On October 20th, with the return of the last team, the 2013 7th edition of the “Endless Experience – Gore-Tex Outdoor Dreams Realized” event finally came to a perfect close, with all six participating teams successfully completing their journeys. During the trips, unexpected situations such as weather and transportation issues were inevitable, but the teams used their rich experience and solid outdoor knowledge and skills to perfectly resolve these issues. These “little episodes” collectively formed an “outdoor textbook” along the road of dreams.
Professional Mountaineering Group
Category: Professional Mountaineering Group “Challenging the Unclimbed Peak of Dayangtianwo”
Dayangtianwo Peak is located in the Shuangqiaogou area of Sichuan’s Siguniang Mountains. It is a big wall climbing type, with an altitude of 5,220 meters and high risk. The final summiting section is relatively hidden, and the climbing route is technical rock climbing. During the ascent, snowy and icy weather greatly increased the difficulty of reaching the summit. After discussing and analyzing various feasible plans, the team decided to attempt another climb using aid climbing methods, pushing higher into the snow and wind to scout the route. After several tough attempts, with one member suffering severe altitude sickness and others physically exhausted, they ultimately decided to descend. When the weather improved, the team, armed with their first climbing experience and collected data, successfully summited in one go.
Teaching Highlights: Many people like to use pitons to set protection points before descending, but pitons are heavy and require a hammer. They’re suitable for mixed ice and rock routes since ice axes often have a hammer on one end. For pure rock mountains, carrying only auxiliary ropes and chocks as protection for descent abandonment is ideal—they are similarly priced but lighter in weight, can also be used for protection during the climb, and are more efficient. In icy conditions, ice screws are the most environmentally friendly protection option.
Wilderness Trekking Group
Category: Wilderness Trekking Group “Exploring the B Route through Tibet’s Alps”
The leader of the Wilderness Trekking Group had organized an A Route exploration in the Tanggula Mountains in 2012, but the attempt was abandoned due to severe altitude sickness among the team members. However, he didn’t give up, and this year undertook a second crossing. The Nyainqentanglha Mountains are an undeveloped outdoor frontier with very little available information, often referred to by insiders as the “Alps of the East.” Due to an avalanche from a glacier in a high-altitude alpine lake upstream, which caused the lake to burst its banks and flood, significant damage occurred in the Yiga Glacier Gorge. The team also needed to urgently reach the next village, but there were no proper roads—only low shrubs in the frigid zone, constantly eroding rocks and gravel, or grasslands worn away by glacial meltwater. They had to cover 60 kilometers within two days, leading to extreme physical and mental exhaustion. Their judgment became impaired, and they eventually got lost, forcing the trek to be temporarily halted. Faced with such dangerous and difficult circumstances, the team didn’t give up. Instead, they became even more united, supporting each other and asking villagers along the way for directions, until they finally exited the gorge and reached their destination.
Teaching Highlights: When trekking in the wilderness, it’s essential to carry only essential items, with a load not exceeding one-quarter of your body weight to prevent rapid energy loss. Carry signal pens and playing cards to mark your path if you get lost. If you have very little information about the trekking area and the conditions are complex, it’s best to go with someone who has been there before or hire a local guide.
Outdoor Photography Group
Category: Outdoor Self-Drive Group “The Return of the King – A Pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Gesar”
This is the first self-drive route in China themed around King Gesar, the Tibetan epic hero. Centered on the legendary figure, the journey follows in the king’s footsteps and pays tribute to his former glory. Spanning 17 days and covering over 7,000 kilometers, the team overcame challenges brought by high-altitude sickness and harsh weather. Through the frost, wind, rain, and snow of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, they experienced both visual and spiritual awe in the face of majestic natural landscapes and profound cultural encounters.
Teaching Highlights: Altitude sickness usually resolves on its own. For more severe symptoms, symptomatic treatment is sufficient, such as oxygen therapy, pain relief, oral painkillers or tranquilizers, and Tibetan medicine like “Rhodiola” oral liquid, all of which can alleviate the effects of high altitude. When crossing mountains with sudden ascents or descents in elevation, it’s recommended not to sleep in the vehicle, as waking up may bring temporary ear ringing. In such cases, opening your mouth wide to engage the ear muscles can help relieve the sensation, which usually fades after some time.
Outdoor Photography Group
Category: Outdoor Photography Group “The Sacred Journey of the Bingchacha Route”
The Bingchacha Route is currently the seventh highway leading into Tibet from inland China and is also the most rugged yet picturesque and pristine route among all entry roads to Tibet. However, due to its high mountains and deep valleys, few outsiders have ever ventured there. While staying in Zhaxigang Village, the team camped in a Tibetan farmer’s field overnight to capture stunning nightscapes. They didn’t manage to get the ideal starry sky photos until after 1 a.m. Despite the night frost, the cold could not dampen the team’s enthusiasm.
Teaching Highlights: To photograph the starry sky, you need the right location, clear weather, stable equipment, and basic exposure setting skills. Going out at night to practice shooting the moon is a good option.
Outdoor Hiking Group
Category: Outdoor Hiking Group “Hiking the Yinping Ancient Road to Explore the Mystery of the Fall of the Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms”
The Yinping Ancient Road has been a perilous and rugged path since ancient times. Throughout history, apart from local farmers, it was only used during essential wartime needs. The most treacherous section of the Yinping Ancient Road is Motian Ridge. The northwestern slope of the ridge is relatively gentle, while the southern side features sheer cliffs and precipices with no passable routes. During the team’s traverse of Motian Ridge, they had to cross rivers repeatedly, during which one member accidentally fell into the water. Although their high-quality gear ensured there were no serious incidents, the slippery soles of their shoes made progress more difficult.
Teaching Points: During the crossing, river crossings are inevitable. Taking off shoes every time would waste a lot of time. However, for river sections where the water only reaches the calves, there are methods to cross without removing shoes—such as the sand-scattering method, which involves bringing some sand beforehand and sprinkling it on the surface of the rocks before stepping across, thus eliminating the risk of slipping; and the gaiter-crossing method, suitable for river crossings where no rocks are available. By wearing gaiters, you can cross quickly. Since it takes some time for the river water to seep into your shoes from underneath the gaiters, you can cross swiftly before the water fills your hiking boots.
International Route Group
Group: International Route Group “Nepal + Annapurna Circuit + ABC Double Trek Traverse”
The International Route Group integrated two of the three classic trekking routes in Nepal's Annapurna region—the full and short Annapurna Circuits and the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)—into their planned itinerary. The journey lasted eight days, covering over 150 kilometers. This trip was scheduled during the Dasain Festival. After completing the trekking activities, the team was invited to attend the Dasain animal sacrifice ceremony presided over by the Chief of Army Staff of the Nepalese Army, Gaurav Rana, in Kathmandu, capturing rare scenes of Nepalese folk traditions.
Teaching Points: Before departure, it is important to conduct in-depth research and gather information about the destination. For this international leg, the destination was Nepal. The mountainous regions of Nepal have regulations on radio usage, and hikers are required to apply in advance for permission to use walkie-talkies. Otherwise, they may be detained at the border.