9-Day Shangri-La & Lijiang Cycling Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike

Begin your day with a scenic cycling journey to the majestic Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. After lunch, continue your ride around the serene Napa Lake and its surrounding grasslands, where yaks graze under open skies. In the afternoon, stroll through Dukezong Ancient Town and climb Guishan Hill to spin the world’s largest prayer wheel while enjoying panoramic views. In the evening, immerse yourself in Tibetan culture with a warm family visit — complete with traditional music, dance, and local hospitality.

Begin the day with a short transfer out of Shangri-La, traversing the highland plateau en route to Pudacuo National Park — your starting point for today’s cycling adventure. Set off with an exhilarating downhill ride along well-paved roads, winding through scenic valleys, terraced hillsides, and quiet mountain passes. The route gradually descends into the picturesque village of Baishuitai, where the landscape transforms into lush conifer forests. Nestled beneath Haba Snow Mountain, Baishuitai is renowned for its stunning white water terraces, formed by centuries of mineral-rich spring water cascading down the limestone slope — a natural wonder not to be missed.

Today’s ride begins with a gentle warm-up over rolling hills before ascending a challenging mountain pass. As you reach the summit, be rewarded with sweeping views of the majestic Haba Snow Mountain, rising to an awe-inspiring 5,396 meters. This southernmost glacier in China dazzles with alpine lakes, blooming azaleas, and waterfalls tumbling down icy cliffs. A short descent brings you into Haba Village, home to a vibrant mix of ethnic communities including Naxi, Hui (Muslim), Yi, and Tibetan peoples. Take a moment to appreciate the cultural richness and tranquility of this mountain hamlet. In the afternoon, another climb leads you to a second mountain pass, followed by a thrilling descent into the mighty Yangtze River Valley. At Yonke Village, turn off into the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge — one of the deepest and most dramatic river canyons on Earth.

Begin your day with a rewarding trek through the heart of Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the most breathtaking hiking routes in China. From Tina’s Guesthouse, ascend toward Bendiwan Village, passing scenic landmarks such as the Guanyin Waterfalls, serene bamboo forests, the Guanyin Temple, Five Fingers Mountain (Wuzhishan), Dashengou Waterfalls, the dramatic Sheshen Cliffs, and the Qianyan Stone House — each with its own myth and majesty. Enjoy lunch at the renowned Halfway Guesthouse, perfectly perched for panoramic views of Tiger Leaping Gorge and the towering thirteen peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Afterward, descend for about an hour to rejoin the main road, where your driver will transfer you back to Tina’s Guesthouse. The afternoon is free for you to explore the gorge at your own pace — relax by the cliffs, wander hidden trails, or simply take in the thunderous sound of the Jinsha River below.

This morning, descend on foot into the dramatic depths of Tiger Leaping Gorge to reach the Middle Rapids — the narrowest and most thunderous point where the Jinsha River surges between sheer cliffs. Continue your trek through Yixiantian (“A Ray of Sky”), a thrillingly narrow passage carved into the canyon wall, known for its dramatic terrain and adrenaline-pumping views. The trail leads to the Walnut Grove (Hetaoyuan), a tranquil riverside area surrounded by steep rock faces and small hamlets. Return to Tina’s Guesthouse for lunch before continuing the adventure on two wheels. Ride down through the lower reaches of the gorge, passing dramatic switchbacks and raw cliff landscapes. Arrive at HaLong Meng Guesthouse for a final sweeping view of the Daju valley below. From here, descend to the Jinsha River and cross by ferry to reach the quiet riverside town of Daju — a peaceful village framed by fertile fields and distant peaks.

In the morning, your driver will transfer you to the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Take the chairlift up to Yak Meadow (3,700 meters), renowned as the prime vantage point to admire the mountain’s stunning peaks. Explore the nearby Lama Monastery and stroll through the lush meadows, soaking in the alpine tranquility and sacred atmosphere. After descending by chairlift back to the base station, hop on your bike and cycle to Ganhaizi Meadow for a delicious lunch at Dongbala Restaurant, surrounded by picturesque natural scenery. In the afternoon, continue cycling downhill to Baisha Old Town, famous for its exquisite Baisha Murals that vividly depict Naxi culture and history. Finish your ride with a 10-kilometer stretch to the vibrant Lijiang Old Town, where you can explore and enjoy the magical night views of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

At around 9 a.m., drive 30 minutes to the entrance of the enchanting Lashihai Lake. Begin a 2 to 3-hour cycling journey around the pristine lake, passing through traditional Naxi villages, visiting Zhiyun Monastery, and observing diverse crops thriving in the fertile farmland. Lashihai Lake, a protected nature reserve, serves as a sanctuary for over 70 species of migratory birds that nest here during winter, making it a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers alike. At noon, enjoy a hearty lunch with a welcoming Naxi family, savoring authentic local flavors. In the afternoon, pedal down to Shuhe Old Town — a vital hub on the ancient Tea Horse Trade Caravan route connecting the upper Mekong River to Tibet and India. Explore the Tea Horse Trade Caravan Museum to delve into this rich commercial history. From Shuhe, cycle about 4 kilometers to Black Dragon Pool, the crystal-clear source of the Yushui River that flows through Lijiang Old Town. Known as the town’s "bright eyes," the pool gleams with cultural wisdom. Visit the Dongba Ethnic Museum nearby to deepen your understanding of Naxi Dongba culture. Return to Lijiang Old Town for a leisurely evening stroll, soaking in the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Spend your morning at leisure, savoring the last moments in the enchanting town of Lijiang. When the time comes, your driver will transfer you to Lijiang Airport for your departure flight. Thus concludes your unforgettable cycling and trekking adventure through the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultures of Shangri-La and Lijiang. Safe travels and may the memories inspire your next journey.