tbc

  • Day 1: Arrive Lijiang

    Dinner

    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.

  • Day 2: Cycle to Tiger Leaping Gorge - up to 73km

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 73 km

    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.

  • Day 3: Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge - 6.3km

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    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

     

  • Day 4: Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge - 10.6km

    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

    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 eveningPlenty 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