Meili Snow Mountain & Yubeng Trek
Travel from Shangri-La to Feilai Temple for the golden sunrise over the snow peaks, then trek into Yubeng to explore Ice Lake and the Sacred Waterfall.
This is the most mature trekking route in northwestern Yunnan. You will first acclimate to the altitude in Shangri-La, then travel along the Jinsha River to Feilai Temple. Enter Yubeng on foot from Xidang, staying for three consecutive nights to hike to Ice Lake and the Sacred Waterfall, before exiting via the Ninong Gorge. Expect to walk 12 to 16 kilometers daily, though off-road vehicles are available for a portion of the entry to save energy. Ideal for hikers with basic physical fitness who want to see majestic snow mountains.
Landslides are common during the rainy season, and the Nanzong Pass can be snow-covered in winter. Confirm reservations and road conditions before entering.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in the Old Town & Acclimate
Shangri-La（Dukezong Ancient Town）
A taxi from the airport to Dukezong Old Town takes about 15 minutes. Keep activities light and focus on slow walking for the day.
Avoid strenuous activity and taking cold showers on your first day to prevent altitude sickness.
Stay: Dukezong Ancient Town
Day 2 · Travel Along the Jinsha River to Feilai Temple
Shangri-La（Ganden Sumtseling (Songzanlin) Monastery） → Dêqên（Jinsha River Great Bend (Moon Bay)、Baima Snow Mountain Pass、Wunongding Viewpoint）
Chartered car for about 180 km, taking 4 to 5 hours, passing the Great Bend of the Jinsha River and Baima Snow Mountain.
Stay: Feilai Temple
Day 3 · Golden Sunrise & Trek into Yubeng
Dêqên（Meili Snow Mountain & Feilai Temple Viewpoint、Xidang Hot Spring、Nazongla Pass (Yubeng Trek)、Yubeng Village）
Drive from Feilai Temple to Xidang (about 1 hour), then trek about 12 km (5 to 6 hours) to Upper Yubeng.
Off-road vehicles are available at Xidang to replace the first half of the trek.
Stay: Upper Yubeng Village
Day 4 · Ice Lake Round-Trip Trek
A round-trip hike of about 14 km from Upper Yubeng to Ice Lake, taking around 7 hours entirely on foot.
There are many steep uphill sections at high altitude. Bring enough trail food and windproof clothing.
Stay: Upper Yubeng Village
Day 5 · Sacred Waterfall Pilgrimage Round-Trip
Dêqên（Yubeng Sacred Waterfall）
A round-trip hike of about 16 km from Upper Yubeng through Lower Yubeng to the Sacred Waterfall, taking around 6 hours.
Stay: Upper Yubeng Village
Day 6 · Exit via Ninong Gorge & Return
Dêqên（Ninong Canyon） → Shangri-La
Trek out through Ninong Gorge for about 5 hours, then take a chartered car back to Shangri-La (about 4 to 5 hours).
The gorge boardwalk can be slippery after rain. If short on time, local vehicles are available to exit.
Stay: Dukezong Ancient Town
Day 7 · Napa Lake Loop & Departure
Shangri-La（Napa Lake & Yila Grassland）
Spend 1.5 hours in the morning on a chartered car loop around Napa Lake, then take a 20-minute drive to the airport in the afternoon.