Yubeng Holy Massif Hikes
4-Day Yubeng Village Hiking Tour
The top hiking route for snowy mountains in Yunnan Province must be the Yubeng Village trek — it's even better than Tiger Leaping Gorge!
Yubeng Village is a paradise hidden in the interior area of the holy Meili Snow Mountains massif. For hundreds of years, villagers have worshiped the 13 virgin (unclimbed) peaks and the holy mountains are believed to protect the village.
How lucky we are that we can visit this place more easily, which could only be accessed by very long treks in the past! And how much respect we should pay when walking this land "chosen by the gods"!
During this 4-day hiking tour, you can enjoy snow-capped peaks, glaciers, forests, lakes, and waterfalls.Explore a holy land "where gods and mortals live together" in seemingly unbreakable harmony.
Tour 'Wow' Points
The Sacred Meili Snow Mountains Will Stir Your Soul
Indulge in incredible views of the 13 holy snowcapped peaks. Let reverence for the icy mountains and white pagodas purify your heart.


Feel Solemn Tranquility at Kawagarbo's Base Camp and Ice Lake
Hike through primitive pine forests to Ice Lake past the base camp where the China-Japan Mountaineering Team stayed before the holy peak claimed all their 17 lives.


Admire Life-Giving Kawagarbo Snowmelt Waterfalls
The snow on top of inviolable Kawagarbo (main peak) remains untouched by humans. But the sparkling waterfalls from Kawagarbo's snow are a source of spiritual strength as well as sustenance supporting the local Tibetans.


Why Choose Us

Your Wellbeing is Our Priority.
- 1-to-1 travel expert
- Vaccinated guides
- Private Rides

Your Trip is Perfectly Planned.
- Less crowded
- Exclusive Exciting Experiences

Your Booking is Risk-Free.
- No cancellation fee (up to 22 days before departure)
- Free changes
Finish Your Booking in as Quick as 1 Day
1. Tell us your dream travel idea
2. Work out your unique plan with 1 to 1 expert advice
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Cultural and scenic beauty second to none!
I would highly recommend this tour to Lugu Lake to everyone and anyone! The tour guide Jack taught me more in two days about minority cultures, Chinese history, and the amazing natural history and geography of Yunnan and the Lijiang area. As well, the drive to Lugu Lake requires an expert - and Mr Wang is an expert! (From someone who has crossed the Rockies at least 20 times) As a single woman travel who still doesn’t have great Chinese it was a flawless experience - from the communications, accommodation and breathtaking scenery and cultural experiences. Please book and go! moreFeb 2023, Connie VH
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We have been travelling around Yunnan…
We have been travelling around Yunnan Province for 8 days and it’s been amazing. The culture, the food, the people’s kindness, all these things made our trip unforgettable. Especially our guide Nancy! The most helpful and friendly guide we could have. We really appreciate her knowledge about the local history and the culture. She’s really amazing and we strongly recommend her services. moreMar 2022, Danielle Toledo
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Awesome Yunnan trip with Nancy
We had a 6-day tour with guide Nancy around Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La in Yunnan. She’s very professional and experienced guide that made our tour far exceed expectations. It was a pleasure to have her as our tour guide. We strongly recommend her. Thank you! moreMar 2022, Rodrigo
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One of the best things I’ve done in China
One of the best things I’ve done in China. Being that I am pretty well traveled in China this Experience was so different from the others. Each city provided a different aspect of the culture, local traditions and beauty that China has to offer. Our Tour guide Nancy was amazing as she made our itinerary very well constructed and organized. She was there to make sure we were comfortable and happy. Her hyper energy and cheerfulness made us feel enthusiastic for the day. We are very satisfied with this trip and Nancy’s services that we will be sure to book again. moreFeb 2022, RoshR
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One of the best things I’ve done in China
One of the best things I’ve done in China. Being that I am pretty well traveled in China this Experience was so different from the others. Each city provided a different aspect of the culture, local traditions and beauty that China has to offer. Our Tour guide Nancy was amazing as she made our itinerary very well constructed and organized. She was there to make sure we were comfortable and happy. Her hyper energy and cheerfulness made us feel enthusiastic for the day. We are very satisfied with this trip and Nancy’s services that we will be sure to book again. moreFeb 2022, RoshR
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Lijiang Trip July 2021
Kudos to Alisa Liu from the agency who I must say was on hand almost 24/7 for requests and queries. Even though our trip was marred with the onset of the Typhoon In Fa with various flight and train cancellations but Alisa was quick to arrange for alternative solutions under the circumstances and made the most effort to make our journey as comfortable as possible whilst we made our way back to Shanghai. As for the itinerary, Alisa understands her clientele’s different needs very well and for the most part my expectations were met. I love private tours with a very relaxed itinerary and comfortable accommodation and some of us prefer more exclusive accommodation vs a packed itinerary trying to go to a hundred location type of tour. moreAug 2021, Ida Suriani
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Summer holiday in Yunnan
After spending 5 nights in Dali visiting sights in our own time, Alice who was very friendly and helpful, accompanied us on our drive from Dali to Lijiang. She shared interesting facts about the local area and the things we had done. In Lijiang, we met our guide Peter. Peter did an amazing job taking care of us and showing us the beautiful sights for our 3 days. He was so kind, providing us with snacks each morning and always ensuring the food met my dietary requirements. He even picked up our last minute NAT results that we did before our departure late at night! His passion and dedication to his job was very impressive, and we would highly recommend him to our friends. moreAug 2021, O6866ZGlaurag
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Amazing experience in Yunnan
Please bear in mind that booking tickets and actually getting to the sightseeing point is very challenging, especially during peak season. But with the help of our guides everything went smooth and silky. Thank you, China Highlights, for making our first trip to Yunnan an unforgettable and carefree adventure. It was a true relaxation without any headache or stress. We had nothing to worry about, except enjoying breathtaking beauty of Yunnan. moreJul 2021, olya84
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Drive for about 4 hours from Shangri-La to reach Deqin. Enjoy the Tibetan Plateau scenery along the way.
Stop at a platform for a great view of the Big Bend of the Jinsha River, which is the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Then continue on to visit the Dongzhulin Monastery, which is located on the side of a mountain.
Go on up to Wunongding Viewing Platform for the classic panoramic view of the Meili Snow Mountains.
Visit Feilai Lamasery, which also faces the peaks of the Meili Snow Mountains.
Drive from Feilai Lamasery to Xidang Village, and then change to a SUV to get to Yubeng Village.
On the first day of the hiking, you will visit Ice Lake at an altitude of 3,800 m (12,000 ft).
Starting from Yubeng Village, you will hike through dense primordial forest to Xiaonong Base Camp, used by the ill-fated China-Japan Mountaineering Team in 1991. Have a rest in the base camp and then continue hiking for another 1½ hours to Ice Lake. The blue lake surrounded by snowy peaks is so pure and peaceful.
Return by the same path to Yubeng. The hiking distance on this day is about 16 km (10 miles) with an ascent of 900 m (3,000 ft).
Hike from upper Yubeng Village to Lower Yubeng in the morning. Then continue through a forest to the holy waterfall. Prayer flags hang in throngs near the waterfall showing the reverence of the local Tibetan people.
Take the same way back to Yubeng Village and stay overnight there.
The hiking distance on this day is about 14 km (9 miles) with an ascent of 560 m (1,800 ft) and a descent of 630 m (2,100 ft)
Say goodbye to Yubeng Village and hike along the spectacular Ninong Canyon to Ninong Village. Your driver will pick you up there and transfer you to Shangri-La.
The hiking distance on this day is about 13 km (8 miles) with a descent of 950 m (3,100 ft).
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.


Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: zd-3
Start planning your tailor-made tour now. Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.