How Many Days to Spend in Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge is a famous scenic spot in Lijiang and Shangri-La. It is recommended to have a day of sightseeing.But if you want to pack, it will take about 3 days.

Yunnan Tiger Leaping Gorge Attractions include three parts: the upper section, middle section and lower section. The Tiger Leaping Gorge is famous for its steepness, one of the deepest gorges in the world and sits between Haba Snow Mountain in the north and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the south. As a hiking paradise, Things to Do in Tiger Leaping Gorge Yunnan cover challenging sections like 28 Zigzag Turns and Middle Rapids which are considered as the highlights of Tiger Leaping Gorge. In addition, Walnut Garden Village, Bendiwan Village is also a favored spot by hikers. The Top Tiger Leaping Gorge Attractions are absolutely the splendid gorge and surging Jinsha River.

Tiger Leaping Gorge Itinerary:

Day 1: Upper Trail

  • Morning: Start early from Lijiang or Qiaotou and hike the Upper Trail of Tiger Leaping Gorge. This section offers stunning views of the gorge and the Jinsha River.
  • Afternoon: Reach the Naxi Family Guesthouse or Tea Horse Guesthouse for lunch and rest. Enjoy the scenery and relax.

Day 2: Middle and Lower Trails

  • Morning: Continue your hike through the Middle Trail, which is the most challenging but offers breathtaking views. This section includes the famous 28 Bends.
  • Afternoon: Descend to Tina’s Guesthouse or Halfway Guesthouse for a break. Explore the Lower Trail and visit the Tiger Leaping Stone.
  • Evening: Stay overnight in a guesthouse in Walnut Garden or Zhongxia Guesthouse.

Day 3: Return or Further Exploration

  • Morning: Hike back to Qiaotou or arrange transportation from Tina’s Guesthouse.
  • Option: If time allows and you’re up for more adventure, explore nearby attractions like Shangri-La (if continuing northward) or return to Lijiang.

Duration Recommendation:

  • Minimum: 2 days to hike through Tiger Leaping Gorge and experience its stunning landscapes.
  • Ideal: 3 days to allow for a more relaxed pace, photography, and exploration of the different trails and viewpoints.

Tiger Leaping Gorge offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Yunnan, with its deep gorges, roaring river, and rugged trails. Whether you’re a casual hiker or an avid adventurer, spending a couple of days here allows you to fully appreciate its natural beauty and cultural significance. Adjust the itinerary based on your fitness level and interest in hiking to make the most of your visit.

Best Tiger Leaping Gorge Tours

Tiger Leaping Gorge Tours without Hiking

Hiking Tours

Legend about Tiger Leaping Gorge

It is said that a hunter was chasing a tiger through the gorge many years ago. When it reached the narrowest point the tiger leaping across the Jinsha River, escaping the furious hunter. The rock where the tiger made its jump is now an iconic viewing point.

There is another legend that a rich Lijiang ruler, Lord Mu, rode on his tiger to go along the side of Jinsha River one day. He and tiger went to a relatively narrow area, the tiger leaped to a large rock in the center of the river. The tiger landed but Lord Mu was not landing at the same time and had dropped into a rolling river. Time has passed, there left a tiger leaping stone for future generations.

Best Time to Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge hike can be undertaken at any time around the year as it enjoys a mild climate even in winter (5-15 degrees Celsius), but the temperature difference of a day is great. Between April and June and the autumn time during September to October is the best time to travel. During these two periods it is suitable to go hiking on the Tiger Leaping Gorge, also can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenery. The late spring and early summer the temperature is moderate, flowers on the meadow blooming like a piece of brocade which is charming.