• Off-the-Beaten-Track Yunnan Tour

    ★★★★★

    4.9/5 427 Latest reviews

    Tour Code: ODY-CN-2424

    Destination: Shangri-La, Deqin

Duration

7 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Classic

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About This Trip

For a week, this trip will take real trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers deep into the stunning natural scenery of Meili Snow Mountain. From the emerald waters and towering mountains along the Jinsha River Valley to the awe-inspiring Mingyong Glacier and remote Upper Yubeng Village in the highlands, you will experience dramatic alpine landscapes and gain insights into traditional village life. The itinerary also includes a three-day hiking expedition granting views of Glacier Lake, Yubeng Waterfall, and the Grand Canyon of Nylon, with spring or autumn being the most suitable seasons.

Itinerary Summary

DAYPLACEHIGHLIGHTS
1Shangri-La – DeqinBalagezong Scenic Area, Jinsha River, Dongzhulin Temple
2DeqinFeilai Monastery, Meili Snow Mountain, Mingyong Glacier
3-6Yubeng VillageXidang Village, Glacier Lake, Yubeng Waterfall, Grand Canyon of Nylon
7Deqin – Shangri-LaDeparture
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Itinerary

Pulsing with anticipation, you depart Shangri-La in the morning.

Pass sheer cliff walls and emerald waters within the Balagezong Scenic Area, embarking on the road leading to Bala Village, where traditional Tibetan houses with sloping roofs and valley watchtowers stand. Stretching across 50 kilometers with over 100 sharp turns, the journey reveals a remarkable tale of Mr. Sna Ding Zhu’s heartfelt dedication.

Continue along the mighty First Bend of Jinsha River. Then, pause to take in the tranquil serenity of Dongzhulin Temple. Renowned for its simple yet solemn architecture, the temple exudes a devout atmosphere. Drive towards Feilai Monastery Scenic Area and check into your accommodation for a night’s rest.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Today, head to Feilai Monastery, a Buddhist temple with distinct Tibetan ethnic characteristics, which serves as the ultimate vantage point to marvel at the sacred Meili Snow Mountain with its thirteen peaks. Weather permitting, consider an early rise to witness the breathtaking spectacle of sunrise painting the mountains in hues of wonder.

Travel towards the Mingyong Glacier in awe. Its rippling blue mass seems to stretch endlessly between stark cliff faces. Hike along the wooden path through the forest, where colorful prayer flags flutter on the trees. Standing at the observation platform, you look up to see the towering Kawa Garbo and down into the valley where ancient glaciers lie.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Pass villages and yaks grazing on lush hillsides and reach the Tibet village of Xidang, the starting point for today’s 12-kilometer hike to Upper Yubeng Village. Alternatively, you can opt for a 40-minute off-road vehicle ride to the destination. Wind up a muddy trail surrounded by wildflowers, the road climbing ever higher. Glimpses of towering snowcapped peaks accompany the journey.

At last, Upper Yubeng Village reveals itself in an idyllic valley, with streams flowing through grasslands and prayer flags waving in the alpine air.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Challenge yourself and ascend from 3150 meters to 3860 meters to take in majestic alpine landscapes along the way. The circular trek will take around 7 to 10 hours, during which you will cross meadows dotted with grazing cattle, pass by the remains of the camp built by the Sino-Japanese joint mountaineering team in 1991, and get overwhelmed by soaring snowcapped peaks.

Continuing south along the trail, a ridge crest later revealed the legendary Glacier Lake – its deep blue waters framed by towering cliffs resembling a giant sapphire dropped between the highlands. After enjoying a packed lunch at the lakeside, retrace your steps north along the trail, returning to the starting point and proceeding with another half-hour walk to the lower Yubeng Village for the night.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Today a three-hour hike will take you to the Yubeng Waterfall.

Rounding the final bend, the sacred waterfall comes into full view. Sheets of water cascade down the towering cliffside like a thousand silk threads, creating a breathtaking spectacle. For the locals, this place is highly sacred, and following the Tibetan tradition, you can walk clockwise around the waterfall three times to pray for blessings.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Leaving Lower Yubeng Village, conquer the rugged Niyong Gorge. Traverse through the pristine forests within the gorge, feel the chill of the melting snow and ice, experience the grandeur of the high mountain ravine, navigate the thrilling cliffside paths, and finally witness the desolate beauty of the dry and hot river valley.

After a short break, it’s time to begin the return journey, with night falling as you arrive back in the Feilai Monastery Area.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Leaving Feilai Monastery, you embark on a scenic drive from Diqing County to Shangri-La City. Transfer thereafter to the airport or railway station, taking with your unforgettable memories of traversing Yunnan’s breathtaking landscapes over the past week.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Why Choose Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd.

12-Year TripAdvisor Award

Travellers’ Choice winner every year since 2013

No Commission Shopping

Zero shopping stops, zero pressure, zero hidden agendas

100% Private

Every tour is exclusively yours — no strangers, no shared buses

Expert Local Guides

Licensed, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge

Real reviews from real travellers

  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eI highly recommend Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd. The team is very easy to work with, has excellent ideas and the guides are knowledgeable and easy to be with. Very solid itineraries and execution — flexible, high quality, and great value for money.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    James T.
    Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe visited both Xi’an and Shanghai under Jiuhong’s arrangement and received the same first-class service in both cities. The guides were knowledgeable, flexible, and happy to discuss all aspects of modern China — giving insights difficult to obtain elsewhere. Strongly recommended.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Greenfly
    Couples · Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe had a wonderful action-packed day. Fei Fei was amazing — her knowledge was very impressive and she was a real pleasure to be with. This was certainly the highlight of our stay in this beautiful city. Thanks so much.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Ludovic V.
    Couples · London, UK · Verified · TripAdvisor

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