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Haba Snow Mountain

A 5,396-metre summit climbed without technical skill, often taken as a first snow peak.

Updated 4 September 2026

AI illustration

Typetrekking peak

WhereYunnan

Nearest cityShangri-La

Best seasonApril to May and October to November

Time to allowThree to four days

Getting thereHaba village, Shangri-La prefecture; buses from Shangri-La or Lijiang

EntryGuide and permit fees charged

Haba stands on the north side of Tiger Leaping Gorge, facing Jade Dragon across it, and reaches 5,396 metres. It is climbed regularly by people with no mountaineering background because the standard route needs no ropework in normal conditions: a walk from Haba village to a base camp around 4,100 metres, then a long night start up scree and snow slopes to the summit with crampons and a guide. That does not make it easy; the altitude gain is severe and the summit day is many hours of hard walking in cold and thin air, and weather turns it back regularly.

What you'll find

The summit at 5,396 metres - a snow peak reached without technical climbing.
The base camp - the overnight stop at around 4,100 metres.
Jade Dragon opposite - the facing range across Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Haba village - the Naxi settlement where climbs start.

When to go

April to May and October to November are the standard windows; summer brings rain and unstable snow, deep winter severe cold and wind. Weather turns back a significant share of attempts.

Before you go

The altitude is serious and acute mountain sickness is common; acclimatisation matters. Guides are required and horses carry loads to base camp. Summit day starts around midnight and takes many hours.

Nearby

Tiger Leaping Gorge lies south; Shangri-La is north.

Key facts

Local name哈巴雪山 (Chinese)

Elevation5,396 m (17,703 ft)

Location27.3183° N, 100.1000° E · map

Source: Wikidata, item Q4494371, read on 18 October 2026.

What to pack for Haba Snow Mountain

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

Every-trip essentialsDocuments + digital copies · Universal travel adapter…Hiking & trailsBroken-in walking shoes or boots · Layers + a waterproof shell…Cold, snow & ArcticWarm base layers · An insulated + windproof jacket…High altitudeAscend slowly, acclimatise · Layers for big temperature swings…Camping & wild nightsShelter suited to the place · A warm sleeping bag + mat…

Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
Warm base layers - Merino or synthetic against the skin - never cotton, which chills when damp. Find on Amazon
Layers for big temperature swings - Warm sun by day, near-freezing at night, even near the equator. Find on Amazon
Shelter suited to the place - Tent, tarp or hut booking - match it to the terrain and rules. Find on Amazon

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