5 Days | Yunnan: Amazing Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour

Tour Overview

When the Jinsha River carves through the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain with a torrential flow of 7,800 cubic meters per second, have you ever marveled at Tiger Leaping Gorge — one of the world's deepest canyons? It is regarded as the textbook of tectonic activity, remarkably 30 million years younger than the Grand Canyon in Colorado, thus revealing nature's raw power. Tiger Leaping Gorge High Route Hiking Trail, celebrated as one of China's top ten hiking trails and a global top ten classic trekking route, draws a multitude of international backpackers each year.

Over the next five days, we will guide you to explore the gorge's awe-inspiring views, where 3,900-meter-deep cliffs frame the roaring river that sculpts "sharp geological folds like tempered bronze", you may immerse in local ethnic cultures, savor the regional delicacies, as well as follow a customized itinerary designed for pure adventure, where you can appreciate the suspended cliff boardwalks, nearly vertical ladders to the sky, and trails winding through rhododendron forests.

Highlights of this tour: 

Explore the millennium-old legacy of the Lijiang Tusi "Mu Clan" in Baisha Ancient Town, where the Mu family ruled as hereditary chieftains for 470 years.

Trek in the Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail through 3,900-meter-deep cliffs shaped by tectonic collisions.

Discover Potatso National Park at the heart of the Three Parallel Rivers, where alpine lakes mirror snow-capped peaks and primeval forests harbor rare biodiversity.

Wander in the Yila Grassland, a seasonal wetland merging prairie and lake ecosystems, where Tibetan herders guide flocks across landscapes reminiscent of Eurasian steppes.

Rotate the 60-ton Giant Prayer Wheel in Dukezong Ancient Town so as to join pilgrims in casting blessings across the Tibetan Plateau.

Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lijiang & Experience "Mu Clan" Culture 

Lijiang Airport Transfer - Baisha Ancient Town - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Hotel Check-in

Upon arrival in Lijiang, your guide will greet you at the Lijiang SanYi Airport (丽江三义机场). The journey begins with a 40-minute drive to Baisha Ancient Town, which is a UNESCO-protected settlement nestled at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Historical records show that when the Nanzhao King conferred Jade Dragon Snow Mountain the title of "Northern Mountain" during the Tang Dynasty, the ancestors of the Mu Clan began constructing Baisha Street and Beiyue Temple here.

After visiting Baisha Ancient Town, we will then arrive at Tiger Leaping Gorge, which has always been renowned worldwide for its "danger". First, there is the danger of the mountains: steep peaks tower on both sides of the gorge. Second, there is the danger of the water for the fault collapse of mountain rocks, countless stone beams and drops. Coupled with the sheer rock walls on both banks and weathered mountain stones, huge rocks collapse into the valley all year round, thus creating a riverbed filled with reefs, dense rapids, and converging waterfalls, this also constitutes a rare landscape wonder in the world. After the visit, you will be taken to the Lijiang development zone to check in the hotel for upcoming adventures.

Meal: N/A

Hotel: 4-star Hotel in Development Zone

Day 2: Experience the Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail Trek

Development Zone - Naxi Yard - 28 Turns - Tea-Horse Inn

After breakfast, transfer to Naxi Family Guesthouse, a crimson-flagged Naxi courtyard in Nuoyu Village facing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. There are only about a dozen households in the village, and the shop is run by Naxi people, so it is full of ethnic characteristics. In this place, we will start the top priority of this trip - the Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail Trek! When walking in the road of 28 Turns, you will experience a canyon climb of about 600 meters, where your heart rates surge beyond 160 bpm and then continue downhill to reach the Tea-Horse Inn with bamboo groves and shepherd trails along the journey, where you can enjoy the yak meat hotpot while surrounded by multilingual graffiti from global adventurers.

After lunch, we will set off for Tiger Leaping Gorge Midway Inn, a must-visit spot on the world's top ten classic hiking routes - Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail Trek, recommended by many backpackers. The "No.1 Toilet in the World" is built in the Midway Inn of Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area, surrounded by magnificent canyon scenery. Users can use the toilet while enjoying the stunning views of steep cliffs and the Jinsha River, which is described by hikers as an experience of "unimaginable pleasure".

Hiking Route: Naxi Yard → Tea-Horse Inn (approx. 7km, 3h) → Midway Inn (approx. 5km, 2h)

Meal: Breakfast

Hotel: Local bay suitable hotel

Day 3: Appreciate Dragon Cave Waterfall & Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail Trek

Halfway Guesthouse → Dragon Cave Waterfall→ Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge - Shangri-La 

After breakfast, pack your backpack and start today's Tiger Leaping Gorge High Route Trek. After passing the Dragon Cave Waterfall, the path will become very narrow, and you'll go all the way down to Halfway Guesthouse. Along the way, you may encounter leisurely flocks of sheep guided by Naxi herders along ancient paths, while the Jinsha River flows gently in the gorge. The High Route hiking trail, together with Yubeng Village, Haba Snow Mountain, Nirü, Baima Snow Mountain, Balagezong, and Qianhu Mountain hiking routes, is hailed as the "Seven Most Beautiful Hiking Routes in Diqing Prefecture" and enjoys the reputation of "one of the world's top ten classic hiking routes", thus becoming a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. After the hike, you will be arranged to take a car heading to Shangri-La.

Hiking Route: Midway Inn → Dragon Cave Waterfall → Tiger Leaping Gorge Inn (about 6km, 2 hours)

Meal: Breakfast

Hotel: 4-star hotel in Shangri-La

Day 4: Appreciate Pristine Landscapes of Potatso National Park and Yila Grassland

Potatso National Park → Yila Grassland → Dukezong Ancient Town

After breakfast, take a car to Potatso National Park, which is a world heritage site straddling 3,500–4,159m altitudes. This nature reserve is composed of Shudu Lake, Bita Lake and Militang Alpine Pasture. Shudu Lake is a mirror-like alpine lake framed by primeval forests, where golden monkeys and black-necked cranes thrive. Bita Lake is a glacial gem where drunken fish surface under floating rhododendron petals each May. While Militang Alpine Pasture is the rolling meadows dotted with Tibetan herders’ yaks and sheep, so it is very worth visiting. When you walk along the lakeside plank trail, you can breathe the air with 20% higher oxygen saturation than Lijiang.

After lunch, go to visit Napahai Yila Prairie. Actually, Napa Lake and Yila Grassland are integrated. During the rainy season, most of the grassland is covered by lake water and becomes the "sea", while in the non-rainy season, the lake water recedes and turns back into grassland. Groups of cattle and sheep undulate with the sea of grass, presenting the beautiful grassland scenery of "herds appear as the wind blows and grass bends". In the west, the three snow-capped mountains of Shika, Yeka, and Xinkuya La stand tall and graceful. Snow-capped mountains, prairies, and cattle and sheep together form the unique eye-catching scenery in southwestern China. Most importantly, the Napa Lake Nature Reserve is an ideal habitat for the black-necked cranes, which is the rare species in China.

In the evening, you can freely explore Dukezong Ancient City, a 1,300-year-old Tibetan citadel. There exists the largest prayer wheel in the world (requires 4+ people to rotate), you can turn the prayer wheel to pray for those people you love.

Meal: Breakfast 

Hotel: 4-star hotel in Shangri-La

Day 5: Experience Tibetan Culture & Appreciate Stunning Views in Lijiang Old Town

Shangri-La Kalachakra Mandala → Lijiang Old Town → Departure

After breakfast, take a car to Shangri-La Kalachakra Mandala. Originating from Buddhist Esotericism, it is a spiritual venue where Esoteric Buddhist deities and their attendants gather. In simple terms, it is the "home of the Buddha." Mandalas are generally created during large-scale Buddhist rituals, and after the rituals conclude, they are immersed in clear streams. It not only fully showcases the profound cultural heritage of Tibetan culture and Tibetan Buddhism, but also serves as an ideal place for tourists to understand Tibetan history, culture, and religious beliefs.

After lunch, you will be transferred to Lijiang Ancient Town. Its architecture consists entirely of courtyard residences with simple and rugged house structures, while the courtyard layouts and interior decorations are rich and delicate, therefore forming a beautiful and harmonious scene of humanity and nature. In fact, this is also the best location for photographing the scenery of Lijiang Ancient Town.

When you feel tired from exploring Lijiang Ancient Town, you can enjoy a cozy afternoon tea. In the old courtyards of the town, when savoring various handmade pastries made by Naxi locals paired with a cup of ancient tree tea, you will feel that the journey is extremely pleasant and comfortable. After the free activity in Lijiang Ancient Town, your driver will escort you to the airport or train station based on your schedule.

Meal: Breakfast

 

Tour Price ($=USD)

From $835 P.P, which is based on a private tour for 2-6 people.

The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel.

Price Includes

√ Round-trip airfare from the departure city to Lijiang, including fuel surcharges;

√ 4 nights' accommodation in well-selected hotels;

√ Meals listed in the itinerary;

√ First-entrance tickets to the scenic spots listed in the itinerary;

√ Air-conditioned licensed vehicles with insured seating throughout the journey, one seat per person (arranged according to group size), with formal operation qualifications, safety guarantees, clean and comfortable environment, and full insurance coverage;

√ Reference Hotels: Shangri-La Moonlight International Hotel, Xianghe No.1 Hotel, Xueying Jinsha Hotel in Shangri-La Economic Development Zone

Price Excludes

√ Meals: No lunches/dinners included; staff will recommend local specialties.

√ Child Policy: Children aged 2-12 (inclusive) don't occupy a bed and are not included in tickets, bed spaces, breakfast fees, or complimentary items (breakfast fees are subject to the hotel's charging regulations);

√ Optional Activities: Any item not mentioned in the itinerary, such as cable cars, boat rides, and non-itinerary entertainment expenses, personal laundry, phone calls, alcoholic beverages, medical costs during stays and single Room Supplement;

√ Transport Fees: Airline-imposed fuel surcharge increases;

√ Insurance: Mandatory travel/aviation insurance excluded; it is recommended to purchase the proper personal accident coverage (not expensive);