It was 4 a.m. in Yunnan.

With watery eyes and a long yawn, I loaded my backpack into a van that would transfer hikers' luggage to the end of one of the most spectacular hiking trails in China. Carrying only the lightest knapsack I could put together, I boarded a separate shuttle bound for Qiaotou - the gateway to the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge. Inside the van, I exchanged faint smiles with 20 or so strangers - fellow wanderers on the same mountain-bound adventure.

As the van rolled on, I drifted in and out of sleep, head bobbing with each bump of the rugged road. Suddenly, the view took my breath away: jagged pinnacles rising above a blanket of forest, kissed by early morning mist. It felt surreal. This wasn’t a movie - it was all happening before my eyes.

Read more: Complete Travel Guide to Shangri-La, Yunnan, China

Table of Content

1. What is Tiger Leaping Gorge?
2. What to Expect
3. Entrance Fee
4. Trail Info
5. Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tips
6. Where to Stay on the Trail
7. Getting There & Away
8. What to Pack for the Hike

Complete Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Guide

Complete Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Guide

What is Tiger Leaping Gorge?

Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡) is a world-renowned hiking destination nestled between the Yulong Snow Mountain or Jade Dragon Mountain, and Haba Snow Mountain in Yunnan Province, southwest China. Carved by the roaring Jinsha River, this 15km-long gorge is among the deepest in the world, offering breathtaking views, quiet trails, and a rich local legend.

According to legend, the gorge earned its name when a tiger escaped a hunter by leaping across the river at its narrowest point. This was a daring feat that forever marked the spot as Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Each twist and turn of the trail reveals another unforgettable view of beautiful peaks and plunging cliffs.

What to Expect

Along the way, hikers are treated to an ever-changing landscape of natural beauty and unexpected encounters, from free-grazing goats and horses navigating the cliffside trails, to cascading waterfalls and roaring rapids plunging into sheer vertical drops.

The path winds through breathtaking valleys framed by snow-capped peaks, with panoramic views that stretch endlessly. You’ll also come across local women offering refreshments, simple snacks, and, on occasion, marijuana - adding an element of surprise to this already unforgettable adventure.

Hiking solo through Tiger Leaping Gorge offers a rare kind of peace, one where nature speaks louder than words.

The Tiger Leaping Gorge trail is dotted with guesthouses offering rest, warm meals, and the best mountain

Mist rolls over Yunnan’s majestic peaks, painting the landscape in shades of mystery and awe.

The legendary 28 Bends are steep, challenging, and absolutely worth every drop of sweat.

Hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge comes with surprises: in some quiet corners, you’ll find makeshift stalls selling both essentials and cheeky “extras.”

It’s not uncommon to pass local women casually offering snacks, drinks - and yes, even marijuana - along the trail.

Expect to pause often, not just for the views, but for the occasional herd of grazing animals crossing your path.

Free-roaming goats and cows share the trail with hikers, reminding you that this rugged paradise is also home to many.

Life slows down here, and even the animals know it: lounging by cliffs, nibbling grass, or simply enjoying the view with you.

Entrance Fee

What to Expect Upon arrival at the base, passport checks are required. Hikers must pay an entrance fee of ¥65, or ¥32.50 for students with a valid ID. From there, it’s an unforgettable journey up one of the most rugged and remote trails in China. Though considered a popular trail, Tiger Leaping Gorge is far from crowded. On most days, you’ll find long, peaceful stretches where it's just you, the mountains, and the wind.

Despite its popularity, Tiger Leaping Gorge remains relatively uncrowded, offering long, peaceful stretches where hikers can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The trail meanders through diverse landscapes, including towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene valleys, providing a tranquil escape from bustling tourist spots.

Trail Info

Spanning 30km along the dramatic cliffs of Yunnan, the Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail begins in the sleepy town of Qiaotou and winds its way to Tina’s Guesthouse or further on to Daju. With a staggering depth of 3,790 metres and a trail that’s equal parts rugged and rewarding, it’s a journey that takes between 7 hours to 3 days, depending on your pace and appetite for adventure.

For the best views (and the safest hike), plan your trek in May, October, or November—when the skies are clear, and every step feels like a scene from a dream.

• Distance: 30km (High Trail)
• Duration: 7 hours to 3 days
• Gorge Depth: 3,790 metres
• Trail Start: Qiaotou Town
• Trail End: Tina’s Guesthouse (or Daju)
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Best Time to Visit: May, October & November

This is the breathtaking view that greets you as you hike one of China’s most dramatic mountain trails at the Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Winding along cliff edges and forested paths, the trail challenges your body while feeding your soul with unfiltered beauty.

With every uphill stretch comes a silent rhythm: footsteps, heartbeat, and the occasional mountain breeze.

From dusty switchbacks to mossy stone steps, every part of the Tiger Leaping Gorge trail offers something unique underfoot.

The narrow mountain paths demand focus, but every glance up rewards you with jaw-dropping views of the gorge below.

The river flowing through Tiger Leaping Gorge is between Yulong Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain

Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tips

1. Avoid hiking during winter or rainy season due to risk of rockslides.
2. The trail is largely deserted, ideal for solitude, but make sure you are well-prepared and alert.
3. Expect to be approached by locals requesting small trail fees. Consider this a humble way to support the community.
4. The toughest part is the 28 Bends early in the hike. It is a steep ascent that tests your stamina (and patience). Don’t give in too quickly to locals offering donkey rides!
5. The trail has basic guesthouses offering warm meals and places to sleep. You don't have to finish it in one day.

Where to Stay on the Trail

1. Naxi Family Guesthouse
2. Halfway Guesthouse (home to the "best toilet view in the world")
3. Tea & Horse Guesthouse
4. Five Fingers Mountain Guest House
5. Tina’s Guesthouse
6. Chateau de Woody
7. Tibet Guest House

Washroom at Halfway Guesthouse - voted the washroom with the best view in the world.

Getting There & Away

Getting In

The most common starting point for hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge is Qiaotou, a small town located at the base of the trail. Travellers typically arrive from Lijiang, which is well-connected by road. Public buses run frequently from Lijiang’s transport hub to Qiaotou, departing every 30 minutes between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

The journey takes approximately two hours and costs around ¥40. Once you arrive in Qiaotou, you’ll be dropped off near the entrance of the High Trail, where you’ll begin your hike after passport checks and payment of the entrance fee.

Getting Out

Upon completing the trek, most hikers exit the trail at Tina’s Guesthouse, a popular resting point near the gorge’s end. From here, onward travel to Shangri-La is straightforward: a daily bus departs at 3:30 p.m. and tickets cost approximately ¥55.

If you're returning to Lijiang or heading to Daju, alternative transport can be arranged directly from Tina’s or nearby guesthouses. It’s advisable to confirm your next destination and book transport in advance, as services can be limited and infrequent in this remote area.

What to Pack for the Hike

1. Light snacks & water (available at guesthouses)
2. Sunscreen for sunny weather
3. Skid-resistant hiking shoes
4. Camera - you’ll want to capture every breathtaking corner
5. Minimal gear as luggage can be forwarded to the end

Tiger Leaping Gorge is a once-in-a-lifetime trek - raw, powerful, and humbling. As a female solo traveller, it was an empowering experience: navigating challenging terrain, embracing solitude, and soaking in natural grandeur untouched by mass tourism. Happy trails, and may your adventure be as wild as the gorge itself.

Have you hiked Tiger Leaping Gorge solo? Share your journey with us by tagging @rollinggrace or using #RollingGrace on Instagram.