Wait for morning light on Meili
A night at Feilaisi gives you a mountain-viewing stop before the trek, with Dukezong, Napa Lake and the Jinsha River bend on the way. Golden sunrise views depend on the weather.
Mountain Footprints | Meili, Yubeng and Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek in 8 Days
Price on request
Overview
This 8-day, 7-night route covers Lijiang, Feilaisi and Yubeng. Travel from Lijiang through Feilaisi to Yubeng for consecutive treks through Ninong Gorge, Xiaonong Base Camp to Ice Lake and the Sacred Waterfall, followed by the Tiger Leaping Gorge high trail after returning to Lijiang. This demanding itinerary suits experienced walkers able to manage altitude and sustained trekking; routes and views remain subject to weather and safety conditions.
Highlights
Three walking routes around Yubeng
The Ninong Gorge approach, Xiaonong Base Camp and Ice Lake walk, and Sacred Waterfall walk form the Yubeng section. Consecutive hiking days require suitable fitness and preparation for altitude.
Finish on Tiger Leaping Gorge's high trail
A return trip from Lijiang to hike the Tiger Leaping Gorge high trail adds a canyon walk, a contrast to Yubeng's snow-mountain villages. The route depends on weather and safety conditions.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Lijiang | Pickup and Free Time
Travel independently to Lijiang Airport or railway station, then transfer to your hotel for check-in and free time. All three meals are at your own expense today. Staff will contact you in advance to confirm arrival time and the meeting point.
Day 2Dukezong, Napa Lake, Jinsha Moon Bay and Baima Snow Mountain | Feilaisi
After breakfast, leave Lijiang and explore Dukezong Ancient Town independently. Pass Napa Lake's Yila grassland and Benzilan, visit Jinsha River Moon Bay and cross Baima Snow Mountain Pass toward Feilaisi. The drive is about 380 km and six hours. Lunch is at your own expense. Enjoy a complimentary Meili welcome dinner of hotpot or stir-fried dishes and stay in an economy hotel at Feilaisi.
Stops: Dukezong Ancient Town · Napa Lake; passing through · Jinsha River Moon Bay · Baima Snow Mountain · Feilaisi
Day 3Feilaisi | Trek through Ninong Gorge to Yubeng
If the weather allows, watch the first light turn Meili Snow Mountain gold. Drive to Ninong, then trek through Ninong Gorge into Yubeng, about 14 km over 4–5 hours. All meals today are at your own expense. Stay in an economy guesthouse in Yubeng Village.
Stops: Meili Snow Mountain; golden sunrise depends on weather · Ninong Gorge · Yubeng Village
Day 4Yubeng, Xiaonong Base Camp and Ice Lake Return Trek
Leave your Yubeng accommodation and hike through primeval forest, Shangnazongla Pass and Xiaonong Base Camp to Ice Lake, then return on foot. The trek is about 18 km and eight hours, at elevations of roughly 3,000–3,900 metres. A complimentary Yubeng dinner is included. Lunch is at your own expense; confirm whether breakfast is included when booking. Stay in Yubeng.
Stops: Xiaonong Base Camp · Ice Lake
Day 5Lower Yubeng and Sacred Waterfall Return Trek
Trek from Lower Yubeng to the Sacred Waterfall and return along the same route, about 12 km and five hours. The leader sets departure and return times according to the group's progress. All meals are at your own expense today. Stay in Yubeng.
Stops: Yubeng Sacred Waterfall
Day 6Yubeng and Ninong Gorge | Drive Back to Lijiang
Set off around 08:00, descending beside the Yubeng River through Ninong Gorge to the village car park. Walk about 14 km over five hours, then drive back to Lijiang for the night. All meals are at your own expense today.
Stops: Ninong Gorge
Day 7Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail | Return from Lijiang
After breakfast, leave Lijiang around 08:00 for Tiger Leaping Gorge, changing vehicles to reach the start of the high trail at Tea Horse Guesthouse. Walk past the Halfway Guesthouse viewpoint and Longdong Waterfall to Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse, then drive back to Lijiang. The trek is about 9.8 km and takes around five hours. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense. Stay in Lijiang.
Stops: Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail · Tea Horse Guesthouse · Halfway Guesthouse viewpoint · Longdong Waterfall · Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse
Day 8Depart Lijiang | Airport or Railway-Station Transfer
After breakfast, transfer to Lijiang Airport or railway station according to your departure time. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense. No additional hotel night is included.
Included and not included
Included
- Seven nights: three in Lijiang, one in Feilaisi and three in Yubeng, arranged nightly under the economy package. Upgrades must be selected and confirmed separately.
- Breakfast is expressly included on Days 2, 7 and 8, with a complimentary Meili welcome dinner on Day 2 and Yubeng dinner on Day 4. Confirm Day 4 breakfast when booking. Other meals are at your own expense as shown in the daily plan.
- A driver who also serves as trip leader throughout, in a small group of up to eight. The trip leader is not a dedicated licensed guide.
- Main admission to listed attractions; complimentary trekking pole, one bottle of water, fridge magnet, certificate and foot-soaking bucket, plus one disposable raincoat during the rainy season. Returning the trekking pole for reuse is encouraged.
Not included
- Optional local pickups between the Ninong supply point and Yubeng or between Upper and Lower Yubeng, and horse rides to the Sacred Waterfall or Ice Lake, cost extra.
- Unlisted meals, single-room supplement, personal expenses, personal travel accident insurance and additional rescue costs.
Cost and booking conditions
This trip involves several consecutive days of high-altitude trekking; confirm it suits you based on your fitness, the season, trail conditions and the trek leader's plans. Suitcases can stay in the vehicle but are not taken into Yubeng, so bring a backpack and trail snacks.
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