Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest and most spectacular river gorges on Earth. Carved by the Jinsha River (upper Yangtze) between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5,596m) and Haba Snow Mountain (5,396m), the gorge reaches depths of nearly 3,000 meters. The high trail follows the gorge rim with staggering views of the roaring rapids far below and snow-capped peaks above. The route passes through traditional Naxi minority villages where you can stay in guesthouses. The legendary '28 Bends' section is a steep but rewarding climb to the highest point of the trail.
The high trail is a well-established mountain hike with sustained climbs, particularly the 28 Bends. The trail is rocky and uneven in places but the route is clearly marked and guesthouses are available along the way. Altitude (2,000–2,670m) is manageable for most visitors. Fit hikers with basic fitness can complete this comfortably in 2 days.
The world-class high trail — dramatic gorge views, the famous 28 Bends, and Naxi village guesthouses.
More relaxed pace with extra time for Middle Gorge exploration and photography.
Best: March-May (spring — green landscapes, moderate temperatures, clear skies) and September-November (autumn — crisp air, snow-capped peaks visible, fewest clouds). Summer (Jun-Aug) is rainy season — trail can be muddy and slippery, rockfall risk increases, but the gorge is at its most dramatic with high water. Winter (Dec-Feb) is cold but clear, with spectacular snow views; some guesthouses close. Avoid the trail during or immediately after heavy rain — flash floods and rockfalls are real dangers.
Everything you need to know as an international traveler planning this route in China.
Same China visa requirements. The gorge is between Lijiang and Shangri-La in Yunnan province. Most travelers fly into Lijiang (LJG airport, with direct flights from Kunming, Chengdu, and other major cities). Yunnan has a large backpacker infrastructure — English is more widely spoken here than in most of China.
No permits needed. Entrance fee ¥65, paid at Qiaotou/Tiger Leaping Town gate. Cash or mobile payment accepted. No registration required for the high trail. Some sections may close after heavy rain — check at the entrance or with your guesthouse.
No advance booking needed for the trail itself. Guesthouses along the trail are first-come, first-served — but during peak season (Oct, May holidays) popular ones like Halfway Guesthouse fill up. No online booking for these small guesthouses. Just arrive before 5 PM to secure a bed. Transport: buses from Lijiang/Shangri-La to Qiaotou can be booked at the bus station or via your hotel.
Cash is KING on this trail. Guesthouses charge ¥50-100/meal and ¥150-300/night — they do NOT accept credit cards. Some now accept WeChat Pay/Alipay, but signal is unreliable. Bring ¥500-800 in cash per person for 2 days. ATMs are only available in Lijiang/Shangri-La, NOT on the trail.
From Lijiang: buses to Qiaotou/Tiger Leaping Town (桥头/虎跳峡镇) depart from Lijiang Bus Station at 8:00, 10:00 — 2.5 hours, ¥40-65. Alternatively, minibuses from Shangri-La: 7:30, 9:30, 12:00 — 2 hours, ¥35-50. You can also hire a private car (¥300-400). From Qiaotou: local minibus to the high trail trailhead (Naxi Yage, 20 min). From the low road: buses to Tiger Leaping Town, then taxi to the gorge entrance.
Along the high trail: Naxi Yage Guesthouse (纳西雅阁, ¥100-200/night), Tea Horse Guesthouse (茶马客栈, ¥100-200), Halfway Guesthouse (中途客栈, ¥150-300, famous balcony) — all basic but clean, with hot showers and home-cooked meals. Tina's Guesthouse (中虎跳, ¥100-250) at the end of the trail. No luxury options — embrace the rustic experience. Meals ¥30-80.
The high trail is a well-trodden backpacker route — guesthouse owners speak basic English and are very welcoming. Signage is limited on the trail. Useful phrases: 住一晚 (zhù yī wǎn) = stay one night; 有没有热水 (yǒu méi yǒu rè shuǐ) = is there hot water?; 吃饭 (chī fàn) = eat a meal; 28拐在哪 (èr shí bā guǎi zài nǎ) = where are the 28 Bends?
Very limited mobile signal on most of the high trail. Halfway Guesthouse and Tina's have the best signal. Guesthouses have charging points but power may be intermittent. Download offline maps (Maps.me has this trail) and inform someone of your plans before departing.
Nearest hospital: Lijiang People's Hospital (丽江市人民医院): 0888-5122449. Shangri-La: Diqing Prefecture Hospital (迪庆州医院): 0887-8222504. Ambulance: 120 (response time is 1-2 hours to the trail). Guesthouse owners can arrange emergency transport by motorbike. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is STRONGLY recommended.
The scale of this gorge is incomprehensible until you're standing in it. The 28 Bends nearly killed me but the views from the top were worth every drop of sweat.
Absolutely world-class trek. The guesthouses are basic but the home-cooked Naxi meals were delicious. Falling asleep to the sound of the rapids below is magical.
No special permit required for foreign visitors. Entrance fee ¥65. The trail is well-established with guesthouses every 1-2 hours. No registration needed. Some sections may be closed during heavy rain — check locally.
Last verified: August 1, 2026