https://kw.trip.com/moments/detail/deqin-2178-133132651
RONNIE WELCHUnited States

Explore the secret realm of Yunnan-Tibet! A 3-day laid-back trip to Deqin!

If you're tired of crowded trendy spots, you must come to Deqin! Here lies a "hidden mystical town" blessed by Meili Snow Mountain—look up to see the breathtaking sunlit golden peaks, look down to the profound Lancang River Gorge, and around the corner, you might encounter a Tibetan grandma devoutly spinning a prayer wheel. No noisy tour groups, only a niche secret spot at the foot of the snow mountain, every snap looks like a National Geographic masterpiece! 🛬【Itinerary】: DAY 1: The Light Chaser’s First Encounter|A romantic blast of snow mountains and starry skies 🕗 Morning: Head straight to the 【Wunongding Viewing Platform】 to enjoy the panoramic view of Meili Snow Mountain! 🕓 Afternoon: 【Feilai Temple】with its red walls and golden roofs framed by snow mountains, perfect for capturing the “Little Tibet” vibe in seconds! DAY 2: Healing in Yubeng|A hidden village even hiking newbies can conquer 🌞 Morning: Challenge—Yubeng Village! Along the way, snow mountains, forests, and prayer flags weave a picturesque scene. Beginners are recommended to take the 【Shenpu Trail】, a 5-hour round trip. 🌿 Afternoon: A lazy person’s paradise! Sit on the meadow at the village entrance, daydream while Tibetan fragrant pigs roam freely, horses jingle as they carry goods, and time seems to slow down to half speed. DAY 3: Deep Cultural Dive|Temples, gorges, and handmade memories 🙏 Morning: Visit 【Dongzhulin Monastery】, here there are no crowds like at Songzanlin Monastery, only the low chanting of monks and the splendor of thousand-year-old thangkas. ⛰️ Afternoon: Trek through 【Ninong Gorge】, a 2-hour hike to witness the magnificent roar of the Lancang River between cliffs! ⛺【Must-Hike Spots】: ️⃣ Shenpu Waterfall (Altitude 3657m) Recommended because: A sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism, a must-visit on the mountain pilgrimage! The waterfall water is considered “holy water,” often with rainbows under the sunlight. Hiking time: About 3-4 hours round trip from Upper Yubeng. ️⃣ Ice Lake (Altitude 3900m) Recommended because: A jade-green lake formed by Meili Snow Mountain glacier meltwater, like an emerald embedded among the snow mountains. Hiking time: About 6-8 hours round trip from Lower Yubeng (more challenging). ️⃣ Ninong Gorge Recommended because: A classic route out of the village, hiking along cliff gorges, both stunning and thrilling! 🍩【Must-Try Foods】: Yak hotpot, Nixi chicken, pea shoots, Tibetan fragrant pork, butter tea, barley cakes, matsutake chicken 🏨【Accommodation Tips】: Feilai Temple: Developed earlier, more hotels and inns to choose from, with relatively better facilities Wunongding: Better viewing lines, but fewer food and lodging options Deqin County: About 20 minutes by car from Feilai Temple, with relatively cheaper food and lodging 🚌【Transportation Tips】: Arrive at Lijiang/Shangri-La, Lijiang 🚄 Shangri-La (2H), Shangri-La 🚌 Deqin Feilai Temple (4.5H) Consider a 【customized tour】 with car and hotel included for a happier and more relaxed trip 😘 🧡【Tips】: 1. Altitude sickness: Yubeng Village is at a high altitude; it’s recommended to acclimate in advance and bring altitude sickness medicine. 2. Hiking gear: Comfortable hiking shoes, windproof jacket, sunscreen, hat, trekking poles, etc. are essential. 3. Eco-friendly travel: The ecosystem is fragile; please do not litter and protect this pure land. 4. Cash: Poor signal, bring plenty of cash! #Trip.comCustomTravel #Trip.comCustomPlanner #CustomSummerEscapeTrip
View original text
*This content is provided by our partner and translated by AI
Posted: Jun 19, 2025
Submit
0
Mentioned in this post
Attraction

Feilai Monastery

4.7/5249 reviews | Historic buildings
Deqin
Details
Show more
Related Trip Moments
Potatso National Park

Shangri-La Tibetan Cultural Tour: Discovering the Lost World

AkseliKoskinen
Yubeng Scenic Area

The Meaning of the Yubeng Trek

KADEN RODGERS
Meili Snow Mountain National Park

Travel Guide to Meili Snow Mountain in Diqing, Yunnan

Trex club
Baima Sonw Mountain

JISUNSHAN Lodge|The Once-in-a-Lifetime Golden Sunrise Over Meili Snow Mountain

Happy_dog
Baima Sonw Mountain

**Updated Meili Snow Mountain Sunrise Prediction on July 14 | Latest Road Conditions**

madeline4e_bgafo
Feilai Monastery

"Heaven on the left, Yubeng on the right" – The ultimate dream for hikers, a hidden village beneath Meili Snow Mountain

Bell~Samuel
Yubeng Scenic Area

A visual guide to exploring Yubeng in one glance.

onlookerinstant76
Yubeng Shenpu Inn

Hiking Without Going to Yubeng? You're Really Missing Out! Beginner-Friendly and Advanced Challenge Routes Recommended

CALVIN HARRISON
Wunongding Viewing Platform

Yunnan's God-tier Photo Spots! The Golden Sunrise on Snow Mountains Shot with Nikon Z30 is Absolutely Stunning

Cook_Liam_83
Deqin Snowy Land Shenchuan-Meili Eye View Hotel

Yunnan Meili Snow Mountain Guide | Pilgrimage to Kawagarbo, Witness the Most Dazzling Golden Sunrise!

Price_Cherry_47
Napa Sea(Yila Prairie)

Lijiang + Shangri-La | A Natural Journey to Northwest Yunnan with Your Kids

EG. Sol 30
Feilai Monastery

Yubeng Hiking Guide: Immersed in Primeval Forests and Sacred Ice Lakes

Simmons_59*Ethan