Tiger Leaping Gorge Guide: Facts & Hiking Routes

Located near Lijiang Old Town, the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world's deepest river gorges, is between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Mountain. It got its name from a legend that says that in ancient China, a tiger attempting to escape a hunter jumped across the gorge at the narrowest point, which is 25 meters wide. Let's dive into this article, unveil the secret of Tiger Leaping Gorge, and find out the best hiking routes.

Facts about Tiger Leaping Gorge

The location of Tiger Leaping Gorge

Location: Shangri-La, Yunnan

Maximum Depth: above 3596 meters (2.23 miles)

Length: 23 kilometers (14.3 miles)

Entrance Fee: 45 CNY/6.3 USD (accommodation not included)

Time Needed: half a day to 2 days

Tiger Leaping Gorge is near surrounding places, like Lijiang, Dali, Shangri-La, and Kunming. You can easily get to Tiger Leaping Gorge from these places either by bullet train or private cars.

It can be divided into three distinct sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower. While the Upper section is a fully developed tourist attraction with an entrance fee, the Middle and Lower sections are more recommended for hiking enthusiasts, providing numerous trails for exploration.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

The Upper Gorge

The Upper Gorge is the narrowest section and is considered the mouth of the gorge. Most parts of the High Trail are in the Upper Gorge. The High Road we mentioned just now is the most common hiking road on the mountain in Tiger Leaping Gorge and is not close to the water.

Highlights:

• Tiger Leaping Stone: According to legend, in ancient China, a tiger jumped over the gorge at the narrowest part of water, which is 25 meters wide, in order to escape from a hunter. This stone is in the middle narrowest part.
• 28 Bends: This is the most challenging road on Tiger Leaping Gorge. It curves sharply uphill, resembling a snake slithering up the mountain when viewed from afar.
• Waterfalls: There are waterfalls on the way to Tina's Guesthouse. They are splendid and perfect for photographing.

The Middle Gorge

In the Middle Gorge, the river drops 100 meters (300 feet) and it picks up amazing speed. The water crashes into large rocks and forms foaming whirlpools and high waves. It is an amazing example of nature's fury.

Highlights:

• 168 Steps for the Brave: It's a nearly vertical path with 168 steps. While it's not a mandatory route, you can choose to take a detour around it.
• Sky Ladder: Another staircase heading upward. A bit different from the 168 Steps for the Brave. It's much milder and easier to conquer.
• The Best Observation Deck: It's right next to a coffee shop by the water, so you can easily find it. This is the best place to photograph the roaring water running beside you, as it's wide and close to the water. However, this place has fences. It might pose a challenge to getting the perfect shot.

The Lower Gorge

Compared to the previous part, the cliffs in the Lower Gorge are significantly steeper. In this section, the river twists and turns, slamming into sharp rock and sending white foam flying. Generally, it's more thrilling and challenging than the previous part, it's a wise choice to hike with expert guides. Contact us and we can design a Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking tour for you, including arranging professional guides and exclusive cars.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Tour 2 DAYS Explore This Tour

Best Time to Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge

The green water in Tiger Leaping Gorge

Generally, if you prefer majestic views, the best time for you to visit is from May to October. During this period, the water is yewllow because of the rainy season, making it look more powerful. However, from June to September, it rains more frequently. The gorge might close temporarily when the weather is too extreme.

If you prefer greener views, the best time for you is from late October to April. During this period, the water will be clear and green. In spring, it may even be blue. Also, in spring, it's time for flowers to bloom. You will see a mountain of flowers.

Recommended Hiking Routes

Map of hiking route in Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge is a fantastic place for hiking. With mountains and rivers, it adds excitement to your adventurous journey. We've compiled 3 hiking routes that are suitable for hikers at different levels.

After purchasing 45 yuan for the entrance ticket, you can start your hiking tour and walk towards northeast. On the way, you will see many road signs in both Chinese and English. Hiking the Upper and part of the Middle Gorge featuring the High Road. It's well maintained, clearly marked and used every day by the local Naxi people.

1. Easiest Route for Rookies

Area: From Tea Horse Guesthouse to Halfway Guesthouse

Total distance: 5 km

Total time: about 2 hours

This route is perfect for a half-day trip. Take a car to Tea Horse Guesthouse and then hike downhill to Halfway Guesthouse. The trail is relatively flat and easy, offering stunning views and plenty of photo opportunities. If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue a short distance towards Tina's. On the way there, you'll find a magnificent waterfall. Then, return to Halfway to catch a ride to your next destination.

2. Medium-Difficulty Route

Area: From Halfway Guesthouse to Tina's Guesthouse, get down the Yixiantian Path to the observation deck at the Middle Gorge. Finally, climb the Sky Ladder to Sky Ladder Guesthouse.

Total distance: 12 km

Total time: about 7 hours

This route is designed for a one-day trip. Take a bus to Halfway Guesthouse and follow the signs. You'll come to a fork in the road. Here, choose the path leading to Tina's Guesthouse. Continue along this path until you reach Sky Ladder Guesthouse. At this junction, take the Yixiantian Path down to the river and you're near to the Lower Gorge. Follow the river to the Middle Gorge, then return to Sky Ladder Guesthouse and proceed to your next destination.

3. Most Challenging Route for Professionals

Area: From Naxi Family Guesthouse to the Yixiantian Path and finally to Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse

Total distance: 30 km

Total time: about 12 hours (recommended for a 2-day itinerary)

This trail is quite long and challenging, making it more suitable for experienced hikers. It's recommended to spend two days completing it. Start by taking a vehicle to Naxi Family Guesthouse, and your hiking adventure begins from there. The path to Tea Horse Guesthouse is particularly challenging, featuring a winding mountain road known as the 28 Bends.

After conquering this section, the trail starts to descend. Along the way, you'll find various small shops and guesthouses where you can rest. Continue your journey towards Tina's Guesthouse, as the descent still involves the Yixiantian Path. You can choose to stay overnight at either Tina's or Sky Ladder Guesthouse, where you can enjoy a stunning sunrise the following morning. After a leisurely breakfast, descend along the Yixiantian Path to the river and follow the riverbank to Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse.

Since it's in Shangri-La and near to Lijiang, you can add your Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking to your Yunnan tour.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Classic Yunnan Tour: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-la 9 DAYS Explore This Tour

Where to Stay Or Eat in Tiger Leaping Gorge

A room of Tina's Guesthouse

There are lots of guesthouses that provide food and accommodations, such as Naxi Family Guesthouse, Tea Horse Guesthouse, Tina's Guesthouse, Teacher Zhang's Guesthouse and Sky Ladder Guesthouse. In the middle of your hiking tour, you can find many hawkers selling food and water on the road. So it's unnecessary to pack a lot of food and water in your bag.

Tips for Hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge

1. Wear comfortable shoes: You're going to hike on mountain roads. There are lots of stones and sand. Wearing a pair of hiking shoes can keep you from getting slippery.

2. Bring Insect Repellents: Tiger Leaping Gorge is natural, and only a section of it is restored, so there may be mosquitoes or other wild insects. Insect repellents can keep those bugs away.

3. Dress in layers: The temperature of Tiger Leaping Gorge can change a lot, especially in the morning and night. Maybe you will have to wear a jacket in the morning and night, while you may only need to wear a tank top at noon.

4. Bring a trekking pole: It's always wise to bring a trekking pole to Tiger Leaping Gorge as the road is not always plain. Or you can rent one at the guesthouses.

5. Bring enough cash: There are no ATMs or credit card readers available on Tiger Leaping Gorge. If you're planning a 2-day hike, you may need a few hundred renminbi to support you, except for accommodation.

Travel With Us

Yunnan offers more than just Tiger Leaping Gorge. It's home to beautiful natural landscapes like Erhai Lake, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Pudacuo National Park. You can also experience the rich culture of its various ethnic minorities. Contact us or write to trip@odynovotours.com for a unique Yunnan tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge, and we will take you to the dazzling world of Yunnan.