The San-Ao Snow Mountain comprises three prominent peaks: Aotaiji (5286m), Aotaimei (5257m), and Aotaina (4910m). These peaks are revered in Tibetan culture and offer diverse natural landscapes, including alpine meadows, pristine forests, and glacial lakes. These three pyramid-shaped peaks are positioned in a formation that resembles the Chinese character “品,” which symbolises “quality” or “essence.”
Due to its relatively lower altitude and moderate technical difficulty, Aotaina is often called “the first snow mountain of your life” （人生攀登的第一座雪山）and is a suitable entry-level peak for trekkers who are new to high-altitude trekking and want a relatively accessible challenge.
San-Ao Snow Mountain (三奥雪山) lies approximately 16 km from the Heishui county center and around 310 km from Chengdu, offering relatively convenient access. The mountain range is deeply revered by local Tibetan communities as sacred peaks. Ancient scriptures describe Aotaiji as the spiritual leader of all sacred mountains, believed to have the power to ward off evil and bring blessings. For the local Tibetans, the mountains are a place of worship, often visited during times of hardship or celebration, making the region not only a destination for mountaineering but also an important site of spiritual pilgrimage. The area includes several alpine lakes, with Ham Lake being the largest (approx. 1500m long), featuring clear turquoise water and stunning surroundings.
Mt Aotaina is a non-technical peak that can typically be summited within three days. The base camp, situated at 3700m, is accessible by vehicle. However, the ascent to the summit involves a demanding 5-6 hour trek across exposed terrain, requiring solid endurance and physical fitness. During winter and spring, deep snow between base camp and the summit can make the route significantly more challenging compared to the drier conditions in autumn. To ensure a safer and more comfortable ascent, our approach will include extra days for acclimatization.
San-Ao Snow Mountain’s (三奥雪山) climate is shaped by the Indian Ocean monsoon and the Tibetan Plateau, resulting in a humid subtropical monsoon climate characterised by heavy precipitation and frequent snowfall. The peak snowfall occurs from late November to March, while June and July bring increased rainfall due to the summer season. The best months for climbing are April, May, September till early November.
This trek is graded 2B
Mt Aotaina is suitable for trekkers who may be new to multi-day high-altitude treks above 4000m, but it demands a high level of physical fitness. Participants should be prepared to carry a 4–5kg backpack while trekking 4 to 8 hours daily over 3 to 4 days across undulating mountain terrain.
On summit day, expect a challenging 9 to 12 hours of trekking in cold conditions, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to -15°C.
Snow and ice may be present, especially from late autumn to early spring. No technical climbing skills are required, but a good level of fitness, mental resilience, and altitude awareness is essential.
You will need proper alpine trekking attire for the duration of the trek. At base camp and especially after sunset, temperatures drop significantly, be prepared with a fleece layer and a down jacket to stay warm. Crampons or snow cleats may be required depending on conditions.
A packing list will be provided to all our participants. Please refer to our Resource Centre page for information on the layering system and how to choose the right gear/equipment for your trek.
| Day | Description | Meals |
| 1 | Arrive in Chengdu (500m) | – |
| 2 | Drive to Blackwater County (310km from Chengdu) (2500m) | B/L/D |
| 3 | Acclimatization day. Trek to San-Ao Snow Mountains viewing point (3200m). | B/L/D |
| 4 | Drive to base camp (3700m). | B/L/D |
| 5 | Base camp. Acclimatization Day. | B/L/D |
| 6 | Summit (4910m). Back to Base camp. | B/*-/D (*Prepare your own dry rations for summit day) |
| 7 | Drive to Blackwater County town. Continue to Chengdu | B/L/- |
| 8 | Depart Chengdu | – |
| DATES | PRICE |
| 8-15 November 2025 (with a Trek Leader) | $1,880 (SGD) / person |
1. Trip briefing and information kit
2. Gear list and gear discount from selected Singapore outdoor outfitters
3. Complimentary group training sessions
We carefully select and establish strong working relationship with our local trek operator to ensure safe participation by everyone. Our local partner is one of the most established and reputable mountaineering company in China. The climbing guides have extensive experience in guiding treks in China, Nepal, possess intimate knowledge of the local surroundings, conditions and culture. They are trained in mountaineering skills and emergency rescue. A few of them have climbed Mt Everest and other major peaks in the world.
Holders of ordinary passports issued by the following countries do not need a visa to enter China as long as their trip does not last longer than the visa-free period listed below.
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Duration |
Countries |
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30 days |
Bahamas, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Mauritius, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Tonga |
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15 days |
Brunei, Japan, Singapore |
For latest updates and details of visa application, please visit https://www.visaforchina.org.
In Chengdu, currency exchange services are available at the airport, hotels, malls, local banks, and moneychangers throughout the city. ATMs are plentiful, most accepting international credit cards and debit cards. Credits cards are commonly accepted in most mid-range to high-end restaurants and hotels in the city. However, these are all scarce or not available at all in the remote towns and areas.
In recent years, mobile payment and going cashless has become mainstream in China (E.g. Alipay, WeChat Pay and QQ Wallet). Otherwise, for foreigners, cash is still the most reliable form of payment in China.
As of November 2019, travellers can now use AliPay and WeChat Pay mobile payments. AliPay and WeChat Pay are the 2 dominant mobile payment platforms in China accepted by everybody from big brands to street vendors.
AliPay lets tourists create a prepaid account and fund it with Visa, MasterCard, JCB or MasterCard. WeChat Pay links to a credit card and supports Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover, JCB, and Diners Club.
China’s electricity is 220V and 50HZ. There are three types of plugs used in China. Two flat parallel pins (Type A) is the most common; two narrow round pins (Type C) and three-pronged angled pins (Type I).
Mandarin is the official language spoken and taught in schools all over China. There are 56 official ethnic groups, some having their own language and writing system. Even the majority Hans which make up 91% of the population speak many different dialects and their variations, according to the region they hail from. So their common language is hence Mandarin (普通话).
English is gaining popularity in the young and professionals as a window to the world, but common usage is non-existent. It is hardly understood or spoken by anyone including those working in the tourist service industry, except in international chains of hotels.
Tap water is not drinkable in China, even in major cities. Bottled water is easily available from supermarkets to hotels.
Giving a tip to tour guides is a common practice in China but other service staff in hotels, restaurants and taxi drivers in general do not expect a tip from tourists.
With evolving world situations that may occur unexpectedly due to natural disasters, pandemics/epidemics, conflicts and unrests, it is best to read up and keep tabs on news and developments at your destination country and region before the trip. Check on the country’s official website and/or your own foreign ministry website for any travel advisory or safety precautions to be taken while abroad.
As with traveling in anywhere in the world, regardless of the local crime rate, stay vigilant and take care of personal safety. Good to read up on any possible exposure in the country prior to departure.
It is a good practice to register with your respective foreign ministry if there is such a service provided to citizens, to contact you in order to make sure that you are safe and, if need be, assist you should an emergency (e.g. natural disasters, civil unrest, etc.) occur when you are overseas.
For Singaporeans, this is the link to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ eRegister:
https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/eregisterportal/common/preLoginEregisterView.action
It is highly recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance(s), upon payment of your trip, to cover adverse situations that may occur while you are overseas or even before departure. Ensure that the coverage is suitable for your destination and the activities that you are participating in. Be familiar with the terms and conditions before purchasing and travelling abroad.
There is no compulsory vaccine to be taken to enter China. You should, however, be up to date on routine vaccinations, especially vaccines against water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (examples: hepatitis, typhoid and tuberculosis) while traveling to any destination. You are encouraged to consider having vaccinations before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart, make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and any implications for your health, particularly if you have an existing medical condition.
Recommended routine vaccinations for travellers in general:
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Hepatitis A |
Spread through consuming contaminated food and water or person to person through the faecal-oral route. Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation are poor. |
|
Hepatitis B |
Spread through infected blood and blood products, contaminated needles and medical instruments and sexual intercourse. Risk is higher for those at occupational risk, long stays or frequent travel, children (exposed through cuts and scratches) and individuals who may need, or request, surgical procedures abroad. |
|
Rabies
|
Spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite, scratch or lick on broken skin. Particularly dogs and related species, but also bats. Risk is higher for those going to remote areas (who may not be able to promptly access appropriate treatment in the event of a bite), long stays, those at higher risk of contact with animals and bats, and children. Even when pre-exposure vaccine has been received, urgent medical advice should be sought after any animal or bat bite. |
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Tetanus
|
Spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A primary series of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine is recommended for life. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available. |
|
Typhoid Fever |
Spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is limited. |
|
Influenza |
A vaccine specific for a given year to protect against the highly variable influenza virus. |
For more information and professional advice on travel vaccinations, please consult your doctor or travel clinic.
For people residing in Singapore, you may visit The Travellers’ Health and Vaccination Clinic (THVC) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital:
Travellers’ Health & Vaccination Clinic
Address: Level 4, Clinic 4B, Tan Tock Seng Hospital Medical Centre
Contact number: 6357 2222
Website : https://www.ttsh.com.sg/Patients-and-Visitors/Medical-Services/Travellers-Health-and-Vaccination-Clinic/Pages/default.aspx.
