Rhododendrons
Mountain flowers and cooler spring conditions.
Haba Black Lake · Private highland trek
Wild mountain country, without a technical summit.
A private two-day route through pasture, forest and alpine terrain to Black Lake at approximately 4,200m—beautiful, remote and still physically demanding.
Private local guide · Accommodation, selected meals, entry and insurance included
Know the difference
Not technical does not mean effortless.
This is a high-altitude trek rather than a snow-mountain summit. You do not need mountaineering skills, but you do need steady walking fitness, suitable footwear and respect for altitude and weather.
A changing mountain
Four seasons, four different Black Lakes.
Rhododendrons colour the route in late spring, summer brings green pasture, October turns the slopes red, and winter can freeze the lake beneath snow.
Green pasture
Lush summer meadows with changeable rain and cloud.
Autumn colour
Red leaves and a sharper alpine atmosphere.
Snow & ice
A frozen or snow-framed lake, subject to safe access.
2 days, 1 night
A short journey with a real mountain day.
Day 1
Lijiang → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Haba Village
Private transfer from Lijiang, with a stop near Tiger Leaping Gorge, then continue to Haba Village. Settle into the guesthouse, meet the local guide and prepare for the trek.
Day 2
Haba Village → Black Lake → Return
Start early and follow the mountain route through Dela Pasture, the Sheepfold and Orchid Meadow towards Black Lake, conditions permitting. Return to Haba Village and transfer to Lijiang or Shangri-La.
Black Lake through the year
The route never looks quite the same twice.
Click any image to enlarge. All photographs are from the supplied route materials.
Private quote
Ask Vicky
Price depends on starting city, date and group size
Included
- Round-trip transport from Lijiang or Shangri-La
- Local trailhead transport
- One shared twin room
- Day 1 dinner and Day 2 breakfast
- Black Lake entry and local guide
- Completion medal and outdoor insurance
Not included
- Travel to the pickup city
- Optional horse rental
- Unlisted meals, snacks and drinks
- Single-room supplement
- Personal costs and invoice tax
Horse support: When locally available, a horse may be arranged and paid separately on site. Availability is not guaranteed and does not remove the effects of altitude.
Altitude & access
The lake is the goal. Safety sets the limit.
Black Lake is reached only when weather, trail access and the group’s physical condition allow. The guide may shorten or change the route when continuing is not sensible.
Dress for rapid changesCold, wind, rain or snow can arrive quickly in alpine terrain.
Use proper footwearWater-resistant hiking boots with reliable grip are strongly recommended.
Report altitude symptomsHeadache, nausea, dizziness or unusual fatigue should be reported early.
The route and lake access remain weather-dependent. Do not treat a non-technical trek as a casual walk.
Tell Vicky when you want to see Black Lake.
Send your preferred dates, starting city, group size and recent hiking experience. We will check seasonal access and build the private quote.
Request my private quote