Travel Guides & Tips in this video
James and Keli hike Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan, between the Yulong and Haba mountains. They begin from the Tea Horse Inn, where heated blankets make their stay comfortable, and set out on a route that changes from flat walking to a more difficult climb. At the halfway point, they pause to rest, take in the gorge and use a bathroom with a view. The later stretch brings steep paths and strong winds, as well as a walk through a waterfall. Despite describing it as their scariest hike, they continue to the end and discuss traveling onward to Shangri-La. Their experience pairs practical preparation, such as breakfast and a hat, with the scenery and changing difficulty of the trail.
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Starting the Tiger Leaping Gorge hike
James and Keli set out from the Tea Horse Inn for a hike through Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan, between the Yulong and Haba mountains. The inn provides heated blankets, which they appreciate before the walk. They describe the early section as relatively flat, then the route becomes more challenging as they climb. The couple recommend having a filling breakfast before setting out; one option they mention is rice porridge with spices, corn and egg.
The halfway point is a place to stop, rest and look at the gorge. The couple are impressed by the views, and even the bathroom has a view over the landscape. They suggest allowing about two and a half hours to reach this point, depending on walking pace. They also advise bringing a hat in winter because the sun can be strong and sunburn is possible.
Steeper paths, wind and the waterfall
After the halfway stop, the hike becomes more difficult. James and Keli encounter steep paths and strong winds, and describe the route as the scariest hike they have done. One section takes them through a waterfall. They take time to appreciate the scenery and sounds of nature instead of rushing, then continue despite the challenge.
The couple reach the end of the hike and reflect on the experience before planning their onward journey to Shangri-La. Travel to and from the gorge can take several hours from nearby towns such as Shangri-La, so visitors should account for the road journey as well as the trail. Their account combines changing trail conditions, rest and views with an honest description of the parts that made them nervous.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: Where does the Tiger Leaping Gorge hike begin, and what is the trail like?
- A: James and Keli start from the Tea Horse Inn. They describe an easier, flatter beginning that changes into a more difficult climb, with steep paths and strong winds later in the hike.
- Q: What is at the halfway point of the hike?
- A: The halfway point gives the couple a place to rest and enjoy the gorge views. They also mention a bathroom there with a view over the landscape.
- Q: How long does it take to reach the halfway point?
- A: The travel tip estimates about two and a half hours, depending on your pace. James and Keli recommend taking a break at the halfway point before continuing.
