuitai: Located near Haba Village, this area is famous for its limestone terraces formed by natural springs, offering stunning views.

6. Cultural Experience:

   The Haba Snow Mountain area is inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Naxi, Yi, and Tibetan people. Many climbers start their journey from Haba Village, where they can experience local culture, customs, and hospitality.

History and Culture

Haba snow mountain was sharply raised by the Himalayan orogeny and the subsequent Quaternary tectonic movement. "Haba" means golden flower in Naxi language.

► Ancient - February 1995, Haba snow mountain was an unknown place.
► In April 1995, Li Shunyou, a villager of Haba Village, first climb to the top of Haba Snow Mountain individually.
► In October 1995, Jinfeibiao of Yunnan Tanxian Travel Agency led a team of 4 people for the first time to climb to the top of this mountain along the traditional route of northwest side of slope.
► In October, 1999, outdoor climbing team of Meili Yunnan reached the summit along the northwest ridge of north slope in the first time.
► Since 1995, there were more than 200 people reached the summit successfully.

Main Attractions

► Snow Peak: It is covered by snow year-round. The upstanding main peak, together with four little peaks around it, seems to be a shining crown on a fine day in the distance.
► Magnificent Glaciers: The glaciers that cover Haba mountain, known locally as the "snow sea", lie about 4,000 meters above sea level on the northwestern slope of the peak of Haba.
► Black Sea: It gets its name from the color of its water which is as black as ink. An abundance of Chinese giant salamanders will swim together forming a ring in the shallows of the Black Sea with an appropriate temperature is reached, which makes it more attractive.
► Wonderful Waterfalls: There are also hanging springs and waterfalls in Haba Snow Mountain including Jianshan Waterfall, Dadiaoshui Waterfall, etc.
► Beautiful Azaleas: From April to June, there are more than 200 hundred kinds of azaleas are distributed from the bottom to the top of the mountain, accounting for 70% of those in Yunnan.

Recommended Visiting Route

Recommend you to start with a warm-up trekking from Tiger Leaping Gorge to Haba Village first instead of arriving Haba Village directly by bus. It allows you to experience the typical process of climbing a snow mountain from trekking to the Base Camp and the final summit.

► Day 1: Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Haba village
► Day 2: Haba Village - The Base Camp of Haba Snow Mountain
► Day 3: The Base Camp of Haba Snow Mountain - The Summit - The Base Camp of Haba Snow Mountain
► Day 4: The Base Camp of Haba Snow Mountain - Haba Village - Lijiang

Haba Snow Mountain Climbing

Haba Snow Mountain is the ideal destination for amateur mountaineers. A common tourist can reach the summit successfully at the elevation of nearly 5,400 meters if well equipped and prepared adequately. From Haba Village to the Base Camp, it takes an average walk of 5-6 hours. The Base Camp is at the altitude of 4,100 meters. From here, hike up to 4,900 meters in 3 hours, and another 2 hours to the top. If there is no snow up to the 4,900m point, you can easily get there in 2 hours, and another 1.5 hours to the top (5,406 meters).

Essential Items for Climbing:

Climbing Gear: snow cover, tent, ice pick, crampon, health food, sleeping bag, warm glove, headlight, sunglasses, garbage bag, assault pants, feather fine hair clothes, waterproof backpack, warm water bottle 2-3 liters, waterproof mountaineering boots, warm socks, headgear.

Best Time to Go

Best time to climb Haba Snow Mountain is between mid of March till end of June and mid of September till mid of December. Because the other periods are mostly rainy or windy. From April to June, the blossoming rhododendra add more glamour to mysterious Haba Snow Mountain. In the late autumn, the forest is full of color, the air is pure, and the starry sky can be photographed. From November to December, the light wind makes tourists more easily to climb up to the summit.

Accommodate at Haba Snow Mountain

There are not many accommodation choices around Haba Snow Mountain. Accommodation is basic and similar throughout most of the Haba Village. Most of guesthouses provide equipment for climbing. There are huts at the base camp. During summer time you can camp and sleep in a tent, while in winter staying in the hut is the best option. It is good enough to spend the night, with simple beds and served as a good shelter from wind.

Nearby Attractions

Tiger Leaping Gorge

The Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges with spectacular sceneries on the planet such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the west and Haba Snow Mountain to the east.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain now is a famous scenic spot for sightseeing, mountaineering, skiing, exploration, scientific research and taking holiday.

Useful Travel Tips

► Although Haba Snow Mountain is considered a perfect mountain for beginners, there are some accidents happened sometimes, so everything needs to be paid full attention and taken care of.
► If you also plan to climb Haba Snow Mountain without any previous experience, it is doable, but hire a mountain guide, at least for the first time.
► Be ready that your plans ascending mountain top can be canceled. If you have time, stay more days at the base camp, and climb when the weather is good.
► It is very important to have suitable waterproof shoes and clothes,warm gloves, hat, head lamp, couple a pair of socks, sunscreen, lip balm; take also mobile power bank, hiking stick. Sleeping bag is very useful, especially if you visit during winter.