Tiger Leaping Gorge, recognized by National Geographic as one of "China's Top Ten Most Beautiful Hiking Routes," is also acclaimed as one of "the World's Top Ten Classic Hiking Routes." American explorer Joseph Rock once discovered and left his mark here. The gorge is 17 kilometers long, with a valley elevation of 1,800 meters and a vertical drop of over 200 meters. The hiking trail through Tiger Leaping Gorge is part of the ancient Tea-Horse Road, which was carved along cliffs to connect Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on the southern bank and Haba Snow Mountain on the northern bank. During the hike, visitors can experience narrow paths on cliff edges, conquer the famous 28 turns, traverse ancient forests, and enjoy spectacular views of the Jinsha River. There are guesthouses and coffee stalls along the way with complete service facilities, and the best times to visit are in spring and autumn.
Code of Tour: SZW0000033
Length of Travel: 2 Days
Departure City: Lijiang
Price of Tour: Request
Features of Tour: Tiger Leaping Gorge is a masterpiece of nature, where the mighty Yangtze River surges through narrow, steep cliffs, showcasing raw power and stunning beauty.
Highlights
- Enjoy the stunning scenery of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain.
- Experience a different perspective of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
- Hike through Tiger Leaping Gorge and feel the thrill of the canyon.
INQUIRY
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Lijiang → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Hiking Start Point → 28 Turns → Tea Horse Guesthouse → Check-in at Guesthouse
- Day 2: High Road Hiking → Longdong Waterfall → Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge → End in Lijiang
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Lijiang
Activities: Lijiang → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Hiking Start Point → 28 Turns → Tea Horse Guesthouse → Check-in at GuesthouseDriving Distance: About 85 km, Duration: About 1.5 hours
Hiking Distance: About 13 km, Duration: About 6–7 hours
Elevation: About 2670 m,
Elevation Gain/Loss: About 420 m
Accommodation: Tiger Leaping Gorge Secret Half-Mountain Hotel
Meals: Self-catered
After breakfast, depart from Lijiang, arriving at Tiger Leaping Gorge Town in about 1.5 hours. After entering the scenic area, proceed to the hiking trail entrance. The tour leader will guide everyone in warm-up exercises before starting the hike. Experience the high mountain gorge, the impressive Jinsha River’s "super flash flood" from a close distance; walking along the narrow paths on the cliffs, you can feel the exhilarating canyon atmosphere of Tiger Leaping Gorge. Conquer the famous 28 Turns and take photos at the peak. Continue onward, traversing through ancient forests, reaching the Tea Horse Guesthouse for lunch in about 1.5 hours. Here you can take a short rest while facing the peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, overlooking the gorge below, an incredibly stunning view.
Afterward, continue for about 2 hours to our endpoint at Ben Di Wan, where we will stay in a local guesthouse that features characteristic local style. Enjoy the poetic dwelling under the sunset glow of the snow-capped mountains, providing a soft resting place for your eyes and soul after the breathtaking experience.
Day 2: Lijiang
Activities: High Road Hiking → Longdong Waterfall → Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge → End in LijiangDriving Distance: About 85 km, Duration: About 1.5 hours
Hiking Distance: About 13 km, Duration: About 6–7 hours
Elevation: About 2670 m, Elevation Gain/Loss: About 420 m
Accommodation: Tiger Leaping Gorge Secret Half-Mountain Hotel
Meals: Self-catered
We continue our journey, passing Longdong Waterfall and Guanyin Temple, each step a meditation for the soul. Teacher Zhang Guesthouse will be our resting spot midway; after a simple lunch, we will descend along the path leading to Middle Tiger Leaping Stone. The scenery here is even more spectacular, as the river rushes between the rocks, creating a deafening roar. In addition to hiking, here you can challenge yourself on the 168-step Brave Ladder. Every step is filled with challenges and excitement, but standing at the top of the ladder, overlooking the vast gorge below, fills you with a sense of achievement and pride, making everything worthwhile.
Service Includes
1. Transportation: Selection of appropriate vehicles based on the number of people, one seat per person (includes transportation, tolls, and fuel for the trip);2. Accommodation: As specified in the itinerary (includes standard double room/kingsize room in Tiger Leaping Gorge);
3. Tickets: Entrance fee for Teacher Zhang Path and 168-step Brave Ladder;
4. Meals: 1 breakfast;
5. Tour Leader: Excellent Chinese speaking travel leader (who also drives);
6. Insurance: Travel accident insurance (coverage up to 800,000 RMB).
(Note: For minors under 18 years and seniors over 70, the maximum compensation for death is subject to regulations set by the China Insurance Regulatory Commission; those over 85 are not covered.)
Service excluded
1. Transportation: Self-catered round-trip transportation to and from the gathering place from various locations across the country;2. Meals: Main meals are not included; can be shared or self-catered;
3. Single Room Supplement: Shared double rooms as offered; we arrange roommates based on registration order. If a single room is requested, an additional fee must be paid (150 RMB/person during low season, 200 RMB/person during holidays);
4. Personal Horse Riding: Participants can choose independently whether or not to ride based on their physical capabilities and outdoor experience. Personal horse riding service is not provided by our company; issues regarding safety, price, and service are the participant's responsibility;
5. Others: Any other expenses not mentioned in the inclusions as well as personal expenses.
Complimentary Items
Equipment: One bottle of drinking water and a portable raincoat per person (rainy season only), one trekking pole per person; complimentary items are not redeemable for cash and are non-refundable if not used.Refund Policy
Because outdoor activities generally take place in remote mountainous areas, and the service facilities are not well-developed, it's necessary to prepare personnel, materials, insurance, accommodation, transportation, and other arrangements in advance. The following is the refund statement:1. For cancellations 10 days before the activity date (inclusive) due to unforeseen circumstances, the total fee can be fully refunded or deferred to the next event;
2. For cancellations 7 days before the activity date (inclusive), 30% of the total fee will be deducted, and the remaining balance will be refunded or deferred to the next event;
3. For cancellations 3 days before the activity date (inclusive), 50% of the total fee will be deducted, and the remaining balance will be refunded or deferred to the next event;
4. For cancellations 1-2 days prior to the activity date, 80% of the total fee will be deducted, and the remaining balance will be refunded or deferred to the next event;
5. No refunds will be granted if the activity has begun or is ongoing, and participants are unable to continue due to force majeure (including but not limited to severe natural disasters, government actions, social disturbances) or personal reasons (agreement required). Any costs incurred for transportation, accommodation, meals, etc., will be borne by the participant. We can assist in coordinating and arranging matters appropriately, but we are not responsible;
6. Payments made to third parties on behalf of clients are also non-refundable. For example: damage fees for reserved accommodations, tickets purchased in advance for itineraries not attended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I prepare in advance for the itinerary?A: Outdoor hiking consumes a lot of physical energy, so it’s advisable to bring lunch (drinking water, power bars, chocolate, candy, beef jerky, etc.) for replenishment. There will be supply points and restaurants along the route.
Q: What age group is suitable for hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge?
A: As a beginner hiking route, Tiger Leaping Gorge is well-known worldwide. The hiking distance is moderate, the elevation is low, and the ascent is minimal, suitable for outdoor hiking enthusiasts aged 8 to 65.
Q: What outdoor gear is needed for hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge?
A: Recommended gear includes sunglasses, a hat, a headscarf, quick-dry T-shirts, a waterproof jacket, hiking/mountaineering shoes, trekking poles, and knee pads. For winter, consider bringing a fleece jacket or down vest.
Q: Can I carry a suitcase if I want to go to other places?
A: During the hike, we do not recommend carrying suitcases. If necessary, arrangements can be made for storage in Tiger Leaping Gorge Town for collection upon return, so it will not affect the following itinerary.
Q: Can I join the Tiger Leaping Gorge hike without hiking experience?
A: Absolutely, as Tiger Leaping Gorge is an entry-level hiking route with low difficulty and mature paths. We arrange experienced tour leaders for your safety.
Personal Gear Suggested Checklist
1. Hiking Backpack: A 10L-20L double-shoulder backpack for carrying a camera, drinks, lunch, warm clothing, etc., during the hike.
2. Low-Cut Hiking Shoes: Hiking in the mountains can be tough; rocky paths may be slippery, steep ups and downs, and muddy sections are common during the rainy season. It’s best to wear waterproof hiking shoes that have been broken in (new shoes can cause injuries).
3. Clothing: In the mountains, temperatures can vary greatly between day and night. In autumn and winter, prepare warm gloves, a knitted hat, breathable thermal underwear, a fleece jacket, and hiking pants. A down jacket can be used as an extra layer. Although you may feel hot while hiking, pack quick-dry clothing. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and an outdoor headscarf. Strong UV rays at high altitudes make it advisable to wear sunglasses, and headscarves can prevent sunburn on the neck and can be pulled up to shield the face.
4. Personal Items: Insulated water bottle, ID, student card, or other valid personal identification. Note: Accommodations in remote rural mountainous areas cannot be compared to urban conditions; if you are a person with severe cleanliness requirements, consider bringing disposable beddings (though our customized activity accommodations are fairly high-standard and clean).
5. Lunch on the road: Hiking consumes a lot of physical energy; it’s recommended to bring light, high-calorie food such as beef jerky, chocolate, power bars, nuts (cashews/almonds/peanuts), raisins, and dried bananas.
6. Common Medicines: Personal medications, altitude sickness medication, cold medicine, band-aids, car sickness patches, etc. Due to different blood types and skin sensitivities, some participants may be susceptible to insect bites; getting mosquito repellent would be wise for those with sensitive skin.
