Haba Snow Mountain

Geographic Location

• Coordinates: 27°19′19″ N, 100°6′22″ E.
• Surrounding Landmarks: To the northwest lies Tiger Leaping Gorge, opposite Yulong Snow Mountain, with the Jinsha River flowing between the two mountains.

Natural Scenery

• Main Peak and Mountain Features: The main peak stands at an altitude of 5,396 meters. The upper part of the mountain is relatively gentle, while the lower part is steep and imposing, giving it a majestic and mysterious appearance. The main peak is proud and isolated, surrounded by four smaller peaks, resembling a silver-crowned treasure cauldron from afar.
• Glaciers and Lakes: At an altitude of around 4,700 meters, the steep cliffs are covered with China’s southernmost maritime temperate glacier. The icefalls resemble frozen waterfalls cascading down the steep slopes. Additionally, ancient glacial activity has left behind relics such as horn peaks, arêtes, U-shaped valleys, and roche moutonnées. Glacial meltwater has formed several glacial lakes, such as Wanhai, Hei Hai, Huang Hai, and Xiao Hai, among which Hei Hai is the most famous.
• Vegetation and Wildlife: Due to the significant altitude difference, Haba Snow Mountain features a distinct alpine vertical climate, with successive zones of subtropical, temperate, subfrigid, and frigid climates. This supports a complete and typical alpine vertical vegetation system, which provides habitats for numerous plants and animals, earning it the title of “Mother of the World’s Gardens” and “Natural Zoo” among biologists.

Tourism Information

• Best Time to Visit: May, September to November are the best times for climbing and hiking, and it is advisable to avoid the rainy season from June to August.
• Transportation: You can take a bus from Lijiang to Haba Village, which takes about 5 to 6 hours.
• Hiking Routes:
  • Day 1: Lijiang Ancient Town → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Haba Village.
  • Day 2: Haba Village → Primeval Forest/Snow Mountain Meadow → Snow Mountain Valley → Haba Base Camp.
  • Day 3: Haba Base Camp → Da Shi Ban → Moon Bay → Summit Haba Snow Mountain → Haba Village.
  • Day 4: Haba Village → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Lashi Lake → Lijiang Ancient Town.
• Accommodation and Facilities: Haba Village is the first stop and tourist hub for the Haba Snow Mountain hiking and climbing route, with several guesthouses available. The Haba Base Camp, at an altitude of over 4,100 meters, has relatively complete living facilities, including basic medical services, with tents, prefabricated houses, and stone slab houses available for climbers and tourists.