Changhaizi Alpine Lake 2-Day Summit Trek - 4,100m Blue Hidden Lake of Sichuan

Changhaizi is one of southwest China's lesser-known alpine treasures: a sapphire glacial lake sitting at roughly 4,100 metres, ringed by treeless ridgelines and big-sky meadows. On this private two-day expedition you leave the city behind, settle into a mountain guesthouse at base camp, share a Tibetan-style welcome of khata scarves, then rise before dawn for a true summit-style push. The trek to the lake follows a graded farm track, gentle in gradient but demanding at altitude, climbing about 440 metres over a 12-kilometre round trip across high pasture to the shimmering blue water. This is a trip for travellers who want a raw, uncrowded slice of the Tibetan-fringe highlands rather than a polished tourist circuit. Your English-speaking guide, private vehicle and small-group format mean the pace, stops and photo time are yours alone. Best attempted in the warmer months when the track is dry and the lake is at its bluest. Come with reasonable fitness, layered clothing for cold mornings, and an appetite for wide-open mountain silence. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: late spring to early autumn (dry track, clearest lake) • Fitness level: good - 12km round trip with 440m ascent at altitude • Altitude: base camp high; lake at ~4,100m - mild altitude symptoms possible, ascend slowly and hydrate • Mandatory turnaround at 11:00 on summit morning for safety • Bring: down jacket, waterproof shell, gloves, hat, headlamp, sturdy hiking boots, sunscreen • Early starts: 05:00 wake-up on Day 2