CHINA ADVENTURE CLUB JOURNEYS
Trekking through Tiger Leaping Gorge
Explore China Adventure Club journeysJourney at a glance
- Day 1 Arrive in Lijiang
- Day 2 Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge
- Day 3 Tiger Leaping Gorge to Haba Village
- Day 4 Haba Village to White Water Terraces
- Day 5 White Water Terraces to Shangri-La
- Day 6 Depart from Shangri-La
Tiger Leaping Gorge is among the deepest gorges in the world, able to be leapt in a single bound, according to legend. At every corner on its high trail you will come face-to-face with rugged cliffs diving sharply into jade-colored, rushing waters. This getaway boasts views that will leave the most seasoned traveler slack-jawed.
About this Journey
Fed by Tibetan glaciers, the Jinsha River cuts its way through the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge, carving a twisting path of shifting, scenic vistas revealed to hikers as they leap logs and climb through waterfalls. This dramatic canyon, one of the world’s deepest, offers an immersive experience. The journey starts by following the river, the powerful sound of it roaring off the rock walls as one heads to Walnut Grove, a picturesque stop within the heart of the gorge.
A new day sees an uphill turn, falling in single-file behind a farmer and packhorse carrying produce destined for Naxi and other ethnic villages along the road. The trek continues through those same authentic communities, savoring a pause and a cup of Pu’er tea in each, offering insights into local life. Finally, the descent into fabled Shangri-La allows exploration of golden-roofed temples, such as the impressive Songzanlin Monastery, and vibrant Tibetan market fare.
Tour Highlights
- Hiking the lower trail of Tiger Leaping Gorge to Walnut Grove
- Passing through Naxi, Yi and Hui (Muslim) ethnic minority villages in the Haba Mountains
- Gazing in awe at White Water Terrace, a mythical landform at the end of the gorge trail
YOUR JOURNEY
Route Map
Select a route section to explore the map. Tap a stop for its location or use the directions link for the next leg. Flights, trains, cruises and hiking arrangements follow your itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Lijiang
Step off the plane in Lijiang and meet your local guide, who will be waiting to welcome you and ready to whisk you off to your hotel for check in • Stroll along the stone streets and babbling brooks lined by the rustic architecture of traditional homes in Shuhe Ancient Town • Experience the hospitality, culture, and cuisine of the Naxi people up close with a traditional dinner party in the courtyard home of a local family to round out the day.
Day 2 Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge
In the morning, we’ll drive an hour to Tiger Leaping Gorge and begin trekking the lower section of the 17-km gorge as you follow the winding path along the mountainside. After a four to five-hour trek, you’ll reach Walnut Grove, one of the narrowest points of the gorge, where you are afforded a breathtaking view of the Yangtze River peeking through this narrow gorge. We will arrange for you to stay overnight in a local family-run guesthouse in Walnut Grove.
Hiking Time: 8-9hLevel: Difficult
Day 3 Tiger Leaping Gorge to Haba Village
Today, you’ll drive thirty minutes to Haba Village, where you’ll hike into the nearby mountains of ethnic Yi, Naxi, and Tibetan villages. China Adventure Club will arrange for you to visit the villages and see the striking differences in the culture and lifestyle of each. After exploring several of these villages, you’ll make the return trip to Haba.
Hiking Time: 3hLevel: Easy
Day 4 Haba Village to White Water Terraces
A two-hour drive will take us to the White Water Terrace, where water cascades down from limestone and looks like snow-white rice terraces • Hike around the area for about 1.5 hours before enjoying lunch • After lunch, we will trek through a series of Naxi villages, and get a personal look at rural life along the gorge.
Day 5 White Water Terraces to Shangri-La
Drive to Shangri-La, where you will have time to acclimatize to the altitude • After checking in to your hotel, pay a visit to Songzanlin Monastery, the biggest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan, currently home to 700 monks • Continue to Dukezong old town, an atmospheric assemblage of narrow winding lanes, white stupas, and colorful markets.
Day 6 Depart from Shangri-La
In the morning, enjoy a leisurely Tibetan-style breakfast, after which your local guide will escort you to the airport and help you check in for your flight home.
Photos
Photos Tibetan Buddhist Culture Hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge White Water Terraces-Baishuitai Highlight res
Details
What’s Included
- All services of a China Adventure Club English-speaking local guide
- All accommodations, based on double-occupancy and including breakfast
- All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
- Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
- Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
- Travel, health and trip cancellation insurance
- Meals apart from those included in the itinerary and alcohol
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
- Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers
Hotels
The Bivou Lijiang
Luxury BoutiqueUniquely named ‘The Bivou’ (temporary encampment), this sustainably designed boutique hotel at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain features eco-conscious comfort.
Sean's Spring Guesthouse, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Local BoutiqueOpened in 1983 by Tibetan mountaineer Sean, the rustic, Tibetan-style Tiger Leaping Gorge guesthouse, the first on the gorge, offers sweeping cliff views from its terrace and cozy, mosaic-adorned rooms, ideal for hikers.
Songtsam Linka Retreat Shangri-La
Luxury BoutiqueNestled at Songzanlin Monastery, Songtsam Linka Resort Shangri-La is an authentic Tibetan village retreat offering traditional rooms, stunning views, and an immersive cultural experience.
TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL
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