Small group slow travel
About this Journey
Tiger Leaping Gorge is not simply a scenic stop between Lijiang and Shangri-La. It is one of the great mountain landscapes of northwest Yunnan: a deep canyon cut by the Jinsha River, framed by Haba Snow Mountain on one side and the jagged peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on the other.
The gorge takes its name from a local legend. According to the story, a tiger once escaped a hunter by leaping across the narrowest section of the river. Whether seen as folklore or mountain memory, the story captures the scale and intensity of this place: steep cliffs, rushing water, changing weather and a landscape that has always demanded respect.
Rather than staying on the road below, this trek follows the famous High Trail above the gorge. The path moves through mountain villages, terraced slopes, forests and guesthouses that have long welcomed walkers crossing the valley. Along the way, the scenery opens and closes in layers: the Jinsha River far below, waterfalls cutting through the cliffs, distant snow peaks, and the long line of the Thirteen Peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
The route also passes through a living cultural landscape. The wider gorge area is home to Naxi communities whose relationship with these mountains is shaped by farming, trade, seasonal movement and generations of life in the valley. You will stop at local guesthouses, walk through village paths and experience a side of Yunnan that cannot be reached through a sightseeing bus window.
This is not a technical mountaineering route, but it is a real hike. The climb through the famous 28 Bends is demanding, the paths can be uneven and weather can change quickly. In return, the route offers something that a short visit to Tiger Leaping Gorge cannot: time to slow down, earn the views and spend a night inside one of China’s most dramatic mountain corridors.
Itinerary
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Lijiang / Shangri-La – Bridgehead – Naxi Family House – 28 Bends – Bendiwan Village
Lijiang
Meet your guide in Lijiang, Shangri-La or at Tiger Leaping Gorge Bridgehead.
After gathering the group, travel to the trailhead and begin the classic High Trail hike. The route starts with a gradual climb through mountain paths and village landscapes before reaching the famous 28 Bends, the most challenging ascent of the day.
Take breaks along the way to enjoy views over the Jinsha River Canyon, Haba Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
In the afternoon, arrive at Bendiwan Village and check in to a local guesthouse for the night.
Day 2: Bendiwan Village – Longdong Waterfall – Guanyin Temple – Mr. Zhang’s Guesthouse – Lijiang / Shangri-La
Lijiang
After breakfast, continue along the High Trail towards Longdong Waterfall and Guanyin Temple.
Today’s route is generally easier than Day 1, with more gradual walking and excellent canyon viewpoints. Pass waterfalls, village paths and dramatic sections of the gorge before reaching the finishing area near Mr. Zhang’s Guesthouse.
Meet the vehicle and return to Lijiang or Shangri-La.
Scenic Highlights
Scenic highlights
The 28 Bends
The most famous uphill section of the Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail. A long series of switchbacks takes you steadily higher above the Jinsha River. It is the hardest climb of the route, but also one of the most rewarding.
Jinsha River Canyon
See the upper Yangtze River from high above the gorge. The river appears far below, cutting through steep cliffs and creating the immense scale that makes Tiger Leaping Gorge so memorable.
Haba Snow Mountain
Look across the canyon towards the snow-covered ridges of Haba Snow Mountain. Clear mornings and late afternoons often offer the most dramatic mountain views.
Naxi Village Landscapes
Walk through mountain villages, cultivated terraces, local homes and guesthouses that remain part of the living landscape of the gorge.
Longdong Waterfall
A quieter, more intimate part of the trail where water flows down the mountain slopes into the gorge landscape.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
See the sharp ridgeline and distant Thirteen Peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from the High Trail.
Reference Hotels
Reference hotels
The hotels below are examples of the style and standard we usually arrange for this tour. Final hotels may be these or similar properties, depending on room availability, travel dates, and route conditions.
Reference hotel in Lijiang
If you would like to upgrade your room type or hotel category, please contact us and we will confirm suitable options and pricing for your travel dates.
Vehicle Reference
Vehicle reference
The vehicles below are common references. Final arrangements depend on guest count, luggage, road conditions, and local fleet availability.
5-seat
Comfort
7-seat
Business
12-15 seat
Comfort
12-15 seat
Luxury
Capacity notes
- 1. Passenger and luggage figures are comfort references. The final vehicle type is confirmed by our team before departure.
- 2. Please tell us in advance if you need a child seat, booster seat, or similar equipment. Any supplier fees are confirmed before booking.
- 3. Reducing one passenger usually creates room for one additional piece of luggage, subject to the actual trunk or cargo space.
Details
Details
Included
- Round-trip transportation between Lijiang or Shangri-La and Tiger Leaping Gorge
- One night of local guesthouse accommodation
- Entrance tickets required for the itinerary
- Professional licensed trekking leader
- Guide-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:10
- Trekking pole use, available on request
- Raincoat during rainy season, available on request
- Travel insurance during the trip
- Outdoor accident insurance coverage up to CNY 800,000, subject to insurance terms and age restrictions
- Tiger Leaping Gorge finisher medal
- One professional licensed leader per group; the leader is not the driver
Exncluded
- All meals and drinks
- Trail lunch and personal snacks
- Optional horse riding, usually around CNY 150–300 depending on location and availability
- Personal expenses
- Single-room supplement where applicable
- Expressway tolls if specifically requested by guests
- Emergency rescue or evacuation costs caused by personal reasons
- Any services not listed under “Included”
This is a special outdoor trekking route. The trip leader focuses on safety, pacing and route support, rather than providing detailed sightseeing commentary.
Recommended Equipment
- Quick-drying hiking clothes
- Warm layer, fleece or insulated jacket
- Hiking shoes, trail shoes or sturdy sports shoes
- 20L daypack
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Refillable water bottle
- Headlamp or small torch
- Personal medication
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hat
- One packed trail lunch
- Personal snacks and energy food
Trekking poles can be provided, but please request them before departure.
Important Notes
- This is a mountain hike with uneven terrain, uphill sections and changing weather.
- The 28 Bends requires good basic fitness and comfort with sustained uphill walking.
- The trek usually continues in light rain. Severe weather may require route or timing changes.
- Please follow the leader’s instructions and do not hike ahead of the group alone.
- Respect local Naxi culture, village life and religious sites.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles: take your rubbish with you, stay on existing trails and do not disturb plants or wildlife.
- Optional horse riding is arranged locally and is at your own cost and risk.
- Mountain roads may be affected by rain, traffic, roadworks or seasonal conditions.
- Luggage transfer is a convenience service only. Please avoid placing valuables or fragile items in transferred bags.
Reference cancellation rules
30 days or more before departure: 0% cancellation charge.
14-30 days before departure: 10% of the confirmed tour cost.
7-14 days before departure: 50% of the confirmed tour cost.
Within 7 days before departure: 100% of the confirmed tour cost.
Why Travel With Us
Why us
Yunnan-based planning with first-hand route knowledge and local supplier coordination.
Private, flexible arrangements shaped around your pace, interests, and travel dates.
Clear communication before booking, including accommodation style, guide availability, vehicle reference, and practical travel notes.
English-speaking support can be arranged on request, with final details confirmed before you reserve.