Overview
Trek the famous High Trail above one of the world's deepest river gorges, where the Yangtze roars 3,900m below jagged Jade Dragon and Haba peaks.
About This Tour
Carved by the upper Yangtze (here called the Jinsha) between the 5,596m Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and 5,396m Haba Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest river canyons on Earth, with a vertical drop of roughly 3,900m from summit to water. The legendary High Trail has been a rite of passage for international backpackers since the 1980s, and today it remains Yunnan's signature trek, with welcoming Naxi-run guesthouses strung along the cliff path. Over two days you climb the famous 28 Bends switchbacks, walk balcony trails clinging to the gorge wall, pass thundering waterfalls and terraced hamlets, and gaze across at glaciers tumbling off Jade Dragon. The walking is moderate, the scenery world-class, and the cultural encounters genuine. It suits reasonably fit travelers seeking a short, spectacular introduction to China's wild southwest. Best hiked March to June and September to November, when skies are clear and rivers run strong. This private tour is priced per person and includes a professional English-speaking guide throughout. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and border-area regulations. Good to know: • Best season: March-June and September-November; July-August brings rain and occasional rockfall on the trail • Fitness level: Moderate; the 28 Bends ascent is the hardest section but is non-technical • Altitude: Trail ranges roughly 1,800m to 2,670m at the high point, so altitude is mild but pace yourself on the climb • Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, a light rain shell and a small daypack; main luggage can be transferred by vehicle • Private tour, priced per person; pace can be adjusted to your fitness
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Qiaotou to Halfway Guesthouse｜The 28 Bends
After a 2.5-hour drive (about 100km) from Lijiang, we reach Qiaotou (1,800m) and start walking the High Trail. The route eases in along terraced fields and the Naxi Family Guesthouse before the day's main challenge: the famous 28 Bends, a steep switchback climb to the trek's high point at roughly 2,670m, with around 850m of cumulative ascent. From here the balcony trail opens onto astonishing views straight down to the Jinsha River thundering through the gorge, with the glaciated wall of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain rising opposite. We walk roughly 12km over 5-6 hours, passing waterfalls and the Tea Horse Guesthouse, before reaching the Halfway Guesthouse for the night, famous for its cliff-edge terrace. Lunch is included en route; overnight in a comfortable Naxi-run guesthouse.
2
Day 2: Halfway to Tina's｜Gorge Floor and Tiger Leaping Stone
We rise for sunrise on the Halfway terrace, then continue the gentle balcony trail past the Bamboo Forest and Tibetan Guesthouse, descending gradually toward Tina's. The morning's walk covers about 8km in 3-4 hours, with the gorge narrowing dramatically below. For those keen, we take the optional steep descent on the Tiger Leaping Stone trail down to the river's edge, where the Jinsha is squeezed to barely 30m wide and legend says a tiger once leapt across to escape hunters; the climb back up is short but demanding. After lunch we drive back to Lijiang (about 2.5 hours), arriving late afternoon. Today involves around 600m of descent and an optional 200m river-canyon detour. Breakfast and lunch included.
What's Included
✓ Included
English-speaking professional guide Private vehicle and transfers (Lijiang round-trip) 1 night in a Naxi-run guesthouse (Tea Horse or Halfway Guesthouse standard) Tiger Leaping Gorge entrance and protection fees Meals as specified (Day 1 L; Day 2 B, L) First-aid kit and trekking support
✕ Not included
International and domestic flights China visa Travel insurance Personal trekking gear and walking poles Tips and gratuities Meals not specified (e.g., Day 1 dinner drinks) 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 172 reviews
Nina W.🇲🇾 Malaysia★★★★★2025-02
For us, what stayed with me wasn't the booking or the car. It was the time at Tiger Leaping Gorge, when we could slow down and actually look around.
Aisha J.🇯🇵 Japan★★★★★2024-05
Practically speaking, transport to the trailhead was the piece I would not have wanted to arrange myself. Once there, the day felt simple. For 2 days around Chongqing and Lijiang, the pace felt about right.
Henrik Y.🇲🇽 Mexico★★★★☆2026-04
Expect uneven ground and a few sections where conversation stops because everyone is concentrating on their feet. The views near Tiger Leaping Gorge repay the effort.
Rina R.🇮🇪 Ireland★★★★★2025-07
Honestly, this felt like travelling with someone who knew the area, not following a person holding a flag. That difference showed most at the trail.