Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking

1️⃣ Hiking Overview Tiger Leaping Gorge is located on the border of Shangri-La and Lijiang in Yunnan Province. It is known for its steepness and was rated as one of the top 10 classic hiking routes in the world by National Geographic. The hiking route follows the Jinsha River Gorge, facing the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and backed by the Haba Snow Mountain, with magnificent scenery. **Suitable for**: Moderate or above physical fitness (some sections are steep and require some endurance). **Hiking duration**: 1–3 days (the classic route is 2 days and 1 night). **Difficulty level**: ★★★☆☆ (Moderate difficulty, with an altitude difference of about 1,000 meters). 2️⃣ Best Time to Hike - **Spring and autumn (April–June, September–November)**: Cool weather, blooming flowers or colorful autumn leaves, and safer than the rainy season. - Avoid the rainy season (July–August): Risk of falling rocks and landslides; some sections are covered with snow in winter (December–February). 3️⃣ Classic 2-Day, 1-Night Route **Day 1: Qiaotou Town → Naxi Yage → 28 Bends → Halfway Guesthouse** - **Starting point**: Take a bus from Lijiang/Shangri-La to **Qiaotou Town** (Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area Ticket Office, ticket price is about CNY 45). - **Naxi Yage**: Start hiking, climb for about 2 hours to reach the destination, and have lunch there. - **28 Bends**: The steepest section of the entire route, after reaching the top, you can see the "Tiger Leaping Stone" viewing platform (photo fee is about CNY 10). - **End point**: Arrive at **Halfway Guesthouse** (recommended accommodation, the balcony offers a direct view of the snow-capped mountains, standard room is about CNY 150/night). **Hiking distance**: About 12 km, takes 6–7 hours. --- **Day 2: Halfway → Waterfall → Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge → Zhang Laoshi Guesthouse → Return** - **Waterfall section**: Depart from Halfway, pass by a cliff waterfall (spectacular in the rainy season). - **Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge**: Descend to the riverbank, experience the "Sky Ladder" (near-vertical iron ladder, be cautious) and "One Line Sky". - **Return**: Take a bus from Zhang Laoshi Guesthouse or Tina's back to Lijiang/Shangri-La (book in advance). **Hiking distance**: About 10 km, takes 5–6 hours. **Alternative**: If you are not physically fit, you can only walk from Halfway to Tina's on the second day (about 2 hours), and then take a bus to Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. 4️⃣ Transportation Guide - **Outbound**: - Lijiang → Tiger Leaping Gorge: Take a bus from Lijiang Bus Station to "Tiger Leaping Gorge Town" (about 2 hours, CNY 35), and charter a car to the starting point (Qiaotou) for about CNY 50/car. - Shangri-La → Tiger Leaping Gorge: Take a bus to Qiaotou Town (about 2.5 hours, CNY 40). - **Return**: Book a return bus with Tina's or Zhang Laoshi Guesthouse in advance (usually departs at 3 pm, CNY 50–80/person). 5️⃣ Essential Equipment - **Clothing**: Quick-drying clothes, windproof jacket, warm mid-layer (cold at high altitudes in the morning and evening), non-slip hiking shoes. - **Tools**: Trekking poles, headlamp (spare), knee pads (downhill protection). - **Others**: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat (strong UV rays), water bottle, small amount of cash (no signal in some sections). 6️⃣ Safety Precautions 1. **Cliff sections**: Some paths are narrow, stay away from the edge, and do not take photos at risk. 2. **Risk of falling rocks**: Wear a helmet or pass through the rockfall area quickly during the rainy season. 3. **Sky Ladder safety**: The Sky Ladder in Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge is steep, those with a fear of heights are advised to detour. 4. **Eco-friendly hiking**: Take your trash with you and protect the gorge's ecosystem. 7️⃣ Accommodation Recommendations - **Halfway Guesthouse**: Classic choice, great atmosphere, must experience the "World's Best Toilet". - **Tea Horse Guesthouse**: Alternative for Day 1, great view from the terrace. - **Tina's or Zhang Laoshi Guesthouse**: Close to Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, convenient for the next day's itinerary. 8️⃣ Useful Tips - Light hiking: Large luggage can be sent to the guesthouse at the end of the route by the driver (about CNY 20/bag). - Download the "Two Steps" or "Six Feet" track in advance, as the signal is weak in some sections. - A "maintenance fee" is required to go down to the riverbank in Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge (about CNY 10–15). Hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge is not only a physical challenge but also a visual and spiritual journey. Make a plan, bring your courage, and experience the majestic beauty of nature!