Northern Yunnan hikes
There is much to discover in this mountainous province. Often upstaged by its better-known neighbor Guangxi we highly rate this trip to escape the tourists and get into the mountains of China.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
In our first episode of a new series on hiking in Northern Yunnan, we visit Yak Meadow just below the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain outside Lijiang in Yunnan province, China. It’s day one of nine days of hiking, so we take it as a chance to acclimatize with a 5km walk at around 3,500 meters and just 200 meters of elevation during the hike. It’s easy on the legs but heavy on the eye, with stunning panoramas, a blue moon lake, and a chance to learn a little of the mountain culture in this area.
Distance: 5 km | Time: 2 hours | Difficulty: 2 | Elevation 200 m
Baoshan Stone Village Pt. 1
In our second hiking episode from Northern Yunnan we are following a little known section of the Jinsha (Yangse) in the first of two parts. We find the ancient trail from Shangyangliu to Baoshan to be perilous in parts as the dusty path hugs steep cliffs, but the views it offers are amongt the best we have ever seen. The path is being worked on so check back with a local guide as until word gets out this could be one of the best kept secrets in Yunnan.
Distance: 11.4 km | Time: 7 hours | Difficulty: 4 | Elevation 1554m
Baoshan Stone Village Pt. 2
In our third hiking episode from Northern Yunnan we continue our journey along the Jingsha (Yangtze) river this time splitting up. As DJ takes the high road, hiking an ancient trail that cuts into the side of the steep gorge, Andy takes the low road, taking a boat up river through the gorge.
Distance: 7 km | Time: 4 hours | Difficulty: 3 | Elevation 630 m
Haba Snow Mountain
In our fourth hiking episode for northern Yunnan, we start in a Yi Minority village homestay at the foot of Haba Snow Mountain and set off on a grueling but rewarding hike up to a viewpoint over a lake surrounded by rugged snow-capped mountains. Climbing to 4,200 meters is no walk in the park, but the alpine views and beautiful forests make the effort all worthwhile.
Distance: 5 km | Time: 2 hours | Difficulty: 2 | Elevation 200 m
Tiger Leaping Gorge
In our fifth hiking episode for Northern Yunnan we start at Tina’s Guest House, climb 300 meters onto the high trail and make our way slowly south. The 11 km hike takes in some of the best views of Tiger Leaping Gorge as well as iconic landmarks like the toilets at the Halfway House. To finish the day we drop down to the river where we get to see the rock fabled to have been the place the tiger made its famous leap.
Distance: 11 km | Time: 6 hours | Difficulty: 6 | Elevation 527 m
Abuji Lake
This hike is short but not easy. At 9 km and only 600m gain you may think it an easy stroll but above 4,000 meters any exercise requires twice the effort. But the rewards are plentiful, with a ring of glacial peaks around you and two crystal clear lakes at the top this has to rank as one of China’s most spectacular hikes.
Distance: 9 km | Time: 4 hours | Difficulty: 4 | Elevation 628 m
Thousand Lake Mountain
This is one of the easiest hikes on this trip and a great acclimatization walk if you are based in Shangri-La. Fifty kilometers south of the town lies a high altitude plateau with a multitude of lakes among a flat pastureland. Add to that spectacular yellow, red, and white rhododendrons in the spring and deep red autumnal colors in the fall and you find a landscape photographer’s dream. Not bad too for hikers.
Distance: 8 km | Time: 4 hours | Difficulty: 4 | Elevation 414 m
Yubeng Village
They say getting there is half the fun, and this hike holds true to that. Yubeng is a charming farming village that is transitioning to a back packers haven. When we did it the only way in was a 12 km hike up 1,200 m of elevation, but a road will be arriving soon which might change everything. The hike will still be there though for those who want the challenge and the reward of walking up steep gorges with rushing water below.
Distance: 13 km | Time: 5 hours | Difficulty: 4 | Elevation 1092 m
Sacred Waterfall
Tibetan Buddhists believe that prayers spoken at the Sacred Waterfall in Yubeng will be answered. We made the 5km hike up to it with a 500-meter altitude gain to go find out. This was the last in our Yunnan hikes and one that made a fitting end to what has been an amazing experience.
Distance: 1 km | Time: 5 hours | Difficulty: 3 | Elevation 677 m
10 Essential Tips
DJ and Andy wrap up their epic Yunnan adventure with 10 essential tips for hiking in Shangri-La, Lijiang, and the surrounding mountains. From SIM cards and WeChat payments to dealing with altitude, weather, transport, gear, and packing, this episode covers everything you need to know before hitting Yunnan’s stunning high-altitude trails. Stay to the end as DJ empties his backpack and shows exactly what he carries on every hike!
*Disclaimer: Drone and Phone activities are undertaken after completing a risk assessment and where necessary under the supervision of professional guides. This video is not to be considered as a guide. All outdoor activities are carried out at your own risk and we take no responsibility nor assume liability for your safety. We recommend using a professional guide for all outdoor activities that involve risk, or are beyond your current level of expertise.
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