Weather in Meili Snow Mountain

Meili Snow Mountain, on the Yunnan-Tibet border, is dominated by Kawagarbo, a 6,740-metre peak considered sacred in Tibetan Buddhism and never climbed out of respect for its spiritual significance. Pilgrims circle the massif on a multi-day kora (ritual circuit), while travellers more often base themselves in nearby Feilai Si or Yubeng village for sunrise views of the snow-capped summit glowing red - a phenomenon known locally as 'Jinshan' (golden mountain).

Best areas to stay in Meili Snow Mountain

Feilai Si

A small temple town with the best-known viewpoint for sunrise over Kawagarbo, with guesthouses catering to early risers.

Deqin

The county town and transport hub for the area, with onward connections toward the Tibet border.

Yubeng Village

A remote village reached by a steep trek, used as a base for hikes to glacial lakes and waterfalls beneath the peak.

Mingyong Glacier

One of the lowest-latitude glaciers in the world, reachable on a trek from the valley floor near Feilai Si.

Getting to Meili Snow Mountain

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Flights

Fly into Kunming, then a domestic flight to Shangri-La, followed by a bus of six to seven hours to Feilai Si or Deqin.

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From London

~20-22 hours total from London including domestic connections and the mountain bus journey

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Getting around

Buses and hired vehicles cover the main roads; reaching Yubeng and glacier viewpoints requires trekking or horses on unpaved trails.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Meili Snow Mountain?

October to May offers the clearest views of the peak, as cloud cover is common in summer; winter is cold but often the clearest for sunrise views.

How do I get to Meili Snow Mountain?

Buses run from Shangri-La to Feilai Si and Deqin, the main viewing towns, taking around six to seven hours on mountain roads.

What is the famous sunrise view?

From Feilai Si, early morning light can turn the snow-covered summit of Kawagarbo a glowing golden-red, a sight known as 'Jinshan' that draws photographers and pilgrims alike.

Can I trek into Yubeng village?

Yes, Yubeng is reached by a steep multi-hour hike (or horse) from the road, and is a popular base for further treks to waterfalls and glacial lakes beneath Kawagarbo.

Is altitude a concern at Meili Snow Mountain?

Yes, viewing areas sit at over 3,300 metres and trekking routes go higher still - acclimatising in Shangri-La first is strongly recommended.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Got up before dawn at Feilai Si and watched Kawagarbo turn gold as the sun rose - one of the most memorable sights of our entire trip through Yunnan.

Felix D. · November 2024

★★★★★

Trekked into Yubeng over two days, the glacial lakes beneath the peak were stunning and we saw very few other travellers on the trail.

Zhuoma P. · October 2023

★★★★☆

Cloud cover meant we didn't get the full sunrise view on our first morning, but a second attempt the next day paid off. Worth budgeting extra time in case of weather.

Ian C. · May 2024