2-Day Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail Hike from Lijiang

One of the deepest river gorges in the world, hiked from the rim. Tiger Leaping Gorge runs for 16 km along the upper Yangtze, with the river squeezed 3,800 m below the snow-capped Yulong (Jade Dragon) Snow Mountain. The famous "High Trail" — distinct from the paved tourist road on the valley floor — is a goat track that contours along the southern wall, passing Naxi farmsteads, waterfalls and the legendary 28 Bends switchback. It's a classic two-day hike, and unquestionably the best walking in southwest China.

This private trip picks you up from your Lijiang hotel, drives you 2 hours up to Qiaotou trailhead, and pairs you with an English-speaking local guide who walks the trail with you both days. You sleep at a guesthouse roughly halfway, and the next day continue down to Tina's at the gorge mouth before driving back to Lijiang. Total walking: about 22 km over two days, mostly contouring at 2,000–2,700 m with one serious climb.

Day-by-day:

• Day 1 — Lijiang to Halfway Guesthouse (the hard day):
• 07:30 — Pickup from your Lijiang hotel
• 09:30 — Arrive Qiaotou trailhead (1,900 m); briefing and start walking
• 11:00 — Through Naxi village fields toward the foot of the 28 Bends
• 12:00 — Lunch at a small farm canteen
• 13:00 — Climb the 28 Bends switchback up to the high point at ~2,670 m — the toughest section of the trail, but with the best view straight down to the gorge
• 15:30 — Continue contouring along the cliffside path; pass small waterfalls
• 17:30 — Arrive at a guesthouse near the trail's halfway point; sunset over Yulong Snow Mountain from the terrace
• Overnight: Naxi-family guesthouse (twin share, hot showers)
• Day 2 — Halfway to Tina's and back to Lijiang:
• 08:00 — Breakfast on the guesthouse terrace
• 09:00 — Walk the easier second-half section past waterfalls and through chestnut groves
• 12:00 — Reach Tina's Guesthouse at the gorge mouth; optional 30-min detour down to the river rocks at the gorge's narrowest point
• 13:00 — Lunch at Tina's
• 14:00 — Drive back to Lijiang via the new highway
• 16:30 — Drop-off at your Lijiang hotel

Who this is for: Travelers age 12+ in decent walking shape, with at least a few half-day hikes under their belt. The trail is not technical but the 28 Bends climb is steep at altitude (max 2,700 m). Not appropriate for travelers with heart issues or severe knee problems.

Logistics: Bring broken-in boots, sun cream, a light pack, and a refillable water bottle. Guesthouse is simple but clean. Phone signal is patchy; data works on the trail in most sections. Best season: March–June and September–November (avoid July–August landslide season).

Local Roads. Global Eyes. We're a Beijing-licensed inbound operator with Naxi-speaking guides based in Lijiang. Questions before you book? WhatsApp +86 139 1764 3020 or [email protected].

Cancelación gratuita en la mayoría de los tours hasta 24 h antes del inicio. Condiciones exactas al reservar.