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 House. And second, in between: Naxi Family Guest House (纳西客栈), Tea Horse Inn (茶马客栈), and Bendiwan Village (本地湾村). From these points, various short excursions may be undertaken. One example: the hike from Tina’s Guest House toward Qiaotou up to a trailside temple (one hour one-way). A few minutes beyond the temple, Dragon Cave Waterfall (龙洞瀑布) splashes directly onto the path.

With car support, hikers can complete an abbreviated trek from one guest house to another. For example, from Naxi Guest House to Tea Horse Inn. This allows them to toil their way to the top of the 28 Bends (28道拐), the über-scenic high point of the classic trekking path at 2,610 meters.