Tiger Leaping Gorge trek
Photo: Tdxiang at English Wikipedia, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The Tiger Leaping Gorge trek (虎跳峡; Pinyin: Hǔ Tiào Xiá), near Lijiang in Yunnan, is a mountain hike through some of the most naturally beautiful and diverse landscapes China has to offer. The high trail runs along the northern side of the gorge, passing quiet villages, shady forest, exposed mountainsides and verdant terraced farmland. The snow-covered peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山; Yùlóng Xuěshān; 5,596 m) and Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山; Hābā Xuěshān; 5,396 m) rise on either side of the gorge.
The main hike runs from Changsheng Village, near the former trailhead at Qiaotou, towards Walnut Grove. Road transport is used to reach and leave the trail, and visitors who do not want to undertake the high trail can also see part of the gorge by road and a paved walking route.
UnderstandTiger Leaping Gorge lies between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain in northwestern ]]Yunnan]].
PrepareAlmost everything along the route can be paid for with Alipay or WeChat, so carrying large amounts of cash is generally unnecessary now.
Get in
WalkThe high trail is normally walked over two days, with an overnight stop in Bendiwan; a slower itinerary can be spread over three days. Walking times are approximate and exclude extended stops and side trips.
Stay safeAvoid the trek during heavy rain or after substantial recent rainfall, as landslides are a significant danger in the rainy season and cascades may become swollen and difficult to cross.
Go nextFrom Tiger Leaping Gorge, travellers can continue north to Haba, a village at the base of Haba Snow Mountain, and onward to Shangrila.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Tiger Leaping Gorge trek" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Tdxiang at English Wikipedia, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons