How to Get to Kawa Karpo Meili Snow Mountain from Tibet Lhasa

Kawa Karpo Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山) is one of the most stunning peaks in the Tibetan Himalayas, located in Deqin County (迪庆县) of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆州), Yunnan Province. This travel guide will help you plan your journey from Lhasa (拉萨), Tibet, to Kawa Karpo, as there are no direct public transportation options between these two destinations.

Main Transportation Routes

To get to Kawa Karpo from Lhasa, you will first need to travel to Shangri-La (香格里拉) or Lijiang (丽江) in Yunnan, then transfer to a bus or private transport heading to Deqin (德钦). Here’s how you can plan your journey:

Lhasa to Shangri-La

Currently, there are no direct buses from Lhasa to Shangri-La (Diqing). The most feasible routes are:

Option 1: Flight + Ground Transport

• Flight: Take a flight from Lhasa Gonggar Airport (拉萨贡嘎机场) to Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场), and then take a connecting flight or long-distance bus to Shangri-La.

Option 2: Long-Distance Bus

• Bus to Lijiang or Dali: From Lhasa, take a long-distance bus to Lijiang (丽江) or Dali (大理) in Yunnan. Once there, you can transfer to a bus heading to Shangri-La.

Both routes are feasible, though the flight and bus combination may be faster, while the bus option offers more scenic views of the Tibetan plateau.

Shangri-La to Deqin

After arriving in Shangri-La, you have a few options to continue your journey to Deqin County:

Option 1: Long-Distance Bus

• Bus Service: The most economical way to reach Deqin (德钦) is by taking a long-distance bus from the Shangri-La Bus Station (香格里拉客运站). The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours, and the fare is around 49 RMB. Once you arrive in Deqin, you can take a local vehicle to Feilai Temple (飞来寺), which is a popular gateway to Kawa Karpo.

Option 2: Shared or Private Car

• Shared Car: If you prefer a more flexible and comfortable option, you can opt for a shared car. The price for a shared ride from Shangri-La to Feilai Temple is approximately 120-150 RMB per person, with prices varying depending on the season.

• Private Car: If you're traveling with a group or prefer more control over your schedule, booking a private car is an option. The cost is higher but gives you the flexibility to stop along the way.

Important Notes for Travelers

• Altitude Sickness: The region around Kawa Karpo has high altitudes, and it's important to acclimatize before heading to the mountain. It’s advisable to spend at least one night in Shangri-La to adjust to the altitude and avoid strenuous activities.

• Weather and Clothing: Weather in the mountain region can be unpredictable, with significant temperature differences between day and night. Be sure to bring warm clothing such as a down jacket (羽绒服) and windproof jacket (冲锋衣). Prepare for cold mornings and evenings.

• Road Conditions and Safety: Some roads are winding mountain paths, so driving requires extra caution. If you are self-driving, make sure to have an experienced driver. In winter, some passes may be covered in snow, and you’ll need to be mindful of slippery roads.

• Timing for Sunrise: To experience the famous "Golden Mountain" (日照金山) effect, you will need to get up early. It’s recommended to arrive at the viewing platform before dawn for the best view.

• Environmental Awareness: Please respect the local environment by disposing of trash responsibly and following all conservation guidelines. Keep the area clean to help preserve its natural beauty.

Suggested Itinerary

A typical itinerary from Lhasa to Kawa Karpo might look like this:

Lhasa → Shangri-La

• Option 1: Fly from Lhasa Gonggar Airport to Kunming, then connect to a flight or bus to Shangri-La.

• Option 2: Take a long-distance bus from Lhasa to Lijiang or Dali, then transfer to a bus heading to Shangri-La.

Shangri-La → Deqin / Feilai Temple

• Take a long-distance bus or shared car from Shangri-La to Deqin, with a transfer at Feilai Temple.

Deqin / Feilai Temple → Kawa Karpo

• From Feilai Temple, you can proceed to Kawa Karpo and begin your exploration of this sacred mountain. Stay in Deqin or Feilai Temple overnight to catch the sunrise and enjoy the breathtaking views.