What to Do in Deqin in 8 Days? Travel Guide and Tips

Day 1

Yubeng Village

Opening Hours: Open all day

Ticket Price: RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Days

Location: Deqen, Yunnan, China

Yubeng Village, a Tibetan village at the foot of the Goddess Peak of the Meri Snow Mountain, is divided into two villages that are close to each other. Yubeng Village is situated deep in the mountains, away from the markets and towns. There is little transport but the folk customs are simple and honest. Therefore, it is known as the epitome of true Shangri-La. The waterfall on the hill next to Yubeng Village has always been a holy place of pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists, and it is also a must to pass through the Meri Snow Mountain.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Niall Q: One of the most beautiful places I have ever visited in China. The village is surrounded by mountains and forest. There are many hikes available and you probably need 3 nights see complete them. The local people are friendly and helpful. Careful when entering the village from Xidang. I made the mistake of taking a Jeep thinking it would drop us half way as the sign said 19k to the village. turns out the route has been changed and it’s only about 7/8k. You can save 200 rmb by walking this.

LynnMaeyoga: Yubeng Village in Shangrali is picturesque and beautiful. be sure to stop for a visit!

Day 1 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, YOLO Guesthouse is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

YOLO Guesthouse

Day 2 | Morning

Xidang Village

Ticket Price: 80 RMB

Location: Xidang Village, Xidang Highway, Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Xidang Village is the starting point of Yubeng hiking. From here, you can go over the Nanzong Pass, and then go down the mountain. It takes 7-8 hours to reach Yubeng Upper Village. When tourists come to Xidang Village, they will also find that there are simple hot spring facilities in the village. If the requirements are not high, you might as well take a bath here and walk on the road of Hajj cleanly.

Day 2 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: The Great Bay of Jinsha River, Meili Snow Mountain National Park.

The Great Bay of Jinsha River, Meili Snow Mountain National Park

Opening Hours: Open from 8:30am-4:30pm

Ticket Price: 20 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1.0-3.0 Hours

Location: Yunnan Province Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture near Deqin County National Road 214

At the junction of Benzilan Town, Deqin County, Yunnan Province, and Zigeng Township, Derong County, Sichuan Province, the Jinsha River makes a U-shaped bend in the canyon. Outlining a graceful curve on the ground, it is called "Jinsha River Dawan". The first bend was formed because of the Sun Cone Peak in Derong on the opposite bank. It abruptly juts out from the Jinsha River Gorge with an elliptical pyramid-shaped mountain body, forcing the river water to form a large "Ω" shape around the peak body, which has become a wonder of the world.

Day 2 | Evening

For convenient access to more popular attractions, Clouds Glamping is the best places.

Clouds Glamping

The Clouds Glamping is an ideal spot for travelers wanting to discover the city. Visitors to Shangri-La will find that the Clouds Glamping is a fantastic accommodation choice.

With multiple attractions nearby including Yunjie Gelanping Camping Site, Campnese梵塵·德拉露營地 and Habacun, guests will find plenty to keep themselves occupied.

This hotel makes a great place to kick back and relax after a long day of sightseeing. This Shangri-La hotel offers parking on site.

Our guests consider this hotel to have excellent service.

Day 3

Meili Snow Mountain

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Days

Location: Moirig Snow Mountain, Deqen, China

Mainri Snow Mountain is also known as the Prince Snow Mountain. Its main peak, Kawa Garbo, means “the steep white snowy peak in the valley.” According to legend, it is the protector God of the Nyingma Branch of Tibetan Buddhism. The famous "Sunshine Over the Golden Mountain" is a rare sight for many backpackers. It is also a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photography enthusiasts.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: Do you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you want to be closer to the sky and breathe the fresh air? Do you want to stand on the top of the mountain, and look down on the earth? Then come with me to YunNan! Yunnan have lofty mountains and flowing water. There have blue sky and fresh air. YunNan is the home to 25 ethnic minorities , the most diverse region of China. Every ethnic has their own traditional customs and festival. So that they have many holidays. They are lucky! Last vacation, I went to Yunnan with my friend. We wanted to climb the Meri Snow Mountain. We paid no attention to the bitter cold or the storm. Our eyes were fixed on the mountain, so tall we can’t even see the top. Meri Snow Mountain is 6740 meters heigh above sea level. Somebody will have high altitude response at an altitude of 3000 meters. Because of the bad cold weather, we just climbed about 1800 meters in two days, but we saw many good views. Snow is falling ,and an angry wind roars all around. Looked down on the earth, we watched the floating clouds, Everest casts a purple shadow for miles, while the sun makes the rivers shine silver. Come to Yunnan ,beautiful mountains and rivers will around you!

Trip.com User: Unfortunately, I can't see it. It's snowing the next morning. Meri is really worth going, and will arrange to revisit Meri Snow Mountain next time. You can see the sunrise of Meri Snow Mountain with your own eyes.

Day 3 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Arro Khampa by Zinc Journey Shangri-La in advance, because all the tourists head to Meili Snow Mountain love staying at it.

Arro Khampa by Zinc Journey Shangri-La

The Shangri-La Arro Khampa (Xianggelila Aruo Kangba'nansuoda Zhuangyuan) is a stunning Tibetan themed hotel just 5 km (3.1 mi) from Diqing Shangri-La Airport.Diners can enjoy eating at the barbecue, Chinese, Japanese, and Western restaurant facilities. A lobby bar, bar, and coffee shop are on site serving a selection of drinks. Room service is also an option.A business center and meeting rooms are available to those traveling on business.Guests can relax with a massage, or head to the hot spring, spa, or sauna. Other recreational activities include a gym, swimming pools, table tennis, pool, snooker, billiards, basketball, a library, tanning salon, game room, tennis, football, fishing, golf, hiking, skiing, as well as a nightclub and karaoke for guests in the mood for a livelier time. Free Wi-Fi in public areas as well as both free and charged parking are available at the Shangri-La hotel.

Day 4 | Morning

Feilai Temple

Opening Hours: 8:00-17:00

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-3 Hours

Location: In Feilai Temple Scenic Area, Meili Snow Mountain Scenic Spot, Xidang Village, Yunling Township, Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous PrefectureIn Feilai Temple Scenic Area, Meili Snow Mountain Scenic Spot, Xidang Village, Yunling Township, Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Feilai Temple is situated on the Yunnan-Tibet road, 10 kilometers away from Deqin County. It faces the Kawagarbo, the main peak of the Meri Snow Mountain. In fact, Feilai Temple is on a small scale. There is only one lama accompanied by a cat and a big rooster. Feilai Temple is known for the landscape of "Sunshine on the Mountain." During sunrise, the sun shines on the main peak of the Meri Snow Mountain. It is splendid as the snow mountain boasts golden brilliance

Reviews from Real Guests:

acton28: Witness all the colours of the rainbow set against a stunning backdrop.

Day 4 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: White Horse Snow Mountain.

White Horse Snow Mountain

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: 214 National Rd, Deqin Xian, Diqing Zangzuzizhizhou, Yunnan Sheng, China

Located in Deqin County, Baima Snow Mountain is the watershed between the Jinsha River and the Lancang River. The national key protected plants here include starleaf grass, lancang fir, etc., and the key protected animals include Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, clouded leopard, red panda, etc., known as the "cold temperate alpine animal and plant kingdom". Baima Snow Mountain is located on the main traffic road between Yunnan and Tibet. The Yunnan-Tibet Highway will cross the 4,292-meter Saila Lakka Pass. From the pass, you can see the main peak of Baima Snow Mountain at an altitude of 5,417 meters, Zaraqueni. Starting from Benzilan Town, go up along National Highway 214 and enter Baima Snow Mountain after a short drive. The Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, a national first-class protected animal, lives deep among the mountains and mountains in the reserve, which is also the largest protected area of the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey in my country. Entering the mountain in summer, large rhododendrons can be seen everywhere on both sides of the road. In autumn, the entire hillside is colorful, like an overturned palette, which is very spectacular and eye-catching. The Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve has a vast area and lush vegetation in the mountainous area, which is refreshing and pleasant both in terms of air quality and landscape. There are a large area of spruce and fir forests in the reserve, but they are all unopened areas. If you want to enter the mountain, you can only choose to enter it on foot. Travelers who want to enter the mountain need to go through the approval procedures at the protected area administration first. to enter. It should be noted that from December to February to March of the next year is the season when the mountains are covered by heavy snow. Once snow falls, it is basically impassable. Along the Yunnan-Tibet line of National Highway 214 to cross the Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, you need to cross two passes, namely the Lalaka Pass and the Baima Pass. The altitude is high and the wind is strong, so you need to keep warm and prevent altitude sickness.

Day 4 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Songtsam Shangri-La Lvgu Lodge is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Songtsam Shangri-La Lvgu Lodge

The Songtsam Hotel (Xianggelila Songzan Lvgu Jiudian) is a Tibetan-style hotel with a good location in Shangri-La sitting next door to Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The quiet environment of this Tibetan hotel offers beautiful vistas of lakes, mountains, temples and Tibetan village life.

This hotel houses hardwood-floored guestrooms equipped with humidifiers and independent bathrooms.

Tibetan specialties are available for guests to try in the hotel restaurant including yak yoghurt for breakfast, yak meat and highland barely wine. Room service is also available.

Guests traveling on business will find a meeting room at their disposal.

Day 5 | Morning

Kawagarbo

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-5 Hours

Location: Main peak of Meili Snow Mountain, Mingyong Village, Deqin CountyMain peak of Meili Snow Mountain, Mingyong Village, Deqin County

Kawagebo Peak is the main peak of Meili Snow Mountain, which in Tibetan means the steep white snow peaks in the canyon. At an altitude of 6,740 meters, it is said to be the protector of the Nyingma branch of Tibetan Buddhism, Gajuba, and it ranks first among the eight sacred mountains in the Tibetan area. There are 13 peaks above 6,000 meters above sea level in Meili Snow Mountain. When the weather is clear, the rays of the sun rise, the golden rays of light of thousands of paths hit the peaks directly, and the snow-capped peaks are covered with golden rays of light. The recommended time to visit Kawagebo Peak is from October to May of the next year. During this time, the weather is fine, the visibility is high, and the chance of the mountain being blocked is very low. After entering the rainy season in June and July, it is rare to see the real face, and it can only depend on personal luck. There are two good places to take the whole picture of Kawagebo Peak: Feilai Temple Observation Deck and Deqin Welcome Deck (at the Thirteen White Pagodas). Due to its geographical location, Feilai Temple has developed into a prosperous small town. There are all kinds of inns and restaurants. The grades of hotels range from tens of yuan to thousands of yuan. You can choose by yourself. Meili Snow Mountain extends out of many glaciers, and Mingyong Glacier is located under the Kawagebo Peak. Starting from Mingyong Village at the foot of the mountain, you can walk along the winding mountain road to reach the Prince's Temple in about two hours. After a short rest, you can board the Mingyong Glacier Observation Deck, where you can watch the glacier up close and feel the Glacier charm. When you are lucky, you can see ice avalanches. Large glaciers can't bear the weight and collapse, making a huge roar, which is very shocking. It takes about 4 hours to walk up and down the Mingyong Glacier Observation Deck. If you are not physically fit, you can rent a horse at the entrance of the mountain road in advance. It is recommended to rent a horse at the entrance. If you are halfway, even if there is a free horse, the locals will not rent it for you. Kawagebo is still an unclimbed peak. Since the beginning of the last century, multinational mountaineering teams have attempted to reach the summit many times, but they have all failed. In particular, the Sino-Japanese joint mountaineering team in 1991 encountered an avalanche and 17 mountaineers were unfortunately killed. In 1996, the Chinese government banned climbing this snow-capped mountain, giving the mountain eternal tranquility.

Reviews from Real Guests:

acton28: A view definitely worth a pilgrimage.

Day 5 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Kawagarbo, don’t forget pay a visit to Ice Lake, Moirig Snow Mountain.

Ice Lake, Moirig Snow Mountain

Opening Hours: Open from 7:00am-4:30pm

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: At the foot of General Meili Snow Mountain in Yunling Township, Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous PrefectureAt the foot of General Meili Snow Mountain in Yunling Township, Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: I go to IceLake on 1 January 2020 , very hard to walk because the heavy snowing and a difficulty with fluidity from walking on ice but when I arrived the scenery so amazing!!! I start walk from Yuneng Village at 10.00am and arrived at Ice Lake 14.30 pm. I think this season its dangerous for some traveller.

Day 5 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Songtsam Benzilan Lodge in advance, because all the tourists head to Ice Lake, Moirig Snow Mountain love staying at it.

Songtsam Benzilan Lodge

The Songtsam Lodges are a series of luxury boutique lodges built in five carefully selected locales.

In a small green valley by Yangtse River, sits Songtsam Benzilan. Amid barley and wheat fields, the lodge is surrounded by white-walled Tibetan houses and close to a white Stupa. From the hotel, it is an easy walk to the nearby hills and traditional Tibetan villages, where temples are decorated with beautiful murals.

Day 6 | Morning

Xiayubeng Village

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1 Days

Location: 10 km north of Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: I prefered staying here to Upper Yubeng - it’s quieter and there are more locals about. Walking to the waterfall is worth it and takes around 4 hours round trip. Staying here also makes it easier to walk out to Ninong (also around 4 hrs)

Day 6 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Xiayubeng Village, don’t forget pay a visit to Baima Snow Mountain Yakou.

Baima Snow Mountain Yakou

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Snow all year round, like a galloping white horse, hence the name "White Horse Snow Mountain". There are more than ten kinds of rare plants: starleaf grass, yellow fir, etc., and rare animals include Yunnan golden monkey, clouded leopard, red panda and so on. Known as the "Kingdom of Alpine Animals and Plants in the Cold Temperate Zone", it has high scientific value.

Day 6 | Evening

For convenient access to more popular attractions, Snow Mountain Ice Spring is the best places.

Snow Mountain Ice Spring

Reviews from Real Guests:

打卡七大洲进行中: The hotel room facilities are very good, and the staff service is very friendly. Picture 2 is the location of the hotel. The house below the golden-topped scripture hall is the hotel, and the white top above is the Gezong Snow Mountain. At night, you can vaguely see some of the Milky Way, which can only be photographed by mobile phones. Hotel butler Lobsang Tashi is a native of Bala Village, who never left the village before the road opened in 2008. The housekeeper took us to the main attractions, and left for the Shambhala Pagoda at 9:30. The weather was perfect, as shown in Figure 1. Then we went to the Echo Wall and walked the plank road. Finally, we went to Bala Village to explain the history of the village, which was great. You have to drive to the canyon area by yourself. The entire scenic area is very large, and it takes a whole day to play well.

当地向导阿蛋: Arriving at the hotel, maybe because of the recent off-season, we upgraded the room type for free. There is a bathtub, you can take a bath, you can soak your feet, and the housekeeper also helped to arrange the itinerary very reasonably. It is very good, the breakfast is delicious, and the local chicken in the hotel restaurant It's delicious too, highly recommended~

Day 7

Deqen

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Days

Location: Deqen, Yunnan, China

Deqin County is located in the northwest of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It is connected to Zhikang County, Tibet in the north, and Zuogong County and Zayu County in Tibet in the west. It is adjacent to Weixi County in the south, and Shangri-La County in the east. Facing each other across the river. The county has a total area of 7,596 square kilometers and an average elevation of 3,559 meters. It is a county with higher terrain in Yunnan Province. Deqin County has jurisdiction over 532 natural villages in 7 townships and 1 town. The population density is 7.5 people per square kilometer. There are 13 ethnic groups including Tibetan, Lisu, Naxi, Han, Bai and Hui.

Reviews from Real Guests:

LynnMaeyoga: Deqen has so much to see and do! Take your camera and go visit the sites and Tibetan food and culture. Go see the mountains and yaks and horses!

Day 7 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City in advance, because all the tourists head to Deqen love staying at it.

Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City

The Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City is a great choice for guests looking for accommodation in Shangri-La, having been recently opened in 2021.

Shangri La Airport is located approximately 7km away from this hotel. Famous local attractions Ancient City Tibetan Scripture Hall, Yueguang Plaza and Diqing Museum of the Red Army Long March, can all be reached with a short walk.

In their spare time, guests can explore the hotel's surroundings. This Shangri-La hotel features parking on site.

There's never a dull moment at this hotel, our guests indicate that the facilities are excellent. This hotel is particularly popular with those traveling with families.

Day 8 | Morning

Xiaonong Base camp

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-3 Hours

Location: Yubeng Village, Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province (near Shangyupeng)Yubeng Village, Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province (near Shangyupeng)

Xiaonong Base Camp is located on the way from Shangyubeng Village to Binghu. It was the base camp of the Sino-Japanese joint mountaineering team. At an altitude of 3900 meters, it is surrounded by vast snow-capped mountains (Jiangjun Peak and Wuguan Peak) and large glaciers. Xiaonong Base Camp is a small piece of relatively open plain on the road to Binghu Lake. In 1991, the base camp of the Sino-Japanese joint mountaineering team was stationed here. There are a few dilapidated wooden houses left in the open space. Only during the peak tourist season will local Tibetans sell instant noodles and drinks here. At the foot of the mountain are huge fallen pine trees, and you can vaguely see the great power of the avalanche. Tourists come out of Yubeng Village and cross the pass to arrive here. They usually take a break here, drink a bowl of Tibetan butter tea, replenish their strength, and then pass through the base camp to the ice lake.

Day 8 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Xiaonong Base camp, don’t forget pay a visit to Ninong Canyon.

Ninong Canyon

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-3 Hours

Location: Lower reaches of Yubeng River Valley, Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous PrefectureLower reaches of Yubeng River Valley, Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Located in the lower reaches of the Yubeng River Valley, from the place where Yubeng must pass from Ninong, the scenery along the way is magnificent. There is only one road more than one meter wide, which is cut between the mountainside, with steep mountains on one side and deep cliffs on the other. , There is a new canal that drains the mountain spring beside the road, making this road much safer than before, and the road condition is better.

Day 8 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Jixiashan Meili Sunyata Hotel in advance, because all the tourists head to Ninong Canyon love staying at it.

Jixiashan Meili Sunyata Hotel

Reviews from Real Guests:

iuuumilk: It’s so beautiful. Rizhao Jinshan, we stayed for one night and it was clear in the afternoon. The next day there was no sunshine. Jinshan is the kind of soul-shaking feeling that people are really small in front of nature. The hotel service is very delicious. Afternoon tea is sitting and watching. The viewing platform is very comfortable for an afternoon. Recommend to live here in Meili

Steven: Amazing service and view! The interior design is just fabulous! Perfect hotel get away, highly recommended.

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.