Hiking through the hidden gems of Northwest Yunnan: Lijiang + Tiger Leaping Gorge + Haba Snow Mountain Orchid Meadow + Baishuitai + Niru Rainbow Waterfall + Pudacuo + Abujicuo

Activity Dates & Details

▷Activity Type: Outdoor Light Hiking

▷Recommendation Index: ★★★★★

▷Difficulty Level: ★★★

▷Minimum Group Size: 2 people to depart, 8 people minimum

▷Activity Schedule: Departures throughout 2026, every Tuesday and Saturday, meeting in Lijiang.

▷Suitable for: Healthy outdoor enthusiasts with hiking gear.

▷Registration Notes: Please check with customer service in advance to see if there are any spots available.

Friendly reminder: We meet in Lijiang every Tuesday and Saturday.

Hiking trip to Qianhu Mountain takes place from May to July; hiking trip to Abuji Lake takes place at other times.

【Child Price Information】

1.Children under 1.2 meters tall do not occupy a bed (sharing a bed with an adult) and receive free admission, free breakfast, a seat on the vehicle, insurance, complimentary items, and experience activities.

2.Children exceeding the height limit but under 12 years old do not occupy a bed and must pay for the corresponding admission ticket and breakfast.

3.If a bed is required, a bed fee (including breakfast) will apply.

4.Special Note: Children do not occupy a bed (sharing a bed with an adult). However, if you are traveling with one adult and one child, to avoid disturbing you and other guests in the same room, the child must occupy a bed and pay the bed fee (including breakfast).

5.Tour Type: Mini Group (2-8 people)

6.Please check with customer service in advance to confirm availability.

Ticket Discount Information

If you hold a senior citizen card, military officer card, soldier card, disability card, student card, national-level journalist card, or other special documents, please show them to the staff before purchasing tickets. Discounts will be applied according to local policies, and any applicable price difference will be refunded on-site.

Itinerary Equipment Checklist

1. Documents: ID card, discount documents (student card/senior citizen card/military officer card, etc.);

2. Backpack/Luggage: Suitcase under 24 inches (can be carried on the vehicle), outdoor backpack over 20L (for hiking), small personal bag;

3. Clothing: Waterproof jacket, quick-drying clothes, thermal underwear, hiking shoes, 3-4 pairs of socks, underwear, slippers, etc.

March-May: Thin waterproof jacket + fleece liner, thin thermal underwear

June-August: Breathable waterproof jacket + quick-drying clothes

September-February of the following year: Thick waterproof jacket + liner, fleece-lined thermal underwear, wool socks

4. Protective gear 5. Altitude Sickness Response: Sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, sun hat, face mask; altitude sickness medication, oral glucose solution, oxygen cylinder, etc.

6. Toiletries: Travel-sized toiletries (provided by the hotel; bring your own if you don't like hotel toiletries), skincare products, moisturizing lip balm.

7. Electronic Equipment: Mobile phone, power bank, charger, camera, tripod, etc.

8. Medications: Motion sickness medication, cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, etc.

9. Food Supplies: Chocolate, beef jerky, nuts, energy bars, thermos, etc.

10. Other: Folding umbrella/raincoat, tissues, etc.

Detailed itinerary

Day1: Assemble in Lijiang → check in hotel → free time

▷Accommodation: Lijiang 4-diamond high-end hotel; catering at your own expense

▷Driving: about 25km/0.5h

Today is the gathering day for the itinerary. Distinguished guests from all directions arrived in Lijiang - this ancient plateau city on the eastern edge of the Hengduan Mountains, a world cultural heritage and an important town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road for thousands of years. Go to the city to check into the designated hotel on the meeting day, and go to the front desk to give your name and check in. After check-in, you are free to move around. The staff will contact you later. Please be sure to pay attention to personal and financial safety when going out.

You can freely walk around Dayan Ancient City, Shuhe Ancient Town or Baisha Ancient Town, see the flowing water flowing through the city, green tiles covering the streets, and overlook the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Let your body adapt to the 2400m altitude smoothly and accumulate energy for the next secret hiking.

Warm reminder:

Hotel check-in time is after 14:00. If the hotel has vacancies if you arrive early, you can check in directly, or you can leave your luggage at the front desk and move around freely.

We provide airport pick-up/station carpooling services free of charge 24 hours a day. You will wait for about 30 minutes before and after. Please inform customer service of the flight you are picking up at least 2 days in advance, otherwise it will be deemed to be automatically abandoned.

The distance from Lijiang Airport to the collection hotel is about 25KM, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. The distance from Lijiang Station to the collection hotel is about 10KM, and the journey takes about 20 minutes.

Lijiang travel guide:

[Lijiang Old Town] Lijiang Old Town is actually divided into three ancient towns. One is [Dayan Ancient Town], with small bridges and flowing water. It is built on the Lion Mountain and faces the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It is known as the "World Historical and Cultural Heritage". There are Sifang Street, Mufu, Yuhe Square, Wangu Tower and other famous attractions in the ancient town. The hotel is about 3-5km away on foot;

[Shuhe Ancient Town] is a well-preserved important market town on the Tea Horse Road. It has a history of more than 1,300 years and is famous for its simple architecture, clear springs and profound cultural heritage. The core scenic spots are Sifang Street, Qinglong Bridge, Feihua Touching Water, Jiuding Longtan and other scenic spots. The hotel is 7km away by taxi;

[Baisha Ancient Town] is also the check-in point for Lijiang's new Internet celebrities, the earliest political and cultural center of the Naxi nation, and the closest ancient town to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It is about 10Km by taxi from the hotel. The air of the ancient town is filled with the smell of coffee.

Day 2: Lijiang → Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail Hiking → Tea Horse Inn → Halfway Balcony (for a truly exhilarating experience) → Dragon Cave Waterfall

▷Accommodation: Local guesthouse in the core scenic area of ​​Tiger Leaping Gorge/Daju/Haba Village

▷Meals: Breakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense (AA system)

▷Driving distance: approx. 90km/2h; Hiking distance: approx. 9km/6-7h

▷Altitude: approx. 2400m-2000m

After breakfast, depart for Tiger Leaping Gorge—where the Jinsha River, nestled between the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, has carved out one of the most breathtaking canyon landscapes on Earth. We will be hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail, a legendary route for hiking enthusiasts worldwide.

The entire hike follows a cliff ridge, with sheer cliffs on one side and raging torrents on the other, a truly awe-inspiring sight of snow-capped mountains and a surging river. Passing by the Tea Horse Inn, we arrive at the popular Halfway Balcony, a perfect spot for photos and panoramic views of the canyon. Continuing on, we reach the Dragon Cave Waterfall, where cascading springs and serene canyon scenery add a touch of gentle beauty to the grand journey. That evening, we'll stay at a hotel or inn along the canyon route, falling asleep to the sound of the canyon winds.

Today's Precautions

Some sections of the trail run along cliff edges; please stay on the inner side of the path. Do not walk while taking photos, and vice versa.

The canyon has strong sunlight and wind; please take precautions against sunburn, wind, and stay hydrated throughout the hike.

The hike is 9km long and time-consuming; please bring energy supplements such as chocolate and beef jerky.

Wear non-slip hiking shoes. Do not stray from the group and do not risk climbing over guardrails.

Day 3: Tiger Leaping Gorge → Haba Village Dela Pasture → Haba Snow Mountain Orchid Meadow Trekking → Baishuitai

▷Accommodation: Guesthouse in the core scenic area of ​​Baishuitai

▷Meals: Breakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense (AA system)

▷Driving: Approx. 102km/2.5h; Hiking: Approx. 6km/5h

▷Altitude: Approx. 3100m-3700m

Leaving Tiger Leaping Gorge in the early morning, we enter the heart of Haba Snow Mountain. This virgin peak, at 5396 meters, is one of the most suitable snow mountains for beginners in Yunnan. We trek to Dela Pasture and Orchid Meadow—a secluded high-altitude paradise, surrounded by forests, meadows like carpets, and winding streams. The snow-capped mountains are close at hand, like a paradise on earth. The trek is easy and gentle, mainly consisting of flat roads and gentle uphill sections, offering excellent photo opportunities.

Afterwards, we will head to Baishuitai, a natural calcified terraced field formed over millions of years, known as the "Fairy's Remains Fields." The spring water is azure, cascading like a mirror, making it one of the most dreamlike natural wonders in northwestern Yunnan.

Today's Precautions

1. The altitude will rise to 3700m. Slow down and avoid running to prevent altitude sickness.

2. Temperatures are low at high altitudes. Be sure to bring a windproof/fleece jacket for warmth.

3. Lanhuaping is a pristine ecological reserve. Do not trample on the flowers or leave any litter.

4. The steps at Baishuitai are slippery. Be careful when taking photos.

Day4: Baishuitai → Hiking at Niru Colorful Waterfall → Niru Village

▷Accommodation: Niru Village local core scenic spot inn

▷Meals: Breakfast included; Dinner is at your own expense;

▷Driving: 131km/3.5-4h; Hiking: about 10km/6h

▷Altitude: about 2700m-3100m

After breakfast, drive through the most primitive mountain forest road in northwest Yunnan and arrive at Niru - hailed as "the last secret land on earth" and "the world's first ecological village" by "China National Geographic" and other media, an undisturbed pure land in the core area of ​​Three Parallel Rivers.

Today we hike to the Niru Colorful Waterfall, passing through the primeval forest, with towering ancient trees, moss-covered rocks, clear streams, clusters of waterfalls, colorful water, and overwhelming negative oxygen ions. The route is mainly flat roads and gentle descents in the forest, with moderate intensity. It is the ceiling for dark-tone forest photography and natural healing hiking.

Things to note today

1. The forest trails are slippery, so be sure to wear non-slip hiking shoes;

2. Niru’s signal is weak, so follow the leader closely throughout the process and do not act alone;

3. Respect Tibetan folk customs, do not enter folk houses at will, and do not photograph local people without permission;

4. There are no supply points throughout the journey, so prepare water and simple meals in advance;

5. Maintain an ecologically traceless journey and take away all garbage.

Day 5: Niru Village → Pudacuo National Park → Yila Grassland → Dukezong Ancient Town

▷Accommodation: 4-star luxury hotel in Shangri-La;

▷Meals: Breakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense (AA system);

▷Distance: 135km / 3.5-4h;

Leaving the secluded Niru, we enter the heart of Shangri-La. Our first stop is Pudacuo National Park—the core of the Three Parallel Rivers World Natural Heritage Site. High-altitude lakes, primeval forests, and wetland meadows blend seamlessly, creating a truly pristine Shangri-La.

In the afternoon, we head to Yila Grassland, Shangri-La's largest and most beautiful alpine grassland. The lush green grass stretches to the horizon, with herds of cattle and sheep grazing. The distant mountains and lakes reflect each other, making it ideal for aerial photography and portraits. In the evening, we arrive at Dukezong Ancient Town, a thousand-year-old Tibetan-style town with the world's largest prayer wheel. Experience Tibetan faith amidst chanting and incense. Check into a hotel in Shangri-La Ancient Town.

Day 6: Shangri-La → Abuji Lake/Qianhu Mountain Trekking → Lijiang (Disband)

▷Accommodation: None; Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at your own expense (AA system);

▷Distance: 195km/2.5H; Trekking: Approx. 11km/6-7h

▷Altitude: Approx. 3700m-4200m

After breakfast, choose one of the two hidden gems for trekking. From May to July, trek to [Qianhu Mountain]; at other times, trek to [Abuji Lake].

|| Route A: Abuji Lake (More breathtaking scenery)

Abuji Lake, meaning "magical place" in Tibetan, is known by hikers as "Shangri-La's last hidden gem." The trekking route follows a clear stream upstream, passing through rhododendron forests and scree slopes, gradually becoming steeper. After approximately 3-4 hours, you will arrive at Abuji Lake (altitude approx. 4200m). The sacred lake is heart-shaped, with jade-blue water, surrounded on three sides by steep, greyish-white peaks, the summits of which are perpetually snow-capped. Prayer flags fluttered in the wind by the lake, so quiet that only the sound of the wind and one's own heartbeat could be heard. Here, one could sit quietly, have a packed lunch, take photos, and feel the solitude and grandeur of the world. The descent and return via the same route took approximately 2 hours.

|| Route B: Qianhu Mountain (Best choice during flower season, approximately May-July)

Qianhu Mountain boasts hundreds of alpine lakes, with Bigu Tianchi being the most representative. The starting point of the hike is at an altitude of approximately 3800m, with a gentle slope, but some sections are marshy meadows. Upon reaching the core lake area, you'll see numerous lakes scattered like pearls, surrounded by rhododendrons (peak bloom in June). The clear lake water reflects the blue sky, white clouds, and mountain shadows, creating a tranquil and secluded atmosphere.

After the hike, return to the pick-up point and drive back to Lijiang for the tour concludes. This unforgettable hiking trip through snow-capped mountains, canyons, forests, lakes, and hidden gems ends. We look forward to seeing you again!

Friendly Reminder:

For those returning via Lijiang Railway Station, it is recommended to book a high-speed train or regular train departing after 19:00 on the same day;

For those returning via Lijiang Airport, it is recommended to book a flight departing after 21:00 on the same day.

Booking Notes

1. As the organizer and executor of the activity, our company reserves the right to use all photos, videos, and other materials taken during the trip.

2. This activity involves outdoor hiking, long-distance travel, and thrill rides. Participants must ensure they are in good health and fit for travel. Those with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, respiratory diseases, mental illness, severe anemia, those recovering from major surgery, those with mobility impairments, and pregnant women are not permitted to participate. Those registering on behalf of others must accurately verify the health status of the person being registered for to ensure they meet the requirements of this tour.

3. According to relevant tourism laws, minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a guardian who is responsible for their care throughout the tour.

4. This activity does not accept unregistered participants (including unregistered infants). For the health of others and the experience of the activity, pets are not allowed.

5. Please provide accurate and complete information as required by the system when registering to avoid booking errors that may affect your trip. You will be solely responsible for any losses caused by incorrect information provided.

6. Room assignments will be based on accommodation availability. Room sharing is generally for same-sex group members. If you require a room with family/friends, please inform staff after registration. If you are registering alone and require a single room, please contact staff to confirm availability. If available, the single room supplement will be borne by the traveler.

7. If you hold special documents that may qualify for discounts, such as military officer ID, press card, disability certificate, senior citizen card, student ID, or medical certificate, please contact staff within one day of registration and submit the relevant documents. Discounted tickets are issued by the travel agency and will be refunded based on the travel agency's discounted price, not the attraction's listed price.

8. Some attractions may require advance ticket reservations using the traveler's personal information (the identification document must match the ticket document). If an attraction is unavailable due to sold-out tickets or other objective reasons, our company will arrange alternative attractions for you, with refunds or additional charges as needed.

9. Due to weather and seasonal changes, the scenery of the attractions mentioned in the itinerary may not be consistent with what is shown in the activity description. By registering, tourists acknowledge and understand this.

10. The tour guide shown on the activity description page may not be the final actual tour leader. The company reserves the right to make adjustments based on the actual situation and activity arrangements. By registering, tourists acknowledge and understand this.

11. During the actual trip, with the consent of the guests, the tour leader may make appropriate adjustments to the itinerary based on weather, traffic, and other conditions (such as adjusting the order of attractions or changing the meeting time) to ensure the smooth progress of the trip.

12. In the event of force majeure, such as traffic delays, strikes, weather, aircraft or train malfunctions, flight cancellations or changes in flight times, airport closures, scenic spot closures, or events that the travel agency or its service providers could not avoid despite exercising reasonable care, the company will make every effort to assist with itinerary changes. Any price difference will be refunded or charged accordingly.

13. If the activity is cancelled before departure or midway due to force majeure, the remaining itinerary will be cancelled, as stipulated in the "Travel Contract." The activity fee will be refunded to the original payment account after deducting any non-refundable payments already made to the service providers.

14. If a tourist withdraws from the activity midway for personal reasons, a departure agreement must be signed. All safety responsibilities and expenses incurred after leaving the group will be borne by the tourist. During the period of separation, any unused and refundable expenses included in the tour fee will be refunded to the tourist, with the actual refund amount calculated based on the travel agency's discounted price. Expenses already paid to the service providers that are non-refundable will not be refunded to the tourist.

15. During the activity itinerary, there may be shopping venues not arranged by our company in scenic spots, restaurants, rest areas, etc. We remind you to consume rationally and obtain receipts. Any disputes arising from consumption will be resolved between you and the merchants selling the goods.

16. A travel accident insurance policy is provided upon registration, effective during the activity period. Insurance claim hotline: See policy.

17.Lijiang Municipal Government Service Hotline: 0888-12345. Service Agreement

After registering for and paying for the activity, if a participant requests a refund or change due to personal reasons (due to force majeure "including but not limited to natural and social causes, such as natural disasters, war, terrorist activities, riots, strikes, public emergencies, traffic delays, strikes, coups, road blockages, vehicle breakdowns, car malfunctions, attraction closures, flight cancellations, local government actions, etc."), the following refund and change policy will apply (Note: Group airfare is non-refundable, only taxes will be refunded; accommodation fees, meal fees, and entrance fees, if tickets have been issued before departure, are non-refundable).

1. Full refund for cancellations made 5 days or more before departure;

2. Refund for cancellations made 3 to 4 days before departure (inclusive) after deducting 30% of the activity fee;

3. Refund for cancellations made 2 to 3 days before departure (inclusive) after deducting 50% of the activity fee;

4. Refund for cancellations made 1 to 2 days before departure (inclusive) after deducting 70% of the activity fee;

5. Refund for cancellations made on the day of departure (the day of departure);

6. Refund for cancellations made during the trip only for unused entrance fees and accommodations.