What this solves
There is no avalanche forecast for Tanggu La. Park staff don't patrol the high route. You are the decision-maker. The crossability score uses a simple but field-tested rule of thumb: a frozen morning + microspikes or crampons + post-monsoon or pre-monsoon timing = generally Go. Soft afternoon snow + trekking poles only + early/late season = No-Go.
Today's conditions
How to read the result
GO — Conditions support a safe traverse. Expect hard snow, frozen scree, clear sight lines. Move steadily; do not stop on the summit ridge in wind.
MARGINAL — Crossable for fit parties with traction, but slow. Reconsider if the day is heating fast (snow turns to slush by 11:00), or if you have any AMS concern. Turn-around time = 09:00. If you haven't summited by 10:30, do not commit.
NO-GO — Conditions outside a reasonable safety envelope. Don't summit. The Kashe detour adds a day but keeps you on lower terrain.
Reference: 2018-2024 Yading snowfall records show fresh October snow stays above 5,500 m only ~30% of days; June has 75% probability of soft post-monsoon slush above 5,000 m by midday.
Limitations
FAQ
A: Gaiters keep snow out of boots. They do nothing for traction on frozen scree or ice. Microspikes (e.g. Kahtoola) or lightweight crampons are the minimum useful traction for the upper 200 m of Tanggu La in shoulder season.
A: Treat it as soft. Even hard-frozen at dawn, a −1 °C low at 4,800 m base means slush by 10:00 on the pass. Plan an alpine start at 04:30 to be off the summit ridge by 09:00.
A: The park does not formally close the trail, but the high route is generally not attempted December–February because of deep snow, cornice risk, and no rescue response. The inner-kora shuttle bus still runs to Chonggu Monastery (3,880 m) year-round.
A: Yes, but it's not in this tool. Sustained west wind > 50 km/h on the south face of Tanggu La is a No-Go regardless of freeze. Use a separate wind tool for that, and prefer a counter-clockwise approach if the wind is forecast.