2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour from Dongpo Village to Middle Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge is celebrated as one of the world’s premier trekking destinations and is highly recommended by ‘Lonely Planet’ as a must-visit location in Yunnan. This two-day tour offers a trekking experience of moderate difficulty. During the hike, you’ll have the opportunity to reach the highest point at 28 Zigzag Bends, where you can appreciate the steep and exhilarating landscape of Tiger Leaping Gorge. Along the way, you’ll also observe the thunderous, swirling river fiercely crashing against massive boulders in its course.

Introduction

Tiger Leaping Gorge is renowned as one of the top trekking spots globally and is listed as a must-see destination in Yunnan by ‘Lonely Planet’. This two-day trek presents a moderately challenging experience, allowing you to ascend to the highest vantage point at 28 Zigzag Bends, where you can take in the breathtaking and steep scenery of the gorge. As you journey along the trail, you’ll also be captivated by the powerful, swirling river as it tumultuously crashes against enormous boulders in its path.

Highlights:

  • Stunning Scenery: Experience breathtaking views of the dramatic landscape, including towering cliffs, lush greenery, and the winding river below.
  • 28 Zigzag Bends: Reach the iconic 28 Zigzag Bends, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas and feel the thrill of the gorge’s steep drops.
  • Local Culture: Encounter the rich cultural heritage of the Naxi people, with opportunities to interact with locals and learn about their traditions and way of life.
  • Foaming River: Witness the mighty Yangtze River as it roars through the gorge, with its powerful currents and striking contrast against the rocky terrain.
  • Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various bird species and other fauna that inhabit the region.
  • Campfire Experience: Enjoy a cozy evening by the campfire with fellow hikers, sharing stories and reflecting on the day’s adventure under the stars.
  • Challenging Trails: Tackle the moderate but rewarding hiking trails that will test your endurance while providing a sense of accomplishment.
  • Photography Opportunities: Capture unforgettable moments with stunning photographs of the gorge’s dramatic features and scenic beauty.

Brief Itinerary

  • Day 1: Lijiang – Qiaotou – Dongpo Village-Laoyaoshan Meadow-Bendiwan Village
  • Day 2: Bendiwan Village – Tina’s House – Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Lijiang-Qiaotou Town-Tea & Horse Guesthouse

Sightseeing and Activities:Qiaotou Town, the First Bend of Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Nuoyu Village, 28 Zigzag Bends, Tea&horse Guesthouse
Accommodation: Tea & Horse Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast

  • Morning Journey to Qiaotou Town
    • Begin your day with a scenic drive of approximately 100 kilometers to Qiaotou Town, commonly referred to as Tiger Leaping Gorge Town.
    • As you travel, immerse yourself in the beauty of Naxi ethnic villages while following the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the First Bend of the Yangtze River along the route.
    • Your trekking adventure kicks off in Tiger Leaping Gorge, renowned as one of the four great gorges in the world, celebrated for its extraordinary depth of 3,900 meters.
  • Trekking from Qiaotou Primary School
    • Your hike starts at Qiaotou Primary School. After about thirty minutes of walking, you will reach Changsheng Village, where you can tour the Changsheng Hope Primary School. By noon, you’ll arrive in Zhong Nuoyu Village, where a delicious lunch awaits you at a Naxi Family Guesthouse.
    • Following lunch, gear up for the most challenging segment of your trek as you navigate the ascent to the 28 Zigzag Bends trail, which culminates at an impressive elevation of 2,670 meters.
    • At the end of today’s journey, you’ll arrive at the Tea & Horse Guesthouse, marking the halfway point of your trek.
The First Bend of Yangtze River in Lijiang.
The First Bend of Yangtze River in Lijiang.

Day 2 Tea&Horse Guesthouse-Tina’s Guesthouse-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:waterfall, Tina’s Guesthouse /Middle Rapids, Thin Strip of Sky(Ray of Sunshine,一线天), Walnut Grove Garden
Accommodation:None
Meals: Breakfast

  • Early Morning Trek and Departure
    • Rise early in the morning for a trek to Tina’s Guesthouse. After enjoying your time there, you will return to Lijiang, marking the conclusion of our services.
  • Extended Trekking Option
    • If you are in excellent physical condition, consider continuing your trek. Start by descending from Tina’s Guesthouse to Teacher Zhang’s Guesthouse, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of the middle gorge, resembling a grand gateway. The trail from Teacher Zhang’s Guesthouse descends steeply down to the Middle Rapids.
    • From there, continue your journey along the Thin Strip of Sky (also known as Ray of Sunshine, 一线天) as you make your way to Walnut Grove Garden. Afterward, you’ll drive back to Lijiang, concluding your adventure.

Recommended Hotels

Destination 5 Star 4 Star 3 Star
Tiger Leaping Gorge / / Tea & Horse Guesthouse

Service Included:

  • Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary;
  • Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
  • Private English-speaking tour guide;
  • Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
  • Service charge & government taxes;
  • Luggage transfers between airports and hotels.

Service Excluded:

  • Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
  • Chinese visa fees;
  • Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
  • Single room supplement;
  • Tips to guides and drivers;
  • Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
  • Personal travel accident insurance;
  • All optional programs.

Travel Tips:

  • Take some lightweight clothes with you and wear comfortable walking shoes for tired trekking and overnight staying at Tiger Leaping Gorge. If possible, knee pads are necessary to avoid any bump.
  • If trekking in winter or rainy season, the windbreaker, gloves, anti-skid shoes and waterproof coat will be needed in case of temperature drop and get wet in the rain.
  • If you are easy to be hungry and tired during the trekking, bring some high caloric snacks with you, such as chocolate and beef jerky. If not, you can buy food at local guesthouses along the route.
  • Our tour guide will provide you two bottles of water for each person every day. But we suggest you to bring more by yourself.
  • For the strong ultraviolet ray there, we suggest you to wear sun bonnet or take sunsceen with you.
  • Do not trek too fast, because the Tiger Leaping Gorge is located at high altitude area, or altitude sickness may happen to you.

The Most Popular Tours Packages of Tiger Leaping Gorge

1 Day Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour (Lijiang Part)
1 Day The Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour (Shangri-La Part)
1 Day Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Group Tour (Finishing in Lijiang or Shangri-La)
1 Day Tiger Leaping Gorge Highlight Hiking Tour from Bendiwan Village to Tina’s Hostel
2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Group Tour (Back to Lijiang from Hetaoyuan Village)
2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Tour with Daju Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
3 Days The First Bend of Yangtze River Rafting and Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour
3 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour From Qiaotou Town to Haba Village
4 Days Haba Snow Mountain Climbing Adventure with Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour
5 Days Lijiang City Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure
6 Days Lijiang Hiking Tour around Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
7 Days Lijiang and Shangri-La Paradise Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure
9 Days Kunming Dali Lijiang and Shangri-La Classic Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure