Meili Snow Mountain, or Kawa Garbo, is a mountain range located in Deqen County in Yunnan Province by the border between Yunnan Province and Tibet Autonomous Region in southwest China by the southeast edge of Tibetan Plateau. It is a wonderful trekking destination in China and rated on top 10 best hiking places in China due to its amazing views of mountains, glaciers, river gorges and rich Tibetan culture.

Meili Snow Mountains

The name Meili is called Mainri by local people, meaning "Mountain of Herbs". Mainri is actually a false name of this "Meili" area. Mainri is a smaller massif north to the actual "Meili Snow Mountain" that was mistaken by former researchers and the name "Meili" was used afterwards. Local Tibetan People call the mountains Kawa Garbo, the "mighty snow mountain above deep gorge". Kawa Garbo is also used to indicate the whole mountain range of Meili although each mountain in this range has its own name. The highest peak is called Mt. Kawa Garbo itself, at 6740 meters above sea level. Meili Snow Mountain is part of the Kushan Range in the bigger Hengduan Mountain Range in Eastern Tibet. By its west is the river gorge of Nujiang River (Salween) and by its east is the Lancangjiang River (Upper Mekong). The whole range extends from north to south for around 150km between the two big rivers. The north part of the range is located in Tibet that is called Thanyi Thawung Ri (Tanian Taweng Mountains), which is also a very beautiful place perfect for hiking. Located by the northernmost part of Yunnan Province, Meili Snow Mountain is the natural border with TAR with its north part bordering Zogang County and its south part bordering Zayu County, using the mountain range line as the border. The deep gorges of Mekong and Salween by its east and west are at lowest below 2000m, making the difference from top of mountain to bottom of the gorge very big at over 4000m.

Trekking is the most popular way of visiting Meili Snow Mountain while traveling here. Most of its beautiful places will involve walking. Traditionally there are different ways of trekking in Meili Snow Mountain. There are Inner Kora, Outter Kora, Meili North Trek, Meili South Trek. The Inner Kora is more well-known as Yubeng Hiking. Yubeng is the core village in south-central part of Meili Snow Mountain where most hikers will go to and do day hikes around using the village as a base. Kawa Garbo Outter Kora is the big circuit trek around the main part of the range that is walked by local pilgrims every year. Meili North Trek and Meili South Trek are recently developed trekking routes by local guides and are with stunning mountain and glacier views. All treks in Meili Snow Mountain will involve walking at high altitude, encountering changing weather and possibly walking on steep terrains.

Highlights of Meili Snow Mountain Trek

Awe-Inspiring Mountains: Kawa Garbo，Mianzimu and other Mountains

Meili Snow Mountain is also called Kawa Garbo by local Tibetan People. The highest peak of Meili Snow Mountain is called Kawa Garbo itself at 6740m. Mt. Kawa Garbo is the highest mountain in Yunnan Province and the highest peak of the Nushan Range. Meili Snow Mountain has been listed by many sources as one of the most beautiful mountains in China and a must-visit place. Meili Snow Mountain is considered a holy mountain in Tibetan culture and among the top mountains in terms of cultural importance and is called god of all snow mountains. Kawa Garbo is one of the main pilgrim destinations in the Tibetan world.

Meili Snow Mountains

Meili Snow Mountain is also called the "13 peaks of princes": local people counting total 13 peaks from its east face. In Meili Snow Mountains there are total 7 peaks over 6000 meters, and numerous peaks above 5000m. From roughly north to south the main peaks in Meili Snow Mountain include Cogar lake (or the Lion Mountain, 6509m), MangKang laka (6175m), Nairi Denka (6379m) and its sister peak Mabing Zhalawangdui (6365m), Cogong laka (5993m), Bujiong Songdui Xuewu (or Sicha Laka, 6028m), Gadani Lake (6108m), Mt. Kawa Garbo (or Kawa Karpo, 6740m), Paba Nideng (5877m), Bawu Bameng (or Xiaonong, the General Peak, 6000m), 5-crown Peak (or Kyawarig Ang, 5470m), Mianzimu (or goddess mountain, 6054m), Pizimu (or Nasong Chogen, 5832m). Most peaks by Meili Snow Mountain are still unclimbed and will likely to remain unclimbed in the future. The highest peak Mt. Kawa Garbo was never summited after many failed attempts. The climbing was not only hampered by bad weather, avalanche but also by local Buddhists. Climbing the holy mountains is a blasphemy to Buddhism. A local law was passed in early 2000s and banned climbing activities in Meili Snow Mountain.

Mt. Mianzimu, the Goddess Mountain

The best easily accessed locations to see the panoramic views of the Meili Snow Mountain include Feilai Monastery by road pass on Dianzang Highway (G214) and another place Wunongding village above Deqen tunnel also by G214. Feilai Monastery is located on a road pass from Deqen County to Meili Snow Mountains. The golden glows of the mountains during sunrise is a spectacle and something totally up to luck. Feilai mostery is a perfect spot to watch the Kawa Garbo peaks from east. It is a quite famous location that many would recommend for a stop. Hotels were built around this monastery for better views. Feilai monastery usually brings a sense of deep thoughts and inspiring more traveling dreams that many have been impressed a lot. Optional one day stay here to photograph the widely worshiped god, Kawa Garbo and to also acclimate oneself to the higher altitude of Meili trekking. 18km east to Feilai Monastery is another village that is also perfect to watch the panoramic views of the mountains named Wunongding where accommodations are also available.

Meili Snow Mountain is located in the central part of the "Three Parallel Rivers" where we have snow-capped mountains and splendid river gorges in a very close range.

Yubeng

Yubeng indicates the village located in central-south of Meili Snow Mountain by its east face. Yubeng is used as a base for most hikers to Meili Snow Mountain to the Great Waterfall, Ice Lake and Holy Lake. Yubeng Village itself is also a very beautiful place to stay. Before tourism, Yubeng is considered a separated land and a stopover place for holy pilgrimage not disturbed by people from outside. Yubeng is a village of a Shangri-La style and a must-see in Southwest China. With snow mountians rising straight up behind the village, colorful prayer flags waving in the monsoon wind, it is full of great views, great stories and charming beliefs. 20 faminlies live here with only caravan trails lead to the outside world. The famous "Inner Kora" of Meili Snow Mountain is the hiking to Yubeng and beyond Yubeng to the lakes and waterfall. Today’s hiking trail via Xidang over Nanzong Pass follows the former pigrims' trail.

Yubeng is the only village in east side of Meili Snow Mountain that is located deep in the mountains with villagers, hotel people living there all year round to provide supplies, food for hikers. The other villages where one can get accommodations, supplies are located outside of the valleys by Mekong River Valley at usually are at lower elevation below 3000m.

Yubeng has two villages and it is only 1km between each other. The Upper Yubeng connects to Ice Lake and Xiaonong BC. The Lower Yubeng connects to Holy Waterfall and Holy Lake.

To get to the Ice Lake one must pass Xiaonong BC. Xiaonong BC was the base camp of former expedition teams to Kawa Garbo. Ice Lake is a greenish lake fed with glacier water and the main water source for Yubeng Village. Ice Lake is at 3800 meters above sea level. It is a holy lake among Tibetan belief and main pilgrimage destination for Buddhist pilgrims. Above the Ice Lake is the glacier situated above the vertical rock face by east face of Mt. Bawu Bameng (6000m).

Ice Lake

To get to Holy Waterfall or Holy Lake one usually starts from Lower Yubeng Village. The water of Holy Waterfall also came from the glaciers above. Tibetan Buddhists visit Holy Waterfall and shower under the waterfall to "cleanse soul" or to walk around the waterfall three times as a simple ritual of prayer. In summer the waterfall is greater than other seasons.

Holy Lake of Yubeng is located by the northeast ridge of Mt. Mianzimu at 4450m above sea level. Every year by the eighth month local Buddhists will walk here to pray. The water is considered holy and no contamination is allowed to the lake. Walking to the Holy Lake from Yubeng is strenuous 19km from 3050-m Lower Yubeng to 4450 Holy Lake, a total 1400m elevation gain and loss in a single day given there is no place for overnight or re-supply. Normally people do it in around 10 hours walking from and back to the village of Yubeng to the Holy Lake. The natural views on this hike is generally considered not as good as the other two.

Yubeng

In Yubeng, Mt. Mianzimu and 5-Crown Peak are visible from Lower Yubeng Village. One can sit by the village and enjoy the views of these mountains especially in the morning when the sun glows on top of the mountains. Mt. Mianzimu is one of the most beautiful peaks in Meili Snow Mountain with its pyramid-looking top. Mianzimu means goddess mountain, the wife of Kawa Garbo. Most photos of Mianzimu is from its east or northeast by Feilai Monastery or Yubeng while all sides of Mt .Mianzi My are amazing.

Splendid Glaciers

Meili Snow Mountains are located in relatively lower latitude. It has developed glaciers as many as around 40. Some of the glaciers are huge in size and some extends low to below 3000m. Here we have listed below the most detailed travel information of glaciers in Meili Snow Mountain.

Chisen Lomba Glacier by the west face of Mt. Kawa Garbo is the biggest glacier of Meili Snow Mountain. Side glaciers of south Cogar Laka, Mangkang Laka, Nairi Denka all feed into the main glacier of Chisen Lomba. It is less-known to the world due to its hard access to the west side of the mountains by Salween River Valley. The village Jiaying which is connected to the road is located 4km from end of the glacier. This glacier is located in the Zayu County in TAR precinct.

The second largest glacier Chunatong Glacier is by the south of Mt. Kawa Garbo. Chunatong Glacier is also located in TAR precinct in Zayu County. Chunatong Glacier maybe the most difficult to access among all the glaciers. The end of the glacier is at elevation of mere 2950m above sea level.

Mingyong Glacier is the third largest glacier in Meilin Snow Mountains. It is accessed from its easts side and it has built a road that visitors can use transfers for 6km and walk another 4km to Lotus Temple to see the glacier. Lowest part of the glacier extends to around 3000m. Mingyong Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in Meili Snow Mountain and has easy access. It is also the No.1 recommended glacier to see in Meili Snow Mountain.

Mingyong Glacier

Sinong Glacier is located north to Mingyong Glacier. It is also accessed from the east side of the mountains. A visit to Sinong involves long walking for over 8km single way and gaining altitude for around 1000m. There are no villages nor supplies inside the valley. Sinong Village is another Shangri-La style Tibetan valley even less-visited north to Mingyong village by the west bank of Mekong. Untouched primitive forest and alpine pasture as well as Sinong Glacier that attracted a French Christian missionary long ago when a French type of grape was found. The Sinong Valley is of plantings like fields of barley, walnuts and colza, resembling a Earoupean countryside view, some say. It is 10 kms north to the Mingyong valley, it worths a visit consider its close location.

Nairi Denka Glacier and Cogar Laka Glacier

The fifth ad sixth largest glacier are Nairi Denka Glacier and Cogar Laka Glacier. Nairi Denka Glacier is from north face of Mt. Nairi Denka and Mt. Mabing Zhala Wangdui. Cogar lake is located by the north face of Cogar Laka and its side peak. Both glaciers hide in the northern part of Meili Snow Mountains. A Meili North Trek goes to these two glaciers and will have camping by campsite Junpo that has very close view of Nairi Denka Glacier.

Meili Snow Mountain is also rich for flora and fauna thanks to its vertical change of vegetation and climate from around 2000m by bottom of the river valley to over 5000m to the higher part of the mountains. Meili Snow Mountain is a natural museum for plants.

Meili Snow Mountain is traditionally Tibetan place. Tibetan Buddhism is widely practiced here. The monasteries including Feilai Monastery, Mingyong Lotus Temple, Dongzhulin Monastery on the way from Shangri-la ro Deqen, Chudenka Monastery in Deqen as well as the Buddhist shrines in Yubeng by the lakes and waterfalls are all good places to see Buddhist traditions.

How to Get to Meili Snow Mountain

To get to Meili Snow Mountain one usually gets to Shangri-la or Lijiang first.

Coming from Lijiang

Lijiang is a main travel destination in China with many domestic flights to Lijiang on a daily basis from major cities in China. There is also an airport in Shangri-la that is connected to some major cities in China including Kunming, Chengdu and Guangzhou. A lot of international visitors to Meili Snow Mountain will usually include Lijiang, Shangri-la, or even Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in their travel plan. For more active travelers they will also consider Mt. Haba and Meili Snow Mountain Trek. The good hiking places in Yunnan are located close to each other in northern part of Yunnan, which makes the transportation easier.

From Lijiang to Shangri-la there is only road available. At present the road is very good. For 180km now it takes around 2.5h. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Mt. Haba, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Baishuitai Cascading Ponds, Abujee Lakes-Tianbao Mountain, Little Zhongdian are all on the way from Lijiang to Shangri-la. From Shangrila to Feilai Monastery (the start of Meili Snow Mountain) it is another 180km that takes around 3.5h. From Shangri-la to Feilai Monastery will pass the following places of interests along the way: Bala Gezong Park, Moonbay Yangtze Bend, Dongzhulin Monastery, Baimang Mountain View. The town of Deqen is the biggest town near Meili Snow Mountain but somehow it is not used very often as a stopover place for Meili Snow Mountain Trips.

Coming from Daocheng Yading from Sichuan

Some travelers plan to do a trans-province trip while planning trip in southwestern China to include the best places here. For any travelers who plans to coming to Meili Snow Mountain after visit in Yading of Sichuan Province will be using road to near Shangri-la in Yunnan usually by Benzilan (a small town by half way from Shangri-La to Feilai Monastery) or by the town of Shangri-la. From there one can continue travel to Meili Snow Mountain. For people who wish to do it the other way around then you are recommended to start for Sichuan from Shangri-la city where public bus to Yading is available.

Coming from Markam (Mangkang County) in Tibet

This way of traveling is also very popular among domestic travelers. Somehow due to strict requirements, expensive paper works and long time of waiting, this way of traveling is not recommended to non-chinese nationals. To cross over to Tibet from Yunnan by land one needs permits that costs a long time to get and a lot of money, making this way of traveling almost impossible.

Due to development of tourism, local transfers and public tourist transportation is relatively well-developed in Meili Snow Mountain. You can find drivers or even shared taxis in the major towns and villages. Although getting ripped off is still possible especially when you don’t speak the language. Hiring cars from Shangri-la or Lijiang is popular.

Up until 2023, Shangri-La doesn’t have railways yet.

Meili Snow Mountain Trekking Season

The good trekking seasons of Meili Snow Mountain is from May to November. From late June to early August you may see rainfall but it is also the blooming/greenest time of the year. (Although please note the rainfall on Tibetan Plateau is not similar to the rain in tropical places where it rains hard and long). May, October you have the window of "not so cold weather as well as good visibility of views". November is an underestimated good travel season although deeper into the winter you’ll expect lower temperature especially when you need to go to higher altitude on a trekking trip in Meili Snow Mountain.

Meili Snow Mountain itself is a big place. In the massif above 4000 meters it is very distinctive highland climate with windy weather, big difference temperature of day and night, cold winter and cool summer. While by the river gorges of Meili the climate is rather friendly due to its low altitude and sunny climate. Many villages by the river valleys of Mekong and Salween have quite hot summer and warm spring and autumn. The west side of Meili Snow Mountain in Salween River Valley even sees warm winter. The village Zawalong(Chawarong) by Salween Valley by west of Meili means "Hot Gorge" due to its low altitude at only around 2000m. Lower part of the river valleys will also see rainfall in spring time usually in March and April.

The town of Deqen is located by the side valley of Mekong River at altitude of 3000m. Deqen’s weather is a good reference of weather conditions in Meili Snow Mountain in general. Deqen is also the nearest city of Meili Snow Mountain that provides daily weather forecast of this region. Deqen falls into the cold-temperate alpine and humid subtropical monsoon climate zone as it is geografically on the Tibetan Plateau. Temprature falls while elevation rises and rainfall gains. Winter in Deqin is dry and quite long (from Oct to the next April). Weather is extremly unstable as it is greatly under the influence of the northward monsoon. 77.5% of total rainfall is during summer time when average temprature being the highest around 12C in July and August. Temprature drops dramatically in a rainy day during summer time. Like any other place on the Tibetan Plateau in summer, Deqin is warm under sunligt and chilly in the shade. Sunproof is necessary.

Salween Valley shares the same Latitude as of Deqin town but its climate differs a little. The northern Salween gorge(mainly in TAR, including Chawarong) is humid, warm and sunny. It has a lower altitude and deeper valley that the humid monsoon can get here easier in as early as March and April. Average temprature is around 12C. It is a warm and even torrid during summer time walking in this gorge.

Shangri-La City (formerly known as Zhongdian) is at an altitude of 3300 meters above sea level. One can easily feel the four different seasons in the town of Zhongdian. In summer sunny days, the sun can heat the town up to 30C while in the morning and evening, you may have to put a jumper on against the cold when temperature drops to below 15C. Lowest temprature is in winter usually below 0C but always sunny.

Lijiang:Lijiang has distinctive four seasons when moonsoon season is from June to August under the warm current from south. It has one of the best weather conditions in China though it rains sometimes in Summer.

Meili Snow Mountain Trekking Planning

All trips to Meili Snow Mountain starts from Shangri-la or Feilai Monastery and will go back to Feilai Monastery or Shangri-la. TAR is a natural block for most international travelers who wish to connect trips to/from Tibet with Meili Snow Mountain in Yunnan. Therefore Shangri-la is the most important stopover city for any trips to Meili Snow Mountain. Some people also use Lijiang as their main stopover place but let’s just say both Lijiang and Shangri-La are worth staying and spending time in. When you look at the map of northern Yunnan and start to make an adventure plan for yourself you may easily find your travel time may not be enough for this part of China due to so many places of interests to choose from.

We have categorized three treks of Meili Snow Mountain as follows.

A. Yubeng Hiking: the Classic Meili Snow Mountain Trekking. This trek usually takes around 4-5 days with decent lodges available and flexible planning. Yubeng hiking is the most popular hiking to do in Meili Snow Mountain.

B. Meili Outter Kora: the Ultimate Pilgrimage Trek of Kawa Garbo.This trek usually takes around 10 days and up to two weeks’ time from and back to Feilai Monastery. It goes over multiple mountain pass, may not need porters, may not need to camp. Meili Outter Kora also goes to Chawarong which is in TAR that may cause trouble to foreigners. This trek has big altitude rises and drops. This trek has great cultural significance in Tibetan world.

C. Meili North Trek: the less-explored heartland of Meili Snow Mountain. This trek usually takes around 5 days from and back to Feilai Monastery. Meili North Trek involves camping and using porters. This trek goes to the highest point at 5200m. This trek may have the best views among all the treks in Meili Snow Mountain.

Normally people will also do visits to the nearby places of Interests including Lijiang Old City, Baishuitai Cascading ponds. The mountain above the high trail of Tiger Leaping Gorge is called Mt. Haba, a popular mountain to climb for beginners. There is also 2-day hiking from Haba village to Black Lake.

Another less-known hiking plan of Tiger Leaping Gorge is to combine Tiger Leaping Gorge to the Stone Village of Baoshan and then to Lugu Lake. This hiking takes around 6-7 days in total including the days in Tiger Leaping Gorge. It goes to the unique village that is built on a giant rock by the river side of Jinshan (Upper Yangtze) and the matriarchal Mosuo people by the beautiful Lugu Lake.

A. Yubeng Hiking: the Classic Meili Snow Mountain Trekking

Yubeng Hiking is also called Meili Inner Kora Trek, corresponds with the "Meili Outter Kora Trek". Yubeng was one of the most amazing villages China that is located in the valley of big mountains separated with outside world only until recent years due to tourism development. Yubeng means "Buddhist Scripts" with relation of the many spiritual and religious sites in Yubeng including Ice Lake, Great Waterfall and Holy Lake. The hiking to/in Yubeng are easily planned using Yubeng Villages as base and do day hikes out to the sacred sites.

A trekking trip to Yubeng usually starts by Xidang Village after 30km drive down from Feilai Monastery or 200km/4hours drive from Shangri-la City. Xidang Village is also called Xidang Hot Spring. From road end above Xidang (2700m) to Yubeng Village it is 12km hard walk for around 8 hours over a 3700m Nazong Pass. After arrive in Yubeng Village one can do day hikes out to the lakes and waterfall using your hotel Yubeng Village as a base although you may consider to change hotel between Upper Yubeng and Lower Yubeng when you are going to different places above Yubeng.

Upper Yubeng Village is at 3150m and Lower Yubeng Village is at 3050m and it is only 1km between these two villages. To go to Ice Lake via Xiaonong BC it is closer from Upper Yubeng Village. The day hike to Ice Lake(3850m) is around 12km for around 8 hours for round trip from Upper Yubeng Village. To go to Great Waterfall (3650m) it is closer from Lower Yubeng Village. The day hike to Great Waterfall is around 15km round trip for around 7 hours. These two hikes are the most walked hiking in Yubeng and you will see clear trails with signs.

There are two other optional day hikes from Yubeng that are much harder and less people do. One is to go to the Holy Lake (4450m) from Lower Yubeng Village for total around 13km in and out for total 10 hours or more. The view of the Holy Lake hiking is not as impressive as the other hikes but it is with more spiritual significance of the hiking. The other hike is called Meili Yartsa Trail that is used by local Tibetan people to collect medicinal herbs every spring time. It has very open views of the mountains of Meili but it is a hard, steep and long walk. From Upper Yubeng Village it is around 15km that usually takes around 9-10 hours total forth and back. The Yartsa Trail follows the same way back to Nanzong Pass and swith back to the ridge line and follow the ridge all the way to around 4200m with splendid mountain views of Meili. The Yartsa Trail is a new hiking only known to visitors in recent years. It provides chance to see big mountains in close range at a much opener place.

From Yubeng coming out one doesn’t have to use the same way. There is another hiking trail down the Ninong River Valley for around 16km in around 6 hours and arrive Ninong Village and then use car to transfer to your next destination.

A recommended hiking plan to Yubeng is as follows:
• Day 01 Feilai Monastery drive to Xidang, Hike to Upper Yubeng, drive 1h, hike 12km/8h
• Day 02 Upper Yubeng hike to Ice Lake and back, hike 12km/8h
• Day 03 Lower Yubeng hike to Great Waterfall and back 15km/7h
• Day 04 Lower Yubeng hike to Ninong Village 16km/6h

Yubeng Trekking Information

The hiking to/in Yubeng is in general considered medium to challenging. When you are well-acclimatized it is fine. The walking up from Xidang to Nanzong Pass is challenging as it will gain almost 1000m up in a short distance although this part now can be down by hiring a 4WD and save the long walk. A lot of the time hiking in Yubeng will be in the forest including the day to Ice Lake and Great Waterfall. During spring and summer time some part of the trails can be very slippery and muddy. Walking boots are strongly recommended.

There are places to re-supply for drinking water during busy hiking season along the hiking route in Yubeng but you are recommended to pack enough water for yourself. You will usually see other hikers on the hiking to Great Waterfall and Ice Lake. Know a time to turn around when you are walking slow and avoid walking in the dark.

Yubeng Village is now well-developed with modern lodges available. Upper Yubeng feels busier than Lower Yubeng. Electricity is no problem but you may still experience power off if unlucky. Phone service and internet is available during trekking in Yubeng but not reliable especially when you go up to the lake and water. Some lodges are still basic. If you are traveling during busy season you are recommended to secure your room before hand. There are small shops available in Yubeng where you can buy some simple snacks. Camping is allowed in Yubeng.

Pack light for your Yubeng Hiking. If you have heavy luggage you can consider to store it either by Xidang or by Feilai Monastery at your lodge and only take necessary items with you for Yubeng trekking.

B. Meili Outter Kora: the Ultimate Pilgrimage Trek around Kawa Garbo

Meili Snow Mountains are considered very sacred mountains in Tibetan belief. Every year, people from other regions of Tibet travel to Meili Snow Mountain(some on foot) to have a pilgrimage walking in this place. It is known as "Zhuanshan" or "Zhhuanjing". An old trail around the Meili Snow Mountains was tred by Tibetan Buddhists long ago. We can find trails, murals, statues, prayer flags and Mani stone piles in the juggles, forest and on the rocks near and in the Meili Snow Mountains. The pilgrims do the Inner Kora as well as the Outter Kora on foot and some of them have done this hundreds of times and are still doing it.

The Outter Kora Trek of Meili starts from Yongjiu Village after Yangza Bridge by Melkong River Valley at only 2000m and walk over Douge Rila Pass (Duoke La Pass, 4500m) and drop down to Chunatong and Abing Village by Salween River Valley and then continue north following the Salween River, passing the village of Chawarong and turn east by Gebu Village and walk up the Meili Mountains by a small pass of Gebula (Gezhala, 4150m) and drop down to Yuchu River, a tributary river of Salween before going up to the Shula Pass (4800m) and then drop back down to Mekong River Valley again by Meilishui Village and meet road and drive to Yangza to complete the circle. It usually takes more than 2 weeks time, but with the good road built in Mekong and Salween Valley it can be done in 10 days by using cars as an alternative instead of walking on roads. The traditional trekking route is as long as 280km all the way but if to exclude the distance that can use car the actual walking is still over 100km.

Kawa Garbo West

For people who would also seek good views while hiking this trek may not be an ideal trek due to its long walk but in comparison less views of mountains or glaciers. This is why a lot of hikers who have done this trek have commented this trek being a pilgrimage trek to level up your spiritual world rather than to see great views. The tradition of this Outter Kora Trek is over 700 years old. It is still a good trek to follow the local Buddhist that has been doing this a long time ago. A revised Outter Kora Trek plan is as follows, skipping the walking on road and adding on some hiking with good views.

• Day01 Feilai Monastery drive to Yangza and start to walk to Chuxia Camp 12km/ 2700m
• Day02 Quxia Camp walk to Yongshitong 12km/3400m
• Day03 Yongshitong walk over Douge La Pass (4500m) to Zashutang 12km/ 3700m
• Day04 Zashutang walk Chunatong Camp 16km/2500m
• Day05 Chunatong Day hike up to see south/west face of major mountains of Kawa Garbo and Chunatong Glacier 16km/ (added)
• Day06 Chunatong Camp walk over Xinkangla Pass (3600m) to Abing Village 16km/2200m
• Day07 Abing Village drive 2h to Jiaying Village, walk to see westface Kawa Garbo and Largest glacier Chisen Lomba 8km/3800m (revised)
• Day08 Jiaying drive 1h to Zhagu and walk to Laide Camp 16km/3000m
• Day09 Laide Camp walk over Shula Pass (4800m) to Dolotong Camp 12km/4200m
• Day10 Dolotong Camp to Meilishui 16km/2200m and transfer back to Feilai or Shangri-La

On Day05 the walk up Chunatong Valley will have chance to see south face of Mt. Kawa Garbo and Mt. Gadani Laka, west face of Mianzimu and Pizimu as well as chance to see the glacier of Chunatong. On Day 07 the walk up Chisen Lomba will provide chance to see the west face of Mt. Kawa Garbo, north face of Mt. Gadani Laka, south side of Mt. Cogar Laka, Mt. Mangkang Laka, Mt. Nairi Denka and their Glaciers and of course the Chisen Lomba Glacier itself.

Meili Outter Kora Trekking Information

Meili Outter Kora Trek is one of the longest treks in China. This trek involves long ascents and descents between big river valleys of Mekong and Salween and high mountain passes of Meili. Total walking distance is around 120km. Elevation is between 2000m and 4800m with most of the nights below 4000m. There are total 4 passes in this trek. Car-using is involved to avoid walking on roads.

Camping may not even be necessary for Outter Kora Trek. In the villages of Abing, Jiaying and Laide one can use local people’s house for overnight. The Outter Kora is a frequently walked trail by Tibetan Buddhists from over the Tibetan world. Each camp has huts and even settlements catered for the pilgrims as well as hikers. During busy pilgrimage season (May to October) the huts will even have people selling basic food to the pilgrims. Hikers can also use the huts for overnight to avoid bring your heavy camping gears although a sleeping bag is still recommended. This has made a self-supported trek possible even for independent hikers who wish to do the Outter Kora Trek of Meili by carring only sleeping bag, necessary clothing, food for 2-3 days and no need to use porterage for the trek. You can re-supply basically at most of the camps. The village of Chawarong is big that you can re-supply your food there so to break the load into half. Insect repellent is necessary to get rid of mosquitos and ticks.

The biggest issue is Tibet requires special permit on foreign travelers. Over the pass of Douge La is in TAR precinct. The permit is almost impossible to get from Yunnan. One good thing is because it is at the borderland authority is very loose on the restriction. The way to avoid trouble is to avoid sleeping overnight in the villages. The good road built in Salween Valley made this possible by using a car from Abing all the way to Jiaying.

C. Meili North Trek: the Less-Explored Heartland of Meili Snow Mountain

Meili North Trek is a new trekking route developed only in recent years and is getting popular among domestic hikers in China. It is considered one of the most beautiful treks in China. It doesn’t follow the traditional kora trekking of Meili Snow Mountain but it covers some of the best of Meili Snow Mountain by the north part of the massif including Pojun Camp, Nairi Denka Glacier, Cogar Glacier, Mt. Mangkang Laka, Mt. Cogar Laka and Border of Yunnan-Tibet by 5200m. Comparing to Yubeng Trek that mainly goes to the south part of Meili Snow Mountain, the North Trek goes only to the lesser-known north part of Meili Snow Mountain and will have chance to see 4 out of the 7 6000ers of Meili Snow Mountains. Meili North Trek is considered a hard trek given the steep terrain though short walking.

Pojun Camp is a camp used by local yak herders and herb-collectors at elevation of 4100m. It provides excellent views of Mt. Mabing Zhala Wangdui, Mt. Nairi Denka, Mt. Mangkang Laka and their splendid glaciers in a close range. Pojun means "dwellings of gods" . Nairi Denka Glacier develops from north face of Mt. Nairi Denka (6379m) and Mt. Mabing Zhala Wangdui (6365m). The giant glacier pours down the mountain looks bluish from Pojun Camp. Cogar Glacier is located by the north side of Mt. Cogar Laka (6509m), the second highest peak of Meili Snow Mountains. Mt. Mangkang Laka is 6175m above sea level. It is located between Mt. Nairi Denka and a 6220-m side peak of Mt. Cogar Laka. It is the most prominent mountain from Pojun Camp. Mt. Cogar Laka is also called Lion Mountain due to its resemblance of a lion from its east side according to local people. This 6509-m mountain is the second highest peak of Meili Snow Mountains and the northernmost major mountains in Meili Massif. 5200-m Yunnan-Tibet Border is the highest point in a Meili North Trek. It is a high ridge above the valleys and a natural border between Yunnan Province and Tibet. By this location one can see panoramic views of the mountains of north Meili including the massive Mt. Cogar Laka and all mountains in North Meili. One can even see mountains in Tibet including Damiyong Mountains (6324m) by the north, Chaga Lazi (6146m) by the northwest.

Meili North Trek is considered a hard trek that starts by Yagong Village at 3000m and walk up Pojun Camp (4100m), over Zi Ting Pass (4800m) and continue up to the border by 5200m then drop down to back to Yagong Village. A standard trekking plan takes 5 days starting and ending by Feilai Monastery with total elevation gain of 4600m and elevation loss of 5600m in total around 50km.

• Day01 Feilai Monastery drive down to Yagong Village 1h and walk to Bamboo Camp 10km/ 3500m
• Day02 Bamboo Camp walk to Pojun Camp 7km / 4100m
• Day03 Pojun Camp walk over Zi Ting Pass (4800m) to Upper Pojang Camp 6km/4400m
• Day04 Upper Pojang Camp walk to Border (5200m) then drop down to Dala Camp 10km/4200m
• Day05 Dala Camp walk to Yagong Village 12km /3000m and transfer to your next destination.

Meili North Trekking Information

Meili North Trek is not long but steep and hard. It is rated as one of the most strenuous treks in China along with Yading Kora Trek. Elevation is between 3000m and 5200m. This trek will go over a pass that is 4800m high and other high point at 5200m. Walking poles are strongly recommended for this trek to protect your knees. Phone service is not available in this trek.

Camping is involved because Meili North Trek goes only to the wild part of Meili where no modern facilities are available. Total 4 nights camping will have 3 over 4000m. You are recommended to use service from travel companies such as us to take you on the trek to help with your big pack and take care of food for you while you enjoy the hiking to its full.

Meili North Trek

Meili Trekking Planning: Add-ons

Feilai Monastery

For all the trekking plans listed above we used Feilai Monastery as starting and ending location. Feilai Monastery is not only a place to take great photos of Meili Snow Mountains but also a good place to stay one night to maximize your chance to see the mountains if weather is not on your side. Plus by staying here one night you have chance to catch the glows on Meili Mountains during sunrise. You can consider to have one night by Feilai Monastery also to better acclimate yourself at the elevation of 3400m. The small road extended to south of the village provides chance for you to walk for 4-8km with amazing mountain views of Kawa Garbo. This small road by Feilai Monastery is normally quiet and usually no one comes here.

Mingyong Glacier

Mingyong Glacier is the only glacier that has built a park with road access to bring visitors closer to the glacier. If you are doing the Yubeng Trek only while traveling in Meili Snow Mountains, then we recommend you to do a day trip to Mingyong to see the wonderful glacier of Meili Snow Mountain. Driving from Feilai Monastery to the entrance of Mingyong takes around 1 hour. Visitors need to use park transfer for the first 6km to get to the boardwalk. From there walk for 4km via Taizi (Prince) Temple to Lotus Temple where you will see splendid views of Minyong Glacier extends low to around 3000m. Horse-riding is also available from the boardwalk during busy seasons. The ticket costs 75 yuan per person. It normally takes a full day’s time to visit Mingyong Glacier.

There is also a Meili South Trek. Same as the Meili North Trek, a Meili South Trek was developed by local guides in Meili Snow Mountain south to Yubeng. It taks 5 days total and with chances to see views including southeast face of Mt. Mianzimu (6054m) and Mt. Pizimu (5832m) and their glacier by Chunong Camp by its east foothill. Highest point of the Meili South Trek is at Meidotong at 4550m with great views of the two mountains. This is a less hard trek than Meili North.

Meili Snow Mountain Trek

Meili Snow Mountain Trek - Safety Issues

Learn the Difficulty Level of Each Trek

Meili Snow Mountain has been a very popular destination for many adventurous and active travelers from all over the world. Thanks to the development of roads and tourism, independent traveling is possible for international travelers even if you don’t speak local language and even if local people don’t speak much English. But since risks and uncertainty exit when traveling to Meili Snow Mountain given that it is far and with altitude, hard terrain, etc. we encourage you to do sufficient research of Meili Snow Mountain while planning your hiking holiday and choose a way of traveling that fits your own style. Even if you don’t need our service you are welcome to send your questions to us and we are happy to answer them with our best knowledge of Meili Snow Mountain.

We go to Meili every year but every year we have surprises either by the weather, the unexpected road construction that makes a mess, the development of new "touristic hot spot"……

High Altitude

Most travelers will be fairly acclimated when arriving Meili Snow Mountain because Shangri-La, the very possible first stop of your Meili Snow Mountain trip, if not second stop, has an elevation of 3300m, providing very good acclimating conditions. The risk of getting mountain sickness is still there but solutions for mountain sickness is easy because of the low altitude by the river valley of Mekong. You are recommended to learn the symptoms and counter-measures of mountains sickness to be prepared.

Weather and Temperature Change

Keep two things in mind when you are traveling on high altitude places of China (above 3000m): the higher you go the windier it gets and wind takes away your body temperature quickly; the other thing is no matter which season you are traveling, always use sun proof including sun cream and sun glasses to avoid sun burn.

In Meili Snow Mountain the temperature difference between day and night is big. The temperature difference between the river valley and the high mountains is also big. You could experience almost 30C degrees by bottom of Mekong River Valley while less than 10C and windy conditions when you go up the mountains of Meili. Remember to always keep your warm clothes and rain proof handy while trekking in Meili.

Possible Road Construction

We have seen road constructions all the years in and around Meili Snow Mountains. The road between major towns and tourist attractions in Deqen by the river valley of Mekong and even around Shangri-la are under frequent construction or maintenance. You may experience temporal road blocks, traffic jams due to road blocks while traveling in this region. During winter time some roads may also be closed due to heavy snow. When you make your trekking plans to Meili please be aware of this too.

Animals and Insects Related

There are no big wild animals that are aggressive that may cause damage or death to hikers but the more annoying things are the blood-sucking ticks and leeches. Lower part of the mountains below 3500m often see leeches in spring and summer time that sometimes attach to humans and animals when they walk. Aside from using repellent you are recommended to check your socks and shoes too while walking. They don’t transmit diseases but they make you uncomfortable.

Monasteries and Holy Sites Etiquette

Meili Snow Mountains, or Kawa Garbo are holy mountains in Tibetan belief that are widely worshiped by almost every Tibetan people. Respect this while traveling in Meili Snow Mountain. There are no strict rules in monasteries and holy sites in Meili Snow Mountain but all general etiquettes apply, such as paying respect to the sites and shrines(usually decorated by prayer flags, mani stone piles and stupas) by not walking on them, not using toilet near them, stay quiet while you are in/around them, etc. It is also a good gesture to do what locals do while at the Great Waterfall: walk around the waterfall three times and take water from the waterfall.