Heavy-Pack Trek on the Eastern Slope of Meili Snow Mountain | A Hiker's Romance in the Snow

Prologue: A Rendezvous with the Snow Mountain

Some say hiking is a conversation with oneself. But in my view, trekking the eastern slope of Meili Snow Mountain feels more like a profound dialogue with the heavens, the earth, and the soul.

On January 29, 2026, my companion Daxiong and I shouldered our packs and set foot on this long-cherished route. This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment trip; it was a promise brewed over an entire year. From 2025 to 2026, we had traversed the Wusun Ancient Trail in Xinjiang, crossed countless ridges, but a voice kept calling from within—Meili Snow Mountain.

Kawagebo and Miancimu, these two sacred peaks, draw every snow mountain lover like magnets. Their perspectives are unique. The sheer awe brought by glaciers and snow-capped mountains renders any words powerless in their presence.

Before Departure: Preparations and Anticipation

Daxiong is a meticulous person. In the days leading up to our departure, he practically wore out his phone—scouring information about the eastern slope of Meili, studying the route, and planning resupply points. His dedication reminded me of a saying: "Use eyes that discover beauty to see those insignificant wonders, and capture them with your camera at every moment."

We chose heavy-pack trekking, meaning we had to carry all our gear ourselves. Tent, sleeping bag, stove, food—every item had to be carefully calculated. Luckily, Uncle Nongbu's guesthouse became our logistics base, where we could store some equipment, lightening our load considerably.

Day 1: Mingyong Glacier—Nanzhu Pasture

Departure: From Pickup to Footpath

At noon, Uncle Nongbu drove us to the trailhead in his pickup truck. There were a few other trekkers heading to the eastern slope of Meili as well. We chatted and laughed, our voices echoing along the winding mountain road.

Before setting out, I had imagined all sorts of difficulties on this route. But when I actually stepped onto the trail, I couldn't help muttering, "This is Meili Snow Mountain? It's too easy?" The dirt paths, dry brush, and scent of pine I had envisioned were nowhere to be found. Instead, the trail was relatively gentle. That day, I was in great shape and walked with high spirits. Experience has taught me that on such routes, resting too long only makes you more tired. It's better to keep going and reach camp early.

First Glimpse of Nanzhu Pasture

After about three hours, we arrived at Nanzhu Pasture. Standing there, looking down at the small village at the foot of the mountain, I felt truly insignificant. The snow mountain ridges were so majestic, the clouds so layered, even those mysterious villages seemed trivial.

I remembered Meili Snow Mountain ten years ago—still covered in pristine forests. Now, with economic development and more outdoor enthusiasts, much of its original beauty has been damaged. A pang of regret hit me. But then I thought, being able to witness such scenery with my own eyes is already an immense blessing.

Camp Life: The Warmth of Human Connection

In the afternoon, we reached the camping base. I first set down my pack and claimed a prime spot facing the snow mountain. Daxiong was still lagging behind, slowly making his way. His condition was good too, full of energy.

At the campsite, we met all kinds of people. There was a man in a black jacket, from Shenzhen, about 50 years old, who had been hiking alone for days. Watching him, I thought: The outdoors is never just for the young; it's a choice for everyone who loves freedom.

About 30 minutes later, Daxiong finally arrived. He quickly set up his tent, attracting a circle of "fans"—other trekkers gathered to watch him pitch it. He even turned it into an impromptu teaching session, haha.

Finally, dinner time! The most beautiful people in the world are those who are well-fed, hardworking, and grounded. Eating hot meals in the tent at night, I thought about how we had already walked through Yubeng Village and Binghu Lake, and now we were on the eastern slope of Meili Snow Mountain. Time flies.

That night, I felt like my period was coming, and my mood was a bit low. Gazing into the distance at the free-flowing wind, sea of clouds, and mountain ranges, I felt a little better. Maybe that's the meaning of hiking—finding inner peace amidst fatigue and discomfort.

Day 2: Nanzhu Pasture—Bongge Summit

The Push: Marching Toward the Snow Mountain

Daxiong was industrious in the morning—preparing breakfast, boiling instant noodles, heating water, and even brewing coffee. As for me, I slept like a log. In my dreams, I seemed to be complaining about the neighbors: the noise of boiling water, cooking, and packing tents was a bit loud. But when I woke up, I thought, it was fine. A full day awaited us—today we were going to summit!

As soon as I saw the route, Daxiong dashed ahead, while I followed slowly behind. Hiking the eastern slope of Meili with a heavy pack while on my period—that's quite a feat. But no matter the process, I wanted to finish this thrilling journey, just for the golden sunrise over the snow mountain, for the beauty of Meili.

Bongge Summit: A Terrifying Moment in the Wind

Finally, we reached the ridge of Bongge Summit and saw hope. Nearby, some trekkers had already set up camp. With wind at night, some decided to stay there. But Daxiong and I felt that Bongge Summit offered the best views—we had to get there.

The distance wasn't far, but every spot along the way was stunning. As we walked, snow began to fall. I thought about how peaceful it was to walk quietly on this beautiful trail—Daxiong was already summiting, and I was here, slowly following his heavy-pack footsteps from afar.

The higher we climbed, the heavier the snow. I love snow, this pure whiteness. People are simple like that. For me, hiking is a thrill, a challenge.

By afternoon, we reached Bongge Summit, with the sacred snow mountain right before us. Daxiong had already set up the tent, so I could just crawl in—saved a lot of trouble. It worked well: each of us doing our own thing.

Inside the tent, we started eating all sorts of goodies. I have to give credit to Daxiong here—he prepared the trail snacks thoroughly. I never imagined I could eat meat-stuffed marinated eggs on the eastern slope of Meili Snow Mountain. Happiness is so simple: a little trail snack, a bit of meat, and all the fatigue of the trail disappears, replaced by little joys.

Panic: A Few Minutes of Gale

The summit was beautiful, but the snow fell heavier as night approached. Our tent faced the snow mountain. Daxiong had found a spot to pitch it, but the beauty of the scene ended too abruptly.

In just a few minutes of strong wind, we were both too scared to speak. I didn't even bother looking outside; my mind was racing—we had to descend safely! At that moment, I wiped my eyes, but the snow was so thick I couldn't see anything. I just frantically stuffed things into my pack, with one thought echoing: Descend! Descend!

If we didn't get down quickly, I felt the wind could sweep us away that night. The next day, we'd probably be on the news...

We packed up the tent in just a few minutes, while our neighbors were still fumbling. When the wind stopped, I saw the most beautiful peak. At that moment, the wind ceased, and the world fell silent.

Although we didn't see the golden sunrise over the snow mountain, we had experienced enough of its beauty. I can't describe my feelings. I think when the heavy snow fell, it must have been the most beautiful peak. On a clear day, the sun would shine on it. The outdoors—it's only for the ambitious. How lonely and determined this trail was, and how awe-inspiring.

Descent: From Breakdown to Rebirth

We were almost packed; Daxiong just needed to finish tying up his bag, and we began our descent. This incredible trek was truly worth recording. Not just because we walked this route, but because of something spiritual—facing unknown risks, we thought about how to solve them, not how to escape. That fully reveals a person's ability to handle life and solve problems, which is crucial.

A single gust at Bongge Summit, and we descended to Nanzhu Pasture in an hour. I'll never forget the memory of that wind—scared me into a cold sweat. Just a few minutes of strong wind nearly cost us our lives. Luckily, Daxiong and I adjusted in time, divided tasks clearly, and decisively descended.

The Return: Nanzhu Pasture—Shangri-La

The Final Wrap-Up

The morning was beautiful. Just after waking up, I sat by the fire with a kid we had met the day before. Today was the final leg of the hike. Before leaving, I took a photo to record the moment—recording is my strength.

Looking at Kawagebo in the distance, it was so magnificent and awe-inspiring. Last night, we had climbed step by step with heavy packs to the summit. This journey was meaningful. This scenery deserves to be loved.

In the afternoon, we reached the village. Daxiong went to pick up our stored luggage from the owner while I waited, ready to head back to Shangri-La together. I savored this trek, listening as it whispered prayers for me. The road ahead is endless; there may be times of siege—but no matter when or where, I will keep the determination to break free.

The Warmth of Shangri-La

On the last day of hiking, Daxiong and I felt joyful. Wow—we were going back to Shangri-La! We could go home and take a hot shower, as if easing the soreness from these days of trekking.

That evening, we found a barbecue restaurant. The food was delicious, and the portions generous. Daxiong ate with elegance. The hike ended perfectly, capped off with a tasty barbecue dinner. Daxiong still loved photographing cute cats, sweeping the streets as he walked. The afternoon was still a bit cold, but our hearts were warm.

Epilogue: The Unspeakable Beauty

Time and again, we go on heavy-pack treks. We're not wandering, nor are we exiling ourselves. Thank you, Daxiong, for accompanying me to Meili Snow Mountain. We've simply allowed each other to be ourselves, understanding each other a little more with every step. Doing what we love—soon, we'll explore the world's wonders.

We live well, feeling the wind that brushes our faces on the road. Thank you, travel, for every scene you've given me. Thank you, heaven and earth, for every free breath. Most of all, thank myself for having the courage to love the outdoors.

I think, no matter how many times, years later I'll still shed tears—encountering the eastern slope of Meili Snow Mountain, its unspeakable beauty, and those few minutes of gale, all becoming permanent memories. For those journeys of life, having seen distant landscapes, I cherish us even more.

As Shi Tiesheng said: "Everything along the way, some brushes past me and goes its separate way forever; some settles permanently in my soul, carving me, shaping me, tempering me, merging into me and becoming me."

I later realized that every long journey is followed by a huge sense of loss. Those fragmented, profound, vivid memories surge into my mind and heart on some day, at some moment. Even flipping through photos again and again, I can't calm down.

The biggest aftermath of travel isn't the farewell at the end, but the memories that come—expected, yet unpredictable in their timing.

Farewell, Eastern Slope of Meili!

Practical Tips

1. Route Difficulty: The eastern section is moderately challenging, suitable for trekkers with heavy-pack experience. For the northern section, due to time and physical constraints, gauge your capabilities accordingly.
2. Gear Preparation: Heavy-pack trekking requires a tent, sleeping bag, stove, ample food, and water. Some equipment can be stored at Uncle Nongbu's guesthouse.
3. Best Season: January to February is a good time to view Meili Snow Mountain, but be mindful of weather changes, especially strong winds at the summit.
4. Resupply Points: Villages like Mingyong and Yubeng can serve as resupply points. Plan your route and supplies in advance.
5. Safety First: In adverse weather, decisive descent is more important than persistence. Life is only once; the snow mountain will always be there.

This travelogue is original content. Please contact the author for reproduction.