The Tiger Leaping Gorge is a stunning and popular hiking trail in southwestern China, in Yunnan Province. It's known for its dramatic scenery, with the Jinsha River roaring through a deep gorge flanked by towering, snow-capped peaks.
1. Details about the trail
- The gorge is 60 kilometers north of Lijiang, a well-known tourist city in Yunnan. - The gorge is famous for its breathtaking views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. The name "Tiger Leaping Gorge" comes from a legend about a tiger leaping across the narrowest part of the gorge to escape hunters. - The trek is about 15-16 kilometers long and can be completed in 1 to 3 days, depending on your pace and the specific route you choose. The trail is well-marked and offers a mix of challenging terrain and relatively easy sections. - Along the trail, you'll find several guesthouses where you can rest, have a meal, and enjoy the stunning views. - The ideal time to visit is in the spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the landscape is most beautiful.
2. Where to start?
Option 1: coming from Lijiang, the easiest way (but also the most expensive one) to get here is by taxi. It will cost you around € 80, but the driver will bring you to the ticket office and then drop you at the perfect beginning location: 'the Naxi guesthouse' and get your luggage to the endpoint of the trail: Tina's guesthouse. So you don't have to worry about anything. We stayed at the SuShe Inn in Lijiang, and the owner helped us with everything, including the taxi from Tina's Guesthouse to our next destination, Shangri-la, which was another € 80.
Option 2: The cheaper way to do this is by bus. It will drop you at Qiaotou, near the ticket office, but you'll have to walk with your luggage to the Naxi guesthouse; this is an extra 2,5 km up and will take 2-3 hours. There will be donkeys to help you carry the luggage for a fee, and Naxi Guesthouse also provides to store it. But I was glad we didn't do this option because you'll have to walk on a busy road, which doesn't add value to the hike.
So, the best location to start your trail is the Naxi guesthouse, where you can find donkeys if you doubt your fitness level. The donkey will do the most challenging part (including the 28th bends); after that, most of the trail is flat and easy to walk.
Tickets cost around € 6 per person; if you're older than 60, you get in for free. You'll need to bring your passport to get the tickets. So don't forget!
3. Our itinerary
DAY 1
Start: 10 am Naxi guesthouse
Walk: 3 hours
Arrive: 1 pm at Tea Horse guesthouse and have lunch (relax and enjoy the view)
Walk: 2 hours
Dinner and stay: Halfway guesthouse
DAY 2
Have breakfast and descent to Tina's guesthouse. This will take 2 hours, and it's all the way down. It's possible to do this trek in 1 day, but it's more relaxed and beautiful when you stay for the night.
Tina's guesthouse offers drinks and food with a view. If you're not tired, you can go to the lower part of the gorge with the sky ladder, which will take another 3 hours.
4. What do you need to bring?
- Sunscreen
- Water (refill available at the guesthouse)
- Raincoat (just in case)
- Warm clothes (you'll be at a higher altitude (2700m), so it's going to be colder)
- Check out the weather before you go. If it's terrible, don't start your hike.
5. More information about the guesthouses along the way
The Tiger Leaping Gorge has several guesthouses along the hiking trail, offering basic accommodations and meals for trekkers.
Tea Horse Guesthouse is one of the gorge's most famous and oldest guesthouses. It offers stunning Jade Dragon Snow Mountain views and a cozy and authentic experience.
Halfway Guesthouse: As the name suggests, it's about halfway along the trail and is known for its friendly staff and beautiful vistas. It's an excellent place to rest and enjoy a meal.
Naxi Family Guesthouse: Run by a local Naxi family, this guesthouse offers a more intimate and cultural experience. It's an excellent choice for those looking for a homely atmosphere.
Sean's Spring Guesthouse is well-regarded for its friendly owner and clean rooms. The terrace provides panoramic views of the gorge.
Jane's Guesthouse: Known for its welcoming hosts and delicious food, Jane's is another popular choice among hikers.
If you have any questions, you can always ask. (:
Love,
Mimi
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