2021 Shangrila | 7 Days Meili Snow Mount+Yubeng Village Hiking
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2021 Shangrila | 7 Days Meili Snow Mount+Yubeng Village Hiking
An Incredible Journey from “Hell” to “Heaven”
There is a saying going among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts - “If you don’t go to paradise, then go to Yubeng.” Yubeng Village, about 38 kilometers away from Meili Snow Mountain, is a secret and mysterious Tibetan Village hidden on the pure land at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain. This 7 days Shangri-La tour belongs to the in-depth exploration to Meili Snow Mountain for golden sunrise and unbelievable trekking trips to Yubeng Village. It takes about 3 to 4 days trekking into, around, out this holy village.
The trekking will be tough with some challenges of your body, BUT, it will reward you breathtaking scenery, making you traveling in heaven. It will surely be the journey from “hell” to “heaven”! Dare to try?
Best Time to Do the Trip: To guarantee your safety and comfortable experience, it is suggested to come in spring (April to June) and autumn time (September to November). During these periods, the road will be in good condition and you’ll be more likely to watch the golden sunrise.
Highlights of this tour
Meili Snow Mountain is one of the most sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism. 'Kang Karpo Peak' means the God of Snow Mountain in Tibetan, and is a holy land for worshiping. Pilgrims from Tibet, Qinghai Province, Sichuan Province,and Gansu Province come here at the beginning of each winter to worship. Thousands of devout pilgrims worship together and encircle the holy mountain, adding even more mystery and loftiness to it.
Meili Snow Mountain boasts numerous snow-clad ridges and peaks, thirteen of which exceed 6,000 meters (19.685 feet) above the sea level. The most splendid view is of the Kawagebo Peak, the highest in Yunnan Province rising about 6,740 meters (22,112.86 feet). It is still a 'virgin peak' for no one has ever reached the top. Thus, Meili Snow Mountain is a challenge for all mountain explorers from home and abroad.
Yubeng Village is a Tibetan village at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain, located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) northeast of Deqin in northwest Yunnan Province. Yubeng Village at an altitude of over 3,000 meters (9,840 feet) is divided between the Upper Yubeng Village and the Lower Yubeng Village.
There is only one road linking the village to the outside world and riding a mule or hiking have become the main ways to get to and from it. This is why Yubeng Village is such a great destination for trekking enthusiasts.
Trip Overview
Day1 Arrive at Lijiang, Live in Lijiang Ancient Town and then it is your own time to explore this city.
Day2 Lijiang-First Bend of Yangtze River-Baima Snow Mountion- Feilai Temple Live nearby Feilai Temple Town.
Day3 Feilai Temple-Meili Snow Mountain-Xidang Spring-Nanzong Pass-Yubeng Village about 6-7 Hours’ Hiking. Live in Yubeng Village
Day4 Upper Yubeng-Xiaonong Base Camp - Ice Lake - Lower Yubeng, about 7 Hours’ Hiking, Live in Yubeng Village
Day5 Lower Yubeng-Sacred Waterfall-Lower Yubeng, about 6 Hours’ Hiking Live in Yubeng Village
Day6 Lower Yubeng-Ninong Grand Canyon-Shangri-La-Dukezong Old Town about 5 Hours’ Hiking Live in Shangri-La
Day7 Shangri-La-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang Depature (Arrive at Lijiang around 18:00)
FYI：In case of rain, traffic jam or any other unpredictable situations, CET reserves the rights to adjust the schedule.
Meili Snow Mountain
Meili Snow Mountain, with an altitude of 6740m of its Kawagebo Peak, is the highest peak of Yunnan. It’s famous for its golden sunrise upon 13 peaks in the morning.
Yubeng Village
Close to Meili Snow Mountain, Yubeng Village is an isolated Tibetan village attracting many travelers for hiking. Spend 2-4 days visiting Ice Lake, Sacred Waterfalls...
Lijiang Ancient Town
Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang Old Town is ancient town for Naxi ethnic group. It is one of the four best-preserved ancient cities in China.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world, making it a world-famous hiking destination. It consists of Upper, Middle and Lower Gorge.
Dukezong Old Town
With a history of 1300 years, it’s the well-kept and the largest Tibetan community in Yunnan. You can climb to Guishan Park for a panoramic view of the old town.
First Bend of Jinsha River
Jinsha River is the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, the longest river in China. Make a short visit and reach the observation platform to view the U shape turn with either emerald or yellow water flowing through the moon-shaped bend of Jinsha River.
Basic Tour Information
Activity Place: Lijiang City Yunnan Province
Activity Date: 2021 Group Tour Dates
Every Saturday (Holiday price is different)
Trip Length: 7D/6N
Meeting point: Lijiang Hotel(Pick up and drop off service is available)
Group Trip fee: Local Traveling bus+Meals+Accommondations+Guide+Insurance
Normal Price: 2485RMB/pax, pay the deposit 885RMB/pax when you book the trip.
Group Discount: 2435RMB/pax if 3 or more than 3 seats booked together, pay the deposite 835RMB/pax when you book the trip.
Kid Price: Children are less than 1.2m and the kids doesnt need beds and tickets is 1685RMB. Children above 1.2m are the same as adult.
Single Supplement: 800RMB for the Singleroom supplement if you live alone.
Participants: The Group trip fee is for at least 4 people, if only two people the price will 780RMB/pax more to make the trip confirmed.
Driver and Vehicle: Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of the group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses.
Travel Advisor: Kate15522215077 (English & Mandarin) if you have any question, please call us.
Please Note: If you are interested in our trip but not in Tianjin, please feel free to contact our travel advisor
Book Your Tickets Online
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Recent News: Tiger Leaping Gorge has 3 parts:Upper, Middle and Lower Gorge. The Upper one is Tiger Leaping Gorge Tourist Area which is going to be closed from November 1st, 2020 to April 30th 2021 due to the road construction.
Statement about the Trip Fee
What is includes in the cost?
Guide for the whole trip.
Travelling bus with experienced driver.
Pick up service
Drivers' accommadations and meals for the whole trip.
Accommodation: 6 Nights Hotel, 3 Nights in Yubeng Village, 1 in Feilai Temple, 1 Nights in Lijiang Ancient Town, 1 night in Shangri-la.
Tickets: Entrance tickets for the whole trips
7 Days outdoor insurance.
What is not included in the cost?
Meals and drinks for the whole trip
Hourse riding fee and transport fee inside the senic spots(Optional Choice)
Single room Supplement
Please Note: We want to have a positive effect everywhere we go, we don’t take commissions or kickbacks, and we don’t take you on detours for shopping.
Statement about the Refund
If you cancel this trip more than 7 days before depature, we will fully refund
If you cancel this trip within 7 days before depature, no refund of the deposit fee
About Insurance: Our trip leader will collect your insurance information 3 days before this trip happens, if you didnt fill the form when he collects the informations or gave the wrong information, it means you give up this trip's insurance and the accident compensation.
Full Itinerary Day by Day
Day1 Arrive at Lijiang, Live in Lijiang Ancient Town and then it is your own time to explore this city.
Transfer: By Flight or train, it is up to you. Berth train tickets is really difficulty to buy.
Accommodation: Overnight in Lijiang Ancient Town, 3-Star Hotel.
Please Note: The rest day is your own time to explore the lijiang ancient town.
Ni Hao! Welcome to Lijiang, a very impressive ancient city! Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, your guide will meet you at the arrival hall and transfer you to the hotel in ancient town area with a private car, then we will help you check in the hotel. Then the rest day is your time to explore this wonderful city!
Early Arrival Option: You can start a memorable tour in Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan Ancient Town). Established in the Ming dynasty as a commercial center, Lijiang Old Town is a well-preserved 800-year-old town for Naxi ethnic group, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Walk to the central area of the old town and visit Mufu Palace. A saying goes “there is Forbidden City in the North, Mu’s Residence in the South”. Mu’s Residence was called the miniature Forbidden City.
Looked from a far distance, it likes a grand imperial palace and it is famous for the grandness and architectural buildings. Getting into the palace, you can know Tusi’s ruling history and appreciate Naxi people’s brilliant culture and fine arts.
Then, wander through the old alleys, old bridges, featured shops and bars to Sifang Street Square, a mingling ground to enjoy lively atmosphere and unwind yourself. If time permits, join the Naxi people and tourists to dance happily in a round.
Take a leisure walk up to the Lion Hill and climb up the 33-meter-tall Wanggu Tower - the landmark building of Lijiang to enjoy a panoramic view of the whole old town and overlook the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.
Arrival Ideas: There’re direct flights from Kunming, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lhasa, Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Guiyang, etc to Lijiang Sanyi Airport. Trains are available from Kunming (about 3-3.5 hours), Dali (about 2-3 hours) to Lijiang Railway Station.
Day2 Lijiang-First Bend of Yangtze River-Baima Snow Mountion- Feilai Temple Live nearby Feilai Temple Town.
In the morning, you’ll be transferred to Deqin County from Lijiang (about 335 kilometers). On the way, you’ll have chance to first visit the First Bend of Jinsha River. It is about 15 kilometers of Benzilan Town of Deqin, the border of Sichuan and Yunnan Province. Jinsha River is the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, the longest river in China. Make a short visit and reach the observation platform to view the U shape turn with either emerald or yellow water flowing through the moon-shaped bend of Jinsha River.
Travel tip: Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to visit the Bend for the clear water. Summer is the rainy season of Yunnan Province and the color of the river is yellow during this period.
Afterwards, you’ll pass through Baima Snow Mountain and stop at its observation deck to catch the panorama of the 5430-meter snow-capped mountain.
With another 1 hour’s driving, you’ll finally arrive at Feilai Temple Scenic Area in Meili Snow Mountain. Check in your hotel there and take some rest. Meili Snow Mountain, known as Prince Snow Mountain, is one of the most sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism.
There are 13 peaks standing magnificently on the ground with altitudes over 6,000 meters, hence being called Prince’s 13 Peaks. The highest Kawagebo peak is rising about 6740 meters, making Meili Snow Mountain the highest mountain in Yunnan. In the late afternoon, go to enjoy the beautiful sunset and see the 13 white Tibetan pagodas.
Tonight Check in the hotel in Feilai town.
Day3 Feilai Temple-Meili Snow Mountain-Xidang Spring-Nanzong Pass-Yubeng Village about 6-7 Hours’ Hiking. Live in Yubeng Village
On this day, try to get up early and reach Feilaisi Observation Deck (3,470 meters) to capture the incredible scene of golden sunrise shining upon its dramatic snow-capped peaks. (Sunrise time for reference: 06:40-07:40 in spring, 06:25-06:45 in summer, 07:00-07:30 in autumn, and 07:55-08:10 in winter.)
After the magic time, have your breakfast and you’ll start for today’s hiking trip. First, drive about 1.5 hours from Feilai Temple to Xidang Spring (2,700 meters) to reach trail head. The following hiking is divided into two parts.
The first one is from Xidang Spring to Nanzong Pass (3,729 meters) with a distance about 6.1 kilometers which takes about 3-5 hours for hiking. During this section, the altitude will ascend about 1,000 meters which will be a little tough for you and you can recharge yourselves at three resting stops and have some snacks along the way.
The second part is from Nanzong Pass to Upper Yubeng Village (3,160 meters). The distance is about 3.3 kilometers with height descending about 600 meters. You’ll finish this route within 1-2 hours with easy hiking experience. Yubeng Village, a Land of Idyllic Beauty, is situated at the foot of the Niancimu Peak of Meili Snow Mountain with holy attractions scattered around.
Regarded as the miniature of mysterious Shangri-La, Yubeng is divided into Upper Yubeng and Lower Yubeng. Today, you’ll stop at Upper Yubeng and have a good rest here.
Important Notes for Hiking:
Average Temperature in Four Seasons: 6℃-20℃ in spring, 15℃-26℃ in summer, 10℃-23℃ in autumn, and 0℃-12℃ in winter. Try to come in spring and autumn season.
What to Bring: Since your hiking will last for several days, it is a good idea to make full preparation. You need to bring a hiking bag (30-40L), personal clothes, hiking shoes and socks, water, camera, some snacks, alpenstock, kneecap, gloves, small flashlight, sunscreen products, medicines, oxygen tanks, etc.
Road Condition: The trail belongs to earth road and sometimes will be muddy. To save your energy instead of hiking, you can rent a horse from Xidang Spring to finish the trail. 4) Altitude Sickness: The hiking to climb the Nanzong Pass is steep, with height ascending about 1,000 meters to 3,729 meters that you should walk slowly to avoid high altitude sickness.
Day4 Upper Yubeng-Xiaonong Base Camp - Ice Lake - Lower Yubeng, about 7 Hours’ Hiking, Live in Yubeng Village
After having a simple breakfast, you’ll start your today’s exciting hiking to Ice Lake. Your hiking is divided into three parts. The first part is from Upper Yubeng to Xiaonong Base Camp (3,623 meters). This hiking route is about 3.7 kilometers long, taking about 1.5-2.5 hours. You’ll stroll through a forested valley and along the river draining from the glaciers in the mountains above. It is relaxing for this part.
The second part is from Xiaonong Base Camp to Ice Lake (3,900 meters) for 2.3 kilometers which needs about 1-2 hours.
Ice Lake, the holy lake of Meili Snow Mountain, is an emerald green lake formed by snow water from Meili Snow Mountain. It is the main water resource of Yubeng Village. One side of the lake is the mountain ridge and another side is the vertical cliff and dangling huge glacier. A startling interplay of blue sky and white mountain makes the Ice Lake be more like a paradise. Spend some time resting by the lake and appreciate the holy sceneries surrounded you.
After some rest, it is time to trek back to Upper Yubeng and spend another 30-40 minutes hiking from Upper Yubeng to Lower Yubeng (3,090 meters). It is about 1.6 kilometers in between with complex road.
Upon arrival at Lower Yubeng Village, take a good rest at your hotel there.
Day5 Lower Yubeng-Sacred Waterfall-Lower Yubeng, about 6 Hours’ Hiking Live in Yubeng Village
After breakfast, you can enjoy the beautiful sunrise with golden light illuminating the peaks. After that, you’ll enjoy your last full-day hiking journey to Sacred Waterfall (3,657 meters).
Compared with the hike to Ice Lake the day before, today’s hiking is easier and shorter. The views at the start of the trek are immediately stunning-a ridge of craggy peaks standing snow-capped and brilliant against an azure sky.
At the mouth of the valley and the end of the village, a Tibetan Buddhist temple basked in the glory of its surroundings. The way to the falls is never in question, as huge strings of prayer flags are stretched from point to point along the valley floor and up its sides. When you reach the top, the Sacred Waterfall will take your breath away.
This hiking lasts about 6 kilometers, taking about 1.5-2.5 hours for single way. It is said that Yubeng waterfalls are the holy water that God of Kawagebo gets from heaven, which can tell the fate of people and eliminate disasters. Hence, numerous Tibetan pilgrims come to bathe in the waterfall to purify their spirits.
Walk around the waterfalls for 3 circuits and spend some time gazing up from beneath them before turning back to Lower Yubeng.
Stay overnight at Lower Yubeng Village.
Day6 Lower Yubeng-Ninong Grand Canyon-Shangri-La-Dukezong Old Town about 5 Hours’ Hiking Live in Shangri-La
Have a comfortable breakfast this morning. This will be the last day to hike out Yubeng Village and get back to Shangri-La. In this morning, you need to hike around 18 kilometers from Lower Yubeng Village to Ninong Bridge (2,060 meters), which takes about 5 hours. If weather is fine, it will be a very enjoyable journey to finish the hike. Altitude descends with Yubeng River and and scenery changes along the way.
After arriving at Ninong Bridge, you’ll be picked up there and be transferred back to Shangri-La (about 5 hours).
Upon arrival, cherish your time in Shangri-La to explore Dukezong Old Town. With a history over 1300 years, Dukezong Old Town is the largest and the best preserved Tibetan community in China. Climb up to the top of Guishan Hill (or Tortoise Hill) to have a panoramic view of both the endless snow-capped mountains surrounded the pure land and the large scale of the old town with countless Tibetan dwellings. Join in the tourists to turn the largest Prayer Wheel in the world in clockwise direction.
Tonight check in the hotel in Shangr-la city.
Day7 Shangri-La-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang Depature (Arrive at Lijiang around 18:00)
In the morning, you will be transferred to visit the one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyon in the world - Tiger Leaping Gorge. It is also a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site called Three Parallel of Yunnan Protected Areas. This steep gorge is situated between the 5596 meters Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the south and 5396 meters Haba Snow Mountain to the north.
Measuring 17 kilometers in length, the whole gorge is divided into three parts: upper, middle and lower gorge and you’ll pay a visit to the maturest section - Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge. Walk about 1,000 stairs along the plank road from the entrance to the Tiger Leaping Rock. Take a moment to enjoy the magnificent gorge view and rolling waves.
Travel tip: This gorge is suitable for most travelers with easy walk. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
After the hiking tour, you’ll be driven to Lijiang. Service ends!
Recent News: The Upper one is Tiger Leaping Gorge Tourist Area which is going to be closed from November 1st, 2020 to April 30th 2021 due to the road construction. If it is still closed we can adjust the schedule for you.
Additional Information:
Please be advised that there will be approximately 10-45 travelers per group
The above itinerary is for reference only, and is subject to change due to the weather conditions
Please inform us of any dietary restrictions and allergies if you booked our tour. Please remember to bring any medication that you need with you
Pregnant women, guests with heart attacks, high blood pressure, respiratory diseases, severe colds, and those who are not suitable for outdoor hiking are advised to carefully decide whether or not to travel according to their own conditions or doctor's advice
We will contact you between 8:00pmto10:00pm a day before you travel to reconfirm the pick up time and place. Please keep your contact lines or channels available. If you have not received any confirmation after 10:00pm, please contact customer service.
In case of severe inclement weather or other environmental problems beyond control that causes the tour to be unable to proceed, participants can opt for a reschedule.
CET (Culture Exchange Trip) is a student self-organized service platform focusing on intercultural communication and aimed to create more opportunities for young people from all over the world to have more chances to communicate in more fantastic way like outdoor activities.
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