13-Day: Three Parallel Rivers & Majestic Trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge & Yubeng Village

Start your day with a breathtaking view of the sunrise over Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the rooftops of Lijiang Old Town. After breakfast, drive around 30km to Ganhaizi Meadow (3100m), where you'll hop on a sightseeing bus to explore the crystal-clear Baishui River. Then, take a chairlift up to Spruce Meadow (3200m), and enjoy a scenic one-hour hike through its pristine alpine forest. The cableway option may vary depending on weather and mountain conditions. After lunch, enjoy the spectacular open-air Impression Lijiang show, set against the stunning backdrop of the snow mountain. In the afternoon, stroll through Baisha Old Town, a charming Naxi village filled with history. Discover the famous Baisha Murals, over 600 years old, and part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Depart at 6:00 AM for Qiaotou Town, a scenic 2-hour drive that marks the beginning of your Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking adventure, one of Yunnan’s most breathtaking treks. Your journey begins from Qiaotou, following the Upper Gorge trail. After about two hours of gentle hiking through dramatic landscapes, arrive at Naxi Family Guesthouse for a restful lunch surrounded by local charm and panoramic views. In the afternoon, the trail becomes more challenging as you ascend the famous 28 Bends, a series of switchbacks that lead you above 3,000 meters. From the top, the reward is a sweeping view over the entire gorge—an unforgettable panorama of cliffs, clouds, and river below. Continue trekking past the Tea Horse Guesthouse, and after a total of 6–8 hours and 26 kilometers of hiking, you’ll arrive at Halfway Guesthouse (2500m), where you’ll spend the night with stunning vistas at your doorstep.

Wake early and continue your hike toward Tina’s Inn, a scenic 2-hour journey along the high trail. Then descend for about an hour down a steep cliff to the riverbank of the Jinsha River, reaching the heart of the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. Here lies the dramatic “Starriness” rapid—where legend says a tiger once leapt across the narrowest stretch of the gorge. After taking in this breathtaking natural spectacle, drive onward to Baishuitai, a stunning white travertine terrace formed by centuries of mineral-rich spring water. Later, continue your journey to Shangri-La. Upon arrival, stroll through the charming Shangri-La Old Town and visit Guishan Park, where prayer wheels spin and time seems to slow beneath the wide Himalayan sky.

In the morning, explore Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan, often called the "Little Potala Palace" for its majestic traditional architecture and serene, mystical atmosphere. Afterward, visit the peaceful Bita Lake and Shudu Lake within Pudacuo National Park—a sanctuary of extraordinary biodiversity. Though this region covers just 0.7% of China’s land, it is home to over 20% of the country’s plant species, nearly one-third of its mammals and birds, and close to 100 endangered species, making it a true natural treasure.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Feilaisi, lasting 5 to 6 hours with stops and a local lunch in Benzilan Town. Along the way, marvel at the breathtaking First Bend of the Yangtze River, where the mighty river winds like a soaring dragon through the deep Wakha Valley. Visit the Gelugpa-style Dongzhulin Monastery and the First Bend of the Jinsha River before arriving at Feilaisi Temple. End the day by soaking in the unforgettable sunset over the majestic Meili Snow Mountain.

At dawn, bask in the golden glow of the snow-capped mountain as the sunrise gently lights its peak. After breakfast, we journey alongside the Mekong River to the trailhead, then begin our hike over a mountain pass to Yubeng Village. Along the way, enjoy a picnic lunch amid stunning landscapes during the 5 to 7-hour trek, which includes some steep sections. Upon arrival in Yubeng, savor a warm dinner in a traditional Tibetan home, followed by lively singing and dancing with the welcoming local villagers. Overnight stay in Yubeng.

Today begins with a breakfast framed by the stunning Kawagebo Meili Snow Mountain, weather permitting. Then, embark on a 5-6 hour roundtrip hike to Yubeng Waterfall, enjoying a picnic lunch amid the serene landscape. Along the way, visit sacred Tibetan Buddhist sites before returning to the village. In the late afternoon, share a warm cup of traditional butter tea with a local farmer in Upper Yubeng, savoring the moment and stories of everyday life in this remote mountain village.

Trek through the stunning Ninong Grand Canyon, descending from Yubeng Village to the banks of the mighty Mekong River. From there, enjoy a scenic drive to the charming town of Cizhong.

Visit the historic Cizhong Catholic Church and explore the surrounding villages. Afterwards, drive to Tacheng.

In the morning, venture into the wild to spot the elusive Yunnan golden monkeys, one of China’s most endangered primates. Afterwards, drive to Shigu Town to visit the spectacular First Bend of the Yangtze River and the iconic Stone Drum. Continue on to Lijiang, where you will explore the ancient town. Nestled gracefully within its rugged landscape, Lijiang Ancient Town boasts a well-preserved historic charm, showcasing a unique blend of cultural influences accumulated over centuries. Its intricate and still-functioning ancient water system is a testament to the town’s ingenuity and enduring spirit.

In the morning, visit Yuhu Village and the Former Residence of Dr. Joseph Rock, who arrived in Lijiang in 1922 and is renowned for his research on the Dongba culture of the Naxi people. Then, explore the serene Black Dragon Pool Park and the Dongba Cultural Museum to deepen your understanding of Naxi heritage. The day concludes with a visit to Lion Hill and the iconic Wangu Tower, offering panoramic views of the ancient town and surrounding mountains.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Lijiang Sanyi Airport, marking the end of your journey with us.