Charming in its own, gently way, the sleepy village of Songpan is a popular place for adventure travelers to gather.
Although there is little to see and do in Songpan itself, this is the main meeting point for horse trekking adventures. These trekking tours can last from just a day up to several weeks and provide tourists and travelers with the chance to visit a number of traditional Tibetan villages along a picturesque route through the mountains.
The most popular horse trek in this area is to Ice Mountain, which can last for either three or four days. Trekkers camp on the mountain slopes in the evening and although it is possible to go trekking during the winter, the summer months are much more comfortable as it can get extremely cold in the winter.
Getting There & Away
There are regular buses to Songpan from Chengdu (8 hours), where there is an international airport. There are also daily buses from towns and cities such as Jiuzhaighou (3 hours), Hongyuan (5 hours) and Zoige (4 hours).
Things to Do
Songpan Attractions
- Guanyin Pavilion
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Situated atop a hill, the pavilion provides stunning views across songpan.
- Horse treks
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This is an excellent way to see tibetan villages and the surrounding mountains.
Side trips from Songpan
- Huanglong National Park
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Just a short bus ride away, this is a popular place to visit on a day trip.
- Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve
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Another area of intense natural beauty located nearby.