Overview
Discover Nanjiluo, a newly emerged secret in Yunnan's Three Parallel Rivers heritage zone — a four-day loop past eleven mirror-clear alpine lakes.
About This Tour
Hidden in Badi township of Weixi county, in the Diqing Tibetan region of northwest Yunnan, Nanjiluo is one of China's freshest trekking discoveries — a string of eleven jewel-like alpine lakes scattered across the high country of the Three Parallel Rivers UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Yangtze, Mekong and Salween run side by side. Almost unknown to foreign travelers, this four-day loop climbs from Lisu and Tibetan villages through old-growth forest into a basin of glacial tarns that mirror the surrounding peaks, framed in autumn by blazing larch and rhododendron. The trail is moderate and exceptionally scenic, passing meadows, waterfalls and herders' camps with no crowds and no commercial development — pure, quiet wilderness. September is the magic month, when the lakes are at their fullest and the forests turn gold under crisp, clear skies. This is a trip for hikers who want a genuine off-the-map experience in one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet, guided by locals who grew up in these valleys. A private tour, priced per person, with full camping support. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and border-area regulations. Good to know: • Best season: September is ideal (full lakes, autumn colour, clear skies); June-October generally trekkable • Fitness level: moderate — manageable for fit, healthy hikers with some multi-day experience • Altitude: trek ranges roughly 2,800m to about 4,200m at the highest lakes/pass; gentle acclimatization built in • High-altitude warning: mild AMS possible above 3,500m — oxygen carried by the team • Remoteness: a brand-new, undeveloped route — no shops or signal on the trail; full camping support provided • Weather: mountain conditions change fast; pack warm and waterproof layers even in September • This is a private, per-person tour with full camping support
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Shangri-La to Badi｜Drive into the Three Parallel Rivers
We leave Shangri-La (3,200m) and drive west toward Weixi county and Badi township, the gateway to Nanjiluo — roughly 150km over 5-6 hours on winding mountain roads deep within the Three Parallel Rivers heritage zone. The journey itself is spectacular, dropping into the Mekong gorge and climbing past terraced Lisu and Tibetan villages, with views of distant snow peaks. We arrive at a trailhead village in the late afternoon and settle into a simple local guesthouse, meeting our support crew and pack animals over a home-cooked dinner. A relaxed first day to soak up village life and prepare for the trek ahead. Overnight in a village guesthouse. Meals: Lunch and Dinner included.
2
Day 2: Village to Forest Camp｜Up Through the Old-Growth
The trek begins. We climb out of the valley on a herders' trail, about 11km over 5-6 hours with roughly 800m of ascent, passing fields and farmsteads before entering magnificent old-growth fir and rhododendron forest draped in lichen. Mules carry the camping gear while we walk with day packs, following a clear mountain stream upward past small waterfalls. The forest is alive with birdsong and, in autumn, splashes of red and gold. We emerge near the treeline and make our first camp at around 3,600m in a sheltered clearing, with the high lake basin and rocky peaks rising ahead. Your crew sets up tents for a peaceful night in the wild. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
3
Day 3: The Alpine Lakes Basin｜Eleven Mirrors
The highlight of the trek. Today we explore the high basin that holds Nanjiluo's eleven alpine lakes, a roughly 13km circuit over 6-7 hours, topping out at around 4,200m at the highest tarn and a small pass. The trail links one glassy lake to the next, each a different colour and mood, mirroring the encircling peaks and the gold of the autumn larch. We cross flower meadows and moraine, pause for lunch beside the largest lake, and take in views over the layered ridges of the Three Parallel Rivers country. Pace is kept measured for the altitude, with the team watching for any symptoms. We return to camp (or a higher second camp, conditions permitting) for a final night under a brilliant canopy of stars. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
4
Day 4: Descend & Return to Shangri-La｜Departure
We break camp and descend the way we came, retracing the trail down through forest to the trailhead village — about 12km over 4-5 hours, dropping roughly 1,400m, an easier day on tired legs though the steep, root-laced sections call for care. We bid farewell to the mules and our Lisu and Tibetan crew over a final village lunch, then transfer back to Shangri-La by road (about 5-6 hours), arriving in the evening. The trip concludes in Shangri-La, where onward flights or extensions to Tiger Leaping Gorge or Yubeng can be arranged. A quiet, soul-restoring journey into one of Yunnan's last secrets. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch included.
What's Included
✓ Included
English-speaking professional mountain guide Private vehicle & all transfers from Shangri-La Guesthouse at trailhead village and tented camps on the trail Local Lisu/Tibetan support crew and pack animals for gear Listed entrance and area fees Meals as specified (B/L/D on trekking days) First-aid kit and supplementary oxygen for emergencies
✕ Not included
International & domestic flights China visa Travel insurance (mandatory) Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag Tips & gratuities for guide and crew Meals not specified and personal expenses Single supplement
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.
Traveler Reviews
4.8★★★★★Based on 109 reviews
Tom Z.🇺🇸 USA★★★★★2025-09
Looking back, I wasn't sure how much would fit into 4 days without feeling hurried. The balance worked better than I expected. The stop at Shangri-La had room to breathe instead of becoming another quick photo.
Marta U.🇨🇭 Switzerland★★★★★2026-06
The unglamorous part: there was no pressure to turn every pause into a photo stop. We could catch our breath, look around and move when ready. I would keep the Lijiang outline as it was.
Jin T.🇫🇷 France★★★★☆2024-03
One thing I learned: the trail is more physical than the tidy itinerary makes it sound. Proper shoes helped, and I was glad we kept water handy. I would still leave extra time for Shangri-La.
Camille U.🇯🇵 Japan★★★★★2025-04
I liked this more a day later, when I looked back through my photos and realised how different the trail and Shangri-La had felt.