Home

Yunnan Tours

Theme Tours

City Tours

Destinations

Hotels

Yunnan Guide

Home>Tours

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

This is a plateau hiking and adventure route that combines the magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge, the sacred spectacle of Baishuitai, the humanities of Tibetan villages, and the secret of Abujin Lake, allowing you to enjoy a new view with each step and delve into the true Shangri-La.

4 Star

White Water Terrace (Baishuitai) in Shangri-la, Diqing-04

Jinsha River Grand Bridge (Hutiaoxia Jinshajiang Bridge) in Tiger Leaping Gorge Between Lijiang and Shangri La Yunnan (8)

Jinsha River Grand Bridge (Hutiaoxia Jinshajiang Bridge) in Tiger Leaping Gorge Between Lijiang and Shangri La Yunnan (5)

Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour between Lijiang and Shangrila-33

Qicai Waterfalls of Niru Village in Shangri-La, Diqing

Dengba Festival of Tibetan Ethnic Minority in Niru Village of Shangri-La City, Diqing-03

Mountain-worshiping in Niru Village of Shangri-la, Diqing, Yunnan 8

Dukezong-Ancient-Town-in-Shangrila-Diqing-31

Dukezong-Ancient-Town-in-Shangrila-Diqing-34

Dukezong Ancient Town in Shangrila, Diqing

Abujicuo Pasture in Shangrila, Diqing-07

Abujicuo Pasture in Shangrila, Diqing-10

Tour Code：Yaso-YET-68695

Length of Travel：5 Days

Tour Route： Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Baishuitai - Niru Village - Shangri-La - Lijiang

Tour Type：Hiking Tours

Guide & Driver：English-speaking guide

Accommodation：3-4 star hotels

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.

Itinerary

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

Expand All

Day 1 Arrival in Lijiang

Attraction：3

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

Traffic：MPV/Breakfast：Adult/Lunch：Adult/Dinner：Adult/Attraction：1

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

Traffic：Hiking、MPV/Breakfast：Adult/Lunch：Adult/Attraction：1

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

Traffic：MPV/Breakfast：All/Lunch：All

Day 5 Departure from Lijiang

Breakfast：Adult

Accommodation

Included & Excluded

Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;

Meals as listed in the itinerary;

Accommodation with breakfast as listed in the itinerary;

Private English-speaking tour guide and vehicle for transfers & sightseeing;

Service charge & government taxes;

Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;

Two bottles of mineral water each day.

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 insurance;

All optional programs;

Domestic air tickets fares with airport tax and fuel extra fee based on economy class mentioned in the program.

Travel Tips

✅ 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

ENQUIRY

Have a question before booking? Message us to learn more.

Include Destinations

93 Tours

Popular

Must Go