Spring Hiking Plan: Meili Snow Mountain

Trust me, if you're hiking in Yunnan, Meili Snow Mountain is a must! The stunning sunrise over the golden mountain is worth the trip alone! 📍Hiking Route: Day 1 Lijiang - Feilai Temple Day 2 Feilai Temple - Yagong Village - Bamboo Forest Camp Day 3 Bamboo Forest Camp - Pojun Camp Day 4 Pojun Camp - Ciding Pass - Pojiang Camp Day 5 Pojiang Camp - Yagong Village, Shangri-La Day 6 Shangri-La - Lijiang 🌟Trip Highlights: ✅Meili Snow Mountain hiking includes the north, south, east, southeast slopes, and the new outer circuit. Each route typically takes 3-5 days and requires a high level of physical fitness. Solo hiking is not recommended. ✅The north slope route is about 44 km long and can be completed in 5 days and 4 nights if time allows. The trail is well-marked, making it difficult to get lost. The hike is not overly challenging, with the most difficult section being the Yunnan-Tibet Pass. ✅The north slope is the quintessential Meili Snow Mountain hiking route, passing through diverse landscapes of snow-capped mountains, canyons, and grasslands. Deep within the north slope lies Pojun Camp, situated at an average altitude of 6,000 meters. ✅Some of the most noteworthy spots on the north slope include the Glacier Blue Cave (accessible by hiking up the glacier from Pojun Camp), Ciding Pass, and the two lakes at the Yunnan-Tibet Pass. ✅The best place to photograph the sunrise over the golden mountain is Feilai Temple. It's recommended to arrive before 6:30 am. A hidden spot with an isolated tree, accessible via a small path beside the viewing platform, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sunrise. 🌈Hiking Tips: ✅Essential hiking gear: 60L hiking backpack, waterproof hiking boots, jacket, quick-drying clothing, sun hat, power bank, thermos, camping gear, etc. ✅The best time to hike Meili Snow Mountain is from June to October. June is the season for alpine rhododendrons, July and August offer plateau wildflowers, September and October showcase autumn scenery, and after November, snow begins to fall, making hiking less suitable. ✅Most of Meili Snow Mountain is a high-altitude area, with an average elevation of 4,000+ meters and peaks reaching up to 5,200 meters. There is generally no cell phone signal, so hiking with companions is advised. ✅If you're concerned about altitude sickness, it's recommended to take Rhodiola two days in advance and bring a portable oxygen tank. Avoid running or jumping during the hike; a gradual, steady pace is best. ✅You'll encounter horse guides on the Meili Snow Mountain trails. Due to the narrow paths, they are not permitted to carry passengers uphill. The hike takes about 2-3 days, so those with lower fitness levels should be prepared for a long trek.