China

Barkam

Barkam

Barkam, also known as Ma'erkang in Chinese, is a remarkable place located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture within the Sic…

Best for you if…

  • A 4–5 day trip
  • Exploring with transit or a car
  • Cultural sightseeing travelers
  • Hiking and trekking travelers
  • Visiting in Summer
Recommended stay
5 days
Best time
Summer
Walkability
Spread
Guide depth
Solid guide
More about this guide

Barkam is a strong pick for cultural sightseeing & hiking and trekking — plan about 5 days; group places into half-day loops. Peak season: Summer.

Solid guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 67/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Spread density — Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops. (≈160.2 km span)

4 Places to explore
5 Recommended days
Summer Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: Summer

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: March · April · September · October

Weather

Autumn

10°C to 20°C

Spring

10°C to 20°C

Summer

15°C to 25°C

Winter

-5°C to 5°C

How to get there

By air

  1. By Air:
  2. The nearest airport to Barkam is the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU). From there, you can take a domestic flight to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) in Jiuzhaigou County. Then, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Barkam, which is approximately a 6-hour drive.

  3. By Train:
  4. You can take a train to Chengdu Railway Station or Chengdu East Railway Station, both located in Chengdu City. From there, you can either take a domestic flight to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) and proceed as mentioned above, or take a long-distance bus from Chengdu to Barkam, which takes around 12-14 hours.

By road

  • By Bus:
  • If you are already in China, you can take a long-distance bus from major cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, or Xi'an to Barkam. The duration of the bus journey will vary depending on the starting location.

    Getting there

    How to reach Barkam in China

    Barkam, also known as Ma'erkang, is a county-level city located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. Here are the steps to reach Barkam:

    It is advisable to check the latest transportation options and schedules before planning your trip to Barkam, as they may vary due to factors like weather conditions and local regulations.

    Getting to know Barkam

    Barkam, also known as Ma'erkang in Chinese, is a remarkable place located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture within the Sichuan Province of China. It is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant ethnic diversity. Nestled amidst the majestic Daxue Mountain Range, Barkam offers awe-inspiring landscapes characterized by snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, crystal-clear rivers, and serene valleys.

    The region is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, including Tibetans, Qiang, Han Chinese, and Hui Muslims, contributing to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Barkam. Traditional Tibetan and Qiang architecture adorns the streets, showcasing intricate wood carvings, colorful ornaments, and distinctive architectural styles that celebrate their unique heritage.

    Barkam is a melting pot of religious traditions, with Tibetan Buddhism deeply rooted in the hearts and minds of the local population. Monasteries and temples, such as the Bamei Monastery and Ta'er Monastery, stand as pillars of spiritual solace and draw pilgrims from far and wide.

    The town of Barkam itself offers a blend of modern amenities and traditional charm. Visitors can explore bustling markets, sample local delicacies, and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of street vendors selling traditional crafts, textiles, and exquisite Tibetan jewelry.

    Outdoor enthusiasts will find Barkam to be a haven for adventure. The region offers a plethora of trekking trails, mountaineering opportunities, and camping locations for those seeking to embrace the raw beauty of the surrounding mountains and immerse themselves in the untouched wilderness.

    With its captivating landscapes, multicultural ambiance, and a wide range of activities, Barkam has become an increasingly popular destination for both local and international travelers seeking a unique experience that showcases China's cultural and natural diversity.

    Pre-trip checklist

    Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

    Local tips

    • Carry warm clothing even in summer as temperatures can drop at night
    • Visit local monasteries and experience the unique Tibetan culture
    • Explore the stunning Jiuzhaigou Valley for breathtaking natural beauty
    • Try the local Tibetan cuisine and yak butter tea

    Places worth exploring

    4 places mapped for this destination

    0–1
    1–3
    3–8
    8–20
    20+

    Suggested 5-day outline

    Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

    Frequently asked questions

    Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

    How many days do you need in Barkam?

    Most travelers spend about 5 days in Barkam, China.

    When is the best time to visit Barkam?

    High season is typically Summer.

    Which months are more budget-friendly in Barkam?

    Travelers often find better value in March, April, September, October.

    What kind of trip is Barkam good for?

    Barkam suits Cultural sightseeing, Hiking and trekking, Photography, Wildlife exploration.

    Is Barkam walkable?

    Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops.

    Any local tips for Barkam?

    Carry warm clothing even in summer as temperatures can drop at night

    Build your trip

    Add Barkam and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.

    Multi-city ideas

    Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

    • Barkam → Heishui → Huanglong · ≈198 km
    • Barkam → Baoxing → Shichuan · ≈222 km
    • Barkam → Baoxing → Xichuan · ≈222 km

    Same vibe

    Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.

    Explore nearby

    Nearby places worth adding to your trip

    Heishui

    China

    103 km · Best: Summer · 5 days · Spread

    Heishui is a picturesque county located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. Nestled in the southwe…

    Baima

    China

    171 km · Best: Summer · 5-7 days · Spread

    Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of China, Baima is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of cit…

    Baoxing

    China

    177 km · Best: Spring and Autumn · 3-5 days · Spread

    Baoxing is a picturesque county located in the Sichuan Province of China. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and ab…

    Huanglong

    China

    193 km · Best: April to October · 2-3 days days · Compact

    Huanglong is a stunning scenic area located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, China.

    Rulong, China

    China

    196 km · Best: Spring and Autumn · 5-7 days · Spread

    Rulong is a picturesque village located in the scenic countryside of China. Nestled amidst lush greenery and rolling hills, it is often ref…

    Shifang

    China

    211 km · Best: April to October · 3-5 days days · Spread

    Shifang is a vibrant city located in the Sichuan Province of China. Nestled among picturesque mountains and surrounded by lush greenery, Sh…

    Mianzhu, Deyang, Sichuan

    China

    213 km · Best: Summer · 3-5 days · Spread

    Mianzhu is a city located in the Deyang prefecture of Sichuan province in China. It is situated in the southwestern part of the country and…

    Ganzi

    China

    220 km · Best: May to October · 5-7 days · Spread

    Ganzi, also known as Garzê, is a county located in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in the Sichuan Province of China.