Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail
Also known as: Hutiao Xia
Tiger Leaping Gorge - one of the world’s deepest gorges, with the Jinsha River far below and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain above
The route
The line through Yunnan, China - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Waypoints
- 1Qiaotou (Upper Bridge)Trailhead
Start
- 228 Bends topPass
The big climb
- 3Tea Horse / Halfway GuesthouseHut
Night 1 balconies
- 4Tina’s (Lower exit)Trailhead
Finish; Tiger Leaping Stone
Season & conditions
Year-round (best Sep-Nov, Mar-May; wet Jun-Aug)
Heat, afternoon storms in summer; the 28 Bends are exposed
Best in the dry shoulder seasons; landslides/rockfall risk in the rainy season. Confirm.
On the trail
A high gorge trail past guesthouses, with the famous "28 Bends" climb
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season
Two-day with a guesthouse night; the Tiger Leaping Stone descent
Getting there & staying
Qiaotou (Upper Bridge), from Lijiang
Point-to-point may need transport between ends - confirm
Guesthouses (Naxi Family, Tea Horse, Halfway) along the trail
Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote
Services in Lijiang / Qiaotou; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
A gorge entry ticket; guesthouses line the High Trail. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
The 28 Bends climb, rockfall in the wet, exposed sections
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.