Have you ever over-estimated a hiking trail? It happened to me while preparing for the Tiger Leaping Gorge hike near Lijiang (China), which I was told was a 4-day hike. I’m not sure how slow the person telling me was hiking, as I ended up doing it in two days. I had packed cans of tuna, beans and other food that would last for 4 days of solitude, and my backpack ended up weighing around 16 kg (35 lbs).

As it turned out, the (ample) guest houses along the way were well stocked on food, and I even found some food stalls conveniently located along the route. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one that overestimated the trip; plenty of trashed candy wrappers and empty water bottles can be found next to the hiking route. Nevertheless, it was an amazing experience and I don’t plan on forgetting it anytime soon.

Tiger Leaping Gorge – one of China’s most stunning hikes

Tiger Leaping Gorge facts

Tiger Leaping Gorge weather and rainfall throughout the year

Which hiking trail should I choose?

Where can I buy tickets for the Tiger Leaping Gorge?

Tiger Leaping Gorge map

Do I have to book a guest house before setting off?

When does the Tiger Leaping Gorge close?

Keith’s tips (and tours)

Getting to Lijiang

Getting from Lijiang to the Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tip: stay at the Naxi Family guest house

Halfway at the Halfway Guesthouse

Guesthouses on the Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking trail

Guesthouses along the lower road

Tiger Leaping Gorge photos and videos

Before you go

Tiger Leaping Gorge facts

Located 60 km (37mi) north of Lijiang

At maximum depth the distance between river and mountain peak is 3.790m (12.343ft), making it one of the deepest and most spectacular canyons in the world

Trail distance: 30km following the high trail

Hiking duration: 7 hours to about 3 days

The indigenous Naxi people are the primary inhabitants of the gorge

The upper trail is around 22 kilometers(14 mi) in length

Entrance fee is ¥65 (€8.75) or ¥32.50 (€4.25) if you are a student under 25 and bring your passport

The travel time by car or bus from Lijiang to the entrance of the gorge is approx. 1 to 2 hours

The trail is also known as the high trail or upper trail. There is no lower trail. The old “lower trail” has now been converted to the gorge road

There are Naxi minorities, Han Chinese, Bai minorities, Yi minorities, and some Tibetan people living near the gorge.

Download your free Tiger Leaping Gorge e-book Download e-book

Tiger Leaping Gorge weather and rainfall throughout the year

The best time to visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge is in September/October and April/May, which is usually the dry season. In winter it can get cold and also the sun rises late behind the mountain ridges. Between May and September, the rainy season, heavy rains can make the trail hazardous with landslides and rockfall. Landslides, anyone? I can tell you, it’s a looong way down. During the summer, around April, May, and June, you can still see the snow on the mountain tops; a stunning sight.

Which hiking trail should I choose?

There is only one real hiking trail, and that’s the upper trail. The other “trail” is a flat road which takes you (and 10.000 tourist coaches) to the Tiger Leaping Rock. While this is a stunningly scenic road and gives you a great sense of the raw power of the Jinsha river, it is more of a walk than a hike.

The upper hiking trail takes you up a kilometre and gives you views you have only dreamed of. This is the one I did, and I was ready for a 4-day struggle against nature, fatigue, and weather, but, even though it wasn’t an easy hike, it was easier than I expected. You will need to be at least a moderate hiker in order to not get cramped legs; especially the hikes up and down the mountain at the beginning and end weren’t easy. Whichever trail you choose, there is an entrance fee of €10,-. It’s easy to find your way on both trails, as they are clearly marked.

If you attempt the upper hiking trail, it is worth to take one of the narrow paths down to the river. See the tiger leaping gorge maps to find out where they are.

Where to buy tickets for the Tiger Leaping Gorge

Entrance tickets to the gorge can be bought in Qiaotou, which is the main service gateway town for the gorge. If you arrive on the backroad from Shangri-la via Baishuitai or across on the Yangtze ferry from Daju, Baoshan or the Jade dragon snow mountain, there is a ticket office at Walnut Grove. Tickets are checked at the main river viewing area.

Tiger Leaping Gorge China hikers My partners in hike (there were 4 more) which I met along the road. Tiger Leaping Gorge China view This is a common view along the route A view from above on the touristy lower trail of the Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge map

It’s pretty easy to get yourself a map for the hike. In most hostels in Lijiang, you will find a black and white map created by Tina’s Guest House. Although this map doesn’t look very clear on first glance, it is all you will need. If you forget to get a map in Lijiang, there are maps available at the entrance building of the gorge.

When you get dropped off at the entrance of the hike and you have paid for your ticket, walk down the main road for a few meters until you’ll find a sign for the “High path”, taking you up the mountain. If you decide to stay over at the Naxi Family Guest House which I mentioned earlier, there is a map painted on the wall on the roof as well.

The Tiger Leaping Gorge map you can easily find. Another map of the Tiger Leaping Gorge hike which can be useful to consult. Yet another Tiger Leaping Gorge map, this time from Sandy's guest house.

Do I have to book a guest house before setting off?

I didn’t book any guest houses in advance, I simply turned up. This worked out pretty well for me. The Halfway House and Tina’s Guest House are the most popular places to stay and it might be more difficult to stay there without a booking.

You will come across the Naxi Family Guest House pretty soon in the day, so it might feel a bit weird to already call it a day. But the good part, besides the guest house being absolutely amazing, is that it caused the walk on the next day to be practically without any other hikers.

It pays to book in advance in busy times, as sometimes the guesthouses get full, especially during holiday periods and if there are school groups visiting. Check with the hostel you are staying with in Lijiang as they can help you book.

When does the Tiger Leaping Gorge close?

As mentioned before, the gorge may be closed periodically due the landslides or rockfall, which is more likely to happen from May to October, during the rainy season. Just one day’s heavy rain washed out the visitor centre a few years ago. However, this practically means that the ticket booth will be closed and there will be a barrier and/or a sign. The hiking paths can be very difficult or even unsafe to hike on.

Therefore, only attempt to hike the trails when you have done your research on the weather on the trail and are absolutely sure the conditions are in your favour. Do ask around in hostels in Lijiang if unsure. Another reason to not attempt the trail when it’s closed: you might get into trouble getting back to Lijiang from the end of it. Your best bet is to check with the hostels beforehand about getting a ride back.

Every year or so, hikers have died in the gorge, over the last 30 years that the trail and gorge have been open.

Keith’s tips (and tours)

Keith Lyons is an experienced tour guide who has hiked the Tiger Leaping Gorge many times. He first hiked the gorge in 1996, just after a big earthquake. I got in touch with Keith through a comment he posted, and when I asked him to help update the information in this article, he happily agreed. Here are a few of his tips:

Travel light. If you are hauling a big pack on your back for the 2-day hike, there is one thing which everyone will think of you: stupid. There are guesthouses along the way every few hours, along with some vendors selling snacks and water, so you don’t need to carry too much. Please, please, take out your rubbish, as you will see other visitors have just thrown their plastic wrappers and bottles beside the trail.



Keith is the founder of the Lijiang Earthquake Relief Project, which worked with Red Cross, he set up Lijiang Guides and has lived in the region since 2005. His company, Lijiang Guides, often takes guests for day trips, overnight hikes and extended trips into the Tiger leaping gorge, sometimes continuing onto white water terraces or across the Yangtze to stone village.

Lijiang Guides works with local communities and most of its professional guides and drivers are from local ethnic minorities. In 2018, Lijiang Guides won an international travel and tourism award and has been featured in Lonely Planet China and other guidebooks.

Getting there

Getting to Lijiang

The easiest way to get to the Tiger Leaping Gorge is via Lijiang, a city that can be easily accessed by train. To get to Lijiang you can take a direct train from Shenzhen (near Hong Kong) which takes a brutal 32 hour if the “sleeper” spots are fully booked. Been there, done that and slept on the floor in between carriages. I recommend taking it easy and breaking the trip up with stops in Guilin, and/or Dali. Kunming can be skipped unless you want to visit the Stone Forest in Shilin (it’s beautiful if you don’t count the one million Chinese tourists).

Getting from Lijiang to the Tiger Leaping Gorge

From Lijiang there are plenty of (Shangri-la bound) buses going to the Gorge; As tourists normally either go to Shangri-la or the gorge, you will have no trouble making yourself clear. You get off at the Qiaotou village, from there you walk a few meters to the hike’s entrance. A bus ride should cost about ¥40 (€ 5.40, price from Nov 2015). A recent Lonely Planet China might help for reference.

Accommodation

Tip: stay at the Naxi Family guest house

If you don’t want to end up following the same people for 2 days, you can stop at the first guesthouse (Naxi Family Guest House) for the best value of all the guesthouses I’ve seen, anywhere in the world really. For 2.50 Euro (almost the same in Dollar) you get a 2-person room, and if you’re lucky you’ll be the only one in it (can you tell that I’m a bit introvert sometimes?).

The food, serenity and lovely (English speaking!!) staff are well worth the stay. And best of all, and here comes the tip, you will have the route all to yourself if you leave early on day two. Not many people end their first day at this guest house, since it’s only about a 3-4 hour hike from the start and would feel much like giving up for most.



Hutiaoxia Town, Shangri-La County 67440

T: +86 887 880 6928 / +86 139 887 58424 / +86 139 887 40169

Twin room with shared bathroom: 60 RMB per room (€7.50)

Standard double room with private bathroom: 100 RMB per room (€12.50)

Deluxe double room with private bathroom (and mountain view): 120 RMB per room (€15)

Map — Naxi Family Guesthouse

Zhongnuoyu Village, Changsheng VillageHutiaoxia Town, Shangri-La County 67440: +86 887 880 6928 / +86 139 887 58424 / +86 139 887 40169with shared bathroom: 60 RMB per room (€7.50)with private bathroom: 100 RMB per room (€12.50)with private bathroom (and mountain view): 120 RMB per room (€15)Map — https://goo.gl/maps/W78xekZYxkR2

Naxi Family Guest House Tiger Leaping Gorge China The Naxi Family Guest House is the first guest house you'll run into on the hiking trail. It's definitely worth a stop! Naxi family guest house has pigs The naxi family guest house comes with pigs! Naxi Family Guest House Tiger Leaping Gorge Breakfast at the Naxi Family Guest House. Amazing food with an otherworldly view. The view from my room at the Naxi Family Guesthouse

Halfway at the Halfway Guesthouse

The name of this guesthouse can’t get any more literal, but it definitely causes hikers to choose this guesthouse as their first stop for a night’s sleep. It’s definitely a beautiful place to stop and rest or enjoy a meal, even if you’re not staying here. The signs pointing to the guesthouse from the trail are a welcome sight as well, as they simply say “halfway”.



Dorm bed: 30 RMB

Private double on the first floor: 150 RMB per room (€19)

Private double on the second floor: 180 RMB per room (€22.50)

T: +86 139 8870 0522 \ +86 1398 877 9726 \ +86 131 7079 5128

Map — Halfway Lodge

Bendi Wan Village, Yongsheng, Shangri-La County: 30 RMBon the first floor: 150 RMB per room (€19)on the second floor: 180 RMB per room (€22.50): +86 139 8870 0522 \ +86 1398 877 9726 \ +86 131 7079 5128Map — https://goo.gl/maps/XMFg9DZA3AE2

You're halfway! Dinner with a view at the Halfway Guesthouse Inside the dining area, you're definitely not the first to visit here... A Halfway Guesthouse sign along the trail

Guesthouses on the Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking trail



Qiaotou / Xiaqiaotou, Yunnan

E: janetibetgh@hotmail.com

T: +86 887 880 6570 / +86 139 885 05848

Map — Jane’s Tibetan Guesthouse

On the road past the Tiger Leaping Gorge ticket officeQiaotou / Xiaqiaotou, Yunnan: janetibetgh@hotmail.com: +86 887 880 6570 / +86 139 885 05848Map — https://goo.gl/maps/ibM2rE5RYcv



Hutiaoxia Town, Shangri-La County 67440

T: +86 887 880 6928 / +86 139 887 58424 / +86 139 887 40169

Twin room with shared bathroom: 60 RMB per room (€7.50)

Standard double room with private bathroom: 100 RMB per room (€12.50)

Deluxe double room with private bathroom (and mountain view): 120 RMB per room (€15)

Map — Naxi Family Guesthouse

Zhongnuoyu Village, Changsheng VillageHutiaoxia Town, Shangri-La County 67440: +86 887 880 6928 / +86 139 887 58424 / +86 139 887 40169with shared bathroom: 60 RMB per room (€7.50)with private bathroom: 100 RMB per room (€12.50)with private bathroom (and mountain view): 120 RMB per room (€15)Map — https://goo.gl/maps/W78xekZYxkR2



Yongsheng Village, Shangri-La County 674402

T: +86 139 8871 7292, +86 139 8870 7922

Map — Tea-Horse Trade Guesthouse

High Trail above the 28 bendsYongsheng Village, Shangri-La County 674402: +86 139 8871 7292, +86 139 8870 7922Map — https://goo.gl/maps/Vv2nSvTPwy32



300 meters next to Halfway GH., Shangri-La County 650117

T: +86 181 8385 3151

E: 641589921@qq.com

Map — Come Inn

Bendiwan Village, High Trekking Trail300 meters next to Halfway GH., Shangri-La County 650117: +86 181 8385 3151: 641589921@qq.comMap — https://goo.gl/maps/3LKMzoCLBcw



Dorm bed: 30 RMB

Private double on the first floor: 150 RMB per room (€19)

Private double on the second floor: 180 RMB per room (€22.50)

T: +86 139 8870 0522 \ +86 1398 877 9726 \ +86 131 7079 5128

Map — Halfway Lodge

Bendi Wan Village, Yongsheng, Shangri-La County: 30 RMBon the first floor: 150 RMB per room (€19)on the second floor: 180 RMB per room (€22.50): +86 139 8870 0522 \ +86 1398 877 9726 \ +86 131 7079 5128Map — https://goo.gl/maps/XMFg9DZA3AE2

Guesthouses along the lower road



20 minutes past the Halfway guesthouse

Double room: 80 RMB (€10)

T: +86 139 8877 6286

Bendi Wan Village, Yongsheng, Shangri-La County20 minutes past the Halfway guesthouse: 80 RMB (€10): +86 139 8877 6286

Tina’s guest house

Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yongsheng Village, Hutiaoxia Town

Shangri-La County 674402

T: +86 133 0887 1952 \ +86 139 8877 1688 \ +86 888 820 2258 \ +86 887 880 6079 \ +86 139 8875 0111 \ +86 139 8871 7693 \ +86 133 2043 5880 \ +86 133 0887 2999

E: 2635441148@qq.com

Map — Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yongsheng Village, Hutiaoxia TownShangri-La County 674402: +86 133 0887 1952 \ +86 139 8877 1688 \ +86 888 820 2258 \ +86 887 880 6079 \ +86 139 8875 0111 \ +86 139 8871 7693 \ +86 133 2043 5880 \ +86 133 0887 2999: 2635441148@qq.comMap — https://goo.gl/maps/qaLmT4SREYL2

Tibet Guest House

Yongsheng Walnut Village,

Shangri-La County 674402

T: +86 139 8874 0050

E: tibet.g.h@qq.com

Map — Yongsheng Walnut Village,Shangri-La County 674402: +86 139 8874 0050: tibet.g.h@qq.comMap — https://goo.gl/maps/2ynYeRVbdaH2

Sean’s Spring Guest House

Walnut Garden

Shangri-La County 674402

Double room: 200 – 380 RMB (€25 – €48)

T: +86 887 820 2223 / +86 139 887 33935

Map — Walnut GardenShangri-La County 674402200 – 380 RMB (€25 – €48): +86 887 820 2223 / +86 139 887 33935Map — https://goo.gl/maps/2eLwFneH3Yt

Chateau de Woody

Middle Gorge of Tiger Leaping Gorge

Shangri-La County

Dorm room: 60 RMB (€7.50)

Double room: 160 RMB (€20)

T: +86 139 8874 5996 \ +86 139 8875 6901

Map — Middle Gorge of Tiger Leaping GorgeShangri-La County60 RMB (€7.50)160 RMB (€20): +86 139 8874 5996 \ +86 139 8875 6901Map — https://goo.gl/maps/ngT1z2emZMP2

Walnut Garden Youth Hostel

No.34, Hetaoyuan Group 2, Yongsheng Village Committee

Hutiaoxia Town, 674402 Shangri-La

Dorm room: 30 RMB (€4)

Double room (with/without bathroom): 60 / 120 RMB (€7.50 / €15)

T: +86 180 6521 5732

E: 641258670@qq.com

Map — No.34, Hetaoyuan Group 2, Yongsheng Village CommitteeHutiaoxia Town, 674402 Shangri-La: 30 RMB (€4)(with/without bathroom): 60 / 120 RMB (€7.50 / €15): +86 180 6521 5732: 641258670@qq.comMap — https://goo.gl/maps/oVaC1fmgxzM2

Impressions

Tiger Leaping Gorge photos and videos

Words don’t do this trip much justice, so I’ll stop writing now and start posting pictures of the Tiger Leaping Gorge to give you a little taste. Pictures don’t convey the full beauty of this hike though, so you’ll have to walk the walk yourself to truly understand what’s out there.