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Meili Snow Mountain is ideal for trekking, photography, and enjoying the majestic mountain views. Visitors can take part in hiking expeditions to the summit, though it's a challenging route. Exploring the surrounding villages, such as Deqin, offers a chance to experience local Tibetan culture. The Meili Snow Mountain Scenic Area offers breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks, alpine meadows, and glaciers. Visitors can also experience the rich Buddhist heritage of the area, with monasteries and sacred sites like the Mingyong Glacier and the Feilai Temple.
Meili Snow Mountain, also known as the Prince of Snow Mountains, is located between the Nujiang and Lancang Rivers in the middle section of the Hengduan Mountains, approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is a sacred pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhism and the foremost of the Eight Sacred Mountains in Tibet. Its renowned "Sunlight Shining on the Golden Mountain" is a captivating sight for countless backpackers.
There are 13 peaks in Meili Snow Mountain with an average altitude of more than 6,000 meters, which are called "Thirteen Peaks of Prince". The main peak, Kawagebo Peak, is a pyramid-shaped snow mountain, commonly known as "God of Snow Mountain". It is 6,740 meters above sea level and is the highest peak in Yunnan. No one has climbed to the summit so far.
The Meili Snow Mountain is shrouded in clouds and mist all year round. With its mysterious and magnificent appearance, it has been worshipped by countless Tibetans for generations. As early as the 1930s, American scholars praised Mount Kawagebo as "the most beautiful mountain in the world."
Most of the rainfall in Meili Snow Mountain is concentrated from June to August. During this period, the climate is extremely unstable, which is a forbidden climate for mountaineering.
Ideal season: The winter and spring months from October to May are the best time to view the Meili Snow Mountain. The best season is after the end of October, when the weather is clear, the air is clean, and the transparency is high, and the main peak can often be seen.
Package (including Jinsha River Bay, Wunongding, Feilai Temple, and Mingyong Glacier): 228.00 yuan
Package (including Jinsha River Bay, Wunongding, and Feilai Temple): 150.00 yuan
Package (including Jinsha River Bay, Wunongding, Feilai Temple, and Yubeng Village): 230.00 yuan
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Meili Snow Mountain, also known as Kawa Karpo, is one of the most sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism. It has long been a place of pilgrimage for Tibetans and is considered a guardian deity by local people. Its dramatic, snow-capped peaks rise to 6,740 meters, making it the highest mountain in the Yunnan Province. The mountain range is also famous for its glaciers, and the surrounding landscape is rich in biodiversity.
Meili Snow Mountain is located in the Deqin County of Yunnan Province, China, near the border with Tibet. The most common way to get there is by traveling to the town of Deqin first. From there, you can take a taxi or hire a local vehicle to the scenic areas near the mountain. Buses also run from Shangri-La, which is about 200 kilometers away. There is no metro system, so most travel is by bus, car, or on foot once you're in the region.
Meili Snow Mountain is open year-round, but the best time to visit is between April and October, when the weather is warmer and trekking conditions are more favorable. Winter can be extremely cold and challenging, though it offers a chance to see the mountain covered in fresh snow. The mountain's beauty changes with the seasons, and it's especially popular during Tibetan New Year (around February) and the summer months for trekking.
The entrance fee to the Meili Snow Mountain Scenic Area is around CNY 60-100, depending on the specific area you are visiting. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the scenic area. It's possible to buy tickets online through travel agencies or in person at the local ticket counters in Deqin or at the mountain base.
Booking tickets in advance is not always necessary, but it is recommended during peak seasons (April to October) or during holidays like Tibetan New Year. It's best to book at least a few days in advance to secure your spot, especially for trekking or guided tours.
The time needed to explore Meili Snow Mountain depends on your activities. For a basic visit and sightseeing, you can explore the main viewpoints and the Mingyong Glacier in 1-2 days. However, for a full trekking experience, you may need 4-5 days, as it involves multi-day hikes in the region.
The must-see highlights of Meili Snow Mountain include the Mingyong Glacier, which is one of the most accessible glaciers in the region, the Feilai Temple with its panoramic view of the mountain, and the sacred Kawa Karpo peak, which is off-limits for climbers but can be admired from several viewing spots. The entire Meili Snow Mountain Scenic Area offers a mix of high-altitude trekking routes and scenic viewpoints.
Guided tours are available, especially for trekkers wishing to explore deeper into the mountain areas. Local guides offer tours in Chinese, but some guides may be able to provide services in English. Audio guides are not commonly available, but you can arrange private tours with bilingual guides if needed.
Some of the best viewpoints for photography include Feilai Temple, which provides a stunning panoramic view of the Meili Snow Mountain range. The Mingyong Glacier is another excellent spot for capturing the majestic landscapes. The mountain’s surrounding villages also offer unique perspectives of Tibetan life set against the snowy backdrop.
The recommended route includes visiting Feilai Temple first for the best views of Kawa Karpo, then trekking to Mingyong Glacier. For more adventurous visitors, a multi-day trek through the mountain's valleys and meadows can be arranged. If you have limited time, focus on the Feilai Temple area for great views without the need for long hikes.
There are no special light shows or night tours available at Meili Snow Mountain, as it is a remote natural area. However, visitors can experience stunning sunrise and sunset views from various viewpoints, which are popular for photography.
Meili Snow Mountain can be crowded during the peak tourist season from April to October and during the Tibetan New Year. To avoid crowds, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons in early spring (March) or late autumn (November), when the weather is still pleasant, but the area is less crowded.
Basic facilities such as toilets, food stalls, and water stations are available near the main scenic areas, especially around the Feilai Temple and Mingyong Glacier. More advanced accommodations, restaurants, and shops can be found in the town of Deqin, which is about 10 kilometers away from the mountain base.
Due to the high-altitude nature of Meili Snow Mountain, the area can be challenging for elderly, children, or disabled visitors. The trek and altitude can pose difficulties, so it's recommended that visitors who fall into these categories take it easy and stay around the lower scenic spots like Feilai Temple. Those with mobility issues may need to consider hiring a local guide or vehicle for assistance.
Cash is recommended for smaller purchases, especially in the more remote areas. Mobile payments are accepted in Deqin and other larger towns, but it’s advisable to carry cash for entry fees, local purchases, and in remote areas where payment systems may not be reliable.
There are several basic restaurants and tea houses in the nearby town of Deqin that offer Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. Options in the area are limited, so it’s advisable to plan ahead or bring some food with you for a more remote experience.
In Deqin, there are some vegetarian and vegan options available, especially in Tibetan restaurants. However, halal food options are not common, and it may be challenging to find specific dietary options in more remote areas.
There are several guesthouses and hotels in Deqin, ranging from budget options to mid-range accommodations. Some lodgings offer basic amenities with views of the snow mountain. Visitors wishing for more comfort can stay in larger hotels in Shangri-La, about 200 km away.
Nearby attractions include the Tibetan villages around Deqin, which offer a chance to experience local Tibetan culture. The Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La is also a notable site that can be visited in a day trip. If you're interested in trekking, the Napa Lake Nature Reserve offers stunning views of the plateau landscape and Tibetan culture.
Souvenir shops are available in Deqin and around the mountain base. Typical souvenirs include Tibetan handicrafts such as prayer flags, thangkas (Tibetan scroll paintings), and woolen scarves. You can also find local jewelry and traditional Tibetan crafts.
After visiting Meili Snow Mountain, the best options to continue your trip are to either head back to Shangri-La by bus or private vehicle or take a long-distance bus to other major Tibetan destinations such as Lhasa or even to Sichuan Province.
