Foreign visitors must register with local authorities and obtain a trekking permit. We handle all paperwork (typically 5-7 business days). A local guide is mandatory for certain routes — we provide English-speaking guides. Passport required.
The Big Peak (大峰/Dafeng, 5,025m) and Second Peak (二峰/Erfeng, 5,276m) summit routes are closed from December 1 through February 28 for the annual winter ecological restoration and fire-prevention period. No summit permits are issued during these dates.
The three valleys (Shuangqiao, Changping, Haizi) stay open in winter on reduced hours (8:30 entry, last entry 14:30–15:00) — only the Dafeng/Erfeng summit mountaineering routes are affected. Plan summit trips between March and November.
Siguniang Mountain (Four Sisters Mountain) consists of four sacred peaks ranging from 5,025m to 6,250m in western Sichuan. Often called the 'Oriental Alps,' it offers everything from gentle valley walks to serious mountaineering. Independent hikers walk the Changping Valley (长坪沟) and Haizi Valley (海子沟) through alpine meadows, Tibetan villages, and pristine forests with views of the four peaks; note that Shuangqiao Valley (双桥沟) is a sightseeing-bus-only valley with no trekking route and no view of the main peaks. The mountain is sacred in Tibetan culture — the four peaks represent four sisters who sacrificed themselves to protect the land from evil.
The standard trekking route is challenging due to altitude (base at 3,200m, passes up to 4,500m). Acclimatization days are essential. The terrain ranges from well-maintained trails to rough mountain paths. Summit attempts require mountaineering experience and equipment.
The classic 'first 5,000m peak' experience — no technical climbing, pure trekking to 5,025m. ⛔ Closed Dec 1 – Feb 28 (last 2026 gathering Nov 29 / first 2027 gathering Feb 28)
For those who've completed Dafeng and want a bigger challenge — 5,276m with technical sections. ⛔ Closed Dec 1 – Feb 28 (last 2026 gathering Nov 29 / first 2027 gathering Feb 28)
The ultimate Siguniang experience — summit both peaks in one expedition. ⛔ Closed Dec 1 – Feb 28 (last 2026 gathering Nov 29 / first 2027 gathering Feb 28)
One of China's Top 10 Classic Trekking Routes — traverse from Changping Valley to Bipeng Valley.
Best: May-November. May-June: alpine flowers bloom, moderate temperatures. July-August: warmest but afternoon thunderstorms are common. September-October: THE optimal window — stable weather, clear skies, best visibility for summit attempts, comfortable temperatures. November: first snows add beauty but increase difficulty. December 1–February 28: the Dafeng and Erfeng summit routes are CLOSED for winter (last 2026 gathering Nov 29; first 2027 gathering Feb 28) — valley hikes remain possible in winter hours, but plan summits for March–November. Dafeng summit success rate: 60-70% in good weather; Erfeng: 40-50%.
Everything you need to know as an international traveler planning this route in China.
Same China visa requirements. CRITICAL: Siguniang Mountain is in Aba Tibetan-Qiang Prefecture (阿坝藏族羌族自治州), western Sichuan. Foreigners MUST obtain a Foreigners' Travel Permit (外国人旅行证) for Aba Prefecture. Contact us to arrange this permit — we handle the entire process (5-7 business days advance notice required). You cannot enter without it.
REQUIRED: Foreigners' Travel Permit for Aba Prefecture (arranged by us). Additional: trekking registration at the mountain management office. Summit attempts require a licensed local guide (mandatory by law). Guide cost: ¥800-1500/day. Entrance to Shuangqiao Valley: ¥150 including shuttle bus. Haizi Valley: ¥150.
All summit attempts and guided treks must be booked through licensed agencies. We handle the complete process: permits, guides, mules, base camp arrangements. Dafeng summit: 3-day package ¥1,800-2,500/person. Erfeng: 4-day package ¥2,500-3,500/person. Book at least 2 weeks ahead. Independent trekking without a guide is NOT permitted for foreigners in this area.
In Siguniangshan Town: Alipay and WeChat Pay accepted at most shops and restaurants. Cash needed for mule hire (¥600/day), guide tips, and small shops along the trail. No ATMs on the mountain. Bring ¥500+ in cash. In Chengdu: full banking and payment infrastructure.
Fly to Chengdu (major international hub). From Chengdu: drive to Siguniangshan Town (四姑娘山镇/日隆镇, 3,200m) — 4 hours via Wolong, over Balang Mountain Pass (4,487m). Private car: ¥800-1200. Shared minibus: ¥150-200 from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station (茶店子客运站). The drive is spectacular but winding — altitude medication recommended. No train access.
🚌 View the Complete Transport GuideSiguniangshan Town (日隆镇): many hotels and guesthouses, ¥100-600/night. Comfortable options: Siguniangshan International Hotel (¥300-600), various Tibetan guesthouses (¥100-250). At base camp: tent or stone hut accommodation (included in summit package). Town has restaurants, shops, and a medical clinic.
Tibetan and Mandarin spoken in town. Very limited English outside of guided agencies. Your guide will translate. Useful phrases: 大本营在哪 (dà běn yíng zài nǎ) = where is base camp?; 我需要帮助 (wǒ xū yào bāng zhù) = I need help; 高反 (gāo fǎn) = altitude sickness; 骑马上山 (qí mǎ shàng shān) = ride horse up the mountain
Mobile signal is available in Siguniangshan Town (China Mobile best). Signal is intermittent on the trail above 3,500m. No signal at base camp (4,300m). Download all offline maps. Satellite phones are available through guide services for emergencies.
Siguniangshan Town Medical Clinic (四姑娘山镇卫生院): basic care. Serious cases: transfer to Chengdu (4 hours). Sichuan Province Emergency: 120. Mountain rescue through your guide agency. Altitude sickness above 4,000m is serious — your guide will carry oxygen cylinders and medications. Diamox (acetazolamide) is available at local pharmacies.
Like being in the Swiss Alps but with Tibetan culture. The alpine meadows in July were covered in wildflowers. The altitude is real — take acclimatization seriously.
Stunning scenery and authentic Tibetan encounters. Our guide was excellent. The permit process was handled smoothly by the team.
Last verified: October 23, 2026