I believe no one can resist the golden sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain.

Meili Snow Mountain is located at the border of Dêqên County in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, and Zayü County in Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It is one of the four sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism (alongside Mount Kailash, Amnye Machen, and Gado Jowo) and an important part of the Nu Mountains in the Hengduan Mountain Range. Its main peak, Kawagarbo, stands at 6,740 meters, making it the highest peak in Yunnan. Due to religious and cultural reasons, it remains unclimbed to this day.

**Key Highlights:**
1. **Sacred Kawagarbo Mountain**
- Meaning "God of Snow Mountain" in Tibetan, it is the foremost of Tibet's eight sacred mountains and a revered spiritual symbol. After a 1991 avalanche claimed the lives of a Sino-Japanese climbing team, the local government banned all climbing in 2001 to respect Tibetan beliefs.

2. **Golden Sunrise Spectacle**
- At dawn, sunlight bathes the snow-capped peaks in golden light, especially stunning during clear autumn and winter days (October to May). Feilai Temple and Wunongding Viewing Platform offer the best vantage points.

3. **Mingyong Glacier**
- One of the lowest-latitude glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere, stretching from Kawagarbo to forested areas at 2,600 meters. Hike or ride a horse to reach the glacier viewing platform.

4. **Yubeng Village**
- A Tibetan village hailed as a "hidden paradise," accessible only by trek or off-road vehicle. Divided into Upper and Lower Yubeng, it’s a haven for hikers and photographers, offering close-up views of the sacred Mianzimu Peak.

**Travel Tips:**
- **Best Seasons:** October–November (crisp autumn) and March–May (flower season). Winter offers pristine snowscapes but some routes may close.
- **Transport:** Take a bus from Shangri-La to Dêqên (~4 hours), then hire a car to Feilai Temple (30 mins).
- **Accommodation:** Feilai Temple has many view hotels; Yubeng offers basic guesthouses.
- **Notes:**
- Respect local customs: Circumambulate the mountain clockwise.
- Prevent altitude sickness; avoid strenuous activity.
- Protect the environment—no littering.

**Cultural Significance:**
In the Tibetan epic *King Gesar*, Meili is depicted as the abode of guardian deities. During Tibetan Sheep Year, pilgrims flock here for the *kora* (10–15 days for the outer circuit, 3–5 for the inner), believed to accumulate immense merit.

For a deeper experience, combine your trip with nearby sites like Shangri-La and Balagezong Grand Canyon.