Location: Northwest Yunnan

About the Three Parallel Rivers

The Three Parallel Rivers region is one of the most remarkable geographical wonders in the world, where three major rivers of Asia—the Yangtze (Jinsha), Mekong (Lancang), and Salween (Nujiang)—flow parallel for over 300 km through deep valleys and high mountains before diverging into different directions. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts breathtaking landscapes, diverse ethnic cultures, and some of the most scenic trekking routes in Yunnan.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring & Early Summer: April – June (Mild weather, lush landscapes)
• Autumn: October – November (Clear skies, best visibility for mountain views)
• Winter & Summer Considerations:
  • Winter (Dec–Feb) can be cold and snowy at high altitudes.
  • Summer (July–Sept) is rainy, making trails muddy and prone to landslides.

Travel Routes

Option A: Yangtze and Mekong Route (Public Transport)

A great option for travelers wanting to explore Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La, and Meili Snow Mountain.

Route:
📍 Kunming → Lijiang → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Shangri-La (Zhongdian) → Deqin → Meili Snow Mountain
(📍 Return to Kunming via the same route)

Option B: Salween (Nujiang) Route (Public Transport)

This route takes travelers deep into the Nujiang Valley, home to incredible gorges, isolated Tibetan villages, and rich biodiversity.

Route:
📍 Kunming → Fugong → Gongshan → Bingzhongluo → (Return to Kunming)

Option C: Three Rivers Expedition (Comprehensive Adventure)

This route combines all three rivers and includes trekking over Biluo Snow Mountain from Nujiang to the Mekong. It is challenging but highly rewarding.

Route:
📍 Kunming → Liuku → Gongshan → Dimaluo → Biluo Snow Mountain → Meili Snow Mountain → Deqin → Zhongdian (Shangri-La) → Baishuitai → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Lijiang → Kunming

Itinerary for Route C: Three Rivers Expedition

Day 1: Kunming → Liuku

• Arrive in Kunming, capital of Yunnan.
• Take a late afternoon sleeper bus to Liuku (580 km, 13-16 hrs, ¥110-160).
• Buses depart daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Day 2: Liuku → Gongshan

• Travel 200 km north along the spectacular Nujiang Gorge.
• Bus Options:
  • 6:30 AM and 12:00 noon departures.
• Jeep Option: Charter a jeep (~¥300) for flexible stops along the way.
• Accommodation in Gongshan:
  • Bus Station Hotel, Gongshan Hotel, Bayi Zhaodaisuo (¥15-20/dorm, ¥60/standard room).

Day 3: Gongshan → Dimaluo

• Take a bus or minivan north along Nujiang to Dimaluo Village.
• Explore one of Nujiang’s Catholic communities, a legacy of 19th-century French missionaries.
• Stay at: Alou’s Tibetan Lodge (backpacker-friendly, offers guides/porters for trekking).

Day 4: Trekking Biluo Snow Mountain

• Start the three-day trek across Biluo Snow Mountain (4,652m).
• Pass through Baihanluo Village and visit a historic Catholic church.
• Overnight: Camp or stay in a local villager’s home.

Day 5: Crossing the Biluo Snow Mountain Pass

• Continue trekking, passing Layatong Village and reaching a 4,000m high mountain pass.
• Descend to Diwazhachong Village.
• Overnight: Camp or stay in a local home.

Day 6: Trekking Down to Cizhong (Mekong River)

• Complete the trek to Cizhong Town (by the Mekong River).
• Visit a 100-year-old Catholic Church, the best-preserved in Yunnan.
• Overnight: Stay in a local guesthouse.

Day 7: Cizhong → Meili Snow Mountain

• Travel north along the Mekong (~½ day) to Meili Snow Mountain (6,740m).
• Visit: Minyong Glacier.
• Overnight: Guesthouse in Minyong Village.

Day 8: Trekking to Yubeng & Holy Waterfall

• Trek to the sacred Yubeng Village and Holy Waterfall, revered by Tibetan Buddhists.
• Descend and take transport to Deqin.
• Overnight: Stay in Deqin.

Day 9: Deqin → Zhongdian (Shangri-La)

• By Bus:
  • Cross the Mekong River (2,000m).
  • Ascend White Horse Snow Mountain (5,430m), passing a 4,200m mountain pass.
  • Descend to Yangtze River Basin (1,900m), then climb to Shangri-La (3,200m).
• Stop at: Dongzhulin Monastery (important in Kham Tibetan Buddhism).

Day 10: Exploring Shangri-La

• Visit:
  • Songzanlin Monastery (Largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan).
  • Tibetan Market & Old Town.
  • Bitahai Nature Reserve.

Day 11: Shangri-La → Kunming OR Baishuitai

Option 1: Return to Kunming

• Take a coach (13-15 hrs) back to Kunming.

Option 2: Visit Baishuitai

• Take an 8:30 AM bus to Sanba (4.5 hrs, ¥30), then walk 30 min to Baishuitai.
• Explore the Baishui Terraces, a sacred Dongba cultural site.

Days 12-14: Baishuitai → Tiger Leaping Gorge

• Trek through one of the world’s deepest and most dramatic gorges.
• Traverse stunning cliffside trails, waterfalls, and Naxi villages.

Days 15-16: Lijiang

• Lijiang Old Town:
  • A UNESCO World Heritage site with cobblestone streets, canals, and historic Naxi architecture.
  • Tea Horse Road heritage, lively markets, and mountain views.

Final Notes

Packing Essentials for the Trek

✔ Warm layers (temperatures drop at high altitudes)
✔ Waterproof gear (weather is unpredictable)
✔ Trekking boots & walking poles
✔ First-aid kit & altitude sickness medication
✔ Power bank & flashlight
✔ Local SIM card (limited reception in remote areas)

Why Choose This Adventure?

✅ Experience three of Asia’s great rivers in one journey
✅ Trek across high-altitude mountain passes
✅ Visit remote Tibetan villages and historic churches
✅ See UNESCO World Heritage sites and natural wonders

Would you like any additional details or customizations for this guide?