4 Day Meili Snow Mountain and Yubeng Village Hiking Tour from Shangri-La
Tucked away in the majestic Meli Snow Mountain, Yubeng Village is a serene and enchanting destination that will transport you to a bygone era. With only 20 households and a single winding road connecting it to the outside world, this secluded village is a true gem. The village is divided into two parts, the upper village and lower village, each offering unique experiences: the former provides access to the base camp of the Joint Sino-Japanese expedition, while the latter leads to ancient secrets at Yubeng Ancient Seal Character and other hidden gems. During our 5-day Meili Snow Mountain and Yubeng Village Hiking Tour from Shangri-La, you’ll embark on an unforgettable journey, visiting Baima Snow Mountain and Great Bend of Yangtze River along the way before transferring to Meili Snow Mountain for a trekking experience that will take us to breathtaking Ice Lake, Shenpu Sacred Waterfalls, Ninong Valley, and Mekong Grand Canyon.
Introduction
Yubeng Village is a mystical haven, nestled in the majestic Meli Snow Mountain, where the air is crisp and the scenery is breathtaking. This tranquil retreat is a rare gem, with only 20 households scattered throughout, connected to the outside world by a single winding road. As you wander through the village, you’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled upon a long-lost paradise, surrounded by towering mountains that seem to touch the sky.
Join our 5-day Meili Snow Mountain and Yubeng Village Hiking Tour from Shangri-La and embark on an unforgettable adventure. Our journey will take us to the snow-capped peaks of Baima Snow Mountain and the majestic Great Bend of Yangtze River before we transfer to Meili Snow Mountain for a trekking experience that will leave you in awe. We’ll explore the stunning Ice Lake, Shenpu Sacred Waterfalls, Ninong Valley, and Mekong Grand Canyon, immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of this enchanting region.
Highlights:
- Step into Ganden Sumtseling Monastery to experience dignified aesthetic implication of Buddhism.
- Explore Climbing Tour in Meili Snow Mountain Scenic Area.
- Breathe in a primitive national park as well as the first national park in China – Pudacuo National Park.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Shangri-La – Deqin -Feilaisi-Yubeng
- Day 2: Yubeng Village- Cuoka Lake-Yubeng Village
- Day 3: Yubeng Village-Shenpu Waterfalls-Yubeng Village
- Day 4: Yubeng Village-Feilaisi-Shangri-La
Google Map
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Shangri-La – Deqin -Feilaisi-Yubeng
Sightseeing and Activities:Nixi Pottery Village, Dongzhulin Monastery, the First Bend of Jinsha River, Baima Snow Mountain, Meili Snow Mountain
Accommodation: Feilaisi
Meal: Lunch
- Shangri-La to Deqin County
- Your journey begins as we embark on a scenic drive from Shangri-La to Deqin County, a picturesque destination situated at an altitude of 3400 meters.
- The 187km journey takes approximately 4-5 hours, offering breathtaking views of diverse landscapes, including lush forests, meandering streams, and Tibetan villages.
- Along the way, you’ll pass by Naxi Pottery Village, where we’ll take in the stunning panoramic views before descending into the Jinsha River valley.
- You’ll continue to Benzilan Town for lunch, where we can enjoy the serene surroundings and local cuisine.
- Afternoon Exploration
- Following lunch, you’ll make our way to the Dongzhulin Monastery, located in Shusong Village, Benzilan District, Deqin County.
- This historic temple was built in 1667 and offers a unique blend of Tibetan and Chinese architecture.
- From here, you’ll visit the First Bend of Jinsha River or the Moon Bend, which marks the boundary between Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.
- This scenic spot is distinct from the First Bend of Yangtze River in Lijiang City, with its dramatic mountain scenery and impressive vistas.
- You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the Baimang Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, where we can enjoy breathtaking views of Baima Snow Mountain on a clear day.
- You’ll reach an altitude of 4292 meters at 156km and experience the thrill of being on top of the world.
- Final Leg of the Journey
- After an unforgettable day of exploration, you’ll drive to Xidang Village and change to an SUV to reach Yubeng Village, our final destination. This off-the-beaten-path village is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and offers a unique cultural experience.
Day 2 Upper Yubeng Village- Cuoka Sacred Ice Lake-Upper Yubeng Village
Sightseeing and Activities:the sunrise and sunset of the Mt. Kawagebo Glacier, Binghu Ice Lake
Accommodation: Upper Yubeng Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Awaken to the Beauty of Nature
- Begin your day with a breathtaking sunrise view of Mt. Kawagebo Glacier from the comfort of your guesthouse.
- From there, start a scenic hike to Binghu Ice Lake, nestled at the foot of the majestic Meili Snow Mountain.
- As you make your way through the pristine forest, you’ll have the chance to spot horses, yaks, and even some wild animals, if you’re lucky.
- A Journey Along the River
- Follow the gentle river, which originates from the Glacier Park, as it winds its way through a picturesque landscape dotted with wooden bridges and towering spruce trees.
- The serene atmosphere and stunning views of Mt. Kawagebo Glacier will leave you in awe.
- Your destination is the majestic Ice Lake, situated at the foot of the glacier.
- Take a moment to absorb the breathtaking scenery before beginning your descent back to Yubeng Village in the late afternoon.
- Enjoy the warm glow of the setting sun on Kawagebo Peak as a fitting conclusion to your day.
- A Note for Adventurers
- Please note that this one-day excursion is recommended for experienced hikers only.
- The upper plateau may still be covered in snow before June, adding an extra layer of challenge to your trek.
- The return journey typically takes around 3-4 hours, but the scenery and sense of accomplishment will be well worth the effort.
Day 3 Upper Yubeng Village-Shenpu Waterfalls – Upper Yubeng Village
Sightseeing and Activities: The Sacred Waterfall, Lower Yubeng Village
Accommodation: Upper Yubeng Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Breakfast with a View
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast accompanied by breathtaking views of Mt. Kawagebo, if the weather permits.
- This serene setting is the perfect way to awaken your senses and prepare for the adventures that lie ahead.
- Hike to the Sacred Waterfall
- Start a challenging but rewarding hike to the Yubeng Waterfall, a 5-6 hour roundtrip journey that takes you through stunning scenery.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way, and take in the majestic views of the surrounding landscape.
- As you hike, be sure to visit the local Tibetan Buddhist temple, a sacred site that holds great significance for the local community.
- Afternoon Delights
- Return to Yubeng Village in the late afternoon and indulge in a traditional Dri (a type of butter tea) with a local farmer.
- Share stories and learn about daily life in the village while sipping on this warm and comforting beverage.
- Tonight, stay overnight at a local guesthouse (booked separately) and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this charming village.
- The Sacred Waterfall’s Mystique
- The Sacred Waterfall is a revered site for Tibetans, who believe it holds spiritual significance. The waterfall is formed by melting snow from Meili Snow Mountain, and its flow changes depending on the season.
- In spring and summer, the increased water flow makes it a truly breathtaking sight, while at other times it flows steadily down the mountain. According to tradition, Tibetans bathe under the waterfall to purify their souls, and you can also join them in their ritual by circulating around the waterfall three times in a clockwise direction, praying for good luck.
Day 4 Yubeng-Ninong-Feilaisi-Shangri-La
Sightseeing and Activities:Ninong Grand Canyon ,Yubeng Village,Mekong River Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
- Early Risers
- Start your day with an early departure from Lower Yubeng Village, setting off on an epic adventure along the lesser-trodden path that winds its way back to Xidang via the breathtaking Ninong Canyon.
- Ninong Canyon Delight
- Bid farewell to Yubeng Village and embark on a scenic hike along the awe-inspiring Ninong Canyon, making your way to Ninong Village.
- This day’s trek covers approximately 13 km (8 miles) of breathtaking scenery, with a descent of 950 m (3,100 ft) that will leave you in wonder.
- Arrival in Shangri-La
- After a long but rewarding day, your driver will meet you at Ninong Village and transport you to the enchanting Shangri-La, where you’ll have the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate.
Recommended Hotels
| Destination | 5 Star | 4 Star | 3 Star | Hostels |
| Yubeng | / | / | / | Yujian Meili Hostel |
| Feilaisi | Songtsam Feilaisi Resort | Guanjing Tiantang Hotel | Mingzhu Hotel | Local 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;
- 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.
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.
- Situated on the northern edge of the tropical zone, Xishuangbanna area is hot, humid and rainy.
- Do not forget to take an umbrella or a raincoat when go out.
- When take photos, please pay attention to your safety, do not shoot in dangerous areas.
