Overview
Stand on a cliff path with 2,000 meters of sheer rock dropping to the roaring Jinsha River below. That is the opening scene of the tiger leaping gorge 2 day trek. National Geographic and Lonely Planet rate it among the world’s top 10 classic hiking routes.
Day 1 takes you through the legendary 28 Bends. After the climb, enjoy afternoon tea on a balcony where Jade Dragon Snow Mountain fills the entire horizon. You sleep inside the gorge.
Day 2 rises above the clouds to the alpine meadows of Laoyao Mountain at 3,381 meters. Yaks wander across endless ridgeline grasslands under snow-capped peaks. You then descend through quiet villages and drive back to Lijiang.
Two days. Two worlds. One unforgettable journey. Contact us to book.
Highlights
- World's Top 10 Classic Hiking Route — rated by National Geographic and Lonely Planet
- Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail — walk the legendary cliff path with the Jinsha River 2,000m below
- 28 Bends Challenge — the most iconic steep section of the gorge high trail at 2,670m
- Laoyao Mountain Alpine Meadow — wide-open grasslands at 3,740m with panoramic ridge views
- Two Landscapes in Two Days — deep canyon on Day 1, highland meadow on Day 2
- Afternoon Tea on the Iconic Balcony — Halfway Guesthouse terrace overlooking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the roaring gorge
- Small Group Private Trip — max 7 people, private vehicle, luggage always with you
- Online English Concierge & Local Chinese Guide — professional support with translation app communication
Itinerary
Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail Hike
Your driver picks you up from your Lijiang hotel in the morning and drives to Qiaotou town, roughly 2.5 hours away. The hike begins at Naxi Pavilion (2,200m) along the Tiger Leaping Gorge high trail, climbing through forest and cliff-side path. The key challenge is the famous 28 Bends, ascending steadily to 2,670m — the highest point of the gorge trail. After the summit, descend through tea horse villages to Tea Horse Guesthouse (2,310m) for lunch. We recommend bringing trail snacks as the lunch stop may be late. Optional pre-booked lunch available at $15 per meal. Continue onward to Halfway Guesthouse (2,400m) for afternoon tea on its iconic balcony — gaze at the rugged peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain across the gorge and the river surging far below. If Halfway Guesthouse is unavailable, afternoon tea moves to Tea Horse Guesthouse café terrace instead. Overnight at a guesthouse inside Tiger Leaping Gorge scenic area. Dinner is self-arranged at the guesthouse.
Total hiking ~10 km, 5–7 hours.
Laoyao Mountain Alpine Meadow and Return
After breakfast, your driver takes you to the Laoyao Mountain trailhead at 3,381m. The hike begins with a gentle ascent through pine forest to Lone Tree Point (3,535m), then follows a stunning ridge line through open grassland to the summit pasture at 3,740m. Yaks and sheep graze against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks stretching to the horizon. Lunch: pack your own trail food. Descend via pastoral trail to Zhongcun village (3,170m), where the vehicle waits. Drive back to Lijiang, arriving around 18:30.
Total hiking ~7 km, 4–5 hours.
What's Included
- All transportation during the trip (luggage stays with vehicle)
- Local Chinese trail guide Day 1 and Day 2 (translation app communication)
- Online English concierge service
- 1-night guesthouse stay inside Tiger Leaping Gorge scenic area
- Breakfast
- Afternoon tea at Tiger Leaping Gorge viewing platform
- Travel insurance
What's Not Included
- Lunch and dinner (Day 1 lunch and dinner available at roadside guesthouses; optional pre-booking at $15 per meal; Day 2 bring your own trail lunch)
- Single room supplement ($25 per room)
- Transportation to and from Lijiang
- Personal expenses
Good to Know
- What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are essential — the 28 Bends section can be slippery after rain. Bring a rain jacket, sun hat, sunscreen, 1–2 liters of water, and a small daypack. Bring trail snacks and Day 2 lunch. A walking pole is helpful but not required. A light warm layer for the Laoyao Mountain morning start (3,381m can be cool even in summer).
- Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November offer the clearest skies and most comfortable temperatures. Summer (June–August) brings rain and occasional fog on the gorge trail but the meadow is lush and green. Winter is cold at altitude but the gorge trail remains accessible — just pack warm layers.
- How to Book: Please at least 72 hours in advance to book. Full payment is required after confirmation.
- Fitness Level: This trip is rated moderate. The Day 1 climb to 2,670m involves sustained uphill walking, but the pace is relaxed with regular rest stops. No technical climbing or special equipment is needed. If you can walk 5–6 hours on uneven terrain, you will enjoy this trek.