1 Day hiking the first peack of the Yulong snow mountain in Lijiang, Yunnan.

A one-day hike to the first peak of Yulong Snow Mountain in Lijiang, Yunnan, offers an exhilarating adventure amidst stunning natural beauty. Here’s a suggested itinerary for the hike:

Itinerary

Departure Point
Depart from Lijiang Ancient City (丽江古城) at 7:00 a.m. and head to Wenhai Village (文海村), with a drive of about one hour.
Hiking Start Point
After arriving in Wenhai, continue to Yulong Lake (玉龙湖), located at an altitude of about 3,150 meters, which is the starting point of the hike.
Hiking Route
Yulong Lake (海拔3150米): The starting point of the hike, where you can enjoy the beautiful lake views and take a short rest.
Fir Forest (海拔3700米): Traverse the primeval forest and enjoy the alpine azalea flowers (April to June).
Snow Mountain Meadow (海拔4250米): Arrive at the natural meadow to replenish energy and take a brief rest.
First Peak of Yulong Snow Mountain (海拔4642米): Depart from the meadow and climb the steep slope, which takes about two hours.
Descent Time
It is recommended to take a short rest after reaching the summit. The descent will take about 2-3 hours, so make sure to return before dark.

Equipment Recommendations

  • Warm Clothing: Fleece jacket, warm hat, gloves, etc., as the temperature at the summit is low.
  • Hiking Gear: Hiking shoes, trekking poles, and crampons (for winter).
  • Other Supplies: Backpack (about 40L), water bottle, energy snacks, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Precautions

  • Altitude Sickness Prevention: Yulong Snow Mountain is at a high altitude, so be aware of the risk of altitude sickness and take regular breaks.
  • Safety First: Some sections of the hiking route are steep. It is recommended for experienced hikers and preferably with a professional guide.
  • Environmental Protection: Be mindful of protecting the environment and avoid littering along the way.

Highlights

  • Wenhai: Known as “the forgotten corner of the world,” it offers picturesque scenery.
  • Fir Forest: Evergreen throughout the year, with azalea flowers in summer and snow in winter.
  • Snow Mountain Meadow: Blooming wildflowers in summer and frozen snow in winter.
  • Summit View: After reaching the summit, you can overlook landmarks such as Lijiang Ancient City, the First Bend of the Yangtze River, and Shangri-La.

Tips

A one-day hike to the First Peak of Yulong Snow Mountain is an unforgettable experience, suitable for travelers with good physical fitness and hiking experience. The scenery along the way is breathtaking, but safety and altitude sickness prevention are crucial. It is recommended to plan your trip in advance and prepare the necessary equipment.