Weather in Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge, a few hours from Lijiang in Yunnan, is one of the deepest river canyons in the world, where the Jinsha River (upper Yangtze) churns through a chasm flanked by snow-capped peaks over 3,000 metres above the water. A multi-day high trail follows the gorge past terraced villages and guesthouses, while a lower road route offers shorter viewpoints for those without time for the full trek.

Best areas to stay in Tiger Leaping Gorge

Qiaotou

The main trailhead town, with bus connections to Lijiang and the starting point for the high trail.

High Trail (28 Bends)

The classic multi-day trekking route along the upper gorge, with guesthouses offering dramatic overnight views.

Gorge Floor & Lower Road

A road-accessible route closer to the river, with viewpoints reachable without a full trek.

Walnut Garden (Hetaoyuan)

A small village partway along the high trail, a popular overnight stop with guesthouses and valley views.

Getting to Tiger Leaping Gorge

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Flights

Fly into Kunming, then take a domestic flight or high-speed train to Lijiang, followed by a bus to Qiaotou.

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From London

~17-19 hours total from London including domestic connections

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Getting around

Local buses reach the trailheads; the trek itself is on foot, with guesthouses providing meals and basic accommodation along the route.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Tiger Leaping Gorge?

March-May and September-November offer the most stable weather for trekking, avoiding the heaviest summer rains and winter ice on higher sections of trail.

How do I get to Tiger Leaping Gorge?

Buses run from Lijiang to Qiaotou (the trailhead) in around two hours, from where the high trail or lower road routes begin.

How long does the trek take?

The classic high trail takes most trekkers one to two days with an overnight stop at a guesthouse along the way; shorter half-day visits to lower viewpoints are also possible by road.

Is the trek difficult?

The high trail includes a steep section known as the '28 bends' and reaches over 2,600 metres, so reasonable fitness and acclimatisation help, though it doesn't require technical skill.

Can I visit Tiger Leaping Gorge without trekking?

Yes, the lower road route allows access to viewpoints and the gorge floor by vehicle and short walks for those who prefer not to do the full high trail.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The high trail was tough in places, especially the 28 bends, but the views down into the gorge with snow on the peaks above were some of the best scenery in China.

Sam T. · April 2024

★★★★★

Stayed overnight at a guesthouse on the high trail and woke up to mist clearing over the gorge - completely worth the steep climb the day before.

Lin F. · October 2023

★★★★☆

Did the lower road route as a shorter alternative and still got incredible views of the gorge, good option if you're short on time or not up for the full trek.

Pete N. · June 2024