8 Days Meili Kawa Karpo Snow Mountain Hiking Tour to Meili Beipo

Meili Snow Mountain is located at the junction of Deqin County(德钦县) in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,Yunnan and Chayu County(察隅县) in Linzhi City, Tibet. It is 849 kilometers away from Kunming and lies in the Three Parallel Rivers UNESCO World Heritage Site. It connects with Adonggeni Mountain(阿冬格尼山) in Tibet to its north and Biluo Snow Mountain(碧罗雪山) to its south. There are 13 peaks that have an average height of more than 6000 meters (20000 feet) in the Meili Snow Mountain.

Introducion

Meili Snow Mountain is situated at the confluence of Deqin County in Yunnan Province and Chayu County in Tibet’s Linzhi City, approximately 849 kilometers from Kunming. This majestic peak is nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Three Parallel Rivers, and connects with Adonggeni Mountain to the north and Biluo Snow Mountain to the south. The mountain boasts an impressive 13 peaks, with an average elevation of over 6,000 meters (20,000 feet).

The Meili North Slope is a series of peaks located on the northern side of the mountain. From east to west, these peaks include Nairidingka Peak (6,379 meters), Mangkuanglaka Peak (6,040 meters), Cuguilaka Peak (5,009 meters), and several other towering summits.

Hilight

  • Experience the thrill of hiking to the breathtaking Meili Kawa Karpo Snow Mountain
  • Impressive yourself for the towering Meili Kawa Karpo Snow Mountain
  • Venture to Meili Beipo, a mystical site revered for its stunning natural beauty and spiritual significance
  • This incredible journey will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Shangri La
Day 2: Shangri La-Feilaisi
Day 3: Feilaisi飞来寺(3450M)-Yagong Village/亚贡村(3000M)Zhangha Camp/章恰营地(3500M)
Day 4: Zhangha Camp/章恰营地(3500M)-Bamboo Forest/竹林(3550M)-Pojun Camp/坡均营地(4100M)
Day 5: Pojun Camp/坡均营地(4100M)-Ciding Pass/次丁垭口(4770M)-Pojun Camp/坡将营地(4200M)
Day 6: Pojiang Camp/坡将营地(4200M)-Yunnan-Tibet Pass/滇藏界垭口(5200M)-Twins Lake/双湖(5050M)-Pojiang Camp/坡将营地(4200M)
Day 7: Pojiang Camp/坡将营地(4200M)-Dala Yigu/达拉以古(4200M)-Qijiang Yaka/齐将亚卡(4350M)-Yagong Village/亚贡(3000M)-Shangri La
Day 8: Departure from Shangri La

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Shangri La

Sightseeing and Activities:Arrival Shangri-La
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals:None

  • Arrival in Kunming
    • Begin your journey by arriving in Kunming, the vibrant capital of Yunnan Province, nestled at an elevation of 1,890 meters (6,199 feet) above sea level.
    • From here, you’ll take a flight to Shangri-La (formerly known as Zhongdian), a charming town situated at an elevation of 3,400 meters (11,155 feet).
  • Transfer to Your Hotel
    • Upon arrival in Shangri-La, a local tour guide will be waiting to escort you to your hotel.
    • Take a moment to settle in and acclimate to your new surroundings before exploring the town and its many wonders. With the aid of your guide, navigate the cobblestone streets and discover the unique blend of Tibetan and Chinese culture that defines this enchanting town.

Day 2 Shangri La-Feilaisi

Sightseeing and Activities:Nixi Pottery Village, Dongzhulin Monastery, the First Bend of Jinsha River, Baima Snow Mountain, Meili Snow Mountain
Accommodation: Feilaisi
Meals: Breakfast

  • Embark on a Scenic Drive to Deqing County
    • Start your day with a 4-5 hour drive to Deqing County, nestled at an altitude of 3,400 meters.
    • The journey is filled with breathtaking vistas, as you pass through valleys, forests, and Tibetan villages.
    • Along the way, marvel at the diverse flora, sparkling streams, and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.
    • Take a short detour to Naxi Pottery Village, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape after a 30-minute drive from Shangri-La.
  •  Explore the Wonders of Benzilan Town
  •  Continue driving down to the Jinsha River valley, passing through rolling hills and picturesque scenery.
    • Stop for lunch in Benzilan Town, where you can savor local delicacies and refreshments.
    • After lunch, head to Dongzhulin Monastery, located in Shusong Village, Deqin County.
    • This ancient temple was built in 1667 and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Take a moment to appreciate the unique architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
  • Discover the Natural Beauty of Yunnan-Tibet Road
    • Next, visit the First Bend of Jinsha River or Moon Bend, which marks the boundary between Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.
    • Unlike the First Bend of Yangtze River in Lijiang City, this bend is a grand spectacle between towering mountains.
    • As you continue along the Yunnan-Tibet Road, you’ll have the opportunity to view Baimang Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, where you may catch a glimpse of Baima Snow Mountain if the weather is clear.
  • Affordable Accommodation and Sunset View
    • Arrive in Feilaisi in the late afternoon and check-in to your accommodation.
    • Take some time to relax and enjoy the sunset view of Meili Snow Mountain from the Sightseeing Platform.
    • You’ll be treated to a stunning panorama of the 13 white pagodas, symbolizing the 13 peaks of Meili Snow Mountain, which exceed 6,000 meters above sea level and are known as the “Prince’s 13 peaks”.

Day 3 Feilaisi飞来寺(3450M)-Yagong Village/亚贡村(3000M)Zhangha Camp/章恰营地(3500M)

Sightseeing and Activities: Yagong Village 3000m, Zhangjia Camp 3450m, Bamboo Forest 3550m

Accommodation: Double tents at the campsite

Meals: Hotel breakfast, bring your own lunch for roadside dining, dinner will be provided at the campsite

  • Embark on an Epic Hiking Adventure
    • Today marks the beginning of our thrilling hiking journey.
    • You’ll start by departing from Feilaisi in the morning and making your way to Yagong Village, nestled at an elevation of 3,000 meters. After a 1.5-hour drive, you’ll gear up and begin our ascent into the mountains, immersing ourselves in the lush bamboo forests and broad-leaved forests.
  • A Scenic Hike Through the Mountains
    • As you make your way up the valley, you’ll encounter rocky sections and enjoy the picturesque views along the way.
    • You’ll take a break around noon to refuel with a simple roadside lunch by the bridge, savoring the tranquility of our surroundings. After about 4 hours of hiking, we’ll reach Zhangjia Camp, where we’ll catch our first glimpse of the snow-capped mountains.
  • Camping at Bamboo Forest Camp
    • Continuing on for another hour, you’ll arrive at our camping site for the night, Bamboo Forest Camp.
    • After a short rest, your team leader will guide you in setting up our tents and preparing dinner.
    • As the sun sets, You’ll gather around the campfire for a warm cup of tea and lively conversation. Under the starry sky, You’ll retire to our tents around 9 o’clock, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
  •  A Night Without Distractions
    • Please note that there will be no cell phone signal for the remainder of today’s journey, allowing you to fully disconnect and immerse yourselves in the natural beauty surrounding you.
    • As you settle in for the night, you’ll recharge for another day of adventure ahead.

Day 4 Zhangha Camp/章恰营地(3500M)-Bamboo Forest/竹林(3550M)-Pojun Camp/坡均营地(4100M)

Sightseeing and Activities: Bamboo Forest Camp 3550m, Pojun Camp 4120m

Accommodation: Double tents at the campsite

Meals: Breakfast and dinner provided at the campsite, along with fruit drinks. Bring your own lunch for roadside dining.

  • A New Day of Adventure Begins
    • You rise and shine at 7:30 am, packing up our gear and tents before fueling up with a hearty breakfast at 8:00.
    • With the energy levels replenished, you set off towards Pojun Camp, eager to explore the breathtaking scenery ahead.
  • Unspoiled Wilderness Awaits
    • As you venture deeper into the valley, we traverse approximately 3 kilometers of pristine forest, the majestic main peaks of the north slope of Meili Snow Mountain gradually coming into view.
    • Then you pass through an abandoned cattle farm and cross a wooden bridge, before climbing up the hillside to behold the stunning Nairi Dingka Glacier and its associated glaciers.
  •  Pojun Camp: A Paradise Found
    • As you continue towards the snow-capped mountains, you soon arrive at Pojun Camp, situated at the foot of the north slope of Meili Snow Mountain.
    • The campsite offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Nairi Dingka Glacier, Nairi Dingka, Mangku La Ka, and other main peaks.
    • With the snow-capped mountains towering above you, a brilliant blue sky stretching out before us, and a serene river flowing gently through the valley, you’re surrounded by nature’s splendor.
    • The leisurely yaks grazing in the distance add to the serene ambiance. After setting up your tents, you can explore and take photos near the Nairi Gongka Glacier to our heart’s content.
  • A Day Without Distractions
    • Please note that there will be no cell phone signal for the entire duration of today’s journey, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in this unspoiled wilderness and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Day 5 Pojun Camp/坡均营地(4100M)-Ciding Pass/次丁垭口(4770M)-Pojun Camp/坡将营地(4200M)

Sightseeing and Activities: Pojun Camp 4120m, Ciding Pass 4770m, Pojiang Campsite 4450m

Accommodation: Double tents at the campsite

Meals: Breakfast and dinner provided at the campsite, along with fruit. Bring your own lunch for roadside dining.

  • Sunrise Over the Golden Summit
    • As morning breaks, we’re treated to a breathtaking spectacle – if the weather cooperates, you’ll capture the stunning sunrise over the northern slope of Meili Snow Mountain, affectionately known as the “Golden Summit”.
    • After fueling up with breakfast, we set off from camp, ready to tackle the day’s adventure.
  • Ascent to the Mountain Pass
    • Your journey begins by departing from the campsite and making our way up towards the mountain pass after passing through a picturesque small pasture.
    • The initial ascent is steep and rocky, but the breathtaking views are well worth the effort.
    • As you continue our climb, you’ll follow the mountainside, taking in the panoramic vistas of the Nairi Dingka Glacier and snapping photos from unique angles.
  • Ciding Pass: A Highlight of the Day
    •  At 4500 meters, we reach the glacial valley remnants and bypass lateral moraines before pushing on towards the challenging Ciding Pass at 4770 meters – one of today’s crowning achievements.
    • Along the way, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the Nairi Dingka Glacier and have ample opportunities to capture its beauty from different vantage points.
  •  Descending to Pojiang Campsite
    • After crossing the pass, we begin our descent in a zigzag pattern, dropping over 300 meters to reach the valley bottom where Pojiang Campsite awaits us at an altitude of 4450 meters.
    • As you gaze back up at our journey so far, you’ll see the 5200-meter-high Yunnan-Tibet Pass looming in the distance – a spot where both China Telecom and China Mobile offer 4G signals, marking a rare moment of connectivity in this otherwise remote wilderness.

Day 6 Pojiang Camp/坡将营地(4200M)-Yunnan-Tibet Pass/滇藏界垭口(5200M)-Twins Lake/双湖(5050M)-Pojiang Camp/坡将营地(4200M)

Sightseeing and Activities: Pojiang Campsite 4450m, Yunnan-Tibet Pass 5200m

Accommodation: Double tents at the campsite

Meals: Breakfast and dinner provided at the campsite, along with fruit. Bring your own lunch for roadside dining.

  • Into the Unknown: The Yunnan-Tibet Pass
    •  Following breakfast, we embark on the most daunting leg of our journey, bound for Tibet and the 5200-meter-high Yunnan-Tibet Pass.
    • This grueling ascent demands extra caution, as the road conditions are treacherous and the altitude is daunting.
    • The lack of a clear trail on either side of the pass only adds to the challenge.
  •  A Brief Respite at 4700 Meters
    • As you climb steadily, you eventually reach a plateau at an altitude of 4700 meters, where you take a moment to catch our breath and recharge before pressing on.
    • The breathtaking views of the Kawagebo II Peak and Nairi Dingka Glacier offer a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come.
  •  A Panoramic View from the Yunnan-Tibet Border
    • From the Yunnan-Tibet border pass, you’re treated to a stunning panorama of the Meili Snow Mountain’s northern slope, with Kawagebo II Peak standing tall and proud.
    • On the other side of the pass lies Tibet, where you catch a glimpse of the majestic Mucang Snow Mountain.
  •  Descending to Twins Lake
  •  Following the ridge, you make our way down along a rocky path to reach the serene Twins Lake.
  • After this challenging section, we retrace our steps back to the Pojiang Campsite
  • A Choice for All
  • Today marks the most demanding day of our journey, and those with lower physical fitness levels may choose to stay at the Pojiang Campsite to rest and take in the breathtaking views.
  • For those with better physical fitness, joining the team leader to admire the stunning scenery from the Yunnan-Tibet border pass is an option not to be missed.

Day 7 Pojiang Camp/坡将营地(4200M)-Dala Yigu/达拉以古(4200M)-Qijiang Yaka/齐将亚卡(4350M)-Yagong Village/亚贡(3000M)-Driving to Xidang

Sightseeing and Activities:  Dala Campsite below 4200m, Yagong Village 3000m

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast at the campsite, lunch is self-provided, dinner at your own expense

  • Descend and Revisit
    • Today, you start the return journey, retracing our steps and exploring the beauty of the Meili Snow Mountain once more.
    • you begin early in the morning from the campsite, with a gentle 100-meter uphill climb to get us started.
  •  A Descent to Dala Campsite
    •  Following this brief ascent, you continue downhill for a continuous stretch, descending all the way to the picturesque Dala Campsite.
    • The scenery here is nothing short of breathtaking, rivaling that of Everest Base Camp in its grandeur.
  •  A Secluded Valley Oasis
    •  As you make your way through an abandoned cowshed and weave through the forest, we find ourselves descending into a secluded valley at around 2800 meters.
    • The tranquil atmosphere is palpable, and the sound of gurgling springs accompanies us as we continue our journey.
  •  A Glimpse of Meili Snow Mountain
    •  With Yagong beckoning in the distance, we follow the direction towards it, taking in the majestic view of Meili Snow Mountain’s northern slope as it recedes into the distance.
    • As you descend, the vegetation becomes increasingly lush, with diverse broad-leaved forests, tall trees, and wild bamboo forests providing a verdant backdrop.
  • Arrival in Yagong Village
    • Crossing several wooden bridges, we finally descend from the mountains and arrive at the entrance of Yagong Village, marking the end of the main section of our Meili Snow Mountain trek.
    • After taking in the sights and sounds of this charming village, you take a 2-hour drive back to Feilaisi and check into our hotel.

Day 8 Departure from Shangri La

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Shangri-La
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast

Free at leisure before be picked up from hotel and transferred to Shangri-La airport for the departure flight. Service ends.

Activity Notice:

Equipment Reference: A 60-liter hiking backpack (with a rain cover), sleeping bag (choose according to seasonal temperatures), waterproof jacket and pants, softshell clothing, moisture-wicking clothes, waterproof hiking boots, warm clothing (cotton or down, choose thickness according to seasonal temperatures), hiking socks (multiple pairs), headlamp, insulated water bottle, utensils, hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, snow gear (seasonal requirement), common medications, personal belongings, and identification.

Travel Notes:

  1. Difficulty Alert: This route is a completely new adventure route, with very primitive road conditions and certain risks along the way. Participants must have good mental and physical fitness.
  2. Style of Play: Unlike traditional tourist groups, the club’s travel activities are outdoor excursions with no compulsory shopping or nanny-style services. Participants are expected to have good self-care abilities and a spirit of mutual assistance.
  3. Pick-up and Drop-off Instructions: The usual meeting point is “Lijiang Ancient Town Big Waterwheel”. Please follow the guide’s instructions for specific times and locations.
  4. Personal Property: Participants are responsible for safeguarding their personal property during transportation, accommodation, and travel. Any loss or damage is to be borne by the individual.
  5. Insurance Instructions: All are covered by pre-purchased travel personal accident insurance. If expenses arise due to accidents, participants must bear the costs themselves. The organizing party will report the incident immediately and assist with subsequent insurance procedures, but assumes no legal or compensation liability.
  6. Risk Advisory: In the plateau region, heavy vehicle loads may lead to breakdowns that could affect the itinerary. Participants should prepare themselves mentally for such situations. In case of special weather conditions or adjustments to scenic area policies due to uncontrollable factors (force majeure includes but is not limited to: road repairs, landslides, road maintenance, fires, earthquakes, floods, natural disasters, suspension of transportation, national policy or government action restrictions, or infectious diseases and other social abnormal events), resulting in changes to the group’s itinerary, unused scenic area tickets will be refunded or the itinerary adjusted according to the actual situation, and any additional expenses will be the responsibility of the participants. Any unused vehicle or accommodation fees due to customer reasons will not be refunded.
  7. Single Room Supplement: Accommodation during the activity is in standard double rooms/tents, meaning two beds. If the number of adults in the group is odd, one single bed will be provided, and the cost of the additional bed will be considered a single room supplement. If you sign up as a single person, the club will try to arrange room-sharing with participants of the same gender. If room-sharing is unsuccessful or you prefer to stay alone (not room-sharing), you will need to pay the single room supplement.
  8. Travel Instructions: The club reserves the right to make adjustments to the itinerary without changing the visiting content and attractions. Tibet is an underdeveloped area with many unique attractions. If you wish to visit attractions not listed in the standard itinerary, any safety and cost issues arising will have no relation to the club. The team leader is the core of the team. Participants agree to accept the arrangements of the activity leader during the activity. If participants insist on changing the itinerary or leaving the group, no refunds will be given, and any consequences will be borne by the individual. Emphasis is placed on team spirit, mutual assistance, and prioritizing the safety of female participants. Participants must unconditionally accept the leader’s advice to withdraw from the activity and the leader’s arrangements for evacuation if their physical condition is found to be unsuitable for continued progress. If they insist on continuing, they will bear the consequences themselves.
  9. Departure Instructions: Early departure requires the signing of a departure agreement with the guide. Once signed, the travel agreement is terminated, and all safety responsibilities and expenses after leaving the group are borne by the individual.
  10. Disclaimer: Participants in the activity are healthy adults with full legal capacity, who clearly understand and agree to the details and risks of the hiking activity. After notifying and obtaining consent from family members, they participate in this activity. In the event of danger during the activity, the organizer and participants will do their best to provide assistance without endangering their own safety. Even so, participants will not claim any compensation from the organizer or other participants for any injuries incurred. The participant will bear the cost of any assistance required. The organizer will assist with insurance claims but assumes no compensation liability.