6-Day Classic Yunnan Trekking Tour: Tiger Leaping Gorge & Ancient Tea Horse Road

Duration 6 Days / 5 Nights
Group size 3-12 Travelers
Season February – December

Trip Overview

If you dream of a natural mountain trekking adventure steeped in history, this Yunnan Tea Horse Road trekking tour delivers an unforgettable journey through Southwest China's grandest canyons. Walk along world-renowned high trails above Tiger Leaping Gorge, following the dramatic contours of the Jinsha River Valley. Take in panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks, tumbling waterfalls, and deep gorges that highlight the majestic beauty of the Hengduan Mountains.

Beyond canyon landscapes, this expedition brings you deep into the secluded Baoshan Stone City and historic Naxi ethnic hamlets along the ancient Ancient Tea Horse Road trade route. Designed with balanced, beginner-friendly trails, this 6-day itinerary offers a smooth blend of rewarding outdoor hiking, tranquil mountain hospitality, and rich cultural heritage.

Trip Highlights

World-Class Classic Trekking Experience:

Complete a 58 km classic hiking route—recognized as one of the world's top ten classic trekking trails—covering all the premier highlights of Tiger Leaping Gorge in a single journey.

Hiker walking on the high trail during a Tiger Leaping Gorge trek with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain view

6-Day Classic Yunnan Trekking Tour: Tiger Leaping Gorge & Ancient Tea Horse Road

Ancient Tea Horse Road Exploration:

Trace historic caravan trade routes, passing through Taizi Pass, secret mountain tunnels, and ancient Jinsha River trails to discover centuries of living history.

Multi-Tiered Canyon Scenery:

Explore Upper, Middle, and Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge, stopping at Guanyin Waterfall and the famous 28 Bends Viewpoint to take in dramatic, awe-inspiring views of the Jinsha River Canyon.

Guanyin Waterfall tumbling along the Tiger Leaping Gorge trek route

Authentic Naxi Village Cultural Immersion:

Journey deep into Baoshan Stone City, a centuries-old Naxi village built entirely atop a massive natural boulder, and experience the unspoiled heritage of local indigenous life.

Ancient Baoshan Stone City village reached via the Tiger Leaping Gorge trek extension

Detailed Itinerary

6-Day Classic Yunnan Trekking Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lijiang

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Lijiang Boutique Hotel
Transport: Self-arranged transfer to hotel
Itinerary: Arrive in Lijiang and check into your hotel. In the evening, attend a pre-trip briefing with your trek leader to review route details and safety precautions, followed by a local welcome dinner. Enjoy free time strolling through Lijiang Old Town at your leisure.

Day 2: Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail - Tea Horse Guesthouse

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea Horse Guesthouse (Boutique Inn)
Transport: Air-conditioned Tourist Coach
Itinerary: Drive from Lijiang to the starting point of the Tiger Leaping Gorge trailhead to begin your 11-km hike. Trek past Naxi Family Guesthouse and challenge the famous 28 Bends, enjoying breathtaking views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain along the way. Arrive at Tea Horse Guesthouse by late afternoon for check-in and dinner.

Day 3: Tea Horse Guesthouse - Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge - Daju Township

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Daju Boutique Inn
Transport: Local Shuttle Vehicle
Itinerary: Continue your 15-km trek along the high trail, passing Halfway Guesthouse, Guanyin Waterfall, and Tina's Guesthouse. Descend to explore Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge before continuing your hike to the quiet agricultural haven of Daju Township for dinner and rest.

Day 4: Daju Township - Shangliuqing Village

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Shangliuqing Mountain Homestay
Transport: Air-conditioned Tourist Coach
Itinerary: Take a short transfer to the trailhead and embark on an 8-km downhill trek. Take in sweeping views overlooking the dramatic Jinsha River Valley as you hike down toward the secluded, traditional mountain hamlet of Shangliuqing Village.

Day 5: Shangliuqing Village - Taizi Pass - Baoshan Stone City

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Baoshan Stone City Boutique Inn
Transport: None (Full Day Trek)
Itinerary: Embark on a rewarding 15-km mountain trek along ancient cliffside paths. Pass through historic landmarks including Taizi Pass, the 90-meter tunnel, the 60-meter tunnel, and Yanshuangluo. Arrive at Baoshan Stone City and spend the late afternoon exploring this centuries-old Naxi fortress built atop a massive natural rock pillar.

Day 6: Baoshan Stone City - Jinsha River Ferry - Lijiang Departure

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
Transport: Tourist Coach & Jinsha River Ferry
Itinerary: Complete your final 9-km hike along the ancient Tea Horse Road beside the Jinsha River to Yanke Pier. Board a traditional ferry boat across the Jinsha River before boarding your coach for the return drive to Lijiang, concluding your classic Yunnan ancient tea route trekking adventure.

What's Included

Included

Transport: Licensed tourist coach, luggage transfer vehicles, local shuttle connections, and Jinsha River ferry fees.
Accommodations: 5 nights stay in handpicked comfortable hotels and charming local boutique guesthouses.
Meals Included: Lijiang welcome dinner, plus daily breakfasts and dinners at local mountain guesthouses.
Admission Fees: Tiger Leaping Gorge trail and scenic area access fees.
Guiding Services: Certified professional outdoor trek leader and dedicated professional driver.
Gear & Materials: Complimentary trekking poles provided for use during the trip.
Insurance & Gifts: High-value outdoor adventure insurance and customized trekking souvenirs.

Not Included

Intercity Transit: Round-trip international or domestic transportation to/from Lijiang (flights or trains).
Unlisted Meals: Daily lunches and personal food, beverages, or snacks not listed in the itinerary.
Single Room Supplement: Single supplement fee for solo travelers requesting a private room.
Personal Expenses: Shopping, laundry, personal entertainment, and expenses incurred during free time.
Early Departure Costs: Extra transport or hotel fees incurred due to voluntary early withdrawal or departure.
Force Majeure Expenses: Additional costs caused by severe weather, road closures, or other unforeseen force majeure events.

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