Useful information about the trek
- During the 6 first days exploring the villages between Lugu and Tiger Leap Gorge, accommodation will be in modest conditions, but always with a warm and friendly welcome from local people.
- Anyone in good shape and used to hiking could do this hike.
- Hikers will need to carry everyday their necessary items for daytime, the other items will be carried by horse or by car.
- Hiking times indicated are an estimation of moderate rythm including pauses, photo stops and visiting the villages.
When is the best time for this hike?
The trek from Lugu to the Tiger Leap Gorge, combined with visiting the Lijiang and Shangrila regions, can be done all year long but preferably not from June to August during the rainy season when the risk of falls on slippery trails is higher. Besides Shangrila whose Altitude is 3200 m, the hike takes place at an average altitude of 2000 – 2400m. The best time of the year is from March to May, then from September to November.
Daily program: Hike in Northern Yunnan from Lake Lugu to Shangri La
Day 1: Arrival in Lijiang.
Upon arrival at Lijiang Airport, a driver will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name to take you to your hotel in the old town of Shuhe, a few kilometres from Lijiang, at the foot of Jade Dragon Mountain.
Rest of the day and meals at leisure, overnight at the Bivou Hotel.
Day 2: Lijiang – Lugu Lake (B). ~4h drive — Altitude: 2680m.
After breakfast, your English-speaking driver meets you at your hotel. A substantial half-day drive from Lijiang to Lugu Lake. Lunch at your expense along the way. A short boat ride on the lake upon arrival, including a stop at Liwubi Island. Straddling the provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan, Lugu Lake is the epicentre of Mosuo culture, a people of matrilineal tradition. In the evening, meet the English-speaking guide-driver who will accompany you throughout your stay and during your trek. Meals at your expense.
Overnight at the September Sky Homestay
Day 3: Lugu Lake – Zhuangzi (B, L, D). ~6h walking. Elevation gain/loss: +900m / -900m
Transfer to the town of Yongning. Start of the trek, with a first ascent through a beautiful forest of azaleas and rhododendrons for 3 hours, reaching a pass at 3600m. This ascent is mainly under forest cover, along a mule path (part of the ancient Tea and Horse Road). Descent to the Pumi minority village of Zhuangzi (alt. 2700m).
Dinner and overnight with a Pumi family (shared showers and toilets).
Day 4: Zhuangzi – Baojiahe (B, L, D) ~4–5h walking Elevation gain/loss: +100m / -700m
4 to 5 hours of hiking today through Mosuo, Pumi (Songping) and Lisu (Dilou) villages, in a wild rural landscape, to reach the Lisu minority village of Baojiahe in the mountains, at 2100m.
Overnight with a Lisu family (no showers tonight).
Day 5: Baojiahe – Labo – Dashan (B, L, D) ~4h walking Elevation gain/loss: +400m / -600m
Morning walk to reach a first pass after one hour, then 3 hours down the valley towards the river, where you will have lunch in the village of Labo. Continue walking for about 2 hours to the Mosuo village of Dashan at 2300m.
Overnight with a Mosuo family.
Day 6: Zizhuang – Liuqing (B, L, D) ~6h walking Elevation gain/loss: +450m / -300m
A 2-hour descent this morning towards the Yangtze River, which you will cross. Walk up on the opposite side to the Naxi village of Lianhu Wan, then to Upper Liuqin Village (2 hours walking). Lunch. Continue to Lower Liuqing Village, located at 2350m (about 2 hours walking in the afternoon).
Overnight with a Naxi family in Lower Liuqing (shared toilets, no showers).
Day 7: Liuqing – Baoshan (B, L, D) ~5–6h walking Elevation gain/loss: +250m / -600m
5 to 6 hours of walking today, first to the summit of the so-called “Prince Mountain” (2470m), then passing through two tunnels carved into the mountain (90m and 60m). Continue along a spectacular descending path on the mountainside to the village of Baoshan (1900m). This village built atop a large rocky outcrop is reminiscent of Machu Picchu to some visitors.
Overnight at the Mu Family Guesthouse (shared toilets and showers), likely the guesthouse with the most beautiful view in all Yunnan from its terrace!
Day 8: Baoshan – Daju – Tiger Leaping Gorge (B, L) ~2h walking Elevation gain/loss: +200m / -200m
Short walk then drive to the village of Daju, located at the entrance of Tiger Leaping Gorge in a beautiful valley. Crossing of the Yangtze. Walk down to the lower part of the Gorge, close to the majestic river. Ascent to the middle section of the Gorge where you will spend the night. Dinner at your expense.
Overnight at Jade Snow Inn Hotel (altitude : 1800m).
Day 9: Tiger Leaping Gorge – Lijiang (B) ~ 2h drive
Enjoy breakfast with an incredible view of the high peaks surrounding you. Morning hike on the upper trail of Tiger Leaping Gorge, facing the impressive 4,000m-high rock wall rising from the river to the summit of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Then drive back to Lijiang, where your guide bids you farewell.
Overnight at the Bivou Hotel.
Day 10: Departure
Free time before your transfer. At the appropriate time for your departure, a vehicle will take you to Lijiang Airport or railway station. End of our services, we wish you a pleasant return home, beautiful memories in mind!
