Start from Lijiang, travel along the ancient Tea Horse Road, you can experience the colorful ethnic culture in Lijiang Ancient Town and Shangri-la in Yunnan province, with stunning natural beauty of the Hengduan Mountains. After you enter Markam, you will drive to Tibet along the southern route of Sichuan Tibet highway. The beautiful landscapes of Nyingchi will show you the marvelous landscape of Eastern Tibet before you arrive in Lhasa. And of course, the city tour in Lhasa will take you to visit the famous Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, the Barkhor Street and other highlights of this city and explore the Tibet culture and religions.
Highlights:
- Appreciate the breathtaking view on the way.
- Experience the colorful and featured ethnic culture.
Brief Itinerary：
- Day 1 Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangri La
- Day 2 Shangri-la-Yanjing
- Day 3 Yanjing – Zuogong
- Day 4 Zuogong – Ranwu
- Day 5 Ranwu – Bomi
- Day 6 Bomi – Bayi
- Day 7 Bayi – Lhasa
- Day 8 Lhasa City
- Day 9 Lhasa City
- Day 10 Departure from Lhasa
Google Map
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangri La
Sightseeing and Activities: Stone Drum, First Bend of the Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation: Shangri La
Meals: Lunch
Today you’ll be driven to the old town of Shigu (Stone Drum) which is famed for a drum-like stele made by white marble. It enjoys high strategic and traffic significance in China’s history that many troops struggled for. You will take a visit to the Iron Chain Bridge which the Red Army used to cross the river during the Long March in 1930s. Then head to the stunning First Bend of the Yangtze River. Here you can witness the three rivers (Yangtze River, Lancang River and Nu River) traversing through the valleys of Hengduan Ranges, and forming this breathtaking view.
The last place of Lijiang to visit is marvelous Tiger Leaping Gorge – one of the deepest gorge and one of the ten most classic trekking trails in the world. Legend says that it is named after a courageous tiger who jumped across the rushing river to escape from a hunter. Take a little challenging trek to stretch your legs as well as glut your eyes with most naturally picturesque and distinctive landscape.
Later, you’ll drive about 100km to Shangri La. You’ll enjoy the enchanting natural scenes on the way.
Day 2 Shangri-la-Yanjing
Sightseeing and Activities: Kawagebo mountain range, Mt. Meili, salt fields, catholic church, hot bath
Accommodation: Yanjing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Departing Shangri-la we travel along the north of Mekong River valley into Tibet. Along the way, we may be able to see the peaks of Kawagebo mountain range on a good day. Mt. Meili (6,740 m/22,113 ft), which straddles the border of Yunnan and Tibet, is the highest peak in the province. Once into Tibet. Our first stop will be in the town of Yanjing, which was once the main source of salt for half of the Kham Tibetan area, which ranged from northwestern Sichuan down into Yunnan. We will visit the salt fields and visit the only one catholic church in Tibet. Followed by a stop at the hot springs, where each of us could pick our own natural hot bath overlooking the Mekong. Certainly the best way to relax our body for the adventure ahead!
Day 3 Yanjing – Zuogong
Sightseeing and Activities: view along the road,
Accommodation: Zuogong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We cross two high passes in this section of the drive, one at around 3,900 m(12,795 ft), the other at 5,008 m(16,430 ft). Driving past local Tibetan houses scattered round the feet of snow-capped peaks, the expressions on innocent Tibetan girls would make you realize that you are one of the first foreign visitors to this isolated region.
Day 4 Zuogong – Ranwu
Sightseeing and Activities:Nu River
Accommodation: Ranwu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We will drive along the deep valleys of the Nu River(the Salween River), which is a long and tough journey, but our destination, the Ranwu Lake, a spectacularly crystal blue lake cupped by snow peaks.
Day 5 Ranwu – Bomi
Sightseeing and Activities: Poto-chu Valley at Tramog
Accommodation: Bomi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We will wander along the Poto-chu Valley at Tramog (2,743 m/8999 ft), located deep in the thickly forested gorge of Parlung Tsangpo with glacial waterfalls streaming from the mountainsides. We will go down several hundred meters in altitude as we reach the lowland jungle settlement of Tang-me where the Tsangpo and Parlung Tsangpo rivers meet.
Day 6 Bomi – Bayi
Sightseeing and Activities:NamJiabawa peak
Accommodation: Bayi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Waking up to the birds’ singing, you will have an unobstructed view of the majestic NamJiabawa peak. After a long 9 hours drive, we will arrive in Bayi, the largest Tibetan town we will have reached at this point.
Day 7 Bayi – Lhasa
Sightseeing and Activities: Lamaling monastery, Basong lake
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
First we will drive 30 kms to visit the Lamaling monastery which an important monastery in Ningchi. And then drive to Basong lake. The crystal clear water of the Basong Lake will seem like an oasis to you — another place you would be reluctant to leave. Drive to Lhasa.
Day 8 Lhasa City
Sightseeing and Activities:Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, you will visit the highest palace in the world-Potala Palace which is the Dalai Lama’s winter palace. It locates on the red hill, a good viewing point in Lhasa.
In the afternoon, we go to the renowned Jokhang Temple which will provide you one of your first sights of devout Tibetans. In the temple you will see the glistening Sakyamuni statue which is considered as Tibetan Buddhism’s rarity.
After then, stroll around the bustling Barkhor Street.
Day 9 Lhasa City
Sightseeing and Activities: Lake of Yamdrok Yumtso, Sera monastery
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
About hundred kilometers, you will appreciate the holy Lake of Yamdrok Yumtso Lake. The sacred lake of Yamdrok Yutso is revered as a talisman, supporting the life-spirit of Tibet. It is said that should its waters dry, Tibet will no longer be habitable.
Back to Lhasa before 3:00 p.m to visit the Sera monastery where lively lama debating will be seen (except Sundays). This is very interesting. Many lamas sitting or standing in the yard debate a certain topic their teacher has given.
Day 10 Departure from Lhasa
Sightseeing and Activities: Departure from Lhasa
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station to take flight or train out of Lhasa.
Recommended Hotels
| Destination | 5 Star | 4 Star | 3 Star | Hostels |
| Shangri La | Tianju Shangri-la |
E-outfitting Boutique Hotel |
/ | Local Guesthouse |
| Yanjing | / | / | / | Local Guesthouse |
| Zuogong | / | / | / | Local Guesthouse |
| Ranwu | / | / | / | Local Guesthouse |
| Bomi | / | / | / | Local Guesthouse |
| Bayi | / | / | / | Local Guesthouse |
Lhasa |
/ | / | / | Local Guesthouse |
Service Included:
- Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary;
- Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
- Private English-speaking tour guide;
- Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
- Service charge & government taxes;
- Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
- Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.
Service Excluded:
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
- Single room supplement;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
- Personal travel accident insurance;
- All optional programs.
Travel Tips:
- Visitors are advised to always carry changes of clothing due to the large variations in temperature between day and night.
- The climate is relatively dry, so drink more water every day.
- Protecting oneself from strong UV radiation at high altitude.
- Protecting oneself from altitude sickness. Lessen the effects of altitude sickness, avoid strenuous exercise and have plenty of rest.
- Respect local customs , habits, and religious beliefs.
Why is Mingzhu Langka Viewing Platform So Special?
Mingzhu Langka Viewing Platform 梅里雪山明珠拉卡观景台 is the best place to shoot a panoramic view of Meili Snow Mountain.
Key Information:
- Location: Feilaisi, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
- Altitude: Approximately 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level
- Features: The platform offers stunning panoramic views of the Meili Snow Mountain range, which is renowned for its snow-capped peaks and breathtaking natural beauty.
- Activities: Ideal for sightseeing, photography, and appreciating the serene landscape. The area is also a great spot for watching the sunrise over the snow-capped mountains.
- Climate: Due to its high altitude, the weather can be quite cold, even in summer. It is advisable to dress warmly and be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
Where is Mingzhu Langka Viewing Platform?
Mingzhu Langka Viewing Platform is located about 10 kilometers Deqin County, Diqing (Shangri-la) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.
How to Get to Mingzhu Langka Viewing Platform?
By scheduled bus: Tourists can takea scheduled bus from Deqin County to Mingyong Village and get off at Feilai Temple. Then trek to Mingzhu Langka Viewing Platform.
By car-rental: Tourists can also rent a car from Deqin County to Feilai Temple. It takes around 20 minutes. Then trek to Mingzhu Langka Viewing Platform.
What to See at Mingzhu Langka Viewing Platform?
You can see the panoramic view of Meili Snow Mountain.
Best Time to Visit Mingzhu Langka Viewing Platform
The ideal seasons to visit Mingzhu Langka Viewing Platform are in the winter and spring periods between October and May. The best season is after the end of October, when you can view the Meili Snow Mountain because of the nice weather, clean air and the high transparency there.
Accommodate at Mingzhu Langka Viewing Platform
There is no accommodation around Mingzhu Langka Viewing Platform. But there are many guesthouses and hostels around Feilai Temple, which next to the Mingzhu Langka Viewing Platform.
Recommended Visiting Route
2 Days Kawa Karpo Meili Snow Mountain Tour from Shangri-La
7 Days Shangrila Meili Snow Mountain and Yubeng Village Trekking Tour
12 Days Yunnan Three Parallel Rivers Overland Tour with Biluo and Meili Snow Mountains
Nearby Attractions
Yubeng is a secluded small Tibetan village tucked away at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain in Deqin county, the northwestern corner of Yunnan Province. It is only accessible by foot or horse/mule. But the trip, however arduous, is worth it. Yubeng is divided into an upper and a lower section. Both parts offer fabulous views of the Mei Li Snow Mountains. Lower Yubeng is smaller, quieter and closer to the lakes and waterfalls that you will likely visit during your stay.
Lancang-Mekong River Grand Canyon
It is called the Lancang River after it reaches Changdu. The river runs south until it leaves China at the Nanla Bayout of Yunnan Province and therefrom changes its name from the Lancang River to the Mekong River. The river finally empties into the Pacific Ocean in the south of Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam.
Meili Snow Mountain is one of the most sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism. In the 1930s, they were praised by American scholars as the most beautiful mountains in the world. Meili Snow Mountain boasts numerous snow-clad ridges and peaks, thirteen of which are more than 6,000 meters above the sea level. The highest peak Kawagebo, which rises to 6,740 metres, has never been summited.
Useful Travel Tips
► Check with the hotel or guesthouse whether there is water for shower before checking in it for its lack of water in this area.
► The ultraviolet rays are strong and you may need to bring something anti-sunburn.
► Please keep in mind that in the mountains, do not yell or shout, that would offend the God of the Mountains. Tibetans there is always very quiet and respectful. Believe it or not, at least we do as the Romans do or show the courtesy.
Location
Colorful Meili Inn in Yubeng Village is situated in the center part of Lower Yubeng, offering guests a spacious and beautiful view. The inn is one of the largest guesthouses in the area, with a great vantage point to enjoy the snow-capped peaks of Meili Snow Mountain from the large platform.
Facilities and Services
- Wooden House with Ethnic Characteristics: The inn features traditional wooden architecture with ethnic design elements.
- Comfortable Rooms: Rooms are equipped with 24-hour hot water for added comfort.
- Room Types: There are standard rooms and double rooms with independent bathrooms, though some rooms may not have this feature.
- Dining: The food served at the inn is highly praised for its quality and reasonable prices.
Popular Features
- Wide Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the snow mountain from the guesthouse’s large platform, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and appreciating the surrounding landscape.
Contact Information
- Telephone: 13577146993
This charming inn offers a comfortable and scenic base for travelers exploring the stunning Meili Snow Mountain region, with its welcoming atmosphere and convenient location in Lower Yubeng.
Chinese Name:迪庆州德钦县云岭乡斯农村
English Name: Sinong Village in Deqin County, Diqing
Sinong Village is located in Deqin County, Diqing Prefecture, at an altitude of about 2300m. Driving from Deqin County to Feilai Temple, You can overlook the full view of Sinong Village which is near Lancang River. “Sinong” means “The Buddha Light Illuminating” in Tibetic language. Sinong Village is at the foot of Kawagarbo mountain where nearly 60 Tibetan households inhabit. People support them by farming and grazing in the quiet and insular village.
Hikers can trek along the path at the back of the mountain, head to the Sinong Gorge, then walk into Sinong Glacier which sits between Kawagarbo mountain(6749m) and Shennv Mountain(6379m). Mingyong Glacier spreads on the range of Kawagarbo mountain. Sinong Glacier is at the right of Mingyong Glacier and it’s the extremely rare mountain glacier at an low altitude and latitude in monsoon area. The glacier may crash in Summer when the temperature go up.
Sinong Village (斯农村) in Deqin County, Diqing Prefecture, is indeed a fascinating destination with stunning natural beauty. Here’s a detailed overview:
Location and Overview:
- Altitude: Approximately 2,300 meters above sea level.
- Position: Situated near the Lancang River, at the foot of Kawagarbo Mountain.
- Population: Home to around 60 Tibetan households.
Etymology:
- Name Meaning: “Sinong” translates to “The Buddha Light Illuminating” in the Tibetic language.
Activities and Attractions:
- Feilai Temple Viewpoint: Driving from Deqin County to Feilai Temple provides an excellent vantage point to overlook the full view of Sinong Village.
- Hiking:
- Sinong Gorge: Accessible via a path at the back of the mountain.
- Sinong Glacier: Located between Kawagarbo Mountain (6,749 meters) and Shennv Mountain (6,379 meters). It’s a rare low-altitude glacier in a monsoon area.
- Mingyong Glacier: Spreads along Kawagarbo Mountain’s range, with Sinong Glacier to its right.
Glacier Note:
- Seasonal Changes: Sinong Glacier, being in a monsoon region, might experience instability during summer due to rising temperatures, potentially leading to glacier crashes.
This remote and tranquil village offers a unique blend of Tibetan culture and breathtaking natural landscapes, perfect for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Yunnan province is famed for its multitude of ethnic groups, whose diverse customs can still be seen today. Of China’s fifty-five officially recognized ethnic minorities, twenty-five can be found in Yunnan: about one-third of the population is not ethnic Han-Chinese. Three Parallel Rivers area is reputed to be the “Biological Gene Bank of the World.” Because it was not covered by the Quaternary glaciers and most mountains lie from north to south, the area has become a main passage and sanctuary for biological species of the Eurasian Continent. This Yunnan Panorama tour will take you explore most of Yunnan beauties.
Highlights
- Visit spectacular sceneries including blues lakes, white snow mountians, rapid rivers, grand cayons, charming valleys, acres of rice terraces, tropical rainforest and other attractive wonders.
- Meet diverse ethnic cultures, colorful tribal groups and profoud tea cultures of Yunnan.
- Hike the holy Meili Snow Mountain, the grand Tiger Leaping Gorge and Three Parallel Rivers area.
- Spend leisure time in ancient towns and villages to explore the profound history of local people.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Kunming Arrival
- Day 2: Kunming – Chuxiong – Dali
- Day 3: Dali
- Day 4: Dali – Weishan – Dali
- Day 5: Dali – Shaxi – Lijiang
- Day 6: Lijiang
- Day 7: Lijiang – Lugu Lake
- Day 8: Lugu Lake – Baoshan Stone Village
- Day 9: Baoshan Stone Village – Bendiwan
- Day 10: Bendiwan – Shangrila
- Day 11: Shangrila
- Day 12: Shangrila – Feilaisi
- Day 13: Feilaisi – Xidang
- Day 14: Xidang – Yubeng
- Day 15: Yubeng – Ice Lake – Yubeng
- Day 16: Yubeng – Holy Waterfall – Yubeng
- Day 17: Yubeng – Ninong Vally – Cizhong
- Day 18: Cizhong – Gongshan – Bingzhongluo
- Day 19: Bingzhongluo
- Day 20: Bingzhongluo – Gongshan – Dulongjiang
- Day 21: Dulongjiang River Valluy Hiking
- Day 22: Dulongjiang River Valluy Hiking
- Day 23: Dulongjiang – Gongshan – Liuku
- Day 24: Liuku – Tengchong
- Day 25: Tengchong
- Day 26: Tengchong – Yingjiang – Ruili
- Day 27: Ruili – Mangshi
- Day 28: Mangshi – Yonghe
- Day 29: Yongde – Zhenkang – Cangyuan
- Day 30: Cangyuan
- Day 31: Cangyuan – Shuangjiang – Ximeng
- Day 32: Ximeng – Lancang – Jingmai
- Day 33: Jingmai – Menghai – Jinghong
- Day 34: Jinghong
- Day 35: Jinghong – Menglun – Mengla
- Day 36: Mengla – Jiangcheng – Lvchun
- Day 37: Lvchun – Yuanyang
- Day 38: Yuanyang
- Day 39: Yuanyang – Jianshui
- Day 40: Jianshui – Yanshan – Babao
- Day 41: Babao – Guangnan – Bamei
- Day 42: Bamei – Guangnan – Puzhehei
- Day 43: Puzhehei
- Day 44: Puzhehei – Luoping
- Day 45: Luoping – Shilin – Kunming
- Day 46: Departure from Kunming
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Kunming
Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Kunming
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals:
Pick you up at Kunming airport. Meet your local guide and driver. Transfer to hotel.
Day 2 Kunming-Chuxiong-Dali
Sightseeing and Activities:Kunming-Chuxiong-Dali
Accommodation:Dali
Meals:B,L
In the morning, drive to Chuxiong and visit Yiren Ancient Town, Chuxiong Museum and enjoy the Yi ethnic life with local people. Then drive to Dali. Visit Dali Old Town. Walk around the Foreigner Street and enjoy the relax time with local people. After climbing up to the City Wall of Dali, you will have panoramic view of the Erhai Lake.
Day 3 Dali
Sightseeing and Activities:Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery, Erhai Lake, Xizhou Town, Zhoucheng Village.
Accommodation:Dali
Meals:B,L
Take the morning flight to Dali which is a historically and culturally famous city of China, is renowned for her historical interest and Bai ethnic culture. You visit the Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery which has a history of over 1,800 years located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain facing to the Erhai Lake. Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle.
After lunch, you’ll cruise in Erhai Lake by the small boat to the Jinsuo Islet in the east Erhai Lake. There are 200 Bai ethnic families around 1000 people in Jinsuo Island. In Erhai Lake cruise, you will enjoy the green Cangshan Mountain and the Three Pagodas from a far as well as lots of birds and seagulls flying over the lake.
After that, you will head for Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style traditional architectural courtyards, taste their fragrant Three-Course Tea and explore their distinctive culture. Visit Zhoucheng Village and the Bai people’s Tie-dying cloth workshop where you can take some special souvenir with the Bai ethnic style.
Day 4 Dali-Weishan-Dali
Sightseeing and Activities:Weishan Old Town, Donglianhua Village
Accommodation:Dali
Meals:B,L
After breakfast, you’ll be driven to visit Weishan Old Town. Weishan old town was the cradle of Nanzhao kingdom(a kindom established by Yi Minority), the history can be traced back to 7th centuary. Its a very nice old town and not touristic. It was a important town on the ancient tea and horse road. You will also enjoy the traditional Bai people’s building design.
Then visit Donglianhua Village in Weishan County.These villages were founded by Muslim soldiers from Central Asia sent to Yunnan by the first emperor of China’s Mongol dynasty of the Yuan(1271-1368). During the Ming and Qing dynasties, they became involved in trade as caravan leaders on the Tea and Horse Road (茶马古道). The courtyards and mansions of village of Donglianhua (东莲花) shows how successful these Chinese Muslims traders were.
Drive back to Dali for overnight.
Day 5 Dali-Shaxi-Lijiang
Sightseeing and Activities:Shaxi Old Town, Lijiang Old Town
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:B,L
Drive from Dali to Shaxi Old Town. Walk around this town. Explore the ancient culture and architectures. The remains of an ancient market town and once an active trade stop on the Southern Silk Road that connected Tibet and China with Southeast Asia and on to Europe. This road is actually older than the more famous Silk Road (in the North), predating it by at least 300 years. Shaxi has been listed by the World Monuments Fund as one of the world’s 100 most endangered sites.
In the afternoon, explore Lijiang Old Town. Lijiang Old Town has a history more than 800 years; it was listed as the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997. Here you will see the wonderful wooden architecture of Naxi ethnic people.
Day 6 Lijiang
Sightseeing and Activities:Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishuihe River, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, ‘Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show’, Baisha Old Town, Baisha Murals
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:B,L
Enjoy the sunrise of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Ancient Town in the morning, drive about 30KM to Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M), you will take the sightseeing bus for a short visiting through the Baishuihe River, take the chairlift up to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cableway will be arranged according to the condition of the mountain. You will hike around 1 hours in the original forest in Spruce Meadow (3200M).
After lunch, you will enjoy the Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show directed in Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M). A cultural show demonstrating the traditions and lifestyles of the Naxi, Yi and Bai peoples of the area. The show takes place inside Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Park at 3500m in an outdoor theater specifically designed to showcase the mountain which is used as a backdrop. The production itself was designed by Zhang Yimou, Fan Yue and Wang Chaoge, a cast of over 500 people, and a number of horses.
In the afternoon, you’ll stroll through Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Yunnan town. Visit the Baisha Murals about 600 years old, which is one part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.
Day 7 Lijiang-Lugu Lake
Sightseeing and Activities:Holy Lugu Lake, Liwubi Island, Mosuo Culture Museum, Mosuo Bonfire Party.
Accommodation:Lugu Lake
Meals:B,L
In the morning, drive 4-5 hrs on the spectacle mountain road to visit the mysterious Lugu Lake. On the way, enjoy the beautiful view among the huge mountains and rivers. We plan to start your walking from Jin’anqiao Bridge to Shudi along the road at the bank of Yangtze River. You will see the beautiful canon and Yi ethnic people’s villages in the steep mountains. After 1 hour walking in the canon, we will continue the driving and we can stop in many Yi villages.
In the late afternoon, you will take the canoes to visit Liwubi Island and Heiwawu Island in Lugu Lake. Pay a visit toMosuo Culture Museum and learn the Mosuo ethnic custom in the museum. Enjoy the sunset wonder of Luguhu Lake in Luoshui Village. In the evening, take part in Mosuo Bonfire Party with ethnic dance and singing performance.You will dance and sing with Mosuo boys and girls around a big bonfire in the outdoors theatre.
Day 8 Lugu Lake-Baoshan Stone Village
Sightseeing and Activities:Labo Township, Baoshan Stone Town
Accommodation:Baoshan Stone Town
Meals:B,L
Drive 3.5 hours to Labo Township(拉伯乡). Then have an 1 hour boat trip to Baoshan Stone Town. On the way, enjoy the valley landscape around Jinsha River. This tour will be impressive and amazing. After arriving at Baoshan Stone Village, walk aroung this village and then have your leisure time with local people. Tonight, enjoy home stay with ethnic people.
Day 9 Baoshan Stone Village-Daju-Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge-Bendiwan
Sightseeing and Activities:Tina’ Guest House, Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge-Bendiwan
Accommodation:Halfway Guesthouse
Meals:B,L
Drive from Baoshan Stone Village to Daju Township. Take a ferryboat across a river. Then drive to Tina’s Guesthoue in Tiger Leaping Gorge area. You will start your hiking from here. Hike about 1.5 hours to Halfway Guesthouse for overnight. Relax yourself and enoy the beautiful secenery of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Day 10 Bendiwan Village-Nuoyu Village-Qiaotou-Shangrila
Sightseeing and Activities:28 Zigzag Bends, Zhong Nuoyu Village, Naxi Family Gusthouse, Dukezong Ancient Town.
Accommodation:Shangrila
Meals:B,L
Hike from Halfway Guesthouse to Nuoyu Village. On the way, you will pass through a waterfall. You will start the most difficult part trekking to the 28 Zigzag Bends trail and reach the top peak at the elevation of 2670m. Arrive at Nuoyu Village and have lunch at Naxi Family Guesthouse. Hike to Qiaotou Primary School to finish your trekking today.
Drive to Shangri-la in the late afternoon. Upon arrival in Shangri La, you will have entered the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys. Walk around Dukezong Ancient Town, an important town of the Ancient Tea-horse Trade Caravan from Yunnan to Tibet and India.
Day 11 Shangrila
Sightseeing and Activities:Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, Pudacuo Nsational Park.
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:B,L
In the morning, visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. Songzanlin Monastery has another alias – ‘the little Potala Palace ‘, so named because the whole monastery is in the traditional style with mysterious atmosphere. And afterwards you’ll visit the tranquil Bita Lake & Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park. Pudacuo National Park is located in one of the most biologically-diverse regions of the world. While the region comprises only 0.7 percent of China’s land area, but more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species.
Walk down to visit Xiaojiezi Tibetan Village located at the foot of Songzanlin Monastery.
Day 12 Shangrila-Benzilan-Feilaisi
Sightseeing and Activities:Baima Snow Mountain, Dongzhulin Monastery, First Bend of Jinsha River
Accommodation:Feilaisi
Meals:B,L
In the morning, drive 4 to 5 hours to Deqin County (3400m altitude) which is 187km away from Zhongdian via Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, where you will be able to view Baima Snow Mountain if the weather is clear, pass the top part of today at 4292m altitude at 156km.
After traversing mountain ranges, you will make a short stop and have lunch at Benzilan town, take some shots on the Moon Bend of Jinsha(Yangtze) River, Dongzhulin monastery and Baima Snow Mountain. The view along the way is fantastic with different kinds of trees, streams down the valley, prayer flags and stupas, and Tibetan villages.
Stay at Feilaisi.
Day 13 Feilaisi-Mingyong Glacier-Xidang
Sightseeing and Activities:sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain, Mingyong Glaciers, Taizi Monastery.
Accommodation: Xiding
Meals:B,L
Get up early in the morning, enjoy the magic sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain. Then drive another 1.5 hours to Mingyong village, where you will walk on the trails for about 4km to Mingyong Glaciers of Meili Snow Mountain, walk another one or so, you will get to Tibetan Taizi Monastery-another good spot to view the magnificent Mingyong Glaciers. (optional: You can choose to hire a horse to go up to the glacier on your own expense in order to save your energy).
Drive to Xidang for overnight.
Day 14 Xidang-Yubeng
Sightseeing and Activities:Xidang Village, Hike to Yunbeng Village
Accommodation:Upper Yubeng Village
Meals:B,L
Early in the morning , you could enjoy the golden mountain ,on top of which the sunrise touches its snow capped peak. weather permitting. After breakfast, drive along Mekong River to reach trail head. You will get off the car at Xidang Village, then hike up to and over a mountain pass to Yubeng, with picnic lunch (5-7 hours, with several steep sections). Arrive in Upper Yubeng village; dinner in a traditional Tibetan living room, overnight in Yubeng. Today you will need a horse to carry your luggage. Stay overnight in local guest house.
Day 15 Yubeng-Ice Lake-Yubeng
Sightseeing and Activities:Hile to visit Binghu Ice Lake, Mt. Kawagebo Glacier
Accommodation:Upper Yubeng Village
Meals:B,L
Enjoy the sunrise of the Mt. Kawagebo glacier from the guesthouse, then walk up to Binghu Ice Lake of the Meili Snow Mountain. Walk through the original forest from Yubeng Village, you will see some horses and yaks, as well as some wild animals if you are lucky enough. A beautiful river originate from the Glacier Park, walk along the river with some wooden bridges and spruce trees, you will have a wonderful view of Mt. Kawagebo Glacier. At last, arrive at the Ice Lake which is located at the foot of the glacier. Trek back to Upper Yubeng . Stay overnight in local guest house.
Day 16 Yubeng-Holy Waterfall-Yubeng
Sightseeing and Activities:Yubeng-Holy Waterfall-Yubeng
Accommodation:Upper Yubeng
Meals:B,L
If the weather is good, we will wake up to a clear view of the Mt.Kawagebo glacier. After breakfast we will hike to the Holy Waterfall (7km, 2-3 hours), from which Yubeng’s name originated. Buddhists coming to this area on pilgrimages circumamnbulate the waterfall 13 times with the belief. Then walk back to Upper Yubeng. Stay overnight in local guest house.
Day 17 Yubeng-Ninong Valley-Cizhong
Sightseeing and Activities:Yubeng Hiking, Ninong Village
Accommodation:Cizhong
Meals:B,L
This morning, you need a horse to carry your luggage. Walk along the least traveled path of Yubeng, from Yubeng Village to Ninong Village. After lunch, drive to Cizhong for overnight. On the way to Cizhong, you will see grand canyon and idyllic secenry.Stop to view at a distance.
Stay overnight in Cizhong.
Day 18 Cizhong-Gongshan-Bingzhongluo
Sightseeing and Activities:Cizhong-Gongshan-Bingzhongluo
Accommodation:Bingzhongluo
Meals:B,L
Drive along the newly built road from Cizhong to Gongshan County,the road is bumpy but the scenery is so fantestic because the view of Mekong River and Nujiang River grand cayons as well as the Biluo Snow Mountain. Arrive in Gongshan County and continue the driving along Nujiang Valley to Bingzhongluo. Stop to visit the First Bend of Nujiang River on the way to Bingzhongluo.
Biluo Snow Mountain is located at Lanping churchyard which I continuous 145KM. There are 15 snow mountains, which stand 4000 meter above sea level. The Laowo Mountain is the most beautiful a highest mountain than the others, which is 4500 meters above sea level. It is 3200 meters higher compared with the Lantsang. The original ecosystem has been preserved. The climate changes unconventionally in the mountain. The flowing waterfall is densely6 covered, edelweiss and lakes are gathered, and it is called the mountain with thousand waterfalls and thousand lakes.
Day 19 Bingzhongluo
Sightseeing and Activities:Bingzhongluo Hiking
Accommodation:Bingzhongluo
Meals:B,L
You will have a beautiful hiking tour in Bingzhongluo including the attractions of Qiunatong Village,Wuli Village,Dimaluo Village,Chongding Catholic Church and Nujiang River Grand Canyon.
There are easy and beautiful walks to nearby villages along the Nujiang. A few kilometers outside of town, the river widens and cuts through very deep and dramatic gorges. The road hugs the Nujiang and landslides occur from time to time along the way. It is said that the scenery is especially spectacular after rain, however this also increases potential delays and exacerbates the danger from landslides.
The most beautiful part of Nujiang Gorge starts from Binzhongluo, the northernmost town of the Gorge, where the essential attractions of the Nujiang Gorge are located. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the landscape and an average of 2.5 hours is needed for most tourists to reach the famous “Tea Horse Caravan Route.” Renting a mini bus at Bingzhongluo town is an alternative for the less adventurous sightseers.
On the way to the “Tea-Horse Caravan Route”, one can see the 100-year-old Zhongding Catholic Church built and founded by a French missionary. Shimen Pass is another fantastic section of the gorge along with Wengli (also called Wuli), another stunning landscape lying on a beautiful slope along the river bank. Very near to the Wengli, a carved path is seen on the other bank cliff, the so-called “Tea-Horse Caravan Route”, a path used by traders ferrying their goods between Yunnan and Tibet. At the end of the trekking road, an old hanging bridge and a new one-year-old bridge swing side-by-side.
To those wanderlusts, some trekking routes are worthy of spending days or even weeks longer between Gongshan and Bingzhongluo. Getting 90km further west to the Drung River from Gongshan reveal beautiful virgin forests as well as the kind-hearted Drung ethnic people living their old way of life.
Day 20 Bingzhongluo-Gongshan-Dulongjiang
Sightseeing and Activities:Bingzhongluo-Gongshan-Dulongjiang
Accommodation:Dulongjiang
Meals:B,L
It is 3 hours driving today with the rough road in the virgin forest. Nu ethnic minority lives mainly in Yunnan Province’s Bijiang, Fugong, Gongshan and Lanping counties, which comprise the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture. Others are found in Weixi County in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The Nu people are mainly engaged in agriculture, but also hunt and gather wild plants. Their main crops include corn, buckwheat, barley, potatoes and beans. Some Nu people support themselves through cottage industries such as weaving, wine brewing, iron forging, etc.
Visit Bukawa Village and enjoy the fantastic scenery of Dulongjiang Valley in the afternoon.
Day 21 Dulongjiang River Valley Hiking
Sightseeing and Activities:Dulongjiang River Valley Hiking
Accommodation:Dulongjiang
Meals:B,L
Drive about 30 kilometers southward to Maku Village. Get into Maku Village and start a fantastic trekking trip to Dulongjiang River Region. You will see the Haba Waterfall from Maku Pass and then trek along the virgin forest down to Qinlangdang Village. Arrive in Qinlangdang Village in the afternoon and trek about 1 kilometer to arrive at Haba Waterfall, here is the only way to Myanmar from Dulongjiang River.
Drive back to Kongdang.
Note: There are lots of leeches in the virgin forest in summer, so you should take some medicine to keep them away.
Day 22 Dulongjiang River Valley Hiking
Sightseeing and Activities:Dulongjiang River Valley Hiking
Accommodation:Dulongjiang
Meals:B,L
Drive about 30 km to Longyuan Village, visit the original villages as well as the old tattoo women, if you want to take photos for them, you have to give the tips. Come back to Kongdang.
Day 23 Dulongjiang-Gongshan-Liuku
Sightseeing and Activities:Dulongjiang-Gongshan-Liuku
Accommodation:Liuku
Meals:B,L
Leave for Gongshan and drive 110 km through the fascinating mountain areas to Fugong. Sightseeing includes a visit to a suspension bridge and a glide cable. Special Lishu food will be served during dinner. In the evening you will take part in a party with the local people.
Return to Liuku. Enjoy your last day at Nujiang Grand Canyon and visit Laomudeng Village and the bathhouse of Lishu minority. It is a tradition to welcome new year that all people take a bath together in the open hot springs by the banks of the river.
Overnight in Liuku.
Day 24 Liuku-Tengchong
Sightseeing and Activities:Liuku-Tengchong
Accommodation:Tengchong
Meals:B,L
Enjoy your last day at Nujiang Grand canyon and visit Laomudeng Village and the bathhouse of Lishu Nationality. It is a tradition to welcome new year that all people take a bath together in the open hot springs by the banks of the river.
Drive to Tengchong County, visit Nujiang River Bridge in Lujiang Basin, drive along the Gaoli Gongshan Mountain and arrive in Tengchong at noon. After lunch, you will visit Heshun Ancient Town including the Museum of Yunnan-Burmese Anti-Japanese War,Heshun Library, the Archway, Dragon Pool,the Wanlouzi Museum of Native Residence, Wenchang Daoist Palace, Clothes-washing Pavilions,Yuanlong Daoist Pavilion,the Philosopher Ai Siqi’s Former Residence, Guanyin Ancient Spruce Trees an so on.You will enjoy the Lisu Ethnic Show and Lisu Family visiting in Jade Spring Garden at night. You can dance and sing with Lisu ethnic people as well have some snacks.
–“Heshun” means peace and harmony. You could walk leisurely around the historical old town, built in earlier days by overseas Chinese as a location for their retirement. The remaining old town is a very beautiful place with many ornamental structures such as pavilions, memorial halls, archways, and balustrades, and also with lotus ponds and outlands with many birds. The library in this town is worth mentioning-set up in 1924, it possesses over 60,000 volumes of books, many of which are rare editions of ancient works.
Day 25 Tengchong
Sightseeing and Activities:Tengchong
Accommodation:Tengchong
Meals:B,L
Visit Laifeng Mountain National Forest Park in the early morning, climb up to the half mountain, pay a visit to Laifeng Temple bult in Tang dynasty; Climb to the top of the mountain, visit Wenbi Pagoda and the panoramic view of Dianyue Town of Tengchong County.
Visit the Graveyard of the National Heroes, and Dieshuihe Waterfall Park in the town, then drive to Beihai Wetland Park, you will take a small boat to the lake for a nice view. After lunch, drive back to Tengchong, and visit Rehai hot spring Park.. You will have an option to enjoy the hot spring in the park.
–Tengchong is one of China’s three major geothermal areas, known as “Land Abounding in Geothermal Resources”. There are plenty of springs of hot water and hot vapour, called “Hot Sea”. There are quite a number of hot fields as well. Tengchong is a resort where people can travel, take a bath and have medical treatment. The Hot Sea, with an area of 9 square kilometers, lies 20 kilometers away southwest of the county seat and in the center of the geothermal area.
Day 26 Tengchong-Yingjiang-Ruili
Sightseeing and Activities:Tengchong-Yingjiang-Ruili
Accommodation:Ruili
Meals:B,L
In the morning drive 1 Km to visit the Dieshuihe Waterfall, 1 Km to visit the Graveyard of the National Heroes. Sightseeing at the Pagoda wrapped inside tree, then drive to Ruili, on the way, visit Wanding, the smallest city in China, which is also a border with Burma. Also stop at the One Single Tree Forest, which is a very big banyan looks like a forest.
Day 27 Ruili-Mangshi
Sightseeing and Activities:Ruili-Mangshi
Accommodation:Manghsi
Meals:B,L
Visit a waterfall in the forest which is not far away from Burma, then visit a Dai village and a Jingpo village. After dinner, visit the prosperous Night Market which is really an attraction of Ruili, you will meet many businessmen from Burma, Laos, Thailand, India, Pakistan and Nepal. Many travelers come to this market to buy jade products.
Day 28 Mangshi-Yongde
Sightseeing and Activities:Mangshi-Yongde
Accommodation:Yongde
Meals:B,L
Enjoy your free morning in Mangshi. After lunch, drive to Yongde for overnight. On the way to Yongde, visit some ethnic villages.
Day 29 Yongde-Zhenkang-Cangyuan
Sightseeing and Activities:Yongde-Zhenkang-Cangyuan
Accommodation:Cangyuan
Meals:B,L
Drive 2 hours to visit the Nangun River Nature Reserve which is for the protection of wild elephants. (The Nangun river is the border between China and Burma), then continue drive along the border road to Zhengkang county. On the way, visit several ethnic villages.
Day 30 Cangyuan
Sightseeing and Activities:Cangyuan
Accommodation:Wengding Wa Ethnic Village
Meals:B,L
Drive to visit Menglai Grand Canyon. Menglai Grand Canyon is also called Thousand-Meter Gallery , situated at the middle part of the scenic spot. The rock paintings in the area is about 3KM. The cliff is about 80-180 meters high and the highest one is about 280 meters. Some of the cliff surface is ragged like a honeycomb, and some are flat and smooth as if cut by the axe, while some are just like the terraced fields. Due to the erosion of some special materials and the decoration of the climbing plants, the surface the cliff becomes colorful just like a giant rock paintings reflecting the vicissitudes of the nature.
Visit Cangyuan Cliff Painting. The cliff paintings of Cangyuan is said to take on different colors as the time, weather and humidity change. According to the proverb of the local Wa and Thai people that the cliff painting changes three times a day: in the morning the color is red, at noon lighter and in the evening purple. Nowadays the paintings have already been designated as the key historical relic protection unit at the provincial level.
Drive to visit Mengka Dai Ethnic Village.
Stay overnight at Wengding Wa Ethnic Village.
Day 31 Cangyuan-Shuangjiang-Ximeng
Sightseeing and Activities:Cangyuan-Shuangjiang-Ximeng
Accommodation:Ximeng
Meals:B,L
Walk to visit Wending Wa Ethnic Village this morining. Then drive to Ximeng. If you are lucky enough, you could see the sea of clouds. Visit Dragon Pool, a picturesque lake with around 38 sq. meters, combined with wetland, lotus pond, queer rocks, charming mountains, pretty temples, charming pavilions
Day 32 Ximeng-Lancang-Jingmai
Sightseeing and Activities:Ximeng-Lancang-Jingmai
Accommodation:Jingmai
Meals:B,L
Tour to the Jingmai-Mangjing Ten-thousand-mu Millenary Ancient Tea Plantation, the most famous and biggest Puer Tea Plantation in the world.Visit the Wengji Village of Bulang Minority, Nuo Gan Water Village.
Day 33 Jingmai-Menghai-Jinghong
Sightseeing and Activities:Jingmai-Menghai-Jinghong
Accommodation:Jinghong
Meals:B,L
Drive to Menghai. Pay visit to Menghai Tea Factory. The factory is well known for its old raw pu-erh cakes and is highly reputed in the tea industry of China. Further transfer into the old Aini village near Nannuoshan, visit Aini people’s market selling pu’er tea, local vegetables, fruits and hand-made crafts.Then 20 minutes driving to the Aini vellage where we start to walk or start walk up from the foot of the mountain. 2 hours walking on a jungle path to see the old Pu er tea tree plantation in forest and a huge bush tea plantation. All the tea trees are between 300 and 800 years old. At noon, drink local tea and have packed lunch at a place with nice view.
Drive to visit a Dai ethnic village where the local people make paper for wrappering Pu’er Tea with a priminal method.
Transfer to Jinghong City for overnight.
Day 34 Jinghong
Sightseeing and Activities:Jinghong
Accommodation:Jinghong
Meals:B,L
Today , drive to Ganlanba, visit Galanba (Olive Dam) with an elevation of 530 meters above the sea level, a small town where you will see typical Dai bamboo cabins, Dai ethnic villages, Mangting Park, tropical plants and colorful fruits.
Then drive to visit Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park. Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park, also called Xishuangbanna Virgin Forest Park, is 8 kilometers east of the Jinghong City and north of the Lancang River. Situated in a river valley of 720 to 1,355 meters above sea level, the forest park has an area of 1,700 hectares of which 98％ is covered by trees, and is thus the largest comprehensive ecological place of interest in the prefecture.
Afterwards, visit Dry Dai ethnic village.
Day 35 Jinghong-Menglun-Mengla
Sightseeing and Activities:Jinghong-Menglun-Mengla
Accommodation:Mengla
Meals:B,L
In the morning, drive to visit Jinuo Mountain.Visit Jinuo People, who uniquely belongs to this region, is the last ethnic nationality classified by Chinese Government in 1979. See the ancient tea plantations around Jinuo village, which used to be one of Six Great Tea Mountains reputed as the cradles of famous Pu’er Tea, try Wrap-charcoaled Tea and Salad Tea Jinuo people prepare in their traditional way.
Drive to Mengla County. Visit Menglun Botanical- Menglun tropical botanical garden is the largest tropical botanical garden in China. It was established in 1959 by Chinese famous botanists including Prof. Cai Xitao, who devoted all his life to related scientific research with remarkable achievements. The garden boasts more than 4000 species of tropical plants covering an area of 900 hectares, quite a few of which are rare elsewhere, forming a colorful botanical landscape.
Day 36 Mengla-Jiangcheng-Lvchun
Sightseeing and Activities:Mengla-Jiangcheng-Luchun
Accommodation:Lvchun
Meals:B,L
Drive from Mengla to Lvchun. On the way, you have some stops to visit ethnic villages and enjoy tropical scenery.
Day 37 Lvchun-Yuanyang
Sightseeing and Activities:Luchun-Yuanyang
Accommodation:Yuanyang
Meals:B,L
This morning, visit rice terraces in Lvchun. Then drive to YuanyanYou have time to tour around Xinjiezhen to trek along Longshuba Rice Terrace and see kinds of Mushroom-shaped Houses. Stay overnight in Yuanyang.
Longshuba Rice Terrace: Located 5 km from Xinjiezhen(Yuanyang Old Town), Longshuba Rice Terrace is only accessible by foot in around 40 minutes, which is the solo scenic spot comparing with other terraces. After you arrive there, you will be surprised by the unique red duckweed and colorful rice terraces.
Mushroom-shaped Houses: Where there are Hani people, there is Mushroom-shaped House. Inspire by the Mushroom, the Hani people built their houses. Nowadays, numbers of mushroom houses spread in Hani Villages, making a wonderful landscape with peaks, sea of clouds and diverse rice terraces.
Day 38 Yuanyang
Sightseeing and Activities:Yuanyang
Accommodation:Yuanyang
Meals:B,L
You have whole day to view the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, including Duoyishu Rice Terrace, Bada Rice Terrace and Laohuzui (Tiger Mouth) Rice Terrace which are the best scenes to sightseeing and photograph-shooting. Visit local ethnic market. Stay overnight in Yuanyang.
Day 39 Yuanyang-Jianshui
Sightseeing and Activities:Yuanyang-Jianshui
Accommodation:Jianshui
Meals:B,L
Drive to Jianshui (4-5hrs ). Visit Shuanglong Birdge and Tuanshan Village as well as the Garden of Family Zhang in Tuanshan Village. Tuanshan Village is a rare surviving example of an intact-albeit neglected-traditional walled Yunnan village compound in southwestern China, and has been added to the 2005 list of internationally significant sites by the World Memorial Fund for Architecture (WMF), an international fund for the protection of world heritage sites. Later , you’ll visit the Jianshui Old City and the Chaoyang Gateway Tower, which was built in Ming Dynasty (1389). It is also known as ‘Miniature Tian’an men’ because the out shape of it is similar to Tian’anmen Square in Beijing. Visit the Confucius Temple, which has a history of 700 years. It is the second largest Confucius Temple in China. Then visit Zhu Family Garden.
Day 40 Jianshui-Yanshan-Babao
Sightseeing and Activities:Jianshui-Yanshan-Babao
Accommodation:Babao
Meals:B,L
Drive from Jianshui to Babao. On the way, have a stop at Yanshan County to have your lunch. When you enter Babao, visit Sanla Waterfall. Stay overnight at Babao.
Day 41 Babao-Guangnan-Bamei
Sightseeing and Activities:Babao-Guangnan-Bamei
Accommodation:Bamei
Meals:B,L
This morning, drive to Guangnan County, then take a boat to Bamei village by passing through the caves. After landing, visit Bamei village and theBig Banyan Tree, enjoy the peaceful life of Zhuang ethnic people.
Day 42 Bamei-Guangnan-Puzhehei
Sightseeing and Activities:Bamei-Guangnan-Puzhehei
Accommodation:Puzhehei
Meals:B,L
This morning, walk around in Bamei village and visit Bamei River. Take the boat to get out of the village from another cave. Then drive to Puzheihei.
Day 43 Puzhehei
Sightseeing and Activities:Puzhehei
Accommodation:Puzhehei
Meals:B,L
In the morning, take a small boat to visit the Karst landscape and rurality and lakes. If you come to Puzhehei on June, July and August, you will see large scale of lotus flowers on the lake. Then disembark at the Qinglongshan wharf and climb Qinglong Mountain to see the panorama of Puzhehei. After that, walk to visit the Torch Cave and Kwan-yin Cave.
Then visit the “Swan Lake”.
Day 44 Puzhehei-Luoping
Sightseeing and Activities:Puzhehei-Luoping
Accommodation:Luoping
Meals:B,L
Drive to Luoping. Visit Luositian (Snail Farms). The fields here are of smaller scale. The flowers are grown in circular rings following the contours of the slopes and the fields look like the rings of a snail’s shell. Then visit Jinjiling in time for sunrise photography. Jinjifeng(Golden Rooster Hill), the most famous spot for photographing rapeseed flowers. It offers an excellent and expansive view of the fields and hills. Lingyi Temple, located in the middle of the hill, offers a perfect platform for photographing the fields and sunset.
Day 45 Luoping-Shilin-Kunming
Sightseeing and Activities:Luoping-Shilin-Kunming
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals:B,L
Our tour guide pick up you from your hotel lobby, then you’ll be driven 1.5 hrs to the renowned Stone Forest, the ‘First Wonder of the World’. You’ll marvel at its natural stone masterpieces and be bewitched by the intricate formations. You feel like come into a ‘stone world’.
Drive back to Kunming.
Day 46 Departure from Kunming
Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Kunming
Accommodation:
Meals:B,L
Departure from Kunming. Service ends.
Recommended Hotels
| Destination | 5 Star | 4 Star | 3 Star | Hostels |
| Kunming | Sofitel Hotel | Jingjiang Hotel | Long Teng Hotel | Tu Tu Inn |
| Dali | Hilton Dali Resort and Spa | E-outfitting Boutique Hotel | Gnosis Hotel | Fengxuegucheng |
| Lijiang | InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort | E-outfitting Boutique Hotel | Liwang Hotel | Flowers Hall Inn |
| Lugu Lake | Ocean Paradise Hotel | Anyue Boutique Hotel | Shi Lily Touring Hotel | Bai Ge Lan Diao |
| Shangrila | Shangri-La Hotel | E-outfitting Boutique Hotel | Bodhi Boutique Hotel | Wu Fu South Yunnan Boutique Inn |
| Feilaisi | Guanjing Tiantang Hotel | Deqin County Temple Pearl Hotel | Deqin County Temple Pearl Hotel | Deqin Yunling Inn |
| Xiding | / | / | / | / |
| Cizhong | / | Songtsam Cizhong Lodge | Hiker Home | / |
| Bingzhongluo | / | / | Nu Xia Hotel | Fusheng Manor Inn |
| Dulongjiang | / | / | Nu Xia Hotel | Fusheng Manor Inn |
| Liuku | / | / | Shengshi Hongbang Hotel | / |
| Tengchong | Guanfang Hotel Tengchong | Pumi Wenlv Zhang’s Courtyard (Hepan) | Yongle Holiday Resort and Spa | Yonder Way Hostel |
| Ruili | Jing Cheng Earthsea SPA Holiday Center | Ruili Sidawo Hotel | Hesheng Hotel | Lingfeng Inn |
| Mangshi | Huafeng Peacock Lake Hotel & Resort | Mangshi Dabo Hotel | Mangshi Hotel | Xiaochenggushi Inn |
| Yonghe | Huafeng Peacock Lake Hotel & Resort | Mangshi Dabo Hotel | Mangshi Hotel | Xiaochenggushi Inn |
| Cangyuan | Mengluo Hotel | Jialinsai Hotel | Jingwa Hotel | Eighteen Tribe Hotel |
| Ximeng | / | Mijing Wazhai Rice Field Manor | Qiansheng Hotel | / |
| Jingmai | / | / | / | Princess Bulang Inn |
| Jinghong | Hermit Hotel | Xile Hot Spring Hotel | Tai’ anmeng Holiday Hotel | Rainforest Paradise Inn |
| Mengla | Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort | Hejing Hotel | Hailun Holiday Hotel | Shuibian Dai Inn |
| Lvchun | / | / | Yunti Hotel | / |
| Yuanyang | Yuanyang Twelve Manor | Yunti Hotel | Shuiyunjian Hotel | Guanjing Heaven Hotel |
| Jianshui | Ting Ziyun Hotel | Lin An Hotel | Res Sky Hotel | Huiyuanlou Inn |
| Puzhehei | / | Yi Da Inn | / | Guyue Lakeview Inn |
| Luoping | / | Xicheng Hotel | Flower Whisper Hotel and Resort | Flowers Inn |
Service Included:
- Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary;
- Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
- Private English-speaking tour guide;
- Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
- Service charge & government taxes;
- Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;.
Service Excluded:
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
- Single room supplement;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
- Personal travel accident insurance;
- All optional programs.
This is the best overland tour of Three Parallel Rivers in Yunnan. The construction of Deqin-Gongshan Road, from Yunning Town of Deqin County to Pengdang Town of Gongshan County via Biluo Snow Mountain, is just finished and is around 95 kilomiters. If we choose Deqin-Gongshan Road, we do not need to drive along the Lancnag-Mekong River to Baoshan and enter Nujiang Grand Canyon from Laowo Town.
Highlights
- Discover the beauty of Jinsha River, Lancang River, Nujiang River, Meili Snow Mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Baima Snow Mountain.
- Witness the surge of the rivers and find idyllic scenery in Bingzhongluo.
- Meet colorful ancient towns, ethnic villages and tribal groups to appreciate the diverse ethnic cultures of Yunnan.
- Step into a famous historic and cultural city in Yunnan Province–Tengchong city–the hometown of jade.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Lijiang Arrival
- Day 2: Lijiang – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – lijiang
- Day 3: Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangri-La
- Day 4: Shangri-La
- Day 5: Shangri-La – Deqin – Feilaisi
- Day 6: Feilaisi – Meili Snow Mountain – Cizhong
- Day 7: Cizhong – Gongshan – Bingzhongluo
- Day 8: Bingzhongluo
- Day 9: Bingzhongluo – Liuku
- Day 10: Liuku – Tengchong
- Day 11: Tengchong
- Day 12: Tengchong Departure
Google Map
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Lijiang Arrival
Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Lijiang
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:None
Arrive at Lijiang airport, meet your guide and transfer to hotel. We can take a leisure time around Lijiang Old Town and Black Dragon Pool, which depends on the time of your arrival.
Day 2 Lijiang-30KM-Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-Lijiang
Sightseeing and Activities:Ganhaizi Meadow,Baihusihe River, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Spruce Meadow, Yuhu Village, Former Residence of Joseph Rock, Yufeng Monastery, Baisha Old Town and Murals
Accommodation:Lijiang
Meals:Breakfast and Luch
Enjoy the sunrise of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Ancient Town in the morning. Drive about 30KM to Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M), you will take the sightseeing bus for a short visit through the Baishuihe River, take the chairlift up to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cableway will be arranged according to the condition of the moutain. You will hike around 1 hour in the original forest in Spuce Meadow (3200M).
After lunch, you you’ll visit Yuhu Village and the Former Residence of Joseph Rock who was an Austrilia American botanist and explorer, lived in Yuhu village and other places in that rergion from 1922 to 1949. He was also a nuturalist and photographer, and the first foreign scholar to introduce Lijiang ethnic culture to the western world.
Visit Yufeng Monastery, located at the southern foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, stands about 13 kilometers to the north of Lijiang City. Yufeng Temple is one of the Scarlet Sect lamaseries in Lijiang. The beautiful sceneries around Yufeng Temple are special gifts from the deity. The temple backs onto a snow mountain and faces a meadow. It is surrounded by the flourishing forest and a never-dried river. All this makes it a really good place to visit.
Stroll through Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Naxi style old town.Visit the Baisha Murals about 600 years old, which is one part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.
Day 3 Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangri-La
Sightseeing and Activities:First Bend of the Yangtze River, Shigu Ancient Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dukezong Old Town
Accommodation:Shnagri-La
Meals:Breakfast and Lunch
From Lijiang, you’ll drive about 60KM to the First Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, visit the Iron Chain Bridge, the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in the Shigu Old Town. The Town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificient as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks.
Visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river. Afternoon, you’ll head for Shangri-La, the former Zhongdian which is well-known as the paradise destination for every tourist. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, you will enter the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys. Walk around Dukezong Ancient Town, an important town of the Ancient Tea-horse Trade Caravan from Yunnan to Tibet and India. Walk up to the top of Guishan Hill or Tortoise Hill, you will see the largest Prayer Wheel of the world and have a panoramic view of Shangri-La city and Dukezong Ancient Town.
Day 4 Shangri-La
Sightseeing and Activities:Songzanlin Monastery, the Bita Lake & Shudu Lake, Dabao Monastery
Accommodation:Shangri-La
Meals:Breakfast and Lunch
In the morning, visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. Songzanlin Monastery has another alias-‘the little Potala Palace’. so named because the whole monastery is in the tradional style with mysterious atmosphere.
And afterwards you’ll visit the tranquil Bita Lake & Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park. Pudacuo National Park is located in one of the most biologically-diverse regions of the world. While the region comprises only 0.7 percent of China’s land area, it contains more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species.
Visit Dabao Monastery on the way back from Pudacuo National Park. Drive back to hotel.
Day 5 Shangri-La – Deqin – Feilaisi
Sightseeing and Activities:Bengzilan Town, the Moon Bend of Jinsha River, Dongzhulin monastery and Baima Snow Mountain, the sunset of Meili Snow Mountain and the 13 white pagodas
Accommodation:Feilaisi
Meals:Breakfast and Lunch
In the morning, drive 6 to 7 hours to Deqin County (3400m altitude) which is 187km away from Shangri-La. The view along the way is fantastic with different kinds of trees, streams down the valley, prayer flags and stupas, and Tibetan villages. From Shangri-La, after half-an -hour driving, you will have a panoramic view of Nixi Pottery Village; drive down to the river valley, continue the nice scenery along the Jinsha River to Benzilan Town where you will have lunch.
After lunch, drive uphill to the Dongzhulin Monastery which is located in Shusong Village, Benzilan District, Deqin County, and 105km from the seat of Zhongdian County. The Yunnan-Tibet Road passes behind the temple and cars can get straight to the temple. The Dongzhulin Monastery was built in 1667, the sixth year of the Kang Xi Period in Qing Dynasty. Visit the First Bend of Jinsha River or Moon Bend, which is the boundary between Sichuan and Yunnan. This is different from the First Bend of Yangtze River in Lijiang City. The bend in Shigu Town changes the flow direction of the Yangtze River but in Benzilan, the Moon Bend is just a grand bend between the mountains with an impressive scenery. Visit Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, you will be able to view Baima Snow Mountain if the weather is clear, pass the top part of today at 4292m altitude at 156km.
Arrive in Feilaisi in the late afternoon, you will have a nice sunset view of Meili Snow Mountain from the Sightseeing Platform, where you can see the 13 white pagodas meaning of the 13 peaks of Meili Snow Mountain over 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) above sea level, known as the “Prince’s 13 peaks”.
Day 6 Feilaisi-Meili-Snow Moutain-Cizhong
Sightseeing and Activities:Mingyong Glacier, Mekong Grand Canyon, Xidang Village, Catholic Church
Accommodation:Cizhong
Meals:Breakfast and Lunch
Early in the morning, you will enjoy the magnificent sunrise view of Meili Snow Mountain from Feilaisi, then drive to Mingyong Village. Hike from Mingyong village to Mingyong Glacier(2600m) which is the low altitude glacier of the lowest latitude in the world.
After lunch in Mingyong Village, you will trek down directly to the edge of Meikong River(2,050m/6,724ft) . Walk along the Mekong Grand Canyon and arrive in Xidang Village(2,200m/7,216ft) where you can visit some scattered Tibetan houses in the village.
In the afternoon, drive south along the Mekong Grand Canyon to Cizhong Village in Yanmen Town with some Tibatan villages on the way. Visit the Tibetan Catholic Church built by French missionaries in 1867, the church is used by Tibetan, Naxi and Lisu people. They still have the grapes planted by missionaries and the old traditional way of making wine.
Day 7 Cizhong-Gongshan-Bingzhongluo
Sightseeing and Activities:Nujiang River Gorge
Accommodation:Bingzhongluo
Meals:Breakfast and Lunch
Drive to Gongshan. On the way you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Nujiang Grand Canyon.
The 316-kilometer-long Nujiang River Gorge is flanked by two 4,000-meter-high mountains. The mountain peaks on the two sides have an average altitude of over 3,000 kilometers. The gorge is located in Yunnan Province in southwestern China, an area rich in ethnic minority culture. It is now a first choice for many domestic and foreign travelers.
Day 8 Bingzhongluo
Sightseeing and Activities:Bingzhongluo, Nujiang River (Salween River)
Accommodation:Bingzhuoluo
Meals:Breakfast and Lunch
One full day excursion to Bingzhongluo, sightseeing includes the first bend of Nujiang River(Salween River), the stone house of the Nu Nationality, Peach Island, the Tibetan Puhua Temple. You will then have the chance to visit a minority household and experience the life of the local people.
Overnight in Bingzhongluo.
Day 9 Bingzhongluo-Liuku
Sightseeing and Activities:Nujiang River (Salween River)
Accommodation:Liuku
Meals:Breakfast and Lunch
Leave Bingzhongluo and drive 110 km through the fascinating mountain areas to Fugong. Sightseeing includes a visit to a suspension bridge and a glide cable. Special Lishu food will be served during dinner. Overnight in Liuku.
Day 10 Liuku-Tengchong
Sightseeing and Activities:Lujiang Basin, Heshun Old Town, the Anti-Japanese War Museum
Accommodation:Tengchong
Meals:Breakfast and Lunch
Today, we will continue the driving to Tengchong County. Drive south along the Salween and arrive in Lujiangba Basin. As it’s hot and humid in the gorge here, Dai people who live here use big banyan trees to surround the villages, tropical plants are grown here such as papaya, pineapple, banana and coffee. The famous Yunnan Coffee is grown in this area near the Salween.
Arrive in Tengchong, you will visit Heshun Ancient Town including the Museum of Yunnan-Burmese Anti-Japanese War, Heshun Library, the Archway, Dragon Pool, the Wanlouzi Museum of Native Residence, Wenchang Daoist Palace, Clothes-washing Pavilions, Yuanlong Daoist Pavilion, the Philosopher Ai Siqi’s Former Residence, Guanyin Ancient Spruce Trees an so on.
Day 11 Tengchong
Sightseeing and Activities:Liafeng Mountain National Forest Park, Graveyard of the National Heroes, Dieshuihe Waterfall Park, Beihai Wetland Park, Rehai Hot Spring Park
Accommodation:Tengchong
Meals:Breakfast and Lunch
Visit Liafeng Mountain National Forest Park in the early morning, climb up to the half mountain, pay a visit to Laifeng Temple bult in Tang dynasty; Climb to the top of the mountain, visit Wenbi Pagoda and enjoy a panoramic view of Dianyue Town of Tengchong County.
Visit the Graveyard of the National Heroes, and Dieshuihe Waterfall Park in the town, then drive to Beihai Wetland Park, where you will take a small boat to the lake for a nice view. After lunch, drive back to Tengchong, and visit Rehai Hot Spring Park. You will have an option to enjoy the hot spring in the park.
–Tengchong is one of China’s three major geothermal areas, known as “Land Abounding in Geothermal Resources”. There are plenty of springs of hot water and hot vapour, called “Hot Sea”. There are quite a number of hot fields as well. Tengchong is a resort where people can travel, take a bath and have medical treatment. The Hot Sea, with an area of 9 square kilometers, lies 20 kilometers away southwest of the county seat and in the center of the geothermal area.
Day 12 Tengchong Departure
Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Tengchong
Accommodation:None
Meals:Breakfast
Departure from Tengchong. Service ends.
Recommended Hotels
| Destination | 5 Star | 4 Star | 3 Star | Hostels |
| Lijiang | InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort | E-outfitting Boutique Hotel | Liwang Hotel | Flowers Hall Inn |
| Shangrila | Shangri-La Hotel | E-outfitting Boutique Hotel | Bodhi Boutique Hotel | Wu Fu South Yunnan Boutique Inn |
| Feilaisi | Guanjing Tiantang Hotel | Deqin County Temple Pearl Hotel | Deqin County Temple Pearl Hotel | Deqin Yunling Inn |
| Cizhong | / | Songtsam Cizhong Lodge | Hiker Home | / |
| Bingzhongluo | / | / | Nu Xia Hotel | Fusheng Manor Inn |
| Liuku | / | / | Shengshi Hongbang Hotel | / |
| Tengchong | Guanfang Hotel Tengchong | Pumi Wenlv Zhang’s Courtyard (Hepan) | Yongle Holiday Resort and Spa | Yonder Way Hostel |
Service Included:
- Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary;
- Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
- Private English-speaking tour guide;
- Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
- Service charge & government taxes.
Service Excluded:
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
- Single room supplement;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
- Personal travel accident insurance;
- All optional programs.
The Grand Canyon of the Lancang River is famous for not only its deep and long vale, but also the rushing water. The river water is limpid and rushing in winter, but turbid and onrushing in summer. As the river becoming narrow in the Grand Canyon, high waves are striking against the banks and making a sound like thunder. What a fantastic spectacle! Such steep mountains, deep valley and miraculous geographic structure are seldom seen all over the world.
This tour focuses on discovery the beauty of Jinsha River, Lancang River and Nujiang River. You will visit the must-visit hiking place-Tiger Leaping Gorge and then hike there(Tiger Leaping Gorge is recognized as one of the most famous scenic attractions for hiking in the world and one of the must-visit hiking itineraries in Yunnan recommended by ‘Lonely Planet’). You will witness the surge of the rivers and find idyllic scenery in Bingzhongluo. Then you will step into a famous historic and cultural city in Yunnan Province–Tengchong city–the hometown of jade.
Google Map
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Lijiang
Sightseeing and Activities:Ancient town of Lijiang, Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Ethnic Museum
Accommodation:
Meals:
Arrive at Lijiang airport, pick up by our English speaking tour guide and transfer to hotel. If time is enough(depends on the flight), go to visit the Ancient town of Lijiang, escorted tour to Square Street. Walk upstream along the Yuhe River from Lijiang Ancient Town Water Wheel to Black Dragon Pool, enjoy the wonderful reflection view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the pool. Visit the Dongba Ethnic Museum and explore the Naxi ethnic culture. At night, join in the singing competition party at the bank of ancient streams which wind through the town.
–Dongba Culture Museum near the Black Dragon Pool is a great place to admire the famous hieroglyphs and other ritual articles of the Naxis. Dongba Museum has been considered as the sanctuary of the culture of Naxi ancient culture. It holds a remarkable collection of Naxi relics and cultural display. Dongba Culture Museum features exhibits of Naxi clothing and jewelry, Dongba pictographic script, unearthed artifacts from old Li Jiang, and a display claiming the region is the real Shangri-La. Explanations are in English. At the museum shop you can have a piece of Dongba calligraphy drawn for you by an 85-year-old Dongba shaman.
-Lijiang Ancient Town is a largely Naxi settlement first built 800 years agao, located at the foot of the Lion Hill and completely surrounded by the new city of Lijiang.In December 1986, the State Council designated it a famous ancient historical and cultural city of national caliber. In 1997, UNESCO made Lijiang a World Cultural Heritage Site.
Day 2 Lijiang-Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-Lijiang
Sightseeing and Activities:Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Impression Lijang Ethnic Show, Baisha Old Town, Baisha Mural
Accommodation:
Meals:
Enjoy the sunrise of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Ancient Town in the morning. Drive about 30KM to Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M), you will take the sightseeing bus for a short visiting through the Baishuihe River, take the chairlift up to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cableway will be arranged according to the condition of the mountain. You will hike around 1 hour in the original forest in Spruce Meadow(3200M).
After lunch, you will an optiona to enjoy the Impression Lijang Ethnic Show (Tickets:190 Yuan not included) directed in Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M). A cultural show demonstrating the traditions and lifestyles of the Naxi, Yi and Bai peoples of the area. The show takes place inside Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Park at 3500m in an outdoor theater specifically designed to showcase the mountain which is used as a backdrop. The production itself was designed by Zhang Yimou, Fan Yue and Wang Chaoge, a cast of over 500 people, and a number of horses.
In the afternoon, you’ll stroll through Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Yunnan town. Visit the Baisha Mural about 600 years old, which is one part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.
–Jade Dragon Snow Mountain stretches a length of 35 kilometers (22 miles) and a width of 20 kilometers (13 miles). Looking from Lijiang Old Town in the south which is 15 kilometers (nine miles) away, the snow-covered and fog-enlaced mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence, the name Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The highest peak named Fan Peak (Shanzidou in Chinese) which is about 5596 meters above sea level. There are three cablecars in the mountain, the fist to the Glacier Park(4500M),the second to Spruce Meadow(3200M),the third to Yak Meadow(3700M).
Day 3 Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge
Sightseeing and Activities:LTiger Leaping Gorge trekking
Accommodation:
Meals:
Check out the hotel, drive about 100KM to Qiaotou Tow(Tiger Leaping gorge Town). Drive along the Naxi ethnic villages and the upper Yangtze River, with a panoramic view of the First Bend of Yangtze River on the way. You will start the trekking of Tiger Leaping Gorge, as one of the world’s four great gorges, which is honored as one of the deepest and most marvelous gorges with 3900 meters in depth.
Start the trekking form the Qaiotou Primary School, after half an hour, arrive in Changsheng Village, pay a visit to Changsheng Hope Primary School. Arrive in Zhong Nuoyu village at noon and have lunch in Naxi Family Guesthouse. After lunch, you will start the most difficult part trekking to the 28 Zigzag Bends trail and reach the top peak at the elevation of 2670m.
You will arrive at Half-Way Guest House to finish today’s trekking. There is a nice platform on the roof of Halfway Guesthouse, after dinner, you will drink and enjoy the wonderful Jade Dragon Snow Mountain facing to Bendiwan Village.
Day 4 Tiger Leaping Gorge-Baishuitai-Shangrila
Sightseeing and Activities:Tiger Leaping Gorge, Baishuitai
Accommodation:
Meals:
Get up in the early morning, hiking down to Tina’s Guest house passing a small but high waterfall on the way. The trail from Halfway Guesthouse to Guanyin Waterfall is much easy but very small, but you will have a nice view of the middle gorge from the cliff. After the Guanyin Waterfall, you will walk down and through the Bamboo Forest, then arrive at Tina’s Hostel.
You will have an option trekking further down to the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge and back, which will take you about three hours. You will firstly trek from Tina’s Guesthouse down to Teacher Zhang’s Guesthouse, where you can have a nice view of the middle gorge which looks like a big gate. It is quite steep trail from Teacher Zhang’s Guesthouse down to the Middle Rapids.
From the Middle Rapids, there are two small trails back to the road. The first is climbing the Tianti or “Sky Ladder” to the Sky Ladder Guesthouse about 200KM away from Tina’s Guesthouse, this is a challenge, vertical and dangerous climbing. Usually we choose the lower trail and trek to the Walnut Grove Garden, this is a nice trekking along the Yangtze River. Take the minibus for a short driving back to Tina’s Guesthouse for one night stay, because Tina’s is the best location to enjoy the scenery of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Drive to White Water Terrace at the foot of Haba Snow Mountain Guesthouse, where the Naxi culture originated. The name of the Baishuitai Village comes from the white rock formations shaped like small rice terraces located just above the town. Another 3-4 hours drive west and reach Shangri-la, the former name “Zhongdian”, a small town on the Tibetan Plateau at 3300 meters above the sea level. Arrive in Dukezng Ancient Town around 7:00 at night, some Tibetan people and tourists will dance around Sifang Square in Dukezong Ancient Town, you will be warm welcomed by local people.
Day 5 Shangrila
Sightseeing and Activities:Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, Dukezong Tibetan Ancient Town
Accommodation:
Meals:
In the morning, visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. Songzanlin Monastery has another alias – ‘the little Potala Palace ‘, so named because the whole monastery is in the traditional style with mysterious atmosphere. Walk around Songzanlin Monastery.
And afterwards you’ll visit the tranquil Bita Lake & Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park. Pudacuo National Park is located in one of the most biologically-diverse regions of the world. While the region comprises only 0.7 percent of China’s land area, it contains more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species.
In the late afternoon, walk around Dukezong Tibetan Ancient Town which was an important town of the Tea-horse Trade Road from Yunnan to Tibet and India for the tea trading. Climb up to the top of Tortoise Hill, you will see the largest Prayer Wheel in the world, have a panoramic view of Shangrila city and Dukezong Ancient Town. Finally, you will visit a Tibetan’s family to experience the local life in the bonfire party with Tibetan dance and music and you will try Tibetan home-made yak and cheese.
Day 6 Shangrila-Benzilan-Feilaisi
Sightseeing and Activities:Benzilan Town, the Moon Bend of Yangtze River, Baimang Snow Mountain, the sunset view of Meili Snow Mountain
Accommodation:
Meals:
In the morning, drive 6 to 7 hours to Deqin County (3400m altitude) which is 187km away from Shangri-La. The view along the way is fantastic with different kinds of trees, streams down the valley, prayer flags and stupas, and Tibetan villages. From Shangri-La, after half an hour driving, you will have a panoramic view of Nixi Pottery Village; drive town to the river valley, continue the nice scenery along the Jinsha River to Benzilan Town where you will have lunch.
After lunch, drive uphill to the Dongzhulin Monastery which is located in Shusong Village, Benzilan District, Deqin County, and 105km from the seat of Zhongdian County. The Yunnan-Tibet Road passes behind the temple and cars can get straight to the temple. The Dongzhulin Monastery was built in 1667, the sixth year of the Kang Xi Period in Qing Dynasty. Visit the First Bend of Jinsha River or Moon Bend, which is the boundary between Sichuan and Yunnan. This is different from the First Bend of Yangtze River in Lijiang City. The bend in Shigu Town changes the flow direction of the Yangtze River but in Benzilan, the Moon Bend is just a grand bend between the mountains with an impressive scenery. Visit Baimang Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, you will be able to view Baimang Snow Mountain if the weather is clear, pass the top part of today at 4292m.
Arrive in Feilaisi in the late afternoon, you will have a nice sunset view of Meili Snow Mountain from the Sightseeing Platform, where you can see the 13 white pagodas meaning of the 13 peaks of Meili Snow Mountain over 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) above sea level, known as the “Prince’s 13 peaks”.
–Meili Snow Mountain (Meili Xueshan), also called Kawakarpo, is a UNESCO nature site located in Deqin County dividing Yunnan from Tibet, a wonderful place to hike and explore both nature and Tibetan culture.Rising between the Salween River and the Mekong River in the extreme edge of Northwest Yunnan, the Meili Snow Mt. region is part of Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas.Legend says that the Meili Snow Mountain is a god guarding Tibetan Buddhism. With 13 peaks over 6000m in the range, the main peak Kawakarpo (“Kawagebo” in Chinese) is a sharp snow mountain with an altitude of 6740m,which has never been conquered yet.
Day 7 Feilaisi-Meili Snow Mountain-Cizhong-Weideng
Sightseeing and Activities:Meili Snow Mountain, Mingyong Glacier, Mekong Grand Canyon, Cizhong Village, Cizhong Catholic Church, Weideng Town
Accommodation:
Meals:
Early in the morning, you will enjoy the magnificent sunrise view of Meili Snow Mountain from Feilaisi, then drive to Mingyong Village. Hike from Mingyong village to Mingyong Glacier(2600m) which is the low altitude glacier of the lowest latitude in the world.
After lunch in Mingyong Village, you will trek down directly to the edge of Meikong River(2,050m/6,724ft). Walk along the Mekong Grand Canyon and arrive in Xidang Village(2,200m/7,216ft) where you can visit some scattered Tibetan houses in the village. Drive to along the Lancang-Mekong River to Cizhong Village in Yanmen Town.
Drive south along the Mekong Grand Canyon to Cizhong Village in Yanmen Town with some Tibatan villages en route, here you can see the different horses from Shangri-la. Visit the Tibetan Catholic Church built by French missionaries in 1867, the church is used by Tibetan, Naxi and Lisu people. They still have the grapes planted by missionaries and old the traditional way of making wine.
Drive further south along the Mekong gorge to Weideng Township, you will drive through these Lisu and Naxi ethnic towns with Badi Town,Baijixun Town,Yezhi Town, Kangpu Town,Zhonglu Town in Weixi Lisu Autonomous County of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and finally arrive in Weideng Town and stay one night there. All of these towns are located at the bank of Lancang River with a wonderful view on the driving.
Enjoy the landscape of the Mekong with mountains, terraces, villages on the both sides of the valley, and we will make stops to visit Naxi and Lisu villages and a church en route, people here live in the traditional houses built with wooden walls and tile roofs. As the road construction work is going on here, we may need to wait sometimes.
Day 8 Weideng-Liuku-Fugong
Sightseeing and Activities:Biaocun Lisu Ethnic Township, Laowo Bai ethnic town, Lancang-Mekong River, Liuku Town, Nujiang Grand Canyon
Accommodation:
Meals:
Drive further south along the Mekong River to Biaocun Lisu Ethnic Township. A nice day drive again with the upper Mekong River through Zhongpai Town, Shideng Town, Yingpan Town, Tuer Town in Lanping County of Nujiang Prefecture. Finally arrive in Biaocun Lisu ethnic Township for one night stay which is located in Yunlong County of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture.
You will stop to visit Lisu, Bai and Yi villages on the way. Biaocun Lisu Ethnic Township is located at the bank of Lancang-Mekong River in Yunlong County. You will have a great view of the Mekong gorge. Visit the cable suspension bridge of Lancang-Mekong River as well. The villages here are faraway from the road for a long time, so they keep more traditions than the people of the same ethnic groups from the other places. Biaocun is a small town of Bai people.
Drive south along the Mekong to Laowo River and turn to the west direction in Mofang. Drive over Laowo Mountain, and arrive in Laowo Bai Ethnic Township heading for the Salween River to the Salween Grand Canyon at Liuku Town.
Drive along the Nujiang Grand Canyon from Liuku Town, and arrive in Fugong County in the late afternoon.
Drive from Liuku to Fugong. On the way you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Nujiang Grand Canyon. You firstly drive north along the Salween to Fugong, visiting Laohutiao where you can walk through the huge rocks in the Salween and feel the water of the Salween.
Day 9 Fugong-Gongshan-Dulongjiang
Sightseeing and Activities:Laomudeng Village, Laomudeng Catholic Church, Donglongjiang River Valley
Accommodation:
Meals:
Leave from Fugong County, drive uphill to visit Laomudeng Village and Laomudeng Catholic Church. You will enjoy the dramatic landscape of the gorges along the way with visits to villages as carrying on. The 316-kilometer-long Nujiang River Gorge is flanked by two 4,000-meter-high mountains. The mountain peaks on the two sides have an average altitude of over 3,000 kilometers. The gorge is located in Yunnan Province in southwestern China, an area rich in ethnic minority culture. It is now a first choice for many domestic and foreign travelers.
Arrive in Gongshan County for lunch. Drive along the Gaoligong Mountain to Dulongjiang River Valley. It is 96 kilometers and 4 hours driving today with the rough road in the virgin forest. Dulongjiang, also Dulong River , originates from Tibet, flowing through the northwest corner of Yunnan then into Burma. Its Yunnan section is about 80km long, sandwiched by Mt. Dandanglika on the west and Mt. Gaoligong on the east. Amongst the lofty mountains bordering Tibet and Yunnan is the Dulong River Vallley, at the west slope of the north part of the Gaoligong Shan.
Day 10 Kongdang-Bapo-Maku-Qinlangdang
Sightseeing and Activities:Dulongjiang River Valley, Nu ethnic villages
Accommodation:
Meals:
Drive about 30 kilometers southward to Maku Village. Leave the car in Maku Village and start a fantastic trekking trip to Dulongjiang River Region. You will see the Haba Waterfall from Maku Pass and then trek along the virgin forest down to Qinlangdang Village. Arrive in Qinlangdang Village in the afternoon and trek about 1 kilometer to arrive at Haba Waterfall, here is the only way to Myanmay from Dulongjiang River.
Note: There are lots of leeches in the virgin forest in summer, so you should take some medicine to keep them away.
Day 11 Dulongjiang-Gongshan-Bingzhongluo
Sightseeing and Activities:Dulongjiang River Valley, the First Bend of Nujiang River, Bingzhongluo
Accommodation:
Meals:
Drive 96KM back to Gongshan Derung and Nu Autonomous County. Today you take the time to the villages and the churches around Bingzhongluo. The villages here are nicely located near the Salween on a slope with terraces and high mountains around them. It’s only 30km to Tibet, many Tibetans would come to the market here to shop with their horses. Today, Tibetans still come but use trucks instead of horses. We also drive a few kilometers further into the Gorge to visit Shimeng Guang, and walk up to visit a village of Nu people living in the wooden houses.
Day 12 Bingzhonggluo-Gongshan-Liuku
Sightseeing and Activities:Wuli Village, Qiunatong Village, the Catholic Church, Nujiang River
Accommodation:
Meals:
Do some trekking to Wuli and Qiunatong Villages, enjoy the fantastic scenery of Nujiang River. Leave Bingzhongluo and drive 110 km through the fascinating mountain areas to Fugong. Sightseeing includes a visit to a suspension bridge and a glide cable. Special Lishu food will be served during dinner. In the evening you will take part in a party with the local people. Overnight in Liuku.
Day 13 Liuku-Tengchong
Sightseeing and Activities:Lujiang Basin, Heshun Old Town, the Anti-Japanese War Museum
Accommodation:
Meals:
Today, we will continue the driving to Tengchong County. Drive south along the Salween and arrive in Lujiangba Basin. As it’s hot and humid in the gorge here, Dai people who live here use big banyan trees to surround the villages, Tropical plants are grown here such as papaya, pineapple, banana and coffee. The famous Yunnan Coffee is grown in this area near the Salween.
Arrive in Tengchong, you will visit Heshun Ancient Town including the Museum of Yunnan-Burmese Anti-Japanese War, Heshun Library, the Archway, Dragon Pool, the Wanlouzi Museum of Native Residence, Wenchang Daoist Palace, Clothes-washing Pavilions, Yuanlong Daoist Pavilion, the Philosopher Ai Siqi’s Former Residence, Guanyin Ancient Spruce Trees an so on.
–“Heshun” means peace and harmony. You could walk leisurely around the historical old town, built in earlier days by overseas Chinese as a location for their retirement. The remaining old town is a very beautiful place with many ornamental structures such as pavilions, memorial halls, archways, and balustrades, and also with lotus ponds and outlands with many birds. The library in this town is worth mentioning-set up in 1924, it possesses over 60,000 volumes of books, many of which are rare editions of ancient works.
Day 14 Tengchong
Sightseeing and Activities:Liafeng Mountain National Forest Park, Graveyard of the National Heroes, Dieshuihe Waterfall Park, Beihai Wetland Park, Rehai hot spring Park
Accommodation:
Meals:
Visit Liafeng Mountain National Forest Park in the early morning, climb up to the half mountain, pay a visit to Laifeng Temple bult in Tang dynasty; Climb to the top of the mountain, visit Wenbi Pagoda and the panoramic view of Dianyue Town of Tengchong County.
Visit the Graveyard of the National Heroes, and Dieshuihe Waterfall Park in the town, then drive to Beihai Wetland Park, where you will take a small boat to the lake for a nice view. After lunch, drive back to Tengchong, and visit Rehai hot spring Park. You will have an option to enjoy the hot spring in the park.
–Tengchong is one of China’s three major geothermal areas, known as “Land Abounding in Geothermal Resources”. There are plenty of springs of hot water and hot vapour, called “Hot Sea”. There are quite a number of hot fields as well. Tengchong is a resort where people can travel, take a bath and have medical treatment. The Hot Sea, with an area of 9 square kilometers, lies 20 kilometers away southwest of the county seat and in the center of the geothermal area.
Day 15 Departure from Tengchong
Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Tengchong
Accommodation:
Meals:
Departure from Tengchong. Service ends.
Recommended Hotels
| City | 5 Star | 4 Star | 3 Star |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lijiang | Intercontinental Hotel Lijiang | Wangfu Hotel | Louwailou Hotel |
| Tiger Leaping Gorge | / | / | Half-way Guesthouse |
| Shangri-la | Shangri-la Hotel | Zhaxidele Hotel | Shenqu Hotel |
| Feilaisi | Mingzhu Hotel | Mingzhulangka Hotel | |
| Weideng | |||
| Fugong | |||
| Dulongjiang | |||
| Qinlandang | |||
| Bingzhongluo | |||
| Liuku | |||
| Tengchong | Mansion of Commander Hotel | Tengchong Airport Sightseeing Hotel | Leihua Hotel |
Service Included:
1.Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
2.Meals as listed in the itinerary;
3.Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
4.Private English-speaking tour guide and vehicle for transfers & sightseeing;
5.Service charge & government taxes;
6. Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
7. Two bottles of mineral water each day;
Service Excluded:
1.Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
2.Chinese visa fees;
3.Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
4.Single room supplement;
5.Tips to guides and drivers;
6.Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
7.Personal travel accident insurance;
8.All optional programs;
Meili Snow Mountain, also known as Prince Snow Mountain, sits on the border of Yunnan Province and Tibet, where the three famous rivers, namely the JinshaJiang River, Mekong (Lancang) River and Salwen (NuJiang) River flow. As the border mountain of Yunnan and Tibet, Meili Snow Mountain is located about 10 kilometers northeast of Deqin County in Diqing. It is regarded as the Divine Mountain by the locals, and is endowed with profound Tibetan culture. Each year numerous devout Tibetans from Sichuan, Qinghai and Gansu provinces throng there for their worship. It is also a shrine for Chinese and foreign adventurers.
Highlights:
- Hike in the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.
- Step into Meili Snow Mountain and see the spectacular view of the holy mountain.
- Lose yourselves in the most peaceful and harmonious earthly paradise to meet your true self.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Lijiang Arrival
- Day 2: Lijiang
- Day 3: Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge
- Day 4: Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangri-la
- Day 5: Shangri-la-Feilaisi
- Day 6: Feilaisi-Upper Yubeng
- Day 7: Upper Yubeng-Lower Yubeng
- Day 8: Lower Yubeng
- Day 9: Lower Yubeng-Shangri-la
- Day 10: Shangri-la Departure
Google Map
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Lijiang
Sightseeing and Activities: Arrive in Lijiang
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Lunch
Upon arrival at the Lijiang Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel. Have a good rest after a long flight.
Day 2 Lijiang
Sightseeing and Activities: Lijiang Ancient Town, Mu’s palace, Lion Hill, Yuhu Village, Baisha Acient Town, Black Dragon Pool Park
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
You will visit the Lijiang Ancient Town. Mu’s Residence is located in Lijiang Ancient Town. The ancestors of the Mu dated back of the time before the Tang Dynasty. Then you’ll head for Lion Hill. As an integral part of Lijiang Ancient Town and the major national scenic spot, the Lion Hill Park is located in the center of Lijiang city. With ancient buildings lying around at the foot of Lion Hill, it is the best place for you to enjoy the panoramic view of the Lijiang Ancient Town.
In the afternoon, visit Yuhu Village, Black Dragon Pool Park, Baisha Old Town, Baisha Murals. Yuhu Village is on the outskirts of Lijiang Basin at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The houses were made of a unique stone called monkey head by Naxi people. The stone is comprised of a substance between stone and mud.
Day 3 Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge
Sightseeing and Activities: Tiger Leaping Gorge, Hiking
Accommodation: Halfway Guest House
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
At 6:00 am, drive to Qiaotou Town.
It takes 2 hours on the trip. Tiger Leaping Gorge hike tour is one of the most beautiful trekking tour of Yunnan Province. Your hiking trip starts from Qiaotou.About two hours trekking in the upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, you will arrive at Naxi Family and have lunch there. It is easy to trek from Qiaotou to Naxi Family with beautiful scenery.
After lunch, a trekking from Naxi Family to 28 zigzagging turns will be a challenge for you.
From the top of “28 turns” on the high path further uphill to a place of altitude above 3000, you can have a view of the panorama of the entire Gorge. Then go pass Tea Horse Guest House and arrive at Halfway Guesthouse to finish today’s trekking. The total trekking route is 26 km, and it takes about 6-8 hours.
After trekking, overnight in Halfway Guest House.
Day 4 Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangri-la
Sightseeing and Activities: Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking
Accommodation: Shangri-la
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
In the early morning, continue hiking to Tina’s Hostel.
After another hour walking down the steep cliff to the bank of Jinsha River to the Middle Gorge (Middle Hutiao or Middle Rapids), worship the dangerous shoal of “Starriness”, which is the most narrow part of the gorge, where a tiger can easily jump over the Jinsha River.
After finishing today’s trekking, you will take the coach to Shangri-la from Tina’s Guest house. Upon arrival Shangri-la, spend the day around Shangri-la.
Day 5 Shangri-la-Feilaisi
Sightseeing and Activities: Feilaisi Temple
Accommodation: Feilaisi
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Travel from Zhongdian to Deqin, traversing several mountain ranges. Pass by Benzanlin, a small Tibetan town built by the river and have a wander around the streets. Further up the road, you will pass what is commonly referred to as the”Omega”, the first bend of the Jinsha River. As you near Deqin, enjoy your first views of the Meili Snow Mountain. Overnight at a guesthouse in Feilaisi.
Day 6 Feilaisi-Xidang-Upper Yubeng
Sightseeing and Activities: Xidang Village, Upper Yubeng Village, Hiking
Accommodation: Yubeng
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Get up in time to see the sunrise over the Meili Snow Mountains. Drive for an hour to Xidang Village where you will begin your hike to Upper Yubeng Village. Today’s hike will be strenuous – we will climb from 2,500 meters to over 3,500 meters at the pass – passing through beautiful, pristine alpine forest. Total distance for the day is 17 km, takes 6 hours. Stay overnight at the guesthouse in Upper Yubeng.
Day 7 Upper Yubeng-Ice Lake-Lower Yubeng
Sightseeing and Activities: Upper Yubeng Village, Ice Lake, Lower Yubeng Village
Accommodation: Yubeng
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Walk for 3 hours from Upper Yubeng Village to the “Camp”, then for another hour to the Ice Lake. Eventually, Hike back down to Lower Yubeng.
Day 8 Lower Yubeng-Holy Waterfall-Lower Yubeng
Sightseeing and Activities: Holy waterfall, Lower Yubeng Village
Accommodation: Yubeng
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
If the weather is good, we’ll wake up to a clear view of the Mt. Kawagebo glacier. After breakfast we will hike to
Holy Waterfall, from which Yubeng’s name originated. Buddhists comes to this area on pilgrimages circumambulate the waterfall 13 times with the belief.
Day 9 Lower Yubeng-Ninong-Deqin-Shangri-la
Sightseeing and Activities: Lower Yubeng Village, Ninong, Shangri-la
Accommodation: Shangri-la
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Walk from Lower Yubeng Village to Ninong. You will get back to Shangri-la by bus. Overnight in Shangri-la.
Day 10 Departure from Shangri-la
Sightseeing and Activities: Departure from Shangrila
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the departure flight. Service ends.
Recommended Hotels
| Destination | 5 Star | 4 Star | 3 Star | Hostels |
| Lijiang | InterContinental Hotel | E-outfitting Hotel | Liwang Hotel | / |
| Shangri-la | Shangri-La Resort | E-outfitting Hotel | Bodhi Boutique Inn | / |
| Feilaisi | Guan Jing Tian Tang | / | Feilaisi Pearl Hotel | / |
| Yubeng |
Service Included:
- Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary;
- Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
- Private English-speaking tour guide;
- Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
- Service charge & government taxes;
- Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
- Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.
Service Excluded:
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
- Single room supplement;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
- Personal travel accident insurance;
- All optional programs.
How to Get to Kawa Karpo Meili Snow Mountain from Tibet Lhasa
Hiking Tour Map of Kawa Karpo Meili Snow Mountain
Why is Abing Village So Special?
If you want to circumambulate Meili Snow Mountain, you have to go through here. The house in Abing village is made up of stone blocks. Distinct seasons and pleasant climate attract many visitors.
Where is Abing Village?
Abing Village阿丙村 is a natural village in Chawalong Township, Chayu County, Diqing. It is located on the east bank of the Shequ River, a tributary of the Nu River.
How to Get to Abing Village?
Tourists can take a bus to Abing Village from Chayu County. Or hike from Meili Snow Mountain to Abing Village, which will be more adventurous and strenuous.
What to See at Abing Village?
There are colorful traditional Tibetan houses, and portraits of the gods. You can see artisans who polish Tibetan wooden bowls. On the stone wall beside the road, you can see many murals of Tibetan Buddhist statues and scriptures.
Best Time to Visit Abing Village
You can visit Abing Village between April and October.
Accommodate at Abing Village
There are not many accommodation choices around Abing Village, just some cheap accommodations without good facilities.
Recommended Visiting Route
2 Days Kawa Karpo Meili Snow Mountain Tour from Shangri-La
5 Days Shangrila Discovery with Meili Snow Mountain Pilgrimage
7 Days Shangrila Meili Snow Mountain and Yubeng Village Trekking Tour
10 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Adventure and Meili Snow Mountain Pilgrimage Tour
11 Days Yunnan Classic Tour with Meili Snow Mountain Pilgrimage
12 Days Yunnan Three Parallel Rivers Overland Tour with Biluo and Meili Snow Mountains
Nearby Attractions
Meili Snow Mountain is one of the most sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism. In the 1930s, they were praised by American scholars as the most beautiful mountains in the world. Meili Snow Mountain boasts numerous snow-clad ridges and peaks, thirteen of which are more than 6,000 meters above the sea level.
Lancang-Mekong River Grand Canyon
It is called the Lancang River after it reaches Changdu. The river runs south until it leaves China at the Nanla Bayout of Yunnan Province and therefrom changes its name from the Lancang River to the Mekong River. The river finally empties into the Pacific Ocean in the south of Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam.
Yubeng Village in Deqin County, Shangrila
Yubeng is a secluded small Tibetan village tucked away at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain in Deqin county, the northwestern corner of Yunnan Province. It is only accessible by foot or horse/mule. But the trip, however arduous, is worth it. Yubeng is divided into an upper and a lower section. Both parts offer fabulous views of the Mei Li Snow Mountains. Lower Yubeng is smaller, quieter and closer to the lakes and waterfalls that you will likely visit during your stay.
Useful Travel Tips
When you arrive to Abing Village and want to climb Meili Snow Mountain, there are some tips for you.
► Check with the hotel or guesthouse whether there is water for shower before checking in it for its lack of water in this area.
► Feilai Temple is the best vantage point from which to view Meili Snow Mountain.
► It is difficult to see the mountain in its entirety during summer and autumn, due to heavy cloud cover or mists.
►The ultraviolet rays are strong and you may need to bring something anti-sunburn.
► Please keep in mind that in the mountains, do not yell or shout, that would offend the God of the Mountains. Tibetans there is always very quiet and respectful. Believe it or not, at least we do as the Romans do or show the courtesy.
You Might Like
- 13 Days Yunnan Panorama Tour to Kunming-Dongchuan-Jianshui-Yuanyang-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri La
- 6 Days Lijiang and Shangri-La Discovery with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain Hiking
- 11 Days Lijiang and Shangri-La Tour with Meili Snow Mountain Pilgrimage
- 7 Days Lijiang Education Tour for International School Students
- 14 Days West Yunnan RV and Off-Road Vehicle Self-Driving Tour for Ethnic Festivals
- 3 Days Abujee Pasture and Tianbao Mountain Trekking Tour
- 7 Days China-Thailand Porsche Self-driving Tour from Jinghong to Chiang Mai
- 12 Days Meili Kawa Karpo Snow Mountain Hiking Tour to Yubeng and Meili Beipo
10 Days Yunnan-Tibet Highway Overland Tour from Lijiang to Lhasa
Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangri La-Yanjing-Zuogong-Ranwu - Bomi-Bayi-Lhasa
Mingzhu Langka Viewing Platform in Feilaisi, Diqing
Why is Mingzhu Langka Viewing Platform So Special? Mingzhu Langka Viewing Platform 梅里雪山明珠拉卡观景台 is the best place to shoot a panoramic view of Meili Snow Mountain. Key Information: Location:...
Colorful Meili Inn in Yubeng Village, Deqin
Location Colorful Meili Inn in Yubeng Village is situated in the center part of Lower Yubeng, offering guests a spacious and beautiful view. The inn is one of the...
Sinong Village in Deqin County, Diqing
Chinese Name:迪庆州德钦县云岭乡斯农村 English Name: Sinong Village in Deqin County, Diqing Sinong Village is located in Deqin County, Diqing Prefecture, at an altitude of about 2300m. Driving from Deqin County to...
46 Days Yunnan Panorama Photography Tour with 25 Ethnic Minorities Discovery and Three Parallel Rivers Hiking Adventure
Kunming-Chuxiong-Dali-Lijiang-Lugu Lake-Baoshan-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangrila-Deqing-Nujiang-Tengchong-Ruili-Mangshi-Cangyuan-Jinghong-Yuanyang-Jianshui-Bamei-Puzhehei-Luoping-Kunming
12 Days Yunnan Three Parallel Rivers Overland Tour with Biluo and Meili Snow Mountains from Lijiang to Tengchong
Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangri-La-Deqin-Cizhong-Gongshan-Bingzhongluo-Liuku-Tengchong
15 Days Three Parallel Rivers Overland Adventure with Dulongjiang River Valley and Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking
Lijiang-Shangrila-Deqin-Cizhong-Weixi-Yingpan-Nujiang-Fugong-Gongshan-Bingzhongluo-Liuku-Tengchong
10 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Adventure and Meili Snow Mountain Pilgrimage Tour
Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shangri-la-Feilaisi-Yubeng-Ninong-Deqin-Shangri-la
How to Get to Kawa Karpo Meili Snow Mountain from Tibet Lhasa
How to Get to Kawa Karpo Meili Snow Mountain from Tibet Lhasa...
Hiking Tour Map of Kawa Karpo Meili Snow Mountain
Hiking Tour Map of Kawa Karpo Meili Snow Mountain...
Abing Village of Meili Snow Mountain, Diqing
Why is Abing Village So Special? If you want to circumambulate Meili Snow Mountain, you have to go through here. The house in Abing village is made up of...
Tips Before Travel
Bring copies of your passport
Don't assume you're restricted to the main hubs of Beijing and Shanghai, our tours can start from any city.
Register with your embassy
For your safety, please register with the Embassy.
Always have local cash
Exchange some local currency for your trip
Our Team
Fenggu Yingshan Tea House and Tea Culture Learning Lijiang
Charlie Lee-General Manager of Yaso Travel and Xilinshan Tea Company
Leon Liu-Network Engineer of Trans Asia Discovery
Vincent Zhao-French Market and the Founder of VoyagesYunnan.com
Gary Elliot-Shareholder of Trans Asia Discovery
Michael Huang-Excellent French and English-speaking Tour Guide in Yunnan
Stephane-Volunteer of Yaso Travel
David Yao-Lijiang Tour Operator of Yunnan Exploration
Cindy Cao-Yunnan Tour Operator
Xilinshan Tea House (Kunming, Yunnan)
Rachel Nan-China Tour Operator
Lydia Li-The Founder of Yunnan Exploration
Anna Chen-Yunnan Tour Operator
Kelly Yu-Yunnan Travel Consultant
Cloudy Fu-Website Editor of Yunnan Exploration
Cuiyuan Yang
Skye Zhang-website editor of Yunnan Exploration
Customize a Trip
Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once enquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.
Latest Articles
Yunnan Travel from Dalian of Liaoning
2025-06-14Yunnan Travel from Datong of Shanxi
2025-06-14Yunnan Travel from Fuzhou of Fujian
2025-06-14Yunnan Travel from Guangzhou of Guangdong
2025-06-14Contact Info
