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Day Hikes South
Tiger Leaping Gorge Altitudes for these day hikes range between 1,800 meters and 2,610 meters Please read the explanation of hiking times, distances, altitudes and rating levels. |
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1. Descent to Jinsha River
Region: Tiger Leaping Gorge Itinerary: Teacher Zhang’s Guest House—Jinsha River Duration: 4 hours round-trip Altitude in Meters: Start 1,930. Destination 1,750 Elevation gain: 180 meters Rating: Easy Summary: This descent to the river comes highly recommended. At the bottom, “the true scale of the gorge and the ferocity of the Jinsha River both become readily apparent,” as one visitor noted. You can start from Teacher Zhang’s Guest House (张老师客栈), which is located a short distance south of Tina’s Guest House (中峰国际青年旅舍), or from Walnut Garden Village (核桃园). A trail cut into the canyon wall just above the river links the two. The trails are maintained by local Naxi families and you should expect to pay a small fee (or fees) for their use. One of the trails, dubbed The Brave Ladder (勇者梯), ascends out of the gorge on a ladder set at a near-vertical angle. There are said to be 168 steps. Avoid in wet conditions or if you are scared of heights. The normal descent/ascent route from Teacher Zhang’s, a steep path with switch backs, offers a less hair-raising experience. |
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2. Short Gorge Hikes
Region: Tiger Leaping Gorge Duration: From a couple of hours to less than a day Altitude in Meters: between 1,840 to 2,610 depending on itinerary Elevation Gain: various Rating: Easy Summary: Several locations accessible by car intersect with the classic Tiger Leaping Gorge trekking path. First, at either end: Qiaotou (桥头镇) and Tina’s Guest House. And second, in between: Naxi Guest House (纳西客栈), Tea Horse Inn (茶马客栈), and Bendiwan Village (本地湾村). From these points, various short excursions may be undertaken. One example: the hike from Tina’s Guest House toward Qiaotou up to a trailside temple (one hour one-way). A few minutes beyond the temple, Dragon Cave Waterfall (龙洞瀑布) splashes directly onto the path. With car support, hikers can complete an abbreviated trek from one guest house to another. For example, from Naxi Guest House to Tea Horse Inn. This allows them to toil their way to the top of the 28 Bends (28道拐), the über-scenic high point of the classic trekking path at 2,610 meters. |
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3. Bamboo Forest Path
Region: Tiger Leaping Gorge Itinerary: Tina’s Guest House—Ravine Stairway—Luke’s Hostel Duration: 2½ hours one-way Altitude in Meters: Start 2,050. End 2,360 Elevation gain: 400 meters Rating: Easy Summary: The Bamboo Forest Path (竹林小路) linking Tina’s Guest House and Luke’s Hostel passes through a wild canyon with cascades and waterfalls. Halfway up, a picturesque stairway bridges the ravine. A guide is recommended for inexperienced hikers. |
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4. Empty Glad Platform
Region: Tiger Leaping Gorge Itinerary: Luke’s Hostel—Empty Glad Platform Duration: 3 hours round-trip Altitude in Meters: Start 2,360. Destination 2,680 Elevation gain: 320 meters Rating: Easy Summary: Starting from Luke’s Hostel, hike the initial portion of the Luke-Haba Route. Empty Glad Platform (空欢喜观景台) offers one of the best views of Tiger Leaping Gorge. |
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5. Miner’s Pass
Region: Tiger Leaping Gorge Itinerary: Mining District—Yak Meadow—Miner’s Pass Duration: 4½ hours round-trip Altitude in Meters: Start 3,000. Destination 3,870 Elevation gain: 870 meters Rating: Moderate Summary: Access is via Miner’s Pass Route (矿工垭口路线). The hike affords a glimpse of Haba Muru Sanctuary (哈巴雪山庇护所), as well as excellent views of Haba Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山), the two massifs on either side of Tiger Leaping Gorge. A car is necessary to traverse rough mining roads from Bendiwan Village (本地湾村) up to the trailhead. Round-trip drive time is 1 hour. A guide is recommended. |