Trekking

Aluo

A local farmer and mountaineer, Alou (Xiao Jianwen in Mandarin Chinese) is of Tibetan descent and his family has lived in the area for almost 100 years. He himself has been mountaineering and leading treks since 1990. He also has an extensive knowledge of local plants, animals, culture and history. Aluo is an avid conservationist, working with local residents and government to ensure Dímáluò develops without destroying its beautiful surrounds. He has owned and operated the lodge since 1997 and has been host to hundreds of amazed, grateful guests. Fluent in the four local languages as well as Mandarin Chinese, he is a helpful, friendly, and very well informed guide that Dímáluò is lucky to have.

Routes

A number of trekking routes can be taken from Dímáluò. Aluo is always happy to discuss the best route for you. At the time of writing a significant new road was under construction between Gòngshān and Zhōngdiàn passing through Dímáluò. It may be necessary to make alterations to the routes outlined below as a result of these works.

Route 1: Dímáluò to Déqīn (long route)

5 day hike from Dímáluò to Déqīn prefecture, home to Zhōngdiàn, the Shangri-La mentioned in James Hilton's The Last Horizon. On the way stay at a French Catholic cathedral built in 1848.

Day 1: Set off from Dímáluò early. Hike up through local villages and pass a cathedral built in the late 1880's. Camp at 3,200m.

Day 2: Hike to 3,800m. Watch as the plants begin to change, the tree line gets nearer, and the surroundings get more and more magnificent. Come back down to 3,200m and set up camp.

Day 3: Continue on around the tallest mountain on our journey. Today you will pass through farming villages carved into the side of the mountain; green oases on mountain sides with no trees or plants above or below. You will hike as high as 4,200m today before coming back down to set up camp.

Day 4: Set out and begin to descend from the mountain. Tonight you will camp next to Sizhong Catholic church; an absolutely awe-inspiring church built in 1848 and made almost entirely of stone. Imagine the missionaries doing this 150+ years ago!

Day 5: Enter Déqīn prefecture, see scenic village, take car into Déqīn city or stay the night in the village. Say good bye to the guides and hello to another side of Yunnan.

Route 2: Dímáluò to Déqīn (shorter route)

A 3-day trip through one of China's old growth forests.

Day 1: Set out from Dímáluò. Hike up past a church built in the late 1800's and through the village that has grown around it. Reach the forest and camp there for the night. Take advantage of your guide's extensive knowledge on local flora and fauna.

Day 2: Wake up and enjoy your surroundings. You will hike up to 3,600m and back down again. Enjoy the changing scenery, from the bamboo to flowers to villages. Notice the villages that dot the mountainsides and the churches that are invariably close at hand.

Day 3: Enter Déqīn prefecture, see scenic village, take car into Déqīn city or stay the night in the village. Say good bye to the guides and hello to another side of Yunnan.

Equipment and Riding

Depending on the size of your group and your trekking ability Aluo and his team can usually provide all necessary trekking equipment. Conditions at accommodation en route and camping are basic so bring what you need to stay warm at night. Sleeping bags can be provided. Food is provided at key times during the trek but bring extra to ensure your energy levels remain high. Bring sensible clothes for both warm and cold weather and a good pair of comfortable walking shoes.

There is an option to hire a horse/mule to take you and your kit some of the way. Parts of the trekking routes can be strenuous for less experienced trekkers.

Outline trekking costs

· Walking with a guide: 200 RMB /guide/day