On February 26th, 2024, embarking from Jiujiang Station, I set my sights on Pingxiang Station, where I arranged a carpooling service (for a fee of fifty yuan) to Shenzi Village, preparing to traverse Wugong Mountain alone. đ«ïžâ
I must emphasize the importance of adequate equipment and supplies for a trip to Wugong Mountain, as the direct ascent, unlike the scenic route, poses significant challenges and risks. During my solo ascent, I encountered icy weather conditions and did not encounter a single soul throughout the entire day. â Additionally, my ice claws malfunctioned (I had purchased plastic spikes, which I later replaced after descending a section of the mountain). â
As for supplies, I had merely a few candies and a bottle of water (which I unfortunately lost during the climb). My equipment consisted solely of a standard windbreaker with a quick-drying base layer. Halfway through the ascent, my phone ran out of battery (as did my power bank). â The snowy and foggy conditions, coupled with my unfamiliarity with the route, led to several instances of getting lost. Midway through the journey, I downloaded the âTwo Steps Outdoor Assistantâ app and exhausted all my energy to reach the Tieti Feng Lodge at the summit (where the owner was absent, and I spent the night alone). â
I hope that my experiences serve as a lesson for others. Novice hikers should not embark on such a journey unprepared. It is essential to stock up on supplies such as snacks, energy bars, and water, ensure that your power bank is fully charged, and prepare appropriate ice claws (avoiding plastic ones, as evident from my photos). It is also advisable to download the âTwo Steps Outdoor Assistantâ app, plan your route, and purchase waterproof clothing bags. Given the dense fog on the mountain, it is advisable for beginners to avoid solo hikes (as I unfortunately did not encounter anyone during my journey). â
A brief overview of my climb: I arrived at Shenzi Village around 9:40, purchased a bottle of water and paid the environmental fee (10 yuan) before commencing my ascent. Midway, I encountered issues with my ice claws and had to descend to purchase replacements. At 11:30, I resumed my climb, enduring several instances of getting lost. Finally, at 4:50, I arrived at the Tieti Feng Lodge, where I changed my wet clothes. On the morning of the 27th, I departed at 8:30 for the summit of Jinding, enjoying a meal of dumplings on the way. At 9:30, I reached the summit and encountered two fellow hikers (who were descending via the scenic route, which is more populated). We decided to descend the mountain together. â
In conclusion, my journey to Wugong Mountain was a testament to the awesome power of nature and the insignificance of humankind. It also reinforced the importance of trust and care among individuals. The beauty of Wugong Mountain during February and March is breathtaking, but it demands thorough preparation. I wish everyone a safe ascent and a safe return. #WugongMountain #WugongMountainGuide #Hiking #OutdoorEquipment
