Yubeng Village Hiking Tour from Shangri-La

• Hiking Distance: 14 km (8.7 mi)
• Duration: Approx. 6 hours
• Altitude: 3,050 to 3,800 m (10,007 to 12,467 ft)
• Ascent: 750 m (2,460 ft)
• Difficulty: Moderate and beginner-friendly. The path consists primarily of well-maintained cement or stone walkways with gentle slopes. While the majority of the hike is steady, please note that the final 1 km (0.6 mi) is more demanding and will require a final burst of energy.

In the morning, lace up your hiking shoes and follow your professional guide to hike to the Sacred Waterfall. Trek through dense hemlock forests draped with colorful prayer flags, where sunlight spills like gold over mossy rocks and the murmur of running brooks accompanies the occasional scampering squirrel. Midway through, the view suddenly opens up: vast, lush green meadows blaze with asters and Chinese stellera, framed by rolling, snow-capped peaks. On clear days, the majestic Goddess Peak and Five-Crown Peak will remain constant companions on your right.

At noon, we’ll enjoy a simple boxed lunch before pressing on. As the roar of the rapids grows louder, the Sacred Waterfall - fed by glacial meltwater from Kawagebo Peak, the highest peak of the Meili Snow Mountains - will unfold before your eyes. In the summer heat from June to August, it cascades down like a celestial river. In autumn from September to November, it thins into delicate silver threads as sunlight casts rainbows through the misty spray. During winter between December and March, the flow freezes into a spectacular icefall. Local Tibetans believe that bathing under the waterfall offers divine protection. As a visitor, you may follow their tradition by walking clockwise around the waterfall three times to pray for good luck. Finally, your guide will escort you back to your hotel. Sleep well and recharge for tomorrow’s hike!

Meals: Chinese breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yubeng Holiday Inn

• Hiking Distance: 16 km (10 mi)
• Duration: 8 to 9 hours
• Altitude: 3,050 to 3,900 m (10,007 to 12,795 ft)
• Ascent: 850 m (2,788 ft)
• Difficulty: Intermediate or advanced, the most difficult section of the entire route. The trail features extensive stretches of muddy mountain paths and loose gravel. Expect narrow passes that may be slick with water or snow and a continuous climb at high altitudes, much more strenuous and challenging than yesterday.

★ Reward for Early Risers:

During your stay in Yubeng Village, rising early offers a chance to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Meili Snow Mountain. As the first light ignites the summit of Kawagebo Peak, a golden glow cascades down, transforming the entire range into a glorious palace. At this moment, silence reigns, and only the holy mountain shines with brilliance.

After breakfast, pass the sacred stone cairns of Yubeng Lower Village and trek upstream along a crystal-clear stream with your seasoned guide. En route, traverse a vast expanse of ancient, mist-vailed trees while breathing in the fresh, crisp air and listening to the cheerful birdsong. There is no need to rush; just take a moment to commune with nature. When the Xiaonong Pass comes into view, you’re halfway there. Step onto its observation deck to take in the sweeping views of snow-cloaked peaks and green meadows. Follow the flat trail to the Xiaonong Base Camp, where yaks and sheep graze across the open grasslands. Beside weather-beaten huts, wooden racks are laden with laundry and harvested crops, all framed by fluttering prayer flags. What a picturesque wonderworld!

After a simple packed lunch for a short break, let’s begin the final stretch. This gravelly trail is quite steep, but don’t worry too much – you’ll encounter fellow travelers along the way to cheer you on. As you catch sight of the Glacier Lake, you’ll realize every step has been worth it. Lying at around 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) above sea level, the lake shines like a piece of blue-green jade. Its emerald waters mirror the majestic glacier, and by the lakeside, you can catch the low-pitched rumble of shifting ice. Afterwards, your guide will escort you back to your hotel for dinner.

Meals: Chinese breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yubeng Holiday Inn

• Hiking Distance: 14 km (8.7 mi)
• Duration: Approx. 5 hours
• Altitude: 3,050 to 2,000 m (10,007 to 6,562 ft)
• Descent: 1,050 m (3,445 ft)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. While the downhill trail is technically accessible for beginners, the continuous descent is physically demanding and strenuous on the knees. The first half consists of a gentle, winding dirt road, while the second half transitions into a narrow path built directly into the cliffs. Be mindful of potential falling rocks and ensure you have a firm step at all times.

This morning, your guide will accompany you to head downhill along the Yubeng River. Hike through a patchwork of alpine meadows while gazing upon the faraway White Horse Snow Mountain. As you enter the Ninong Grand Canyon, a whole new world opens up: deep ravines crisscross the canyon, with meandering trails carved into steep cliffs. The red sandstones and lush green vegetation form a striking contrast. In April, clusters of pink multiflora roses cascade down the cliffside. During May to June, alpine azaleas burst into bloom, adorning the dense forest like dazzling pearls. Towards the end part of your journey, the Yubeng River flows in a T-junction into the roaring Lancang River. Upon reaching our final destination - Ninong Village, you’ll be greeted by a century-old walnut tree at its entrance. We’ll then have lunch, soaking up the last moments of this secluded, peaceful fairyland.

Finally, your guide and driver will escort you on a 3-to-4-hour private car ride back to Shangri-La, as this 4-day Shangri-La tour to Yubeng Village ends. Fancy an extended journey to other highlights in Shangri-La such as Potatso National Park, Songzanlin Monastery, and Dukezong Ancient Town? Please contact us anytime to get more information.

Meals: Chinese breakfast, Lunch