Learn from the Mountains, Hear the Springs: Haba Snow Mountain West Slope Trek - Mountain Spring

Learn from the Mountains, Hear the Springs: Haba Snow Mountain West Slope Trek

Sponsored by Mountain Spring, Xiamen University students completed a 33km trek of the Haba West Slope from October 3–6, 2025. Using professional Dushan 2 tents and R-series gear, the team successfully combined 4,000m+ high-altitude endurance with "Leave No Trace" ecological education.

Details

Expedition Overview

This edition of the "Learn from the Mountains, Hear the Springs" university heavy-duty trekking charity series was initiated by Mountain Spring and co-organized with the Xiamen University Mountaineering Association. Taking place from October 3–6, 2025, this specific expedition brings students to the Haba West Slope to achieve self-growth through professional outdoor practice.

The Majesty of Haba West Slope

Haba Snow Mountain, meaning "Golden Flower" in the Naxi language, stands as a sacred sentinel reaching 5,396 meters. It is the only 5,000-meter-class peak in Yunnan officially open for climbing. The West Slope offers a dramatic 3,600-meter vertical rise from the Habaluo Village base, creating a "four seasons in one day" microclimate.

Trekkers traverse a vivid ecological spectrum—from lush spruce and rhododendron forests to alpine meadows and celestial moraine lakes like the Black Sea. This unique vertical distribution makes it a premier natural laboratory for university students to study plateau geography and high-altitude ecology.

The Grand Loop Itinerary

This 4-day professional trekking route covers approximately 33 kilometers with a cumulative ascent of 2,215 meters.

Day
Phase
Highlights & Terrain
Elevation
Day 1
Acclimatization
Departure from Lijiang via Tiger Leaping Gorge
~2,700m
Day 2-3
Loop Trekking
Mixed forests, alpine meadows, and "Double Sea"
Up to 4,377m
Day 4
Descent
Return to Habaluo Inn through diverse biomes
Return to Base

Cultural Harmony & Human Spirit

The expedition is more than a physical challenge; it is a cultural immersion. The team engages with local Tibetan and Naxi communities, experiencing the traditional Ma Bang (Caravan) transport systems and mountain guiding services that define regional eco-tourism. By sharing butter tea and tsampa with villagers, participants connect with the deep-rooted legends of the "Brother Mountains" while practicing "Leave No Trace" ethics to protect rare species like the Blue Poppy.

Xiamen University Expedition Team

The team comprises a diverse group of Xiamen University students (undergraduate to Ph.D.) from the Schools of Management, Life Sciences, and International Relations.

Mountain Spring: Professional Gear Support

As the exclusive sponsor, Mountain Spring provides a full suite of high-performance gear tailored for the volatile weather of the Hengduan Mountains. The equipment is designed around the core principles of Lightweight, Adaptable, and Protective.

The Sleeping & Shelter System:

  • DuShan 2 Tents: These classic green professional double tents are engineered with superior windproof and waterproof fabrics to shield students from freezing nocturnal winds and sudden plateau rain.

  • ZhuXi Tents: Designed for durability on rocky or meadow terrains, ensuring a stable and safe resting space.

  • R-Series Air Pads (R5, R6, R9): High-thermal insulation pads that provide essential warmth and recovery after grueling climbs.

  • C3L Egg-Crate Foam Pads: High-elasticity foam mats that isolate ground dampness, essential for the rugged Haba terrain.

Brand Mission

Mountain Spring remains dedicated to the vision of "Guarding Every Step Outdoors." By integrating professional-grade equipment into university-led expeditions, the brand fosters a spirit of natural education and environmental stewardship, ensuring the beauty of the Haba West Slope remains preserved for future generations.

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