Meili Snow Mountain (also called Prince Snow Mountain) is situated at the western end of the White Horse Snow Mountain range. The local Tibetans regard it as a Holy Mountain. Each year in Autumn, the Tibetan people come from near and far, gathering here for Hajj the Prince Snow Mountain. Several attempts have been made to climb and conquer Meli Mountain since 1990, but all have failed.
In Tibetan legend, the main peak of Meili, Kawagebo, represents a handsome prince. Every year in Autumn, the Tibetans from Yunnan, Sichuan, Qinghai and Tibet, will embark upon a pilgrimage trekking around the holy mountain, to worship the prince, and to pray for good fortune.
To many Tibetans, this pilgrimage is the most important thing in their life because they believe that by trekking only once, they can achieve a lifetime's peace and tranquility, if they can make this same journey three times in their life, then they can go to paradise after life on earth. This pilgrimage has a history of more than 600 years. The scenery on the way is breathtakingly beautiful, the ecology system is well preserved, even the animals you may encounter are not afraid of humans because nobody has ever to hurt them, all the villagers are very friendly and incredibly hospitable. Join the Tibetans for the pilgrimage of a life-time!
(B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
DAY 1 Zhongdian(Shangri-la) - Deqin (BLD)
Altitude: 3400m, 227km, driving 6-7 hours
After breakfast, drive along Jinsha River to Deqin, a town located in the Hengduan Mountains in Yunnan province, 80% of its 55,000 inhabitants are Tibetan. On the way, you will visit East Bamboo Forest Temple, a breath-taking temple built on the side of the gorge around 15 km northwest along the main road to Deqin. The monastic village that surrounds it is serene also quite lovely. This village, Dhon-Drupling Gompa, was founded in 1667 by Kusho Dondrub and received its name from the Fifth Dalai Lama in 1670. It has many intricate paintings within it's village walls and houses several precious statues.
Continue the drive along the first bend of the Jinsha River. When getting closer to Deqin, numerous small shrines and prayer flags are scattered along the roadside, all with fine views of Meili Snow Mountain, a holy place of pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists, and the first of the eight great divine mountains in the Tibetan region. Its main peak is Kawagebo, 6,740 meters above sea level, the highest peak in Yunnan Province. If the weather is good, this evening we will sitting in front of a small Temple with stunning views of all of Meili's peaks whilst watching the sun set!
Overnight in Deqin hotel.
DAY 2 Deqin - a small village (BLD)
Altitude: 3400m, driving 3 hours, trekking 2 hours, 4km
If the weather permits, get up very early in the moring to see the breathtaking and panoramic view of the 13 peaks of Meili at sunrise. After breakfast, drive from Deqin town to our trekking starting point. Crossing the "Chaoyang Bridge" and after around 2 hours trekking, you will reach today's destination-No.1 village. Like a true pilgrim, you will be able to experience a simple ritual called "collect the key" which is a tradition for pilgrims to start their circular journey.
Home stay in No.1 village.
DAY 3 No.1 village - 1st Pass - No.1 Campsite (BLD)
Altitude: the highest point during the day is 3261m, trekking 7-8 hours, 8km
Setting off after breakfast you ascend to the first pass at 3261m meters elevation where you catch the first view of the prayer flags situated along the mountain pass on the Outer Kora route. You can observe the many pilgrims practising their simple but traditional rituals at the pass. Distant views from the pass are fantastic.
Camping.
DAY 4 No.1 Campsite – No.2 Campsite (BLD)
Altitude: 3340m, trekking 5-6 hours
Wind through the dense forest on the bumpy trail and meet the various pilgrims along the way, some take the same direction as us, some follow rather different paths. Tibetan Bonists tackle the Khawa Garbo circuit in an anti-clockwise direction in accordance with long-established tradition. Most human traces are left by pilgrims at the waterside, such as huge stones and other unusual artifacts. In early afternoon, after passing the beautiful Yongshitong pasture, in Tibetan tradition, this pasture represents "the stone step to the heaven", located at the foot of a Pass, and finally, you reach the No.2 Campsite.
Camping.
DAY 5 No.2 Campsite - No.2 Pass - No.3 Campsite (BLD)
Altitude: the highest point during the day is 4370m, trekking 7-8 hours,14km
Today we will go zig-zagging up to the 4370m meters summit of No.2 Pass which is about 1000meters higher in altitude. It is a tough day for us as well as for the porter, mules and horses. In the language of Kham Tibetan, No. 2 Pass is a mountain pass made of rocks. The final section of the pass is quite rocky. It is always windy at the pass. Millions of prayer flags flying at the pass provide an impressive sight: on one side the colored flags are praying for the living and on the other side, the white ones are praying for those sadly departed. Enjoy the breathtaking panorama before we continue our trek down the narrow and steep trail to the stream.
Camping.
DAY 6 No.3 Campsite - No.4 Campsite (BLD)
Altitude: the highest point is 3840m, trekking 7-8 hours, 21km
Today is an easy but quite long duration trekking day on a bumpy and rugged road. Walk along the trail with gradual downhill gradients. Then, continue our descent for about two hours until reaching the 2800m mountain ridge where Tibetan Buddhists believe the souls of the departed will pass here before flying to the shelter of the Gods. People leave all kinds of personal belongings and momentos of their lives (e.g. old clothes, pottery vessels, etc.) for use in the after-life. This mountain ridge provides a great view of the far side of Mt. Kawagebo. Continue down to the campsite tonight.
Home stay or Camping.
DAY 7 No.4 Campsite - No.3 Pass - No.5 Campsite(Abing) (BLD)
Altitude: the highest point during the day is 3740m, trekking 6-7 hours,16km
Trek uphill all the way to another mountain Pass at 3740m. The increase in elevation is over 1000 meters. Your efforts will be rewarded by amazing scenery along the way and the breathtaking views of the Meili Snow Mountains at a much higher elevation than yesterday. The way down is quite dangerous. Watch out for the slippery bends and loose rocks. Views towards the village of Abing are fantastic on a sunny day. We will reach the first signs of human habitation during the late afternoon after a full day of trekking.
Camping.
DAY 8 No.5 Campsite – No.6 Campsite(Longpo) (BLD)
Altitude: 2300m, driving 4-5hours, hiking 1-2 hours
Drive 4-5 hours from No.5 Campsite to Longpo and take a short stop at a hot spring by the riverside. Upon arrival at Longpo, take a short walk around Longpo village and visit the mysterious mountain cave.
Camping.
DAY 9 No.6 Campsite(Longpo) - No.4 Pass - No.2 village (BLD)
Altitude: the highest point during the day is 3360m, trekking 6-7 hours, 22km
Zig-zag up to No. 4 Pass at 3360 meters. After lunch, pass a few isolated villages and walk into a valley with a far-reaching view of bends in the river. Keep trekking on the rugged rises and falls of the trail before you reach today's destination, a quite small village.
Home stay or Camping.
DAY 10 No.2 Village - No.7 Campsite (BLD)
Altitude: the highest point during the day is 3360m, trekking 6-7hours, 14km
This is another day involving strenuous climbing. You will pass by some cabins partially-hidden in the forest, they are the spritual settlement for local people to collect tricholoma matsutake (explain what this means), Traverse to the other side of the mountain and enjoy more distant views before you reach the campsite tonight.
Camping.
DAY 11 No.7 Campsite - No.5 Pass - No.3 village (BLD)
Altitude: the highest point during the day is 4155m, trekking 7-8 hours,15km
Continue yesterday's ascent to 4155 meters elevation before walking back down. Amazing view from the summit. This trail extending down to the bottom in the valley is quite long and strenuous (elevation reduces by about 1500 meters) but enjoy the rewards of excellent views into deep valleys and the different colored vegetation within the forest. The body-pounding four-hours' descent ends up at the riverside near a bridge. Keep walking up for another 500 meters into the smallest village along the trip-only 4 families still live here (or probably less by the time you finish your trip)!"
Home stay or Camping.
DAY 12 One day rest in No.3 village (BLD)
A leisurely day in the tiny village.
Home stay or Camping.
DAY 13 No.3 village - No.8 Campsite (BLD)
Altitude: 4200m, trekking 5-6 hours
Today we keep climbing into the blue sky. Quite steep at first until we reach a small Alpine meadow. It is a little different from others as it rests on a mountain ridge. There is a general store selling some basic snacks and drinks during the pilgrimage season.
Camping.
DAY 14 No.8 Campsite - No.6 Pass - No.9 Campsite (BLD)
Altitude: the highest point during the day is 4815m, trekking 5.5-6.5 hours
Going up further, the trek arrives at the No.6 Pass which rises to more than 4800 meters above sea level. It is the highest position in this expedition but certainly not the hardest. The local outcrops of roack here are red in color. Once through the pass we descend to our campsite tonight.
Camping.
DAY 15 No.9 Campsite - Meilishi - Deqin (BL)
Altitude 4250m, trekking 6-7 hours, driving 2-3 hours
Enjoy truly Alpine views from meadow to scrubland and forest and then sub-tropical forest as you walk along the stream down to the Mekong river again--a trip from winter to summer and all within a few hours!!! You will walk back and forth over many small bridges which span lively mountain streams. Our trekking trip ends at Meilishi by the river bank of Mekong. Drive back to Deqin.
Hotel in Deqin.
DAY 16 Deqin - Zhongdian (BL, 227km, driving 6-7 hours)
Drive back to Shangri-la(6-7 hours), enjoy the view on the way.
End of tour.
Remarks before reservation
• The essential participant qualities that we are looking for: Walking 6-8 hours plus a day; crossing high altitude passes over difficult terrain in remote areas; excellent physical condition required with a positive attitude and a strong determination; previous hiking/camping experience preferred. Please keep in mind that this is a general guide only. A variety of factors, including weather, may add to the challenge.
• This is a tentative itinerary. For the enjoyment of your trip a "go with the flow" attitude is necessary. Many factors will influence your trip, such as weather conditions, health, route conditions, etc. The trekking distance each day and overnight stop or camping site during the trekking may differ. Our guide may change the hiking route slightly according to the trail condition, weather, and the fitness level of each group.
• The flight schedule are subjected to change every year. We reserve the right to alternate the visiting order according to the flight confirmed.
• Regardless of your previous high altitude experience, it is crucial that you are self-confident, superbly fit, committed, and determined at the outset of the expedition and possess the necessary stamina and experience to be a contributing player in both difficult ascents and descents.
• The clothing and equipment list will be available after your reservation has been confirmed.
Necessities
Enough films and batteries, Sun-cream with the protection index of 40-60, sunglasses with a sun protection factor of 15, the lip creams and balms with SPF rating, towel, toothpaste, electric torch, Snack foods.
Cloth that you bring must be warm enough and can be removed easy enough according to the weather, including Jacket, hat, Cotton underwear, Socks, Long-sleeve Shirts, T-shirts and Pants (Shorts are not appropriate at any time while hiking), comfortable shoes, rain gear (long rain coat is better).
Medicine
In addition to the normal medications for traveling, just like the Aspirin and medicine for diarrhea, siriasis，sunstroke and carsickness.
Currency to use
US$ is acceptable only in a very limited range, e.g. tips. However, for convenience, Chinese currency is the best choice. If you want to change US$ to Chinese currency in the tour, you can change it in the Hotel you stay or in the Bank of China. You could draw cash only from Bank of China in the big city, the ATM there doesn't always work properly and the bank is not easy to find. Please bring some cash at hand to use.
Food and drink
a) Eating is an important part of your China experience. Generally breakfasts are included in the itinerary and offered by hotels. China Highlights recommends local Chinese restaurants that are popular with local people for lunch. You can order dishes with the help of your guide. We usually leave dinner for your own choice — Western food can be found in most large cities.
b) We have tried to arrange various food in different cities. But you may still think the food is simple and not as delicious as in the big cities especially while trekking in the mountains and villages. If you have any priority of the food (eg. If you are vegetarian or you are allergic to MSG, peanut oil, fish and peanut, etc) please inform us early, we will try to alternate the food accordingly. At the same time please prepare some of your favorite snacks and substitution food in case of need.
c) Meals in the home stays will be different from the cities but clean, which leave you a good chance to experience the ethnic minority culture. We will pack a breakfast for you of cold cereal, milk, toast, fruit, and jam for the home stay.
d) It is very important to drink a lot of water and eat enough fruit in your tour especially while trekking in the mountains and villages. You are advised not to drink tap water.
Accommodation
Hotels in China are bound by Government laws which mean that air conditioning is switched on nationally in May and the central heating in November (this may vary slightly depending on the region).
In some remote areas, sometimes shower maybe not available in the home stay. A married couple is not allowed to share a room in the Miao's home-stay due to the local customs.
Tipping
It is customary to tip service providers in the travel industry in Asia, depending on the service. Tipping is expected — though not compulsory — and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Recommendations for tipping drivers (3 USD per person per day as a guideline) and local guides (8 USD per person per day as a guideline) would depend on the quality and length of the service.
Vehicles
We use comfortable sedans or vans with air-conditioning. The comfort and safety of our customers is of utmost importance, so we ensure that all of the vehicles we use are well maintained and always very clean. Our drivers take pride in their vehicles.
Tourist insurance
It is a must before going, please provide us the confirmation of insurance company when sign up.
Customs
In some provinces with many minorities (like Guizhou, Guangxi, Tibet, Xinjiang and etc.), the customs and habits of local people are different from place to place. The local guide will inform you what should care. Respect the local customs and religions. The people are very kind and hospitable. You can feel free to talk with them. But there are some rulers you should go by!
a. Do not photo them without getting the permit, please show the respect to them!
b. Don't talk the sensitive topics like the political and the religion matters!
Conditions
When you sign up for the trekking tour, you acknowledge that there are risks involved in trekking in high altitude and confirm that you are fully aware of and accept these risks. It is customer's responsibility to determine whether the tour he/she choose is suited to his/her physical condition. Customers are responsible for the cost of any medicines or medical care they may require during the trip for any reason. Please make sure you have adequate personal medical insurance to meet any medical emergency which might arise. In some cases, if you need medical care during the tour, you may be required to pay for it at the time it is rendered and seek reimbursement from your insurer after you return home. Please check with your medical insurer for details. In the event of a medical emergency, we will make every effort to assist you in obtaining necessary care. Also, please tell us in writing if you suffer from any allergies or other physical conditions which might affect you during the tour (if you hasn't tell us in writing before going, you are supposed to be healthy enough to take the tour). Finally, please check with your doctor to find out what inoculation may be recommended for the areas you will be visiting. It is your responsibility to obtain all necessary inoculations. We reserve the right to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, or to decline to retain any person, if such person's physical condition, mental well-being or behavior interferes with the operation of the tour. There will be no refund in such cases.
Always take good care of your belongings.
