Hiking Guide for Beginners｜Essential Tiger Leaping Gorge Trail, Save Time and Energy

✨ Why choose this route?
The trail from Tea Horse Guesthouse to Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse is the essence of the Tiger Leaping Gorge high trail! With cliffside paths, mountain waterfalls, a breathtaking view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and the roaring Jinsha River beneath your feet, this 6km route takes about 3-4 hours to complete. It's beginner-friendly but offers stunning scenery that's absolutely worth the trek!

⛰️ Route: Tea Horse Guesthouse → Halfway Guesthouse → Longdong Waterfall → Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse

🚗 Itinerary
Start your day by carpooling from Lijiang city, and you should arrive at Tea Horse Guesthouse by 10 AM to begin your hike. The section from Tea Horse Guesthouse to Halfway Guesthouse is relatively flat, making it an easy and enjoyable walk. Along the way, you can take in the breathtaking views of the gorge and catch glimpses of the distant snow-capped mountains—truly awe-inspiring. You'll likely meet fellow hikers on the trail, and the friendly atmosphere makes the journey even more enjoyable! If you get tired, find a spot to rest, have a snack, and recharge.

By noon, you'll reach Halfway Guesthouse, where you should definitely take a break. The famous terrace at Halfway is a must-visit spot 📷. Enjoy a cup of coffee, soak up the sun, and marvel at the stunning gorge views—it's pure bliss! You can also grab a meal of Yunnan-style stir-fry to refuel. Once you're rested, continue your journey to Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse 🏠.

The section from Halfway to Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse starts with an uphill climb to the waterfall. This part can be a bit challenging and requires some stamina. However, the moment you see the waterfall, you'll realize it was all worth it! The water cascades down with immense power, creating a magnificent sight. If you're lucky, you might even catch a beautiful rainbow in the sunlight. After taking in the waterfall, the trail descends to Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse. The downhill path is steep, so be cautious and take your time.

Practical Tips
1. Transportation: Carpooling is recommended as it's convenient and cost-effective. The driver can drop off your luggage at Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse, so you can pick it up at the end of your hike.

2. Gear: Comfortable hiking shoes are a must, preferably mid-cut ones for better ankle support. Bring trekking poles to save energy and protect your knees on the descent. Wear lightweight, breathable sportswear, and pack a jacket as the temperature can vary significantly between morning and evening in Tiger Leaping Gorge.

3. Supplies: There are several supply points along the way, and the guesthouses offer meals and coffee, so you don't need to carry too much food. However, bringing some snacks for energy boosts is a good idea.

This hike was truly an unforgettable experience. With the sheer cliffs of Haba Snow Mountain on one side and the roaring Jinsha River on the other, the narrow cliffside path, barely a meter wide, will get your heart racing with every step! Not only will you challenge yourself, but you'll also be rewarded with breathtaking views.

Post by 孜瑪格尼旅遊 | Oct 4, 2025