Hailuogou Glacier Glacier
Glacial valley on Mount Gongga with icefalls
Hailuogou Glacier on the eastern slopes of Mount Gongga features glacier tongues, icefalls, red fir forests and nearby hot springs; tourists use cable cars and trails to view the ice.
Hailuogou Glacier at a Glance#
About Hailuogou Glacier#
Hailuogou Glacier is a glacier and scenic area on the eastern slopes of Mount Gongga (Minya Konka) in Sichuan province, China, known for a large modern glacier tongue that descends into a forested valley. The site combines glacial ice, moraine scenery and hot springs in a compact mountain setting.
Visitors to the scenic area encounter glacier views, icefalls and a tree-lined glacial valley; there are park facilities and trails that provide viewpoints of the glacier and surrounding peaks. The area is valued for both its glaciological significance and its accessibility compared with higher, less accessible peaks.
The glacier sits on the slopes of Mount Gongga within Sichuan province and is reached via local roads and the gateway settlement often used by visitors to the Gongga Snow Mountain region.
- Low-elevation glacier: The glacier descends from the eastern slopes of Mount Gongga and is noted for its low-elevation glacier tongue, which reaches much lower than many other glaciers in the region.
How to Get to Hailuogou Glacier#
Hailuogou Glacier is accessed via regional roads in Sichuan province; reach the park through the nearest county-level towns and follow park signage to parking and trail areas. Road conditions can be variable; tour operators often offer organized transport from larger cities.
Tips for Visiting Hailuogou Glacier#
- High-altitude glacier areas can shift quickly-follow local park or guide instructions for safe routes.
- Bring warm layers and sturdy boots; crevasse danger and meltwater streams appear in marginal seasons.
- Check for seasonal access restrictions and organized hiking or guide services, as some approaches may require permits.
Best Time to Visit Hailuogou Glacier#
Warmer months provide safer, more reliable access to glacier margins; winter is technical and hazardous.
Weather & Climate near Hailuogou Glacier#
Hailuogou Glacier's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Winter) - Subarctic (Dry Winter) climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -12°C to 16°C. Moderate rainfall (851 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | -12° - 3° | -9° | 8 mm | some cloud | 61% | 2.9 m/s | 1.0 high | 10.4h |
| February | Acceptable | -10° - 4° | -7° | 8 mm | partly cloudy | 61% | 2.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| March | Acceptable | -7° - 7° | -4° | 13 mm | partly cloudy | 64% | 3.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Acceptable | -2° - 10° | 1° | 41 mm | overcast | 70% | 3.1 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 2° - 13° | 5° | 92 mm | overcast | 75% | 3.2 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.5h |
| June | Poor | 5° - 14° | 8° | 176 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.9h |
| July | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 163 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.7h |
| August | Acceptable | 7° - 16° | 11° | 126 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.5 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 13.1h |
| September | Poor | 5° - 13° | 8° | 139 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.5 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Acceptable | 0° - 10° | 3° | 62 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 2.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.3h |
| November | Good | -6° - 6° | -3° | 14 mm | some cloud | 71% | 2.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.6h |
| December | Good | -10° - 4° | -7° | 9 mm | mostly sunny | 64% | 2.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.2h |