5 Days | Yunnan Haba Snow Mountain Tour

Tour Overview

Did you know a breathing silver pyramid hides in the folds of Hengduan Mountains? As Lijiang's bustle fades, Haba Snow Mountain erupts from the earth—where 5,396-meter ice swords pierce the sky above the snowline, while primordial forests bathed in Jinsha River's warmth thrive below. While Kawagarbo Peak of Meili Snow Mountain gathers pilgrims, Haba Snow Mountain remains a hermit carving storm-born Morse code on cliffs. Its north slope glaciers resemble frozen liquid crystal, yet the south slope detonates in pink rhododendron eruptions annually—isn't this Gaia's interesting 3D masterpiece?

This Haba Snow Mountain Tour is a 5-day exploration of majestic natural wonder in Yunnan, and you will soak in the the serenity of nature and alluring scenery, Haba Snow Mountain with its wild and precipitous stretch and undulating ridges attracts numerous tourists each year. We will bring you to experience the stunning natural beauty and an abundance of cultural relics and historic sites in the journey. As night falls, camping under the trees and enjoying a wonderful bonfire party will bring you the fantastic experience.

 

Highlights of this tour:

1. Enjoy afternoon tea at the foot of snow-capped mountains.

2. Experience the bonfire feast under a starry sky.

3. Taste Tibetan yak hotpot, highland barley noodles, butter tea and watch Tibetan-style dance performance.

4. Visit the Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition in Shangri-La.

 

Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lijiang

Pick-up in Lijiang → Check-in Lijiang Hotel

Upon arrival in Lijiang, our staff will greet you at the exit with a welcome sign, then escort you to the hotel by our private vehicle. After check in the hotel, you are free to relax or explore the area at your pace.

As Lijiang City sits at an altitude of 2,400 meters, it is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise or excessive alcohol consumption upon arriving at the plateau. Rest well after checking in to reserve energy and prepare for the upcoming journey. When resting in your room, remember to lock the door and fasten the safety latch. Due to the significant temperature difference between day and night in Lijiang, please adjust your clothing accordingly.

Meal: N/A

Hotel: Lijiang Hotel

 

Day 2: Enjoy Afternoon Tea and Experience Bonfire Feast 

Lijiang → Manxingyu Snow Sea Forest → Afternoon Tea at the Foot of Snow Mountain → Mountain Bazaar → Camping Under Trees → Golden Mountain at Sunset → Bonfire Party → Check-in

After breakfast, depart for Manxingyu Snow Sea Forest. Stroll at the foot of the Haba Snow mountain and enjoy the charm of nature, where every step embodies the freedom and tranquility of the soul. Later, savor an afternoon tea at the foot of the snow mountain, it allows your mind to dance leisurely between the white snow and warm sun.

Next, you will experience the Mountain Bazaar—it means to pick up naturally fallen wood in the primeval forest as a natural long table for socializing. Then enjoy a camping activity under the trees. Beside the Haba Snow Mountain, the team will set up tents under the green shade, offering a camping journey to sleep in harmony with nature. 

In the evening, admire the dazzling glow of the "Golden Mountain at Sunset" to feel the solemnity and holiness of the snow mountain. After that, you can participate in a romantic Bonfire Party, where a bright night feast by the bonfire under the starry sky will bring you boundless enjoyment.

Notes: During the hike, please follow the team leader’s instructions, pay close attention to your surroundings, and do not visit unopened or dangerous mountain areas to avoid injury or accidents.

Meal: Breakfast

Hotel : Manxingyu Resort Hotel (曼星屿度假酒店 ) or Snow Sea Forest (雪海森林 )(you can choose either of them)

 

Day 3: Enjoy Haba Snow Mountain Hiking 

Manxingyu Resort Hotel → Lijiang

After breakfast, head to Manxingyu Snow Sea Forest, which is located on the western slope of Haba Snow Mountain, the whole forest encompasses a scenic area of 2260 acres. It features over 50 kilometers of outdoor trails catering to everyone from beginners to experts. This area pioneers the first circuit route offering panoramic ascents of Haba Snow Mountain. It stands as the only place in China where you can simultaneously view two of the Northern Hemisphere's lowest-latitude snow-capped peaks (Haba Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain), with views of Golden Sunlight Shining on the Snowy Peak directly from your tent or room. Between these two majestic peaks lies a deep canyon carved by the Jinsha River (Yangtze). The landscape is richly diverse, featuring primeval forests, alpine meadows, rhododendron seas, cascading waterfalls, and high-altitude lakes, thus this destination redefines the outdoor travel lifestyle.When you step into the wilderness, you will sense the magnetic field of the nearby sacred mountains. The two snow-capped peaks and the grand canyon will endow you with the strength and courage to embrace life passionately.

As Yunnan’s premier "beginner-friendly peak" (5,396m summit), the extra customized climbing options(self-funded package) in Haba Snow Mountain are as below:

Beginner group: Hike to the 4,900m snowline for photography (oxygen tanks + crampons provided)

Advanced group: Summit 5,396m with 1:2 guide-to-climber ratio, including glacier walking training. Activities cover ice axe self-arrest practice, pre-climb rituals over Tibetan butter tea, and summit celebrations.

Safety protocols: Three daily blood oxygen checks, dual emergency systems (satellite phone + Beidou positioning), and standby horse teams at the 4,100m basecamp.

After the activities in Snow Sea Forest finished, we will return to Lijiang. Upon arrival, there will be free time for individual activities, and then we will check into the hotel to rest.

Meal: Breakfast

Hotel: Lijiang Hotel

Day 4: Appreciate Shudu Lake & Watch Traditional Tibetan performance

Lijiang → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Shangri-La → Potatso National Forest Park → Tusi Banquet 

On the night before leaving Lijiang City, the tour guide will notify you of the meeting place and time for the next day. After morning pick-up in Lijiang, depart for Shangri-La, passing through the First Bend of the Yangtze River, then proceed to the world-renowned Tiger Leaping Gorge (scenic escalator fees not included: full course ¥70/person, one-way down ¥30/person, one-way up ¥50/person). Known as one of China’s deepest canyons, Tiger Leaping Gorge is famous for its "perilous" terrain.

After lunch at the gorge, pass through the Yi Ethnic Village and travel directly to visit Potatso National Park, a pristine fairyland free of pollution. The park’s lakes are crystal clear, with scenery changing dramatically through the seasons. As you wander through flower meadows and enter the forested pure land, admire the beautiful alpine lake Shudu Lake (boat tour fee at your own expense: ¥65/person) and observe the dense primeval forest. Due to the fact that Potatso National Forest Park requires a long visit time—please bring your own snacks.

In the evening, you will immerse in watching a traditional Tibetan dance performance. At the Tusi Banquet, you can savor Tibetan specialties like yak hotpot, highland barley noodles, and butter tea while enjoying the ethnic customs evening party. After the event, check in to the hotel for rest.

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch+ Dinner(Tusi Banquet)

Hotel: Shujin Muyun Hotel (蜀锦沐云), Maoyuan Hotel(茂源酒店), Balagezong Hotel(巴拉格宗酒店), Ecen Hotel(怡程酒店) or similar 4-star hotel

 

Day 5 Visit Shangri-La Cultural Expo Center and Dukezong Ancient City

Shangri-La Cultural Expo Center → Dukezong Ancient City → Lijiang

After breakfast, visit the Shangri-La Cultural Expo Center, where intangible cultural heritage exhibitions of Shangri-La are displayed. Later, you will enjoy visiting the Dukezong Ancient City, where you can rotate the world’s largest prayer wheel with others and pray for your family! After lunch, drive back to Lijiang. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport based on your flight time to return to your home.

You should note that the average altitude of Shangri-La is approximately 3,280 meters with strong UV radiation. Please pay attention to sun protection and monitor your physical condition. If you feel unwell, notify the tour guide immediately. It is recommended to carry high-altitude reaction medication (e.g., Rhodiola), cold and anti-inflammatory drugs, motion sickness pills etc.

Meal: Breakfast 

 

Tour Price ($=USD)

From $1000 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 

√ Accommodation: 4 nights' accommodation in well-selected hotels. In case of tight hotel availability during peak seasons or location changes for special reasons (e.g., weather, transportation, ground conditions, hotel capacity), alternative hotels with similar standards will be arranged. For single travelers requiring an extra bed, availability is subject to the hotel’s discretion;

√ Meals: Listed in the itinerary. Meals during free activities are at your own expense;

√ Entrance Tickets: It is listed in the itinerary. Children over 1.4 meters are advised to purchase supplementary tickets in advance (details as per itinerary);

√ Children Policy (aged 0–12 years, not including 12): No bed included, but it includes local tour bus seat and half-portioned meals. Accommodation and scenic spot tickets are not included;

√ For children over 1.2 meters, tickets must be purchased at the scenic spot (We will assist with the purchase). Specific ticket fees follow the scenic spot’s child policy;

√ Insurance(Complimentary): Yunnan travel combined insurance (travel agency liability insurance).

Price Excludes 

√ Round-trip flights/train tickets to/off Lijiang;

√ Any optional activities inside the attractions;

√ Any item not mentioned in the itinerary;

√ Single room supplement at hotels;

√ Personal consumption within hotels: Laundry, haircuts, telephone, fax, pay-per-view movies, beverages, tobacco, alcohol, and all other personal expenses.