9-Day Tiger Leaping Gorge, Meili Snow Mountain & Yubeng Village Tour

Start your day and embark on a journey to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. First, take a cable car up to Spruce Meadow, a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the landscape.

Afterwards, visit Blue Moon Valley at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a destination known for its turquoise rivers and lakes. Stroll along scenic paths and enjoy the views of snow-capped peaks reflected in the crystal-clear waters.

After lunch, indulge in the Impression Lijiang show, choreographed by the famous film director Zhang Yimou and performed with the mountain itself as a backdrop.

Following this adventure, head to Baisha Village, where you’ll find the intricate Baisha murals, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Naxi minority.

Rounding off your day, make a pitstop at Shuhe Old Town before returning to your hotel, allowing you to soak in the charm and tranquility of this ancient settlement.

Travel to Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is one of the deepest gorges in the world, 16 km long with a sheer 3900 meters between the wild waters of Jinsha river and the top of the Haba Snow Mountains next to it. The inhabitants of the gorge are primarily the indigenous Naxi people, who live in a handful of small hamlets. Your new tour guide will meet you here. You will be dropped off at Naxi Guesthouse where to start your hiking.

You will start today’s hike with a challenging but rewarding section up the famed 28 zigzag turns. As you climb, you’ll appreciate the views of the gorge, with its towering cliffs and the rushing waters of the Yangtze River below. The path offers numerous opportunities for breathtaking photographs.

As you proceed along the trail, take your time to explore the untouched beauty, with its rugged terrain, vibrant flora and traditional Naxi villages along the way. The journey might be strenuous, but the views more than make up for the effort.

After a day’s hike, retreat to the Tea Horse Guesthouse in the heart of gorge. This cozy guesthouse offers wide views of the surrounding mountains. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect place to reflect on the hike and enjoy a restful night.

Start your day with a scenic 3-4-hour hike from Tea Horse Guesthouse, following the winding paths through wild mountain landscapes. As you trek, you’ll pass through small Naxi villages and rugged terrain. As the trail remains at more or less the same altitude until you descend to Tina’s Guesthouse, this hike is not very strenuous.

Upon reaching Tina’s Guesthouse you may take a well-deserved break, before leaving for Shangri-La.

Later in the afternoon, the tour continues to the Tibetan city of Shangri-La. The city sits at an altitude of well over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). On the way you might get tingling feelings in your stomach as you continue your way up the Tibetan plateau, populated by robed monks and indigenous plateau nomads. You will notice gradual changes in the landscape and architecture, with barley fields and yaks scattered across the valleys and the year-round snow-capped mountains always towering above you.

Arrive at your final destination: Dukezong Ancient town, the historical center of Shangri-La. Here, the locals still preserve the old Tibetan way of life, crafting traditional jewelry made of silver or horn, instruments, earthen-ware and daggers. Here, you can spend your free time wandering through the narrow alleys and cobbled winding lanes or simply relax after the day’s adventures.

Pick up from your hotel and drive to Deqin.

Along the way, enjoy a distant view of the vast Napa Grasslands, before reaching the majestic Yangtze Grand Canyon. A stop at Benzilan, a charming town along the ancient Tea Horse Road, offers a glimpse into its rich history. Don’t miss the Dong Zhu Lin Monastery (East Forest Monastery), a century-old religious site brimming with culture and tranquility.

Arrive in Deqin and proceed to the renowned Feilai Temple, where a golden sunset view of Meili Snow Mountain awaits you.

Start your day with a sunrise view of Meili Snow Mountain.

After breakfast, you will continue your way to Ninong, where your adventure begins.

You start your hike from Ninong. This tour takes you through the Ninong Canyon and into the heart of a primaeval forest, following a winding path along the Lancang River. After making your way through this unspoilt landscape, you’ll arrive at Yubeng Village, nestled at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain. Known as a miniature Shangri-La, the pristine landscapes of Yubeng offer a tranquil escape into nature.

After breakfast, get ready for a challenging day at Ice Lake, about 14 kilometers away.

This area of outstanding natural beauty offers a variety of rest stops and scenic viewpoints along the pathways. Ideal for visitors with good physical stamina, this trail takes you through diverse terrains, ranging from gentle slopes to challenging steep sections.

The journey culminates at the Ice Lake viewpoint, where you may rest with breathtaking views of Meili Snow Mountain, including the majestic Kawagebo Peak.

Throughout the hike, you will enjoy the raw beauty of nature.

Today’s hike will take you deep into a picturesque valley and back again. Starting from Yubeng, follow the signs as you take a 4-hour trek up to Sacred Waterfall, reaching an elevation of 3650 meters.

The waterfall is fed by the melting snow from Meili Snow Mountain. In spring and summer, the increased flow makes the waterfall magnificent and powerful, while in other seasons, it cascades gently down the mountainside.

Revered as a sacred site by Tibetans, the waterfall is a place for spiritual cleansing – many come here to bathe in its waters to purify their souls. According to Tibetan tradition, you may walk clockwise around the waterfall three times to receive blessings and good fortune. After soaking in the serene spiritual energy of the site, you will return to Yubeng Village.