Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail 3 Days and 2 Nights Hiking

The classic Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail features lush greenery and trees on the left, while on the right, the gorge is shaped by the turbulent waters of the Jinsha River. Across the river, towering peaks are often shrouded in clouds, offering glimpses of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain on clear days.

At the village entrance, a stream flows down from the mountains, surrounded by lush trees. From afar, you can see the red flags fluttering at the guesthouses, with the towering peaks of Jade Dragon Mountain facing you, truly magnificent. The cement road in the village leads to the lower trails near Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, where along the way you may encounter many wild animals and villagers raising cattle and sheep.

There are forks along the way; always choose the path that ascends uphill. Soon, you'll reach the winding path halfway up the mountain. From here, the trail climbs steeply, so you may need to take breaks periodically. Avoid shortcuts as most routes do not lead to Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. About an hour later, you'll pass a small shop called "28 Bends Refueling Station." From there, continue uphill for another 15 minutes to tackle the toughest stretch known as the "28 Bends." These bends ascend steeply with intense sunlight and dust. If you're fit, you can reach the highest point at 2,670 meters, called "Gan Yan Fang," in about an hour. There's a small shed at the top where water is sold during peak seasons. Tickets are also sold for access to the nearby scenic viewpoint. Even if you're not afraid of heights, standing on the rocks and looking down at the rugged terrain below might make your legs feel weak.

After about an hour or so, you'll reach the village of Yacha, where the Tea Horse Inn is located.

down to the valley bottom, descend through the crevices of the cliffs. As you go deeper down, the wind brushing your face carries moisture from the valley, cool and refreshing. Approaching the bottom of the valley, you'll first hear the majestic Jinsha River before seeing its form. A deep symphony resonates repeatedly at the valley floor, accompanying the rushing and tumbling waters of the Jinsha River. We continue our journey to Tiger Leaping Stone and beyond that, to the entrance of the steep ladder.

There are two ladders here: one is shorter (about 20 steps) with a gentler slope (over 70 degrees), and the other is longer (52 steps) and nearly vertical (90-degree angle). The ladders are made of angle steel, with sturdy and smooth steps and steel pipes serving as handrails on both sides. We can use both hands and feet to ascend and descend the ladders. Descend using the shorter ladder and ascend using the longer one. It's a mix of novelty, heartbeat, fear, solitude, excitement, and relief—a convergence of various emotions, destined to be an unforgettable experience.

We can stop along the way for photos and sightseeing.