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Deqin Prefecture is located in the far northwest corner of Yunnan and contains many of the highest mountains in the province. Those over 5,000 meters usually have glaciers. The peaks rise above deep valley trenches where grand rivers flow, among them the Jinsha Jiang (金沙江, River of Golden Sands), the Lancang (澜沧江, also known as Mekong), and the Salween (萨尔温江). Trekking opportunities abound and Deqin is home to some of China’s most famed destinations: Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon and Haba Snow Mountains, and Yubeng Village. Innumerable lesser-known treks lead to places of indescribable beauty, many well off the beaten path. There are about a dozen national and regional nature reserves, the best known being Potatso-Pudacuo National Park near Shangri-La City.
Haba East Face Crossing
This two-day trek traverses the base of the East Face of Haba Snow Mountain. It is a serious route for fit and experienced trekkers. Portions of the route involve tough …
Pieter Crow | 2024-07-16
Leziping-Niru Trek
The Leziping-Niru Trek (乐子坪-尼汝路线) offers a 14 km journey from Pudacuo National Park (普达措国家公园) to Niru Village (尼汝村). It crosses the high and extensive meadow known as …
Pieter Crow | 2024-04-08
Niru Village-Shudu Lake Trek
The route traverses Niru River Canyon boardwalk to the lovely Colorful Waterfall (七彩瀑布). Fairly low for a falls, yet a remarkable sight for innumerable spills cascading …
Pieter Crow | 2024-04-08
Colorful Waterfall
For details of the 5 km hike to Colorful Waterfall, see here…
Pieter Crow | 2024-04-08
Cheese Mountain
The sharp outline of Cheese Mountain (奶酪山) is readily visible from Shangri-La City. Neighboring mountains in the Shangri-La Highlands (香格里拉高地) present rounded profiles, …
Pieter Crow | 2024-03-23
East Side Route
The East Side Route (东边路线) traverses the foothills rising abruptly from the plains of Shangri-La. It is part of a longer route, the Napa Lake Wetland Park Fitness Trail…
Pieter Crow | 2023-12-20
Back Side Route
The Back Side Route (背面路线) winds around the east, north and west sides of Shika Snow Mountain (石卡雪山). The cable car base station serves as the starting point. The end …
Pieter Crow | 2023-12-11
Base to Summit Route
The Base to Summit Route (从山脚到山顶路线) starts at the cable car base station and ascends in 7½ km to the top of Shika Snow Mountain (石卡雪山). Above timberline, the route …
Pieter Crow | 2023-12-11
Lingxi Lake
Lingxi Lake (灵犀湖) is an alpine tarn set near timberline, elev. 4,070 meters. It is situated 1½ km southwest of Shika’s summit. There are three ways to reach the lake: …
Pieter Crow | 2023-08-31
No Name Mountains
No Name Mountains are located 80 km north of Lijiang and 50 km southeast of Shangri-La City. The massif consists of a circular ring of high peaks ranging in elevation …
- | 2023-08-28
Deqin -> Baima Shan
Baima Shan
Baima Shan (白马山), or White Horse Mountain, is located just west of the Shangri-La to Deqen highway, 15 km south of Deqen City. The region is heavily forested and …
Pieter Crow | 2023-08-25
Lanhua Meadow Route
Three trekking routes lead to Black Lake (黑海), the crown jewel of Haba’s alpine lakes. They are Lanhua Meadow (兰花坪路线), Jianshan (尖山路线) and “…
Ken Krov | 2022-11-29
Empty Glad Platform
Empty Glad Platform (空欢喜观景台) offers one of the best views of Tiger Leaping Gorge. The odd name just might express that feeling of emptiness beneath your feet. You should …
Ken Krov | 2022-11-15
Short Gorge Hikes
Several locations accessible by car intersect with the classic Tiger Leaping Gorge trekking path. First, at either end: Qiaotou (桥头镇) and “Tina’s Guest …
Ken Krov | 2022-11-15
Overview: Tiger Leaping Gorge - Classic Trek
The walk through Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the top treks in China, offers a wondrous experience. Deep down inside, the Jinsha River roars and foams, her waters …
Ken Krov | 2021-05-03
Descent to Jinsha River
The descent to the Jinsha River (金沙江) comes highly recommended. At the bottom, “the true scale of the gorge and the ferocity of the river both become readily apparent,” …
Ken Krov | 2021-05-03
Yi Village Route
Yi Village (彝家村), the highest hamlet in the Haba Village (哈巴村) valley, sits at an elevation of 3,050 meters. Village residents belong to the Yi (彝族) ethnic …
Ken Krov | 2021-05-03
Road to Yi Village
The initial section of the Yi Village Route (彝家村路线) and the Lanhua Meadow Route (兰花坪路线) trace the paved road together from Haba Village to …
Ken Krov | 2021-05-03
Shortcut to Yi Village
The initial section of the Yi Village Route (彝家村路线) and the Lanhua Meadow Route (兰花坪路线) trace the shortcut path together. For the alternate …
Ken Krov | 2021-05-03
Jizhi Pass Route
This rugged route begins near Round Lake (圆海), elevation 4,250 meters, and ends at Qiaotou Town (桥头镇) at 1,850 meters, the starting point of the famous “…
Ken Krov | 2021-05-03