5 Days Lijiang-Shangri-La Hiking Tour (Tiger Leaping Gorge-Baishuitai-Niru Village-Abuji Lake)

This 5-Day Lijiang–Shangri-La Hiking Tour is designed for travelers who long to explore some of the most dramatic and pristine landscapes in Yunnan, combining deep canyons, sacred alpine lakes, colorful travertine terraces, remote Tibetan villages, and ancient towns along the legendary Tea Horse Road.

You’ll start in Lijiang, known for its UNESCO-listed old town and Naxi culture, then hike into the roaring Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest canyons. Continue through the mysterious white travertine terraces of Baishuitai, and spend a night in the hidden valley of Niru Village, ringed by primeval forest. Discover the Colorful Waterfall and Pamu Fairy Cave, sacred to local Tibetans, before exploring Shangri-La’s ancient Dukezong Town. Your adventure ends with a serene hike to Abuji Lake, a glacial jewel in the mountains, before returning to Lijiang.

This itinerary balances active trekking, cultural immersion, and natural wonders, perfect for photographers, hikers, and curious explorers who want to see Yunnan far beyond the standard tourist route.

✨ Tour Highlights

✅ Tiger Leaping Gorge

• Experience one of Asia’s most thrilling canyon hikes along roaring rapids and towering cliffs up to 3,900 m above the Jinsha River.

✅ Baishuitai Travertine Terraces

• Marvel at this unique natural wonder: vast white terraces formed over thousands of years by calcium-rich springs. Birthplace of the Dongba religion.

✅ Niru Valley

• Stay in a secluded Tibetan village known as “the World’s First Village,” surrounded by lush meadows, glaciers, and forests.

✅ Colorful Waterfall & Pamu Fairy Cave

• Visit a sacred cave filled with curious stalactites and a magnificent multicolored waterfall where rainbows dance in the spray.

✅ Dukezong Ancient Town

• Stroll through one of the best-preserved Tibetan old towns in China, turn the world’s largest prayer wheel, and soak up centuries of history.

✅ Abuji Lake

• Hike to an alpine lake called the “Pure Land of Shangri-La,” ringed by snow-capped peaks and known for its spiritual tranquility.

✅ Local Culture & Cuisine

• Meet Tibetan villagers, learn about local folklore, sample highland specialties, and feel the rhythm of life in this unique corner of the Himalayas.

✅ Flexible Exploration

• Free time in Lijiang’s ancient town for shopping, café hopping, or further discovery at your own pace.

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Day By Day Itinerary

🗓 Day 1 – Arrival in Lijiang

Welcome to Lijiang – the Ancient Naxi Kingdom

Arrival & Transfer: Arrive in Lijiang at your convenience. Your guide or driver can meet you at the airport/train station and take you to your hotel.

Activities (free exploration):

Wander Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO site famous for its maze-like lanes, stone bridges, and canals.

Visit Sifang Street Square, the heart of the old town.

Climb Lion Hill for panoramic sunset views over the tiled rooftops.

Optionally, explore Black Dragon Pool Park (Heilongtan) with reflections of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Overnight: Lijiang Hotel (3–4 star or boutique guesthouse)

Meals: None included today, but recommendations for local restaurants can be provided.

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🗓 Day 2 – Lijiang → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Baishuitai → Niru Village

Hiking the Legendary Gorge and Visiting the Birthplace of Dongba Culture

Morning:

Depart Lijiang early (approx. 7:30–8:00 am).

Drive 1.5–2 hours to Tiger Leaping Gorge Upper Trailhead.

Short walk to the viewing platforms overlooking the mighty Jinsha River and cliffs nearly 3,900 m high.

Tiger Leaping Gorge Highlights:

Learn about the legend of the tiger that leapt across the gorge to escape a hunter.

Feel the power of the rapids crashing against giant boulders.

Midday:

Continue by vehicle approx. 1.5–2 hours to Baishuitai.

Lunch in a local restaurant en route.

Baishuitai Visit:

Walk on boardwalks above the milky-white calcium terraces.

Understand how the Naxi Dongba priests used this place as a sacred ritual site.

Enjoy photography from multiple vantage points.

Afternoon:

Continue into the mountains, driving about 2 hours into Niru Valley, a pristine Tibetan area rarely visited by mass tourism.

Check in at a simple Niru Village Inn surrounded by forests and pastures.

Evening:

Relax with a home-cooked Tibetan dinner by your hosts.

If weather permits, stargaze in the clear mountain sky.

Overnight: Niru Village Inn (rustic comfort)

Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch en route, dinner in Niru.

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🗓 Day 3 – Niru Hiking: Colorful Waterfall & Pamu Fairy Cave – Dukezong Ancient Town, Shangri-La

Explore Hidden Waterfalls and Ancient Caves, Return to Civilization

Morning:

Early breakfast in the village.

Hike approx. 1.5 hours through meadows and alpine forest to Colorful Waterfall.

Marvel at the rainbow mist as water cascades over limestone terraces—locals believe this is a sacred site.

Pamu Fairy Cave:

Walk another 30–45 minutes to the cave entrance.

Explore the chambers filled with stalactites and shimmering rock formations.

Learn the legend of the cave as an “Immortal Relic Field.”

Return to Niru Village:

Trek back to the village for a late lunch.

Time to rest and repack.

Afternoon Drive:

Transfer by road approx. 3 hours to Shangri-La.

Arrive at Dukezong Ancient Town, with time to stroll its historic lanes.

Evening:

Dinner at your leisure in the ancient town.

Optionally, climb Guishan Hill to turn the world’s largest prayer wheel and enjoy sunset views over Shangri-La.

Overnight: Shangri-La Hotel (3–4 star)

Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

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🗓 Day 4 – Shangri-La → Abuji Lake Hike → Return to Lijiang

Trek to the Sacred Lake of Abuji

Morning:

Depart Shangri-La after breakfast.

Drive about 1 hour to Heping Village, the trailhead for Abuji Lake.

Hike to Abuji Lake:

Trek approx. 2–3 hours (moderate difficulty) ascending to 4,200 meters elevation.

Reach the turquoise waters of Abuji Lake, ringed by snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows.

Take time to meditate, photograph, and enjoy the sense of tranquility.

Note: Due to altitude, pace is relaxed and regular rest stops are planned.

Midday:

Picnic lunch or simple meal prepared by your guide.

Return Hike:

Descend the same trail back to the vehicle.

Afternoon:

Drive approx. 3–4 hours back to Lijiang.

Evening:

Arrive in Lijiang and check back into your hotel.

Overnight: Lijiang Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch.

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🗓 Day 5 – Departure from Lijiang

Farewell to Yunnan’s Mountains and Valleys

Morning:

Free time for shopping, café hopping, or exploring remaining sights in Lijiang Old Town.

Optional Activities:

Visit Shuhe Ancient Town (a quieter village about 15 min away).

Take a bike ride to Baisha Village to see ancient frescoes.

Enjoy local specialties like Naxi hot pot or yak butter tea.

Transfer:

At your scheduled time, your driver will take you to Lijiang Airport or railway station for your departure.

Meals: Breakfast.

Service Included:

1.Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
2.Meals as listed in the itinerary;
3.Accommodation with breakfast 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 insurance;
8.All optional programs;
9.Domestic air tickets fares with airport tax and fuel extra fee based on economy class mentioned in the program.

Inquiry

🌿 Travel Tips for 5 Days Lijiang–Shangri-La Hiking Tour

✅ Best Time to Go

• April–June and September–November are the best seasons for hiking.

• During these months, the weather is stable, visibility is excellent, and flowers or autumn colors make landscapes more stunning.

• Avoid July–August (rainy season) when trails can be muddy and prone to landslides, and December–February when snow may block mountain roads.

✅ Fitness & Preparation

• This trip involves moderate to challenging hikes, including elevations over 3,000–4,000m.

• Good physical fitness is recommended.

• If you have heart, respiratory, or serious knee problems, consult your doctor before booking.

✅ Altitude Sickness Precautions

• You will ascend gradually, but some sections (Abuji Lake ~4,200m) can cause mild altitude discomfort.

• Drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol.

• Bring altitude sickness medication (consult your doctor).

• Rest well and avoid overexertion the first 2 days.

✅ Packing List

• Hiking boots with ankle support

• Warm layers (temperatures vary greatly between day and night)

• Waterproof jacket and rain cover for backpack

• Hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen

• Personal first-aid kit and any medication

• Reusable water bottle

• Hiking poles (helpful for uneven terrain)

• Snacks or energy bars

• Small daypack for essentials

✅ Accommodation & Meals

• The tour includes stays in guesthouses, mountain inns, or local hotels.

• Hot showers may not be available in some remote areas (e.g., Niru Village).

• Meals are usually local Tibetan or Naxi cuisine—simple, hearty, and warm.

• If you have dietary restrictions, inform your guide in advance.

✅ Photography & Electricity

• Bring extra batteries and power banks—some areas have limited electricity.

• Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for photos.

• Always ask permission before photographing local people.

✅ Responsible Travel

• Respect local customs and religious sites.

• Avoid loud noise or littering.

• Be kind to animals and wildlife—don’t feed or disturb them.

• Support local businesses when possible.

✅ Emergency Contact

• Always keep your guide’s phone number handy.

• In case of emergency, inform your guide immediately—they are trained in basic first aid and evacuation procedures.

✅ Optional Gear

• Lightweight sleeping bag liner (some prefer extra comfort)

• Gaiters if hiking in muddy season

• Small towel and personal toiletries

• Flashlight or headlamp

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