Mount Emei is visually stunning, and I hope to regain the fitness needed to trek the mountain again. My current goal is to maintain a balanced level of fitness, allowing me to return.
**Day 0 - Departure Night 03.01.2026, Saturday KLIA 1**
It appears that I need to alter my travel plans. I had intended to travel to the northwest of Sichuan province and reach Xiahe, but after reviewing the weather, I believe it’s best to steer clear of this high-altitude town at 9,800 feet, as I am not ready for the harsh winter and the thin air. The bus journey from Chengdu through Songpan along the twisting and steep roads of Jiuzhaigou is making me feel queasy while I contemplate this adventure as I write this blog. I seriously need to remind myself to avoid this backpacking trip. Instead of going northwest, I think I'd fare better with my revised plan heading southwest from Chengdu. I aim to arrive at Emei Shan a few days later, after spending some time to acclimatize to Chengdu's winter climate. Naturally, Emei Shan is colder than Chengdu, so I might purchase a canvas-like winter coat in Chengdu before going to Emei Shan. I had a similar coat that I bought in Guangdong 15 years ago during my travels, but I left it behind in the overhead compartment on the bus after arriving in Montenegro. At that time, it was early spring, and I no longer needed the thick winter coat. I think it’s time to buy another coat made from the same material in Chengdu.
I once trekked Mount Emei from the village base to the summit, which took me three days of walking with good fitness. I am not as fit now as I was back then, so I need to rebuild my fitness before I can hike this beautiful mountain again. If I do go to Emei Shan this trip, I will stay in the base village and likely engage in light trekking for 2 to 3 hours each day to maintain my stamina and recover from feeling lethargic. By the time I reach Chengdu tomorrow afternoon, I will finalize my decision about this backpacking trip.
Mount Emei is beautifully captivating. I hope to have the same level of fitness to hike the mountain again. My current resolution is to maintain a balanced fitness routine so I can return in the future.
