Yunnan Yubeng Village Hiking Tour

Upon arrival in Lijiang, you will be picked up and assisted with checking into a local hotel in the Old Town. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Lijiang at your own pace.
For your Lijiang exploration, we recommend visiting the Dongba Museum to learn about the Naxi’s Dongba culture, strolling through Square Street in the heart of Lijiang Old Town, lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. You can also visit Mufu, the historic residence of the Naxi ruling Mu clan, and head to Lion Mountain for a panoramic view of Lijiang Old Town.

Morning drive to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. First reach Ganhaizi Meadow, and then take a cable car up to Glacier Park (altitude 4,860m) which offers stunning views of the glaciers covering the mountain’s peaks. Then enjoy the grand outdoor Impression of Lijiang show. Afterwards visit White Water River and Blue Moon Valley, where you will enjoy the charming scenery and the crystal-clear water.
Afterward, head to Baisha Village to see the noted Murals. Spend some time visiting a local Naxi family in the village to learn about their ancient culture.
Lastly, visit the Black Dragon Pool on the northern edge of town for an amazing view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.
Stay overnight in Lijiang.

After breakfast, drive about 2 hours to visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most beautiful gorges in China. The water current is very fast here as the river is surrounded by high peaks, steep cliffs and jagged rocks. There is an optional hiking that takes to the legendary Tiger leaping stone in the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hiking route: Suggest you enter from YiXiantian and walk along the lower path until Tiger Leaping Stone and take the Sky Ladder up near Tianti Guest House, or if you are adventurous, you can consider returning through the 168 steps of Yongzhe Yunti Ladder near Mr. Zhang’s Inn.) If you’re scared of heights, you can skip this part.
Then drive about 2 hours to Shangri-La [3,300m]. The rest of the day is left free for you to explore Dukezong Ancient Tibetan Town on your own.
Stay overnight in Shangri-La.

Morning visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. The monastery is built imitating the layout of the Potala Palace in Lhasa and is known as the “Little Potala Palace.” Then pay a visit to one of the local Tibetan families to get close to the local people’s lives and try some Tibetan home-made yak butter tea there. Later, drive about 4.5 hours to Feilaisi [3,400m], stopping to view the Jingsha River Big Bend at Benzilan on the way. See the splendid sunset of Mount Meili if weather permits.
Stay overnight in Feilaisi.

Get up early and enjoy the stunning sunrise over Mount Meili. Afterward, drive to Ninong Village, the starting point for your trek to Yubeng. You will hike the first 7KM (approximately 2-3 hours), and for the remaining distance, you will take a local van to Yubeng Upper Village.
Spend the rest of the day freely exploring the village and acclimatizing to the high altitude. Stay overnight in Yubeng Upper Village.

(Note: We suggest you leave the big luggage to your driver and carry a smaller luggage for the following days trekking. If you don’t want to carry luggage along the hiking, then they can be transferred to your hotel in Yubeng by local motorbikes.)

Hiking Distance: 12.4KM | Elevation Gain: 851m (Highest Point ~3,900m) | Time: 6-8 hours

Today, you will embark on a day hike to Glacier Lake [3,900m]. The hike covers about 12.4KM round-trip with an ascent of approximately 851m. Glacier Lake, a holy emerald green lake formed by melting snow from Meili Snow Mountain, is the main water source for Yubeng Village. Enjoy a packed lunch during your trek. After exploring the stunning Glacier Lake, return to Yubeng Lower Village for overnight.

Hiking Distance: 12KM | Elevation Gain: 650m (Highest Point ~3,700m) | Time: 4-6 hours

Today’s trek leads to the Sacred Waterfall [3,600m], a revered site for Tibetan pilgrims. The trail first descends to a river at 3,000m before ascending to the waterfall. If you have the energy, you can hike a bit further for additional scenic views.

For those feeling adventurous, you can follow the example of Tibetan pilgrims and bathe in the glacier-fed waters of the Sacred Waterfall, believed to purify sins.

Return to the guesthouse in Yubeng Lower Village for overnight.

Distance: 14.3KM (all downhill) | Time: 3.5-4 hours (partially trekking, partially by vehicle)

Today, you will leave Yubeng Village, trekking downhill alongside the river all the way to Ninong Village [2,100m], where you will meet your driver and have 4-hour drive back to Shangri-La.
Stay overnight in Shangri-La.

Today, you will be dropped off at Shangri-La train station or airport for your departure. For further travel plans, please consult our travel advisor.