Best Hiking Tours around Three Parallel River in Northwest Yunnan

In Yunnan, adventurous hiking is the king. Deep gorges, perilous peaks, breathtaking rice terraces, sleepy ethnic villages and wildlife teemed tropical jungles, Yunnan will satisfy your quest for sublime natural splendor and alluring tribe culture beyond the horizon.

Tiger Leaping Gorge, Meili Snow Mountain, Mingyong Glacier, Yubeng Village, Dulong River and Laojunshan Mountain are top six hiking destinations in Yunnan.

Best Hiking Tours around Three Parallel River in Northwest Yunnan

Tiger Leaping Gorge 

This trail is relatively well-developed thanks to those hardy outdoor aficionados. Tiger Leaping Gorge consists of three sections: upper, middle and lower. The upper and lower section consist of 28 bends each and the middle section is the most challenging. Covering the whole route will take two day and half a day. The difficulty level falls between mild and wild. Hence, you can have a sense of achievement and pride after finishing the trekking.

Lancang-Mekong River Meili Grand Canyon in Deqin County, Diqing
Lancang-Mekong River Meili Grand Canyon in Deqin County, Diqing

The most classic hiking route:

The Old Town of Lijiang—Daju(大具)—Walnut Garden—Zhongxia Guesthouse(中峡旅店), Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge Starry Sky(中虎跳满天星)—Halfway Guesthouse—28 Bends—Nuoyu Village(诺余村)—Qiaotou—return to the Old Town of Lijiang

Tips

You will pass along Heduanshan, the gere pool of fauna and flora species including azaleas in great varieties.
Watch out in the big waterfall between Walnut Garden and Zhongxia Guesthouse, for landslide is a common phenomenon

Make it happen by joining our  6-Day Lijiang-Shangri-La Sightseeing & Trekking Tour

Meili Snow Mountain 

Located in Three Parallel Rivers area, the converging site where Yunnan embraces Tibet, Meili Snow Mountain boasts 13 glacier-capped peaks towering over 6000m above the ground. Wagebo Peak at 6740m, is the highest in Yunnan.

Several routes are available for selection:

Inner Ring Mountain Circular Route

Deqin County(德钦县城)—White Sutra-Rotation Pagoda(白转经塔)—Feilai Monastery飞来寺—Lancangjiang River(澜沧江)—Yongzong Village(雍宗村)—Xidang Hotspring(西当温泉)—Nanzongyakou(南宗垭口)—Yubeng Upper Village(雨崩上村)—Yubeng Lower Village(雨崩下村)—Divine Waterfall(神瀑)
Tip: this route is not difficult. In adversity climate such as storm and snow, the road can be muddy. It will take four to five days and no map is needed.

Outer Ring Mountain Circular Route 

Meili Snow Mountain(for one week)—Tibet—Yunnan

It is energy-sapping and strenuous. 13 days are needed to cover this route. Only those well-equipped and consummate trekkers will derive pleasure from it. In Shangri-La county, you can buy a map there.

Meili Snow Mountain to Bingzhongluo Village (one of Yunnan’s Top Six Folklore Destinations, Nujiang)

Route One: YongzhiVillage永芝村—Zou Suo Tong走索桶—Peacock Hill孔雀山垭口—Xinke—Dimaluo Township迪麻洛—Bingzhongluo丙中洛

Tip: depart from Deqin County to Yongzhi Village, the centerpiece of Deqin. It is famous for snow peaks, grasslands, lakes and village with many centenaries. Hire a horse there, pass along Zousuotong, Peacock Hill, Xinke and Dimuluo Township. After that, you can land on highways. Two days are needed.Kawa Karpo Kora Meili Snow Mountain in Diqing

Route Two: Cizhong茨中—Hanluo汉洛—Dimaluo Township迪麻洛—Bingzhongluo丙中洛

Leave Deqin County to Cizhong by car, then hire a horse in Cizhong. Pass Baihanluo during your way to Dimaluo. During the way, you will pass a hill elevated at 5000m. Two days are needed. Scenery of this routes is more breathtaking.

Mingyong Glacier 

It is an integral part of Meili Snow Mountain. At first, this trail is used by devout pilgrims, nowadays, it is shared by hikers.

Mingyong Village—Taizi Monastery(太子庙)—Lotus Temple(莲花庙)—Glacier Sightseeing Terrace(冰川观景台)—descend to mountain foot

Start from the mountain foot, you will arrive at Taizi Monastery in two hours. Another one hour’s hike will bring you to Lotus Monastery perched on the summit. Stay in Glacier Sighting deck for a while, take photos and take in scenery. After that, descend to the foot of Meili Snow Mountain. It will take 4 to 5 hours in total. If you cannot get enough of this retreat, stay for the night and listen to the crack sound of ice and snowslide. Watch the spectacular sunrise in the following day is a highlight.

Yubeng Village

Yubeng Village is the nearest village to Meili Snow Mountain, it is also the highest. This hiking trail is mature and keeps drawing trekkers like a magnet.

Route: Xidang Hot Spring(西当温泉)—Nazonglayakou(那宗拉垭口)—Yubeng Upper Village(雨崩上村)—Ice Lake Big Camp(冰湖大本营)—Yubeng Lower Village(雨崩下村)—Divine Waterfall(神瀑)

Three to four days are needed. For those have more energy, you can add Divine Lake into the list. Divine Lake has a height difference of over 1000m, is very demanding.

Dulongjiang Hiking 

Route one: Gongshan(高黎贡山)—Qiqi(期其)—East Guard Relay(东哨房used during wartime, it is a relic now, the houses have no roofs and walls)—Erdui(二队)—Bapo(巴坡)—Maku Village(马库村)—Qinlang Moon Waterfall(钦郎月亮大峡谷)—Maku Village(马库村)—Bapo—(巴坡)–Kongdang(孔当)

Tip: time needed: nine days. During the journey, you can enjoy the fantastic vistas of sub tropical forests, Gongligongshan Mountain and the Dulong River at foot. Sleeping bag, tents, anti-slipper mats, cooking gears and food are necessities.
If you want to experience the same scenery without experiencing so much hardship, the alternative is:

Kunming—Liuku—Gaoligong Mountain(高黎贡山)—Qiqi(期其)—East Guard Outpost(东哨房)—Bapo(巴坡)—Kongdang—Gaoligong Mountain(高黎贡山)

Tip: time needed: seven days. During the middle way, there are many guesthouses.
Best season: October

Dulongjiang River in Nujiang
Dulongjiang River in Nujiang

Laojun Hill

Laojun Hill extends for thousands of miles. Its main peak stands at a mind-blowing height of 4200m and is reputed as the ancestor of all hills in Yunnan. It is one of the quintessential part of Three Parallel Rivers.

Route: the Old Town of Lijiang—99 Dragon Pool(九十九龙潭)—Elong Lake(鳄龙海子)—xiaoqiao tou(小桥头)—Liju village(利苴村)—Golden Thread Factory(金丝厂)—Snub-nosed Monkey Observation site—Peach Garden—Shigu Town (the First Bend of Yangtze River)—the Old Town of Lijiang

Tip 
Time needed: four days

In the first day, you can hire a car to Daqunlong Mountain Mansion(达群龙山庄), then get off and walk to 99 Dragon Pool, Sister Lake, Holy Mother Lake and Sancai Lake.
The second morning, you need to hike 5 hours to Elong Lake , this period is very challenging. Have a picnic. Hike 5 hours (7.5km) and you will reach Xiaoqiaotou. Take a bus there to Liju Village.
The third morning take a bus for 1.5 h and reach Golden Thread Factory. Have picnic. Trek through virgin forest for 4 hours before reaching Golden Monkey Observation Site.
The fourth morning hike for 4 hours to Sanchahe. Take a bus for one hour to reach Peach Garden Village of Bai Minority. Take a 1.5h-bus to Shigu Town to see the First Bend of Yangtze River. Take a one-hour bus and return to the Old Town of Lijiang.

Hiking Travel Tips for Three Parallel River in Yunnan

Hiking in the Three Parallel Rivers region in Yunnan offers incredible natural beauty and unique cultural experiences. Here are some essential travel tips to make the most of your hiking adventure:

1. Plan Your Hike

  • Research Trails: Research and choose the hiking trails that match your fitness level and interests. Popular trails include Tiger Leaping Gorge, Meili Snow Mountain, Haba Snow Mountain, and routes within the Three Parallel Rivers Nature Reserve.
  • Season: The best times to hike are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the views are clear. Summers can be rainy, and winters are cold in higher altitudes.

2. Prepare Physically and Mentally

  • Fitness Level: Assess your fitness level and choose trails accordingly. Some hikes, like those in Meili Snow Mountain, involve high altitudes and challenging terrain.
  • Altitude Acclimatization: If hiking at higher altitudes, such as in Meili Snow Mountain or Tiger Leaping Gorge, take time to acclimatize to prevent altitude sickness. Gradually ascend and allow your body time to adjust.

3. Pack Essentials

  • Clothing: Dress in layers suitable for changing weather conditions. Include a waterproof jacket, warm layers for cold evenings, and comfortable hiking boots with good ankle support.
  • Gear: Carry a daypack with essentials like a map, compass or GPS device, flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a basic first-aid kit.
  • Water and Snacks: Carry enough water for the day’s hike and energy-boosting snacks like nuts, energy bars, and fruits. Some trails may have limited access to food and water.

4. Respect Local Culture and Environment

  • Cultural Sensitivity: The region is home to diverse ethnic groups like Tibetans, Lisu, and Naxi. Respect local customs, traditions, and dress modestly when visiting villages or sacred sites.
  • Environmental Conservation: Practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, and stick to designated trails to minimize your impact on the environment.

5. Safety Tips

  • Weather Awareness: Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially in mountainous areas. Check weather forecasts before starting your hike.
  • Emergency Contacts: Carry local emergency numbers and know the nearest medical facilities or ranger stations along your route.
  • Hiking Permits: Some areas may require permits or guides, especially protected nature reserves or remote villages. Check ahead and obtain necessary permits.

6. Guided Tours vs. Independent Hiking

  • Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided hiking tour for safety, local expertise, and cultural insights. Tour operators can arrange permits, transportation, and accommodation.
  • Independent Hiking: If hiking independently, thoroughly research your route, notify someone of your plans, and stay on marked trails.

7. Accommodation and Facilities

  • Lodging: Arrange accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Options range from guesthouses in villages to tent camping in designated areas.
  • Facilities: Expect basic facilities in remote areas. Carry essential toiletries and medications as needed.

8. Enjoy the Experience

  • Photography: Capture the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife responsibly. Respect local restrictions on photography, especially in culturally sensitive areas.
  • Local Cuisine: Try local dishes and beverages to immerse yourself in the region’s culinary delights. Respect dietary restrictions, especially if visiting Tibetan or other ethnic communities.

Hiking in the Three Parallel Rivers region promises unforgettable adventures amidst some of China’s most breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage. With careful planning, respect for nature and local cultures, and preparedness, your hiking trip will be both rewarding and safe.