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In Yunnan, the four seasons are like spring and spring is like the four seasons.
When spring arrives in Lijiang, this weathered ancient city seems to be reawakened to life. Verdant willows and vibrant peach blossoms adorn this quiet, quaint little town with extraordinary beauty. Here, there's no noise or smog; only comfortable rooms, warm sunshine, and an unpolluted sky.
The snow-capped mountains seemed to have become even gentler at this moment. I had always wanted to check in at Rizhao Jinshan, and I had been planning to climb the snow-capped mountains for a long time. Now I no longer have to hesitate, worry about not having enough equipment, or worry about the intensity being too high. Spring is a season that embraces everything.
I never tire of saying “There is heaven above and Yubeng below”, because Yubeng is really worth it.
As a mature, Tibetan Buddhist hiking route that has been walked for more than 800 years, the Meili Inner Turn - Yubeng hiking route is suitable for almost everyone because of its low difficulty, so it has become an entry-level outdoor route.
If you didn't come in winter, then it's time to go and see it in spring, and you must go and see it.
The highest altitude of Yubeng does not exceed 3,900 meters, and the oxygen content in Yubeng in spring is relatively abundant, so there is no need to be too nervous about altitude sickness, just take preventive measures.
In spring, Yubeng takes on a whole new look. If winter's Yubeng is full of hidden emotions, then in spring, it transforms into a person of temperament, more free and easy.
Rhododendrons are blooming all over the mountains.
In the distance are white snow-capped mountains. Looking down, rhododendrons are chasing the wind. Not far away, the wind blows through the prayer flags, making them sway layer by layer. In front of me, herds of yaks are eating grass. Even under the sun, it doesn’t feel too hot. Here you don’t have to worry about altitude sickness or the cold or heat.
Every time I think of the word "spring", the corners of my mouth unconsciously rise. When I meet Tibetans along the way, I will involuntarily greet each other warmly, just wanting to pass on this enthusiasm.
After crossing the Nanzong Pass, the first thing that comes into view is Yubeng Upper Village. Several white Tibetan houses stand on the green hillside, in harmony with the surrounding natural environment. The glaciers on the snow-capped mountains not far away are towering into the clouds, emitting silvery-white light, giving people a feeling of extreme cold. The village under the snow-capped mountains looks very lively bathed in the sunset light. The strong contrast between the sunlight and the snow-capped mountains further highlights the warmth and tranquility of Yubeng Village.
Using prayer flags as a lens, looking into the distance, you can see yellow and green grasslands, brown rock walls, green forests, and clear snow water falling like silk, a contrast between softness and hardness.
The village and distant mountains in the morning mist are as beautiful as a dynamic painting. Yaks are lazily grazing on the grass, and villagers are leisurely repairing their houses. The further you go through the village, the more amazing you will be.
The sacred waterfall seemed to be more vibrant. After circling three times under the waterfall, it seemed that my wishes also became active along with the prayer flags, jumping to the sky to tell the Buddha.
By the way, there is also the Ice Lake. Although it is spring, the Ice Lake remains the same.
The Ice Lake is a deep green lake formed by the melting snow from the glaciers of Meili Snow Mountain. On one side is a mountain ridge, and on the other side are vertical rock walls and glaciers that are almost suspended in the air. The dark blue glaciers and the emerald green lake water complement each other.
Huge glaciers and snow continuously fall from the cliffs into the glacial lake, thus constantly replenishing the lake water; other glaciers spread to the edge of the lake, which is quite spectacular.
Yubeng is suitable for visiting all year round.
In spring, everything is green. Cows and sheep are leisurely enjoying their meals. Smoke rises from small houses in the distance. Alpine rhododendrons compete with each other for beauty. The mountains and plains are full of colors. The chances of seeing the golden mountain in the sun are also very high. This is the most vibrant season in Meili Snow Mountain. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is a paradise.
D1: Meet in Lijiang
Day 2: Lijiang - Feilai Temple (340km, 6h drive)
Day 3: Feilai Temple - Xidang Parking Lot - Nanzong Pass - Yubeng Upper Village (12 km, 7 hours of hiking)
Day 4: Yubeng Upper Village - Xiaonong Base Camp - Ice Lake - Yubeng Upper Village (14km, 7h hiking)
Day 5: Yubeng Upper Village - Yubeng Lower Village - Divine Waterfall - Yubeng Lower Village (13km, 6h hiking)
Day 6: Yubengxia Village - Nylon Village - Shangri-La (188 km, 3.5 hours by car)
Day 7: Shangri-La - Lijiang (188km, 3.5h drive)
"Haba" is Naxi language, which means flower of gold. The snow mountain is 5,396 meters above sea level and is located in the southeast of Zhongdian County, Yunnan Province. The terrain is relatively simple, and most of the time it is walking on snow slopes. It does not require technical climbing and is more suitable for novices. Therefore, many people regard it as the first snow mountain to climb in their lives.
Haba Snow Mountain, boasting a unique plateau sea of snow, faces Jade Dragon Snow Mountain across Tiger Leaping Gorge. It is a key component of the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage Site. As the highest peak within the site, it is dotted with azalea fields, precipitous canyons, rapids, primeval forests, and glacial meadows. It has been hailed by many scientists as "Earth's most intuitive thermometer and a refuge for China's rare and endangered flora and fauna."
From April to June, there is less wind and no rain in Haba Snow Mountain. This period is also the season for azaleas to bloom. Azaleas break through the snow and bloom along the mountain. The white snow and red flowers complement each other.
Northwest Yunnan is one of the ten regions with the richest biodiversity in the world. It is the distribution center of wild flowers and ornamental plants in the world. It is known as the "Kingdom of Animals and Plants" and the "Natural Alpine Garden", and Haba Snow Mountain is a microcosm of the entire northwest Yunnan.
The huge height difference of the mountains forms a typical alpine vertical climate, which brings together various vegetation types within a certain spatial range.
If you ask me which snow mountain is the most beautiful, I will definitely tell you, Haba Snow Mountain!
D1: Lijiang-Haba Village
Day 2: Haba Village - Red Soil Slope - Rest Stop - Base Camp (8km, 6h hiking)
Day 3: Base Camp - Slate Slope - Snow Line - Despair Slope/Moon Bay - Summit - Base Camp - Haba Village (16 km, 13 hours of hiking)
D4: Haba Village - Disband in Lijiang
If Yubeng and Haba are suitable for most novices, then Meili North Slope is relatively the big brother.
The North Slope of Meili is located at the northern foot of the uninhabited Meili Snow Mountain. It is more primitive and secluded than the "hiker's paradise" Yubeng Village. Because of this, almost no hikers set foot there. Some people say that it is "the last secret place of Meili Snow Mountain" and "the place closest to the mountain god Kawagebo."
Some people also say that it is the prototype of the mysterious and ancient snowy kingdom "Shangri-La" in the novel "Lost Horizon".
The Shangri-La in the novel is located on the border between Tibet and Han, where there are the mysterious and peaceful Blue Moon Valley, the uninhabited snowfields, the snow-capped mountains shaped like pyramids towering into the clouds, the misty forests, the Lama temples... It seems to be describing this place, the "North Slope of Meili" hidden deep in the foothills of the Himalayas.
The northern slope of Meili is colorful in spring. Not only that, you can also get a close look at many magnificent peaks such as Lairigongka, Naridingka, Mangganglaka, and Kawagebo II along the way.
Pojun, with an altitude of 4,120 meters, is the local people's collection camp. In May and June every year, local people gather here to collect Cordyceps.
From the camp, you can get a close look at Lairigongka, Nairdingka, Mangkuanglaka and their glaciers. It is an ideal camp for photographing the scenery on the north slope of Meili.
The northern slope of the Meili Trail boasts a cumulative ascent of 4,650 meters and a descent of 5,600 meters, reaching a peak elevation of 5,200 meters. The route is moderately challenging, allowing ample time and space each day for photos and close encounters with the snow-capped mountains and glaciers. Horseback caravans are available throughout the route, allowing for light travel. While the intensity is slightly greater than the Rock Trail, the scenery rivals that of the EBC. The route is accessible from May to early December.
D1: Meet in Lijiang
Day 2: Lijiang - Feilai Temple (378km, 8h drive)
Day 3: Feilai Temple - Yagong - Campground (9km, 5h hiking)
Day 4: Price Increase Campsite - Pojun Campsite (7km, 4h hike)
Day 5: Pojun - Ciding Pass - Pojiang Platform Camp (6km, 7h hiking)
Day 6: Platform Camp - Yunnan-Tibet Border Pass - Dala Camp (9km, 5.5h hike)
Day 7: Dala Pass - Yagong Village - Feilai Temple (10 km, 9 hours of hiking, 2 hours of driving)
Day 8: Feilai Temple - Lijiang (378km, estimated driving time 8h)
Depart from Lijiang | 7 days and 6 nights
Meili North Slope Pilgrimage to Meili Thirteen Peaks 7-Day Light Hiking
￥5280 Starting from 69 people have registered Register nowYunnan is beautiful, with four seasons like spring, and spring like four seasons. Some people spend their entire lives on the road, just to make the most of this life. If you didn't come in winter, then you must not miss the spring.
