How to Plan Yubeng Village Hiking Tour

Yubeng Village is an enchanting, remote Tibetan village located within the Meili Snow Mountain range in Yunnan Province, China. The village is known for its untouched natural beauty, sacred sites, and Tibetan culture, making it a must-visit for adventurous hikers. This hiking tour will take you through majestic glaciers, sacred waterfalls, alpine lakes, and lush forests, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Himalayas.

Overview of Yubeng Village

Yubeng is divided into two parts: Upper Yubeng and Lower Yubeng. The village is nestled deep within the Meili Snow Mountain range and is not accessible by vehicles, making it an ideal destination for trekkers. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and waterfalls, all while immersing themselves in the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of the Tibetan culture. The area is also known for its prayer flags, wooden houses, and warm hospitality from the locals.

Highlights of the Yubeng Village Tour

• Sacred Waterfall: A revered waterfall that holds spiritual significance for Tibetan Buddhists.
• Glacier Lake: A stunning high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
• Tibetan Culture: Traditional Tibetan architecture and friendly locals.
• Trekking: Challenging yet rewarding hikes through pristine wilderness.

Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Get to Feilaisi
• Day 2: Hike into Upper Yubeng
• Day 3: Glacier Lake Hike
• Day 4: Sacred Waterfall Hike
• Day 5: Hike out to Ninong Village

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Get to Feilaisi

• Travel to Feilaisi: Start your journey by road from Shangri-La to Feilaisi, which takes around 5-6 hours. The road is winding and offers picturesque views of the mountains and valleys along the way.
• Acclimatization: Feilaisi is at a higher altitude, so it’s important to rest here for the night to adjust to the thinner air.
• Overnight in Feilaisi: Check into a guesthouse or a local hotel in Feilaisi. This will give you time to relax and prepare for the next day’s hike.

Accommodation Options in Feilaisi:

• Budget Hotels/Guesthouses: Simple rooms with basic amenities, often with stunning views of Meili Snow Mountain.
• Price Range: $20 – $50 per night.

Day 2: Hike into Upper Yubeng

• Trek to Upper Yubeng: Begin your trek from Feilaisi to Upper Yubeng Village, a 6-8 hour hike through forests, meadows, and mountain paths. The trail is moderate to challenging, with significant elevation gain.
• Trekking Route: The route offers fantastic views of the Meili Snow Mountain range, and you will pass through lush forests and Tibetan villages. Along the way, you might encounter yaks, sheep, and local herders.
• Accommodation in Upper Yubeng: Once you reach Upper Yubeng, check into a guesthouse. The village is quite remote, so the facilities are simple but cozy.
• Relax in the Village: After your long hike, take the time to relax and enjoy the tranquility of Upper Yubeng.

Accommodation Options in Upper Yubeng:

• Basic Guesthouses: Local family-run guesthouses offering basic rooms with simple Tibetan-style furnishings.
• Price Range: $25 – $60 per night.

Day 3: Glacier Lake Hike

• Trek to Glacier Lake: The highlight of this day is a hike to the Glacier Lake, which is located around 5-6 hours away from Upper Yubeng Village. The path is steep and challenging, but the rewards are worth it. The lake is surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
• Explore the Lake: Take time to explore the area around the lake. You can take photos, meditate, or simply sit back and enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas. The lake’s serene and cold waters provide a tranquil environment.
• Return to Upper Yubeng: After spending time at Glacier Lake, return to Upper Yubeng Village in the evening.

Important Tip: The altitude at Glacier Lake can cause discomfort, so it’s essential to drink plenty of water and take breaks during the hike to avoid altitude sickness.

Day 4: Sacred Waterfall Hike

• Sacred Waterfall: Today, hike to the Sacred Waterfall, a revered site by the local Tibetan community. The hike to the waterfall takes about 4-6 hours. The waterfall cascades down from a high cliff, creating a mist that fills the air with a refreshing atmosphere.
• Trekking Route: The path to the waterfall takes you through forests and rivers. You’ll pass by prayer flags and traditional Tibetan shrines along the way.
• Spiritual Experience: The waterfall is considered sacred, and many Tibetan pilgrims visit the site for spiritual purification. Spend some time by the waterfall, soaking in the beauty and the tranquility.
• Return to Upper Yubeng: After visiting the Sacred Waterfall, head back to Upper Yubeng for your final night in the village.

Day 5: Hike Out to Ninong Village

• Final Trek: On your final day, you will hike out from Upper Yubeng to Ninong Village, a journey that takes approximately 6-8 hours. This trek offers more scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
• Rest in Ninong Village: Once you arrive in Ninong Village, take a rest before heading back to Shangri-La. Ninong is a small, peaceful village where you can reflect on your trek through Yubeng.
• Overnight in Ninong Village: You can stay overnight in Ninong Village to rest before returning to Shangri-La the next day.

Accommodation Options in Ninong Village:

• Simple Lodging: Small guesthouses or homestays in the village provide a chance to interact with locals.
• Price Range: $20 – $50 per night.

Cost Estimation

Here’s a breakdown of the expected costs for your Yubeng Village hiking tour:

Accommodation:

• Feilaisi (Night 1): $20 – $50 per night.
• Upper Yubeng (Nights 2-4): $25 – $60 per night.
• Ninong Village (Night 5): $20 – $50 per night.

Meals:

• Daily Meals: $10 – $15 per day, depending on where you eat. Meals are typically simple Tibetan dishes such as momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and tsampa (roasted barley flour).
• Total for 5 days: $50 – $75.

Transportation:

• Shangri-La to Feilaisi: Transportation costs will vary depending on whether you take a private car, taxi, or public bus. Expect to pay around $30 – $50 for a one-way trip.
• Local Transportation: Depending on how you travel to trailheads or other local destinations, expect to pay around $10 – $30 for local transport.

Permits and Fees:

• Trekking Permits: Some regions require a permit to hike, which may cost around $10 – $20 per person.
• National Park Fees: If the trek is within a protected area, there might be an entrance fee of $5 – $15.

Total Estimated Cost for 5 Days:

• Budget Option: $400 – $600 (per person, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and permits).
• Mid-range Option: $600 – $900 (per person, including upgraded accommodation and meals).

The Yubeng Village hiking tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore remote Tibetan villages, dramatic landscapes, and sacred sites nestled in the heart of the Meili Snow Mountain range. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature lover, this trek promises a peaceful and rewarding experience. With careful planning and budgeting for accommodation, meals, transportation, and permits, your adventure in Yubeng will be an unforgettable journey into one of the most beautiful and remote corners of China.