Meili Snow Mountain

Meili Snow Mountain, also known as Prince Snow Mountain, is located 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) northeast of Deqin County of Yunnan Province. It sits on the border of Yunnan Province and Tibet, where the three famous rivers, namely the Jinsha, Mekong (Nu) and Salwen (Lancang) flow.
 

Known for the grandest view in Yunnan Province, Meili Snow Mountain boasts numerous snow-clad ridges and peaks, thirteen of which exceed 6,000 meters (19.685 feet) above the sea level. The most splendid view is of the Kawagebo Peak, the highest in Yunnan Province rising about 6,740 meters (22,112.86 feet). It is still a 'virgin peak' for no one has ever reached the top. Thus, Meili Snow Mountain is a challenge for all mountain explorers from home and abroad.

Visitors are treated to spectacular view from all vantage points. The continuous mountain ridges feature snowy peaks and the sun throws golden lights on the low-floating clouds which form various extraordinary shapes, affording yet another splendid view! But mostly, the mountain presents itself as mystery when dense fog and clouds made it a gleaming sight to see and you could hardly resist the temptation to unveil it. You can have a panoramical view of the thirteen towering peaks from the Feilai Temple which is in the west of Deqin County.

From the foot of the Kang Karpo Peak, you see the peculiar low-altitude glaciers formed in modern times. Strong updrafts collide with cloud airflow from the inner continents in this area producing frequent dense fog and heavy snow. The resulting topographic extremes include hanging glaciers, icefalls and snow slides. The Mingyong Glaciers, in particular, rushes from an elevation of 5,500 meters (18.045 feet) down to the forest zone 2,700 meters (8,858 feet) above the sea level in rainy seasons. From afar it looks like a huge white snake wriggling its way among the verdant mountains. On the south side of the peak, a waterfall named 'holy collapsing rain' falls from thousands of meters high. Pure water splashed from snow cracks and with the help of the sunlight, rainbows are often seen hanging above the fall.

Owing to its high altitude, the mountain owns several climatic zones with a diversity of plants, vast expanse of grassland and rich fungi species that are vertically distributed. The types of vegetation here range from the Torrid Zone to Frigid Zone vertically. From the altitude of 2,000 meters (6562 feet) to 4,000 (13123 feet) meters, forests flourish with varieties of spruce. The depth of the forest is an exotic world of rare birds and animals. The meadows surrounding the forests are embellished by countless flowers which add more vitality and charm.

Meili Snow Mountain is one of the most sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism. 'Kang Karpo Peak' means the God of Snow Mountain in Tibetan, and is a holy land for worshiping. Pilgrims from Tibet, Qinghai Province, Sichuan Province,and Gansu Province come here at the beginning of each winter to worship. Thousands of devout pilgrims worship together and encircle the holy mountain, adding even more mystery and loftiness to it.

Opening Hours: 8:00 – 16:00

Ticket Price:

Combo Ticket 1 CNY 150, including Jinsha River Bay, Wunongding Sightseeing Platform, and Feilai Temple Sightseeing Platform.
Combo Ticket 2 CNY 228, including all sites of Ticket 1 with an additional entry to Mingyong Glacier.
Combo Ticket 3 CNY 230, including all sites of Ticket 1 with an additional entry to Yubeng Village.
 

Nearby Attractions

1. Potatso National Park
2. Shika Snow Mountain

 Further Reading:
Top 10 Things to Do in Yunnan
In-depth Guide to Top 10 Yunnan Destinations
15 Most Beautiful Places in China
- Last updated on Nov. 30, 2021 -
Questions & Answers on Meili Snow Mountain
Asked by FL from THAILAND | Nov. 23, 2019 22:55Reply
How much doest it cost to get to Meili and also how long would it take by car?
I have planed to stay in Shangri-la 4 days which plan to spend at the ancient town and Shika Snow mountain . Meili is one option to visit but it is quite far. So I want to know about hiring minivan.

FL.
Answers (2)
Answered by Liam from USA | Nov. 25, 2019 19:46
00Reply


The fare is around CNY800/day and it takes around 4 hours on the way.
Answered by FL from THAILAND | Nov. 26, 2019 01:42
00Reply


Thank you for the information. I am now able figure out the plan.
Asked by XVERSION1 | Apr. 04, 2019 01:56Reply
Can I buy single ticket of Meili Snow Mountain?
I don't want to buy combo ticket because I only want to visit Feilai Temple in the afternoon and Misty Summit in the morning. It will be very waste of money if I buy 2 RMB150 combos.
Answers (1)
Answered by Mia from NEW ZEALAND | Apr. 11, 2019 00:34
00Reply


Yes, you can buy single ticket.
Asked by Julie from FRANCE | Sep. 18, 2018 19:01Reply
Snow at Meili Snow Mountain and Shika Snow Mountain?
Hello Travel China Guide team,

Thank you for creating such a useful website.
I might be planning on travelling to Yunnan & Shangri-La next week. I was wondering if today, there is still snow either Meili Mountain or Shika Snow Mountain? Heard this year the temperature went high...

Thank you very much!
Answers (1)
Answered by gaga from USA | Sep. 20, 2018 19:16
00Reply


Hi, Julie, Meili Snow Mountain is a snow-covered mountain all year round with a snow line of about 5,000 meters. As for the Shika Snow Mountain, it often snows in the end of October, so i'm not sure whether you can see the snow on Shika Snow Mountain or not next week. Thus you should recheck the weather forecast before going there.
Asked by Amanda from MALAYSIA | May. 16, 2017 17:18Reply
Hi, how can I get to Meili Snow Mountain from Shangri-La town?
Would this attraction recommended for sightseeing and photography as we are not planning mountain hiking. How do I get to Moon Bay, Misty Summit, Temple Flying Afar, Mingyong Glacier and Yubeng Village? Is there any shuttle bus that brings us to those aforementioned attractions? Thanks.
Answers (2)
Answered by STEPHEN from SINGAPORE | May. 20, 2017 22:20
00Reply


You can book a cap to bring you there from Shangri-La. Best is to get a local driver. Prepared to stay there overnight to watch sun-rise. Not necessary you can see it. Depend on weather. Cap driver will approach you once you step oot in Shangri-La at the train or coach station.
Answered by Terry from HONG KONG | May. 23, 2017 21:35
00Reply


anyone knows how much it is to hire a car to go from Shangri La to Meili Mountain?
Asked by Terry Wou from HONG KONG | May. 15, 2017 05:43Reply
What is the bus schedule from Meili town to Deqin airport? How long is the drive?
I am searching for private transfer or small group to join from Songtsam Meili lodge to catch my flight on 30 May 2017 from Deqin airport. Please advise cheapest way and how long it takes?
Answers (1)
Answered by Tess from UK | May. 21, 2017 20:21
00Reply


As I know, you may need to book a car to the airport directly. You can ask your hotel to help you reserve a car in advance. This trip will take around 3.5 hours.
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