Yubeng Sacred Valley 4-Day Glacial Trek
Shangri-La · Meili Snow Mountain · Ice Lake & Sacred Waterfall
Overview
Hidden in a mountain cirque beneath the sacred Kawagarbo peak, Yubeng is considered Yunnan’s paradise valley. Experience pristine alpine meadows, hanging glaciers, and Tibetan hospitality.
Journey Highlights
- ✓Spectacular sunrise over Kawagarbo (Meili Snow Mountain Peak)
- ✓Hike into roadless Upper & Lower Yubeng Tibetan villages
- ✓Glacial cirque of Ice Lake and prayer-flag draped Sacred Waterfall
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Shangri-La to Baima Pass (4,292m) & Feilai Temple (Meili)
High alpine scenic drive · 3,400mDrive north through Benzilan and the Jinsha River Moon Bay. Ascend the spectacular Baima Snow Mountain Pass (4,292m) and descend into Deqin. Arrive at Feilai Temple in time for a breathtaking sunset panorama over the Meili Snow Mountain range.
Golden Sunrise on Meili & Sacred Waterfall Pilgrimage Hike
12 km round-trip hike · 3,100m ~ 3,650mWake early to witness the sacred "Rizhao Jinshan" sunrise over Kawagarbo. Drive to Xidang trailhead and enter Yubeng Village via scenic transfer. Check in to your alpine guesthouse and hike through old-growth pine forests to the Sacred Waterfall beneath hanging glaciers.
Primitive Rhododendron Forest & Sacred Ice Lake (3,900m)
14 km round-trip trek · 3,100m ~ 3,900mAscend through ancient virgin rhododendron forests past the Sino-Japanese Joint Expedition Base Camp. Reach the emerald glacial Ice Lake right under Kawagarbo cliff walls. Return to Yubeng for a warm Tibetan dinner and stargazing.
Yubeng to Ninong Canyon, Moon Bay & Return to Shangri-La
15 km gradual downhill (or shuttle)Hike out along the dramatic Ninong Canyon trail alongside rushing mountain torrents (or take local valley transport). Reconnect with your private transfer vehicle and return through the mountain valleys to Shangri-La.
What’s Included & What’s Not Included
Luggage Care Included
Main bags stored securely at Feilaisi base guesthouse; hike in with daypack.
✓What’s Included
- ✓4WD mountain transfer from Shangri-La to Feilaisi and Yubeng entrance
- ✓3 nights accommodation in Upper/Lower Yubeng with mountain views
- ✓National park entry tickets & environmental shuttle passes
- ✓Local mountain guide with altitude first-aid safety kit
✕What’s Not Included
- ✕Night 4 accommodation in Shangri-La (concierge booking assistance available on request)
- ✕Lunches and trail dinners (ordered fresh on site)
- ✕Personal trekking gear (hiking boots, trekking poles, 25L pack)
- ✕Travel to and from Shangri-La
Group & Private Options
Scheduled small group departures and flexible private tours starting on any requested date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to see the Golden Sunrise on Meili?
Late October through May provides the clearest weather and crisp mornings, giving the highest probability of seeing the golden dawn on Kawagarbo.
Q: Where do our heavy suitcases stay during the Yubeng trek?
Heavy luggage stays safely locked at our trailhead storage facility at Feilaisi / Xidang. You only carry a 25–30L backpack into the valley with clothes for 2 nights and essentials.
Q: How demanding are the trails inside Yubeng?
The hikes to Ice Lake and Sacred Waterfall involve steady climbs at high altitudes between 3,100m and 3,900m on dirt and rocky paths. Good trekking footwear, poles, and layered clothing are essential.
Includes 3 nights accommodation (Feilaisi + Yubeng), 4WD transfers, Tibetan guide & park permits.
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