Overview
Two strenuous treks blending Tiger Leaping Gorge and Haba Snow Mountain in Yunnan
Two strenuous treks blending Tiger Leaping Gorge and Haba Snow Mountain in Yunnan. As one of the deepest canyon in the world, the Tiger Leaping Gorge is around 18km in length and 30m for the narrowest width, drops the steep 3,900m cliffs from water of the Yangtze River passes between 5,596m Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the west and 5,396m Haba Snow Mountain to the east. Haba Snow Mountain is a mountain rising above the northwest side of Tiger Leaping Gorge. It rises opposite the higher Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and towers 3,500 metres above the Jinsha River. Surrounded by four lower peaks, the highest peak of the Haba Snow Mountain is in 5,396 meters height with ice and snow all the year round. The trek firstly takes place in the marvelous Tiger Leaping Gorge. The winding trails runs high on the hillside cliffs of the gorge passing through the stunning natures with the thrilling view of the raging Yangtze River and the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The treks then get challenges yet evocative experiences climbing up to the peak of the Haba Snow Mountain, where we will spend 3 to 4 days to cross the windswept meadows, hike up the alpine moraine lake, surrounded with azalea flowers, come across cluster of waterfalls cascading down snow-covered cliffs.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Lijiang
Day 02 Lijiang
Day 03 Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek
Day 04 Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek
Day 05 Haba Snow Mountain Trek
Day 06 Haba Snow Mountain Trek
Day 07 Haba Snow Mountain Trek
Day 08 Haba Snow Mountain – Shangri-La
Day 09 Shangri-La
Day 10 Shangri-La Departure
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Detail Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Lijiang
Arrive at Lijiang by flight, train or bus. Check-in the hotel and free for leisure.
Day 02: Lijiang
Free day explore the old-fashioned town of Lijiang, from the core of Square Street into deep alleys spreading out in all directions, with its labyrinth of cobble stone streets, twist and turn canals, Ming dynasty stone bridges, and tile homes. Visit the Mu’s Palace, the former residence of the chieftain Mu Clan that ruled Naxi people for over 400 years. Rest time you can prepare for the following days treks.
Day 03: Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek
Today drive 2.5 hours to Qiaotou and start the 2 days strenuous trekking amidst Tiger Leaping Gorge. Spend first 2 hours trek to arrive at Naxi Family G.H. and have lunch there during the graceful mountain view of Jade Dragon. Then the trek will be the winding trail amongst the hillside paths and soaring cliffs zigzags the 28 Turns and gradually leads up till the highest point of Ganyanfang (2670m). Trekking further downhill around 2-3 hours, we arrive at Halfway G.H. (2410m) where enjoy the magnificent views over the Yangtze River below and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain right in front of you.
Day 04: Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek
Continue the trek through the most spectacular of the entire Tiger Leaping Gorge. The trail leads into the middle section of the gorge through Tina’s G.H., across some pretty waterfalls and canyons. Later take the narrow and steep path to go down the Middle Rapids, up-close the thrilling view of the raging Jinshajiang River. Then the trekking trail ascends gently to arrive at the Lisu village of Walnut Grove, where we take the van and drive about 1.5 hours to Haba Village. Spend a night at the village and prepare for the next day’s treks.
Day 05: Haba Snow Mountain Trek
Today morning commence treks from Haba Village to Black Lake up on Haba Snow Mountain, where is located in limestone hills with 3400 meters above sea level. This is a beautiful trail across verdant meadows, filled seasonal wild flowers, passing by virgin forests and many small waterfalls. It takes approximately 6 hours to reach the lake. Spend a camping night at the lake side.
Day 06: Haba Snow Mountain Trek
Enjoy the sunrise over Haba Mountain. Then start the 5 hours trekking with the dirt trails ascending to the base camp at 4100 meters above sea level, still below the snowline of Haba Snow Mountain. Immerse the fabulous views of many moraine lakes and icefalls on the way. Camping at the base and have an early sleep for next day’s trek that is the hardest portion through the hikes.
Day 07: Haba Snow Mountain Trek
Start off in the early morning around 4:00am for about 5 hours hike to the top of Haba Snow Mountain (5,396m), passing over two snowy slopes before reaching the top. From the top you will get spectacular views of the Tiger Leaping Gorge 3500 vertical metres below and overlook a few high peaks of Jade Snow Dragon Mountain, Meili Snow Mountain and Gongga Mountain. Downhill about 3 hours to the Base Camp and camping for an overnight.
Day 08: Haba Snow Mountain – Shangri-La
Today we go through the forest and walk down the mountains for 3 hours to return to Haba Villages, where we take the van to Shangri-La. En route, short stop at Baishuitai(White Water Terrace), which is famed for the limestone terraces and believed to be the birthplace of Naxi Dongba culture. In Shangri-La, free stroll in Gyalthang old town.
Day 09: Shangri-La
Morning visit Gedan Sumtseling Monastery, the most important site in Shangri-la. It is raised from the 16th century, built by the fifth Dalai Lama. Later, visit Shangri-La Institute located in a Tibetan village, visit school facilities and interesting artworks made by local students, learn Tibetan food cooking or rape cultivation from them. In the afternoon, visit a fascinated village of Nixi. Here is renowned for its black pottery made at home by village people, dating back some 1,000 years.
Day 10: Shangri-La Departure
Transfer to the airport according to the flight schedule.
Note: If the weather does not permit us to climb Haba Mountain on Day 07, we will make a second attempt on Day 08, then descend to Haba Village on Day 09 and be picked up by a driver ahead for Shangri-la, at the stage, some sites will be skipped off but only keep the Gedan Sumtseling Monastery.
