When is The Best Time to Visit The Kawa Karpo Kora (Meili Snow Mountain)

Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山) is located in Deqin County (德钦县), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is a famous snow-capped mountain range in the Hengduan Mountains (横断山脉), with its main peak, Kawagarbo (卡瓦格博), standing at 6,740 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in Yunnan. Meili Snow Mountain is not only a natural treasure but also a sacred site for the Tibetan people, holding profound cultural and religious significance.

Best Viewing Spots

  • Feilai Temple Viewing Platform (飞来寺观景台): A classic spot to witness the “Sunlight over Golden Mountain (日照金山),” located about 8 kilometers from Deqin County.
  • Wunongding Viewing Platform (雾浓顶观景台): About 10 kilometers from Feilai Temple, offering a broader view and the opportunity to capture panoramic shots of the snow-capped mountains.
  • Mingyong Glacier (明永冰川): A famous glacier of Meili Snow Mountain, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of the snow-capped mountains up close.

Cultural Significance

Meili Snow Mountain is a pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhism, attracting numerous devotees each year to perform the kora (circumambulation). The kora routes include the outer kora, which takes about 3 days, and the inner kora, which takes about 1 day.

I. Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Meili Snow Mountain is from October to May each year, when the weather is clear, visibility is high, and the chances of seeing the main peak and other peaks are the greatest.

Spring (March to May)

  • Climate: Gradually warming temperatures, suitable for hiking.
  • Scenery: Vegetation begins to recover, and rhododendrons bloom, creating a beautiful landscape.
  • Activities: Ideal for hiking to Yubeng Village (雨崩村) to enjoy lush trees and blooming rhododendrons.

Autumn (September to November)

  • Climate: Clear and dry weather with fresh air.
  • Scenery: Red leaves under the snow-capped mountains and golden sunlight create a spectacular view. The chances of seeing the “Sunlight over Golden Mountain” are higher from October to November.
  • Activities: Perfect for watching the sunrise at Feilai Temple and experiencing local Tibetan culture.

Winter (December to February)

  • Climate: Cold but with fresh air and extremely high visibility.
  • Scenery: The best time to witness the “Sunlight over Golden Mountain,” especially from December to February, when the snow-capped mountains shine golden under the sunlight.
  • Activities: Ideal for watching the sunrise at Feilai Temple or Wunongding Viewing Platform.

Precautions

  • Rainy Season: June to August is the rainy season, with frequent rain, slippery mountain roads, and low visibility, making it less suitable for tourism.
  • Equipment: Warm clothing is necessary due to the large temperature difference between day and night.
  • Transportation: Travelers generally start from Lijiang (丽江) or Shangri-La (香格里拉), head to Deqin County, and then proceed to Feilai Temple.

In summary, winter (December to February) is the best time to see the “Sunlight over Golden Mountain,” while spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for hiking.

II. Attractions and Ticket Prices

Feilai Temple Viewing Platform (飞来寺观景台)

  • Ticket: 40 RMB/person
  • Description: A prime location to view the panoramic scenery of Meili Snow Mountain and the “Sunlight over Golden Mountain.” Several viewing hotels are nearby.

Wunongding Viewing Platform (雾浓顶观景台)

  • Ticket: 40 RMB/person
  • Description: Closer to the snow-capped mountains, offering a stunning panoramic view of the “Sunlight over Golden Mountain.”

Mingyong Glacier (明永冰川)

  • Ticket: 55 RMB/person, eco-car 75 RMB/person, total 130 RMB
  • Description: The largest and lowest-altitude valley glacier in Yunnan, suitable for hiking.

Yubeng Village (雨崩村)

  • Ticket: 55 RMB/person
  • Description: Known as a “hidden paradise,” it is divided into Upper and Lower Villages and is ideal for in-depth hiking.

Jinsha River Grand Bend (金沙江大湾)

  • Ticket: 20 RMB/person
  • Description: A spectacular view of the grand bend of the Jinsha River.

Dongzhulin Temple (东竹林寺)

  • Ticket: 30 RMB
  • Description: Built in the sixth year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty, it is one of the thirteen major temples in the Kham region.

Tacheng Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park (塔城滇金丝猴国家公园)

  • Ticket: According to the park’s official notice
  • Description: A nature reserve for observing Yunnan golden monkeys.

III. Transportation and Prices

From Shangri-La (香格里拉) to Deqin County (德钦县)

  • Bus: Multiple departures daily, fare 58 RMB, approximately 4 hours.
  • Carpool: Around 600 RMB/day, offering more flexibility.

From Lijiang (丽江) to Deqin County

  • Bus: First to Shangri-La, then transfer to Deqin County, fare 63 RMB.

From Kunming (昆明) to Deqin County

  • Bus: One daily departure from Kunming West Bus Station at 19:00, fare 258 RMB.

From Deqin County to Feilai Temple

  • Bus: Departures from Deqin Bus Station at 7:00 and 15:00 daily to Mingyong Village, fare 16 RMB.
  • Carpool: Around 600 RMB/day.

Yubeng Village

  • Hiking: Enter from Xidang Village (西当村) or Ninong Grand Canyon (尼农大峡谷).
  • Chartered Car: Approximately 40 minutes.

IV. Food Recommendations

  • Yak Meat Hotpot (牦牛肉火锅): Rich and tender beef with a pure broth.
  • Cured Pork Rib Hotpot (腊排骨火锅): A nutritious mixed hotpot.
  • Matsutake Mushroom Stewed with Local Chicken (松茸炖土鸡): Large and flavorful matsutake mushrooms, delicious and nourishing.
  • Barley Pancake (青稞饼): Sweetened with barley.
  • Butter Tea (酥油茶): Quickly replenishes energy and wards off the cold.
  • Rose Honey (玫瑰蜜): A local specialty available from villagers.
  • Dried Beef (牛干巴): Chewy, spicy, and fragrant.

V. Shopping Recommendations

  • Tibetan Handicrafts: Such as Tibetan knives, thangkas, and Tibetan ornaments, available in local Tibetan villages or markets.
  • Tibetan Medicine: Such as Rhodiola and saffron, suitable as gifts.

VI. Accommodation Recommendations and Prices

Feilai Temple

  • Viewing Hotels: Some rooms offer direct views of the snow-capped mountains, priced around 300-800 RMB/night.
  • Homestays: More affordable, around 200-500 RMB/night.

Yubeng Village

  • Accommodation Conditions: Relatively simple but offers an in-depth experience of Tibetan culture and natural scenery, priced around 200-500 RMB/night.

Wunongding

  • High-end Hotels: Excellent viewing locations, priced around 800-1500 RMB/night.

VII. Recommended Itineraries

One-Day Tour

  • Morning: Depart from Shangri-La to Feilai Temple, check into a hotel.
  • Early Morning: Visit Feilai Temple Viewing Platform to see the “Sunlight over Golden Mountain.”
  • Afternoon: Head to Mingyong Glacier to experience its grandeur.
  • Evening: Return to Feilai Temple to conclude the day.

Three-Day Tour

  • Day 1: Travel from the departure point to Shangri-La, acclimatize to the high altitude, and explore Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城).
  • Day 2: Depart from Shangri-La to Deqin, enjoying views of Baima Snow Mountain (白马雪山) and Lancang River Grand Canyon (澜沧江大峡谷) along the way. Arrive at Feilai Temple in the evening and check in.
  • Day 3: Early morning visit to Feilai Temple Viewing Platform to see the “Sunlight over Golden Mountain,” then proceed to Mingyong Glacier.

In-Depth Tour (Five-Day Tour)

  • Day 1: Depart from Lijiang or Shangri-La to Feilai Temple.
  • Day 2: Early morning to see the “Sunlight over Golden Mountain,” then head to Yubeng Village.
  • Day 3: Upper Yubeng Village – High Mountain Pass – Xiaonong Base Camp (笑农大本营) – Ice Lake (冰湖).
  • Day 4: Lower Yubeng Village – Primeval Forest – Sacred Waterfall (神瀑).
  • Day 5: Lower Yubeng Village – Ninong Grand Canyon – Deqin County – Return to Shangri-La.

VIII. Other Precautions

Warm Clothing

  • Down Jacket or Thick Cotton Coat: Necessary due to the high altitude and large temperature differences.
  • Thermal Underwear and Thick Sweaters: For periods with significant temperature differences between day and night.
  • Hat, Gloves, and Scarf: To prevent heat loss and avoid frostbite.
  • Windproof and Waterproof Jacket and Pants: Suitable for the variable mountain weather.

Sun Protection

  • High SPF Sunscreen (SPF 50+): Strong UV radiation at high altitudes.
  • Sunglasses: To prevent snow blindness and protect the eyes.
  • Sun Hat and Sun Scarf: To protect the face and neck.

Hiking Gear

  • Hiking Boots or Trekking Shoes: Anti-slip and waterproof, suitable for mountain walking.
  • Trekking Poles: To reduce leg strain and protect the knees.
  • Knee Pads: Especially useful for hiking or climbing to protect joints.
  • Quick-Dry Underwear and Socks: To keep the body dry and avoid dampness.

Other Equipment

  • Rain Gear: Raincoat or umbrella (raincoat is recommended for easier movement).
  • Thermos: To replenish hot water at any time.
  • Power Bank and Flashlight: Limited electricity resources in the mountains, lighting is needed for night walks.
  • Disposable Underwear: For easy changing and washing.

High Altitude Sickness Prevention

  • Anti-Altitude Sickness Medication: Such as Rhodiola, Gao Yuan An, and Lan Yang Pian.
  • Oxygen Canisters: For those with weaker physical conditions.

Food and Medicine

  • High-Energy Foods: Such as chocolate, beef jerky, and energy bars.
  • Common Medications: Cold medicine, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-diarrheal medicine, band-aids, and insect repellent spray.

Other Precautions

  • Respect Local Customs: Meili Snow Mountain is a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhism, so respect local culture and religious beliefs.
  • Maintain a Good Attitude: Avoid excessive tension and anxiety, which helps alleviate altitude sickness.
  • Plan Your Itinerary Wisely: When first arriving at high altitudes, do not rush to higher elevations. Spend 1-2 days acclimatizing at lower altitudes.

conclusion

This travel guide to Meili Snow Mountain comprehensively introduces the scenic spots. It is located in Deqin County, Diqing, Yunnan Province. The main peak, Kawagarbo, is 6,740 meters above sea level. The guide details the best viewing platforms, cultural significance, seasonal features for visiting, ticket prices of scenic spots, transportation, accommodation and dining, shopping, etc. It also provides itineraries for different durations and precautions.