Tiger Leaping Gorge
From Wikitravel
This article is an itinerary.
The Tiger Leaping Gorge trek (Mandarin: HuTiaoXia), near Lijiang in Yunnan, is one of the finest treks in Southern China. It passes through some of the most naturally beautiful and diverse landscapes China (if not the world) has to offer, making this once adventurous trek a popular choice for off-the-beaten track travellers. The trek passes in front of one of the highest peaks in Asia, Meili Xueshan, and high above the deep crevasses of the Tiger Leaping Gorge, delighting every backpacker with truly awesome sights and great photos.
The popular section of trail begins at Qiaotou, two hours out of Lijiang. The entry fee is currently ¥50, although it can be easily avoided if one arrives before the office opens, or at some opportune moment when the guard is out (or in the confusion if you're arriving with a number of other hikers). It is ¥25 for students. Instead of using the services of numerous touts, ask in a small store opposite of the ticket office. Margo, an Australian lady is doing great job helping backpackers on their way, sells food supplies and offers baggage storage for ¥5 - it is convienient to store there some things you do not need during the trek and come back for them on the way back.
There is a fake trail entrance made by the touts to mislead hikers and make them pay for the guides and horses. Don't follow the first arrow even when people tell you it is the right one, go ahead along the grey-white wall of the school and after 200 meters, there is the right arrow showing the beginning of the trek.
Typically the hike is spread over two days, with a night spent at one of the many guest houses along the route, ending with a 40-60 minute bus-ride from Walnut Garden or to Qiaotou (~¥50-60 for a small van, and there are buses which run in the morning costing around ¥10). More adventuresome types will continue, however, to Daju or Baishuitai beyond.
As with any touristed area, there are endless efforts of varying legitimacy to help you part with your cash along the route. At various intervals old women, young girls and sundry others will demand small fees for using optional parts of the path. Some, such as the descent to the river below Tina's guest house, are particularly annoying, as you'll be asked for more money at what seems like every step of the way, with an elaborate story to explain the cost. Also be aware that some guest houses may try to mislead you about your hiking options, for example Tina's guest house has been known to insist that while you may descend to the river below, you must hike back up, and may not continue along the river to Walnut Grove - one of the most spectacular sections of the trail.
[edit] Sleep and Eat
In time and distance order from Qiaotou long the high trail. A map of the trail with marked guesthouses if available in the park ticket office:
- 00h10m Jane's Guesthouse. Family atmosphere, tasty home-style food but expensive. Dorm beds ¥¥20. edit
- ??h??m Sunrise Inn. edit
- ??h??m Old Horse Guesthouse. edit
- 02h00m Naxi Family Guesthouse. Great good-value food. edit
- 04h30m Tea-Horse Trade Guesthouse. Friendly atmosphere, very tasty food with huge menu but all freshly cooked. Double room ¥50. edit
- 07h00m Halfway House. Guest house with nice chinese look, good and cheap beer and simple and clean rooms. Be sure you can make it before dark. 20 ¥ for dorm beds.. edit
- 07h15m Forest Inn. edit
- 07h30m Five Fingers. edit
- 08h30m Tina's Youth Hostel. edit
- 09h30m Chateau de Woody. edit
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