Tiger Leaping Gorge High Route Trek and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Base in the Old Town, warm up with a hike from Yuhu to Wenhai, spend two days on the Tiger Leaping Gorge high route, then visit Yunshan Ping and Maoniu Ping.

This itinerary suits travelers who enjoy walking. Start by adjusting to the altitude in the Old Town and take an easy hike from Yuhu Village to Wenhai. Then take the train to Tiger Leaping Gorge Station and spend two days on the high route from Qiaotou to Middle Tiger Leaping, with one night at a mid-route guesthouse. After returning to town, visit Yunshan Ping and Maoniu Ping instead of the crowded glacier cable car. The lower section of Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge is currently closed to independent travelers, so this route does not include the descent into the gorge.

From June to August, the rainy season makes trails slippery and prone to rockfalls. The high route is not recommended during this time.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrival and Altitude Adjustment in the Old Town

Lijiang Old Town & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain（Old Town of Lijiang (Dayan)、Wangu Pavilion (Lion Hill)）

Take a taxi about 40 minutes from the airport to the Old Town. In the afternoon, walk up Lion Hill at a very gentle pace.

Stay: Lijiang Old Town

Day 2 · Hike from Yuhu Village to Wenhai

Lijiang Old Town & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain（Yuhu Village、Wenhai Lake）

Take a taxi about 40 minutes to Yuhu Village, then hike along mountain paths to Wenhai, about 4 to 5 hours. Afterward, charter a car for about 1 hour back to town.

There are no supply stops on the trail. Bring plenty of water and dry food, and ideally hire a local guide.

Stay: Lijiang Old Town

Day 3 · Up the High Route from Qiaotou to a Mid-Route Guesthouse

Lijiang Old Town & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain（Tiger Leaping Gorge）

Take the train from Lijiang Railway Station for about 1 hour to Tiger Leaping Gorge Station, then transfer to Qiaotou. Hike about 17 kilometers, or 6 hours, to Zhongtu Guesthouse.

The 28 Bends are the hardest section of the entire trek. Many guesthouses accept only cash, so arrive before 5 p.m.

Stay: Tiger Leaping Gorge Guesthouse

Day 4 · Down the High Route to Middle Tiger Leaping and Return

Middle Tiger Leaping · Tina's Guesthouse

Walk along the mountainside for about 3 to 4 hours down to Middle Tiger Leaping Guesthouse. In the afternoon, take a bus or charter a car about 2.5 hours back to the Old Town.

The lower gorge section at Middle Tiger Leaping is closed to independent travelers. Do not descend on your own.

Stay: Lijiang Old Town

Day 5 · Yunshan Ping and Maoniu Ping Grasslands

Lijiang Old Town & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain（Spruce Meadow (Yunshanping)、Yak Meadow (Maoniuping)、Blue Moon Valley）

Take the snow mountain shuttle about 40 minutes to the scenic area. Ride the cable cars up to Yunshan Ping and Maoniu Ping, walk the grassland trails, then return to town in the evening.

Snow mountain sites require advance real-name booking. Cable car tickets are purchased separately.

Stay: Lijiang Old Town

Day 6 · Birdwatching at Lashi Lake Before Departure

Lijiang Old Town & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain（Lashi Lake）

Take a taxi about 30 minutes to Lashi Lake. After 2 to 3 hours of sightseeing, take a taxi about 1 hour to the airport.

Many migratory birds visit in winter. Choose licensed horse-riding stables and boat operators.

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