Camp 1 at 4800 Meters of Haba Snow Mountain in Shangri-La, Diqing

Camp 1 at 4800 Meters of Haba Snow Mountain in Shangri-La, Diqing

Attraction Overview

Haba Snow Mountain is a mountain rising above the northwest side of Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan, China. Camp 1 is located just before the 2nd grey slab at about 4800m.

Chinese Name: 哈巴雪山4800米冲锋营地

Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to December

Open Hours: All Day Long

Admission Fee: 200 RMB conservation fee

Altitude: 4800 m

Location: Haba Snow Mountain, Southeast of Shangri-La, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province

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📍 Location

Where Is the Summit Camp?

The Summit Camp (Elevation: 4,800m) sits between Haba Snow Mountain’s main peak (5,396m) and the Base Camp (4,100m). It lies near the infamous “Despair Slope” and serves as the final rest point before the summit push.

⚠️ Note: This is not a fixed official campsite. It’s a mobile, temporary camp set up based on weather, guide judgment, and climber readiness.

  • Coordinates: 27.21°N, 100.05°E

  • Elevation: Above the snow line, snow-covered year-round

How to Get There

  • From Lijiang → Drive 2.5 hrs to Haba Village (2,700m)

  • Trek or ride 5–6 hrs to Base Camp

  • Start summit push at 2–3 AM next day

  • Reach Summit Camp after 3–4 hrs of climbing

🏔️ Scenic Highlights

Starry Sky & Sunrise

Facing the main peak, the camp offers clear views of the Milky Way by night and silhouettes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Meili Snow Mountain at dawn.

Sea of Clouds & Snowfields

At 4,800m, you’ll see clouds swirling beneath your feet, while the sloped snowfields reflect the golden sunrise—a surreal sight.

Vertical Landscape Zones

From Base Camp to Summit Camp, you’ll traverse rhododendron forest, rock scree, and snow lines in rapid succession—each zone distinctly breathtaking.

🧗‍♂️ Climbing Experience

The Final Boost Before the Summit

  • Short rest stop: 30–60 mins

  • Hydration, energy gel, gear check

  • Put on crampons, ice axes, goggles

  • Guide evaluates weather & physical condition before final summit decision

Iconic Photo Spot

  • Behind the camp is a large wind-sheltered rock, a favorite for capturing your “first snow mountain” moment

  • Before sunrise, the snowcap glows pink, sky shifts from deep blue to golden

✅ Practical Tips

Category Recommendation
Best Season May–June (rhododendron bloom) or Sept–Dec (clear & stable weather)
Gear Down gloves, face mask, headlamp, thermos flask (no supply at camp)
Altitude Sickness High chance at 4,800m — acclimate 1–2 days in Lijiang or Haba Village
Weather Early morning winds reach level 6–7; retreat if conditions turn dangerous
Time Management Summit cutoff: 11:30 AM; turn back if not at Summit Camp by 8:00 AM

📸 One-Line Summary

“At 4,800 meters, sipping frozen glucose water with clouds below and the summit above, you’ll understand why Haba Snow Mountain is known as ‘your first snow mountain’.”

🧭 Optional Itinerary Extensions

Pair your summit attempt with other adventures:

  • Heihai Lake Trek

  • White Water Terrace (Baishuitai) sightseeing

  • Or a customized multi-day alpine route