Yunnan - Bike & Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge

Upon arrival in Lijiang, you'll be met by your local guide and transfered to your hotel in Suhe town, a traditional Naxi village on the outskirts of Lijiang. With far less tourists, Suhe has a bustling cosmopolitan vibe to go along with it's old world charm.  Set below the soaring peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, this is a spectacular location to kick off the tour.  There'll be an evening meal and group meeting where we'll go over the upcoming trip and answer any questions you may have.

Altitude: 2400m

***If arriving early there's plenty to see and do around Lijiang.  You may wish to explore Lijiang Old Town - mornings are best when there are less tourists about - visit Black Dragon Pool, take a ride to see the Baisha Frescoes, or head up to Yufeng Temple.  An extra day is likely to be enough but feel free to contact us for suggestions and recommendations.

Our first day on the bikes is an epic one as we load up the bikes and head up to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain National Park.  Rising high above us is Yulongxueshan, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain; a spectacular 35km long massif with 13 jagged snow-capped peaks, the highest of which is 5596m. We'll pass by Baishuihe, White Water River, which is a calcium carbonate formation of gleaming white terraces fed by a brilliant blue stream, on our way to Maoniuping, Yak Meadow, where we set up the bikes. From here, with Jade Dragon Mt as a backdrop, we cycle up for a short climb on a quiet back road, then it's a thrilling 38km downhill to Daxu, and lunch, at the north end of Tiger Leaping Gorge.  

We cross the Yangze River by bridge and cycle to Walnut Grove with views of the river narrowing as we enter the gorge.  Riding in the gorge is a highlight for many people on this trip with its overhangs, immensly high sheer rock faces, waterfalls and impressive views of the Yangze River at one of it's narrowest points. Our lodgings are in a comfortable local guesthouse with possibly the most spectacular views in all of China!

Altitude: 1950m

***Travelling in the gorge does pose some risks. There are often landslides in summer, and while we pay close attention to local information regarding landslides, their occurrence is outside our control. In the event of a landslide we may have to alter the itinerary – this may take several hours or up to a whole day. We are always in communication with local contacts with regard to local conditions and are committed to keeping you informed but will always reserve the right to alter the itinerary where we see fit in order to ensure the safest possible experience.

Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the most famous treks in China, where the Yangze River gushes mightlily at one of it's narrowest points, squeezed between Haba Mountain - a 5396m peak that rises 3500m above the river- and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at 5596m.  After breakfast, we'll set out on a 6km walk to roughly the halfway point of the gorge.  Along the way we'll climb high above the Yangze, on the old trail that was once the only way to navigate it's length, crossing bridges and waterfalls, and taking our time to spot wildflowers and wildlife. Tonight's accommodation is in spectacular surroundings in a locally run guesthouse.

Hike: 6.3km

Altitude: 2200m

We continue our walk in the gorge and making our way to the highest point of the hike at 2660m before descending the 28 Bends to our guesthouse for the evening.  Plenty of time is allowed to to really enjoy the walk, take photos and absorb the views.  Today's hikes is one of the more challenging sections as we descend rougher trail which can be slippery at times.  Great views of the peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain are on display today.

Hike: 10.6km

Altitude: 2200m

Not for publicly listed dates, but if you have your own group or date in mind, Yes.  If you want to make a private booking we can help design a tour that suits you.  You may have ideas based on any of our tours or something in mind that you can't find on our website.  Just get in contact with us and let us know what you have in mind and we'll try our best to make it happen!

Yes we do!  If you have any dietery requirements just let us know when you book in the space provided (Additional Requests).  For any severe alergies or other conditions it is best that you let us know in advance so that we can prepare and/ or advise you on what we can provide or what you might need to bring so that are well catered for.

Our policy for children is that children must be over 16 years of age and accompanied by at least one legal guardian.  They should be able to complete the tour as would any other participant.  We would require that you consult with us about the suitability of older childeren participating on the tour before you book.  As these are group tours, we'd need to make sure that your child or children will not impact the enjoyment of the tour of other participants.  We would assess this with you on a case by case basis.  

We do run family specific tours so these are good options when travelling with kids, or you may choose to opt for a private tour based on any of the tours on our website.  Just chat to us about the possibilities about what will work best for your family.

2020 has seen travel grind to a halt and the outlook going into 2021 looks to be more of the same.  While we have suspended travel to most of our destinations we are operating tours in China for domestic travellers.  We'll open up destinations as the stuation improves and only when travel is green lighted by the relevant health and government agencies.  

Travelling during this time means adhering to mandated guidlines and practices which means having green codes enabled on your mobile phone apps, taking Covid tests, wearing masks where neccesary, and filling in contact and travel history forms.  These rules and guidelines are constantly changing as situations regarding the virus change, so it is important to remain flexible.  We'll inform you of the requirements when you book and leading into the tour departure date.

Given the situation as it is, please understand that cancellations are quite possible and are outside of our control.  While we understand the frustrations this may present, we'll do our best to make things run as smooth as possible and keep you informed of any changes as they arise.  

During this time we will only accept full payments for tours three weeks before departure.  All payments, however, will be refunded in full if the tour is cancelled prior to departure, or your personal covid-related situation precludes you from commencing the tour.  Please make sure when booking flights that they are aslo refundable in the event of a cancelation.

Simply go to the "Dates" section of the tour page and click on the "book now" button, or click on "book" on the website header and select your preferred tour and departure date.  If you are booking onto an on demand tour and have your own dates in mind there will be an facility for you book here too.

Before you book, we recommend that you read through the tour details and our booking terms and conditions. You can contact us about the trip if you have any questions at info@bikeasia.com or set up a time to chat about the tour.  

Upon completion of your booking form we’ll send you an acknowledgement email and invoice for a deposit. All long trips (7 days or more) require a deposit of 300USD to guarantee your place. Trips departing within 60 days at booking will require full payment. Once your deposit is received, we’ll also send you a pre-trip information pack that will give you added information about the tour, the region you’ll be travelling through, a checklist of things to prepare, suggestions for packing, training tips and more.  For shorter trips and day tours we require full payment 30 days prior to the commencement of the tour or as soon as convenient if booking within 30 days of departure.

Payments can be made on credit card via Paypal or through a direct bank transfer in most currencies. Information on payments will be present on your initial deposit invoice. Paypal payments will incur a 4% fee.

*****COVID 19 Booking Terms Update*****

During this unique time we will only be accepting full payments for tours three weeks before departure.  All payments, however, will be refunded in full if the tour is cancelled prior to departure, or your personal covid-related situation precludes you from commencing the tour.  Please make sure when booking flights that they are aslo refundable in the event of a cancelation.