12 Days Meili Kawa Karpo Snow Mountain Hiking Tour to Yubeng and Meili Beipo
Tour Overview
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...
Code of Tour: YET0000060466
Length of Travel: 12 Day
Destinations of Tour: Shangri La-Benzilan-Feilaisi-Yagong Village-Meili Beipo-Xidang-Yubeng-Ninong-Shangri La
Departure City:
Price of Tour: Request
Type of Tour:
Features of Tour:
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.
Meili North Slope refers to a group of peaks on the north side of Meili Snow Mountain. From east to west, they are Nairidingka Peak (奶日顶卡峰, 6379 meters), Mangkuanglaka (芒框腊卡峰, 6040 meters), Cuguilaka Peak (粗归腊卡峰, 509 meters) and several other mountain peaks.
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）-Driving to Xidang
Day 8 Xidang-Yubeng
Day 9 Yubeng-Ice Lake-Yubeng
Day 10 Yubeng- Holy Waterfall-Yubeng
Day 11 Yubeng-Ninong Valley-Shangri La
Day 12 Departure from Shangri La
Details Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Shangri La
Sightseeing and Activities:Arrival Shangri-La
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals:None
Arrive in Kunming(1,890m/6,199ft), and change the flight to Shangri-La, the former Zhongdian (3400M). Then be transferred to the hotel by the local tour guide.
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 and Lunch
In the morning, drive 4 to 5 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 Naxi 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 Baimang 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 3 Feilaisi飞来寺（3450M）-Yagong Village/亚贡村（3000M）Zhangha Camp/章恰营地（3500M）
Today is the first day of hiking. We depart from Feilaisi in the morning, and after about 1.5 hours of driving, we arrive at Yagong Village [elevation 3000m]. We begin our hike lightly equipped into the mountains. Along the coexisting trails of bamboo forests and broad-leaved forests, we ascend along the valley, encountering several rocky sections along the way. We have a simple roadside lunch by the bridge around noon. After about 4 hours, we reach Zhangjia Camp, where we can already see the snow-capped mountains. Continuing for about another hour, we arrive at today’s camping site, Bamboo Forest Camp. After a short rest, with the help of the team leader, we set up tents and cook dinner. After dinner, everyone can gather around the campfire for tea and conversation. We will retire to our tents around 9 o’clock under the starry sky. There will be no signal for the latter half of today’s journey.
Elevations: Yagong Village 3000m, Zhangjia Camp 3450m, Bamboo Forest 3550m
Meals: Hotel breakfast, bring your own lunch for roadside dining, dinner will be provided at the campsite
Accommodation: Double tents at the campsite
Day 4 Zhangha Camp/章恰营地（3500M）-Bamboo Forest/竹林（3550M）-Pojun Camp/坡均营地（4100M）
We wake up at 7:30 in the morning, pack up our tents and gear, and have breakfast at 8:00 before setting off for Pojun Camp. Continuing along the valley, after traversing approximately 3 kilometers of pristine forest, the main peaks of the north slope of Meili Snow Mountain come into view. Passing through an abandoned cattle farm and crossing a wooden bridge, we climb up the hillside, with the Nairi Dingka Glacier and its associated glaciers coming into view. Continuing towards the snow-capped mountains, we soon arrive at Pojun Camp. Facing the north slope of Meili Snow Mountain, the campsite offers a panoramic view of the Nairi Dingka Glacier, Nairi Dingka, Mangku La Ka, and other main peaks. With the snow-capped mountains, blue sky, flowing rivers, and leisurely yaks, after setting up our tents, we can explore and take photos near the Nairi Gongka Glacier. There will be no signal for the entire journey today.
Elevations: Bamboo Forest Camp 3550m, Pojun Camp 4120m
Meals: Breakfast and dinner provided at the campsite, along with fruit drinks. Bring your own lunch for roadside dining.
Accommodation: Double tents at the campsite
Day 5 Pojun Camp/坡均营地(4100M）-Ciding Pass/次丁垭口（4770M）-Pojun Camp/坡将营地（4200M）
In the morning, if the weather is clear, we can capture the spectacular sunrise over the Meili Snow Mountain’s northern slope, known as the “Golden Summit.” After breakfast, we depart from the campsite and begin ascending towards the mountain pass after passing through a small pasture. Initially, we navigate through a steep, rocky slope before continuing our ascent along the mountainside. Upon reaching the glacial valley remnants at 4500 meters, we bypass lateral moraines and proceed upwards to reach the challenging Ciding Pass at 4770 meters—one of the highlights of today’s journey. Along the way, we enjoy panoramic views of the Nairi Dingka Glacier and have opportunities to capture photographs of the glacier from various angles. After crossing the pass, we descend in a zigzag fashion, dropping over 300 meters to reach the valley bottom, where Pojiang Campsite is located at an altitude of 4450 meters. Behind us lies the 5200-meter-high Yunnan-Tibet Pass, where both China Telecom and China Mobile offer 4G signals.
Elevations: Pojun Camp 4120m, Ciding Pass 4770m, Pojiang Campsite 4450m
Meals: Breakfast and dinner provided at the campsite, along with fruit. Bring your own lunch for roadside dining.
Accommodation: Double tents at the campsite
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）
After breakfast, we proceed towards the direction of Tibet, with the 5200-meter-high Yunnan-Tibet Pass being the most challenging part of the entire journey. Not only is the altitude daunting, but the road conditions are also treacherous, with no clear trail on either side of the pass. Extra caution is required while navigating through this section. Climbing steadily, we reach a plateau at an altitude of 4700 meters, where we take a short break before continuing our ascent. As we climb higher, the Kawagebo II Peak gradually comes into view, along with the spectacular Nairi Dingka Glacier. From the Yunnan-Tibet border pass, we can admire the scenery of the Meili Snow Mountain’s northern slope, with the Kawagebo II Peak prominently visible. On the other side of the pass lies Tibet, where we can catch a glimpse of the Mucang Snow Mountain. Following the ridge, we descend towards the right along a rocky path to reach the Twins Lake. Afterwards, we retrace our steps back to the Pojiang Campsite.
Today marks the most challenging day of the journey, and those with lower physical fitness levels may choose to stay at the Pojiang Campsite to relax and take photos. For those with better physical fitness, accompanying the team leader to admire the stunning scenery of the Meili Snow Mountain’s northern slope from the Yunnan-Tibet border pass is an option.
Elevations: Pojiang Campsite 4450m, Yunnan-Tibet Pass 5200m
Meals: Breakfast and dinner provided at the campsite, along with fruit. Bring your own lunch for roadside dining.
Accommodation: Double tents at the campsite
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
Today marks the descent and return journey route. We depart from the campsite in the early morning, starting with a gentle uphill climb of over 100 meters. Following that, it’s a continuous descent all the way to the Dala Campsite. The scenery here is exceptional, rivaling that of Everest Base Camp. Passing through an abandoned cowshed and weaving through the forest, we descend into a secluded valley at an altitude of around 2800 meters. Following the direction towards Yagong accompanied by the sound of gurgling springs, we continue our journey, gazing at the Meili Snow Mountain’s northern slope as it recedes into the distance. As the altitude decreases, the vegetation becomes increasingly lush, with diverse broad-leaved forests, tall trees, and wild bamboo forests. 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 the Meili Snow Mountain trek. We then take a 2-hour drive back to Feilaisi and check into the hotel.
Elevations: Dala Campsite below 4200m, Yagong Village 3000m
Meals: Breakfast at the campsite, lunch is self-provided, dinner at your own expense
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8 Xidang-Yubeng
Sightseeing and Activities:the sunrise view of Meili Snow Mountain, Yubeng Village
Accommodation: Yubeng Village
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Early in the morning , we could enjoy the golden mountain, on top of which the sunrise touches its snow capped peak if weather permitting. After breakfast, we drive along Mekong River to reach trail head; we hike up to and over a mountain pass to Yubeng, with picnic lunch (5-7 hours, with several steep sections); we arrive in Yubeng village; dinner in a traditional Tibetan living room, followed by lively singing and dancing with local villagers; overnight in Yubeng.
Day 9 Yubeng-Ice Lake-Yubeng
Sightseeing and Activities:the sunrise and sunset of the Mt. Kawagebo Glacier, Binghu Ice Lake
Accommodation: Yubeng Village
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
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 down back to Yubeng village in the late afternoon and enjoy the sunset of Kawagebo Peak .
The return trek takes 3 to 4 hours. This one-day excursion is only reserved for strong hikers. Before June, the upper plateau is often covered by snow. Bring enough food and ask Aqinbu to find a good guide for you. It may be more reasonable to do this trek in two days and overnight camp at Cuoka Pasture.
Day 10 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
Today we enjoy breakfast with breathtaking views of Mt. Kawagebo, if weather permits. We then hike to Yubeng waterfall and enjoy picnic lunch on the way (5-6 hours roundtrip, steep hike); we visit sacred sites, such as the local Tibetan Buddhist temple; return to village; in late afternoon, sip traditional Dri( a female YAK) butter tea with a farmer in Upper Yubeng village, while chatting about local life.Stay overnight at Yubeng Village (local guesthouse will be booked on your own).
The Sacred Waterfall is also formed by the melting water from Meili Snow Mountain. The scenery around the waterfall changes with the seasons. The large amount of melting snow water in spring and summer can increase the flow of the waterfall, make it amazing and spectacular. At other times there is just a steady flow of water down the mountains.
It is a holy land in the heart of Tibetans and they bathe under the Sacred Waterfall to clean their souls. One can circulate the waterfall three times in a clockwise direction in accordance with Tibetan tradition to pray for good luck.
Day 11 Yubeng-Ninong Valley-Shangri La
Sightseeing and Activities:Ninong Grand Canyon ,Yubeng Village,Mekong River Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Set off very early for the long, but amazing walk along the least traveled path of Yubeng, from Lower Yubeng Village back to Xidang, via Ninong Canyon. Drive back to Shangri-La in the afternoon.
Day 12 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
