G9 Expedition : Sichuan/Tibetan Culture Trek 2017

G9 Expedition : Sichuan/Tibetan Culture Trek 2017

On the 11th of September 2017, I was offered a space on the Sichuan culture trek expedition. Lasting from the 16th of October to the 24th, this trip was allegedly the hardest trip.  I had never gone trekking before but I have always wanted to and what better way to start then by doing the hardest trek?

 

This was a challenging trip. It was an altitude trek of 4400 meters, 5 days above 3000 meters and 2 days above 4000 meters, carrying 20-25 kilograms for 6-8 hours per day walking on uneven terrain. Not only that, but there was expected to be a variety of whether conditions, including rain, hail and snow. The average maximum temperature was expected to be only 9.8°C and the minimum was -2.3°C.

 

On the 30th of October we went for a training day where we had to run around the school with our trekking bags on. This was only supposed to bea taste of what we were going to endure on the trip but it was harder and more physically draining then the trip itself turned out to be. 

 

16th of October – Arrival at Chengdu in the evening. Followed by cultural activities such as dinner at a traditional Sichuan hot pot restaurant and a viewing of a Sichuan opera.

 

17 of October – Arrival at Kangding.

A breakfast buffet was prepared the morning of. Then, a flight to Kangding 2560 meters above sea level. This was a big difference in altitude for us in a short amount of time as Chengdu is only 500 meters above sea level and Singapore is only 15 meters above sea level. This caused me to experience some light headedness and dizziness as I picked up my bags. The effort it took made me stumble and fall over, I struggled a lot.

Arrival at Sandaquio village where lunch was prepared by a local family.

 

18th of October – Trek 1 Day 1 Hiking distance: ~ 8.5 km, Level: Easy, Elevation: 3520m, +285m today

The last warm breakfast was followed by transportation to the trailhead to start hiking. The beginning started with a steeper incline than expected, however, arrival at camp was 2 hours before what was expected.

 

19th of October – Trek 1 Day 2 Hiking distance: ~ 8.5 km, Level: Easy, Elevation: 3520m, -285m today

Expedition cancelled due to safetly reasons.

 

Trek 2 Day 1

It rained lightly for the whole afternoon, but rain eventually turned to sleet and then into snow. It started snowing just as we arrived at camp. I was wet from the rain and cold from the snow. In the middle of the night I got cramps in both my legs and I was unable to move.

 

Trek 2 Day 2

Everything was covered in snow as it had snowed all night.

The conditions were too harsh to for us to continue the expedition as snow would be up to our knees, 40 centimeters in depth, at least.

 

Overall, although the trip did not go as planned, I explored a new culture, the Tibetan Kham Culture, I went trekking for the first time, I met a lot of new friends and I had a lot of fun 

 

 

 

 

 

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