Meili Snow Mountain Hiking Guide

Yubeng Village 2 Days 1 Night Hiking Guide (Budget 2000 RMB)
Yubeng Village, a hidden village at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain, is known as a "hiker's paradise." Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and flowing streams, it is an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle and get close to nature. Below is a carefully planned 2-day 1-night travel guide for Yubeng Village, with a budget controlled within 2000 RMB.

1. Itinerary
Day 1:

Morning: Depart from Shangri-La or Deqin, carpool or take a shuttle bus to Xidang Village (about 3-4 hours by car, carpool costs about 100-150 RMB per person, shuttle bus about 60 RMB). Upon arrival at Xidang, start hiking into Yubeng Village (about 6-8 hours, horse riding optional, cost about 200-300 RMB per person).
Afternoon: Enjoy the beautiful scenery of primeval forests, snow mountains, and prayer flags along the way. Check into a guesthouse in either Upper Yubeng or Lower Yubeng Village (Upper Yubeng is recommended for better views).
Evening: Have dinner at the guesthouse (about 50 RMB per person), tasting local Tibetan specialties such as yak meat hotpot and butter tea. At night, enjoy the starry sky and experience the tranquility of Yubeng Village.

Day 2:

Morning: Get up early for a hike to the Ice Lake (about 3-4 hours round trip), enjoying magnificent views of snow mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls along the way. The Ice Lake is the highlight of the Yubeng hike, with crystal-clear water reflecting the snow mountains, creating breathtaking scenery.
Afternoon: Return to Yubeng Village, take a short rest, then hike back to Xidang Village (about 4-5 hours), or choose to ride a horse back (cost about 200-300 RMB per person). Upon arrival at Xidang, carpool or take a shuttle bus back to Shangri-La or Deqin.

2. Budget Details

Transportation: Round-trip carpool from Shangri-La to Xidang about 200-300 RMB, hiking from Xidang to Yubeng is free (horse riding extra).
Accommodation: Standard room in Yubeng Village guesthouse about 150-200 RMB per night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner about 100-150 RMB per day.
Others: Snacks, water, raincoat, etc. about 50 RMB.

Total: Approximately 1500-2000 RMB (depending on personal spending)

3. Notes

Altitude Sickness: Yubeng Village is at a high altitude (about 3000 meters), take precautions against altitude sickness and prepare medications like Rhodiola in advance.
Weather Changes: Weather in Yubeng is variable; prepare warm clothing and rain gear.
Hiking Gear: It is recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring trekking poles, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.
Environmental Awareness: Protect the environment by carrying out all trash.
Respect Local Culture: Respect Tibetan customs and do not touch prayer flags, mani stones, or other religious items casually.

4. Travel Tips

Best Travel Time: May to October, with clear weather and pleasant scenery.
Group Hiking: It is recommended to hike in groups for mutual support.
Travel Light: Carry as little as possible during hiking; large luggage can be stored at the guesthouse.
Allow Extra Time: It is advisable to reserve 1-2 extra days to acclimate to the high altitude or cope with weather changes.

5. Optional Itineraries

Shenpu Waterfall Hike: If time permits, add a day to hike to Shenpu Waterfall (about 4-5 hours round trip) to experience the sacred atmosphere of this Tibetan Buddhist site.
Ninong Canyon Hike: Hike from Yubeng Village to Ninong Village (about 5-6 hours) to enjoy canyon scenery and experience a different hiking route.

Yubeng Village is a place worth exploring on foot. We hope this guide helps you start an unforgettable hiking journey!