3 Days Yunnan Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Lijiang Arrival
   Explore Lijiang Ancient Town on Your Own

   So glad to have you on our 3-day Yunnan Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking tour! Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will meet you at the exit and then transfer you to the hotel. You could wander around the whole Lijiang Old Town on your own for the rest of the day.

   More than 800 years ago, Lijiang Ancient Town is one of the most famous towns on the Tea-horse Ancient Road, which was quite prosperous during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The ancient city is filled with wooden buildings, stone bridges, and running water. Standing on the East Street, you can look up at the spectacular Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. And also, you can find ethnic jewelry, tea, silverware, shawls, etc., and feel the strong Naxi ethnic style here.

   Accommodation: in Lijiang

   

2. Day 2: Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike Tour
   Trek to Enjoy Local Naxi Culture and Rest at Tea Horse Guesthouse

   After breakfast, the local English-speaking guide and the driver will pick you up from your hotel, and start your exploration.

   First, The First Bend of the Yangtze River can be enjoyed by driving 52 kilometers from Lijiang. The rolling yellow Yangtze River, blocked by cliffs in Shigu Town, suddenly makes a sharp turn into a "Ⅴ" shaped curve. Then continue driving north for about 1 hour to one of the deepest canyons in China - Tiger Leaping Gorge, where you will have an unforgettable hiking experience.

   

   Today you will start your guided hike along the Upper Trekking Route - the narrowest section of the entire gorge (the river is only about 20 meters wide). Our hike starts on the trail near Qiaotou Town. After a short hike, you will arrive at the farm of the Naxi minority and then you have a chance to catch a glimpse of the daily life of this minority. Continue your wonderful hike to Naxi Family Guesthouse, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and take a break to recover.

   

   Trek along the cliff edge and past some small waterfalls as the muddy and tumbling Yangtze River comes into view. Then reach the famous 24 Bends, from where you can gain a new perspective of the Tiger Leaping Gorge with every step up.

   After completing all the bends, you can get the most open view of the entire gorge to see the gorgeous Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. Here you can take a good rest and take some pictures of the stunning scenery. Afterwards, a one-hour hike will take you down to the Tea Horse Guesthouse, where you will spend the night. Today's trekking ends here.

   Accommodation: Tea Horse Guesthouse

   

3. Day 3: In-depth Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour, Lijiang Departure
   Admire Views of Snow Mountains and Small Waterfalls During Your Hike

   After breakfast, descend for about 2 hours to Halfway Guesthouse, the midpoint of the trek, where you will enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding towering ranges of snow-covered mountains.

   Next, wind the way down the path dug out from the cliff, enjoying the beautiful small waterfalls until you reach Tina's Guesthouse on the main road. Hike along the road for about 1.5 kilometers to "Teacher Zhang's Inn", along the way you will encounter some lovely goats and several small walled waterfalls. Upon arrival, you can have a light meal. After a short rest, move down to the river and listen to the sound of the tumbling Jinsha River hitting the huge rocks.

   

   You are about to reach the final highlight of the Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking tour - Tiger Leaping Rock. It is said that a tiger once leaped from one side of the gorge to the other with this rock. This's why the gorge is called "Tiger Leaping Gorge". Finally, hike back to Teacher Zhang's Inn, where you will meet your driver and take a car ride back to Lijiang.

   Accommodation: N/A