Located on the county borders of Shimian, Luding, Jiulong and Kangding, Gongga Shan (Mt. Gongga or Minya Konka) is the highest peak in Sichuan province standing an imposing 7,556 meters above sea level. It is also the 15th highest mountain in the world, earning it the title of "Mountain King" in Sichuan Province.

In Tibetan, Gongga means snow white, a fitting title as this mountain is covered with snow all the year round. There are more than 50 other snow-capped mountains surrounding Gongga Shan. They form a magnificent snowy mountain range.

Gongga Shan is an ambitious goal for climbers from all over the world. The mountain has not been summited since 1957, when the Chinese National Climbing Team made the hike to the top -- four members of that team died during the descent. They reported facing difficulties akin to those one might encounter when climbing Everest. The first recorded ascent in modern times was by an American team in 1935 -- the same team that accurately measured the mountain's height. Since then many clombers have died trying to ascend Gongga Shan.

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