Meili Snow Mountain
Meili Snow Mountain
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Also known as the Prince Snow Mountain, it is famous for its main and yet unconquered peak, Kagebo Peak.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Michael W
Sydney, Australia61 contributions
Oct 2014 • Solo
The Kawakarpo Kora is one of the best treks in the world, but done by surprisingly few westerners. It is a traditional pilgrimage route for Tibetans, that involves a 150km trek around the sacred peaks of the Kawakarpo mountain range. The main peak of this range, also known as 'Kawegebo' or Meili Xueshan (beautiful snow mountain) is 6740 metres in height and is revered by Tibetan Buddhists. The trek usually takes about 8-10 days and involves crossing seven mountain passes including the main ones known as the 4080m Doker La (east to west) and the 4800m ShoLa (west to east). The track starts at a village called Yongzhi, just above the Mekong (Lancang Jiang) river, about 25km south west of Deqin. You can hire a minivan in Deqin or at the Fei Lai Si viewing point for the mountain, where most tourists stay. Cost will be about 300 yuan. The road goes down to the river and follows the right (east bank) through a small town called Yunling (云岭), and crosses the river at a place called Chalitong.
The kora take you over the Hengduan mountain range from the Mekong (Lancang Jiang) river in Yunnan to the Salween (Nu Jiang) river. Half of the circuit involves a crossing into Tibet, and this may be a reason why few westerners do the trek - it is difficult to obtain a Tibet entry permit for the trek. However, most of the trek is on un-policed mountain trails and it is possible to avoid the only security checkpoint on the road into Tibet at Chawalong.
The trek is not particularly difficult but it is quite strenuous and requires stamina and a reasonable level of physical fitness. The good news is that there is a well-trodden track and - unusually for China - a network of simple guesthouses and shops along the trail, so you don't need a tent or to take 10 days worth of food. However, this walk is not to be taken lightly - the weather conditions can turn treacherous, especially on the passes, and you must come prepared with warm and waterproof clothes and good boots. It is also a very remote trek - you can expect to be away from civilisation for days on end, with no mobile phone access and walking in remote valleys where the nearest basic medical facilities are two or three days walk away. There are no mountain rescue teams and no authorities available to help you out if things go wrong - you must be self sufficient and flexible. On a positive note it is a safe area and you will be trekking alongside Tibetan pilgrims who are invariably friendly and helpful.
It is possible to do the trek without a guide, but I would strongly advise against this. A local guide is essential for routefinding in some areas and also as a go-between in dealing with other Tibetans and helping arrange accomodation and transport. You can arrange guides in Yongzhi or even with the van drivers at Fei Lai Si, many of whom hail from Chalitong. Speaking some Chinese will obviously be helpful. Local Tibetans do not speak English, and many don't speak Mandarin to a high standard so you must be prepared to improvise use sign language. The best times to go are spring (May-June) and late autumn (September-November), when the weather is dry and settled. Avoid summer as this is the wet/monsoon season, while in Jan-April the high passes may be closed due to snow.
The highlights of the trek for me were crossing the Doker La on Day 2 and the territory north of Chawalong, along the Yuqu river in Tibet.
The kora take you over the Hengduan mountain range from the Mekong (Lancang Jiang) river in Yunnan to the Salween (Nu Jiang) river. Half of the circuit involves a crossing into Tibet, and this may be a reason why few westerners do the trek - it is difficult to obtain a Tibet entry permit for the trek. However, most of the trek is on un-policed mountain trails and it is possible to avoid the only security checkpoint on the road into Tibet at Chawalong.
The trek is not particularly difficult but it is quite strenuous and requires stamina and a reasonable level of physical fitness. The good news is that there is a well-trodden track and - unusually for China - a network of simple guesthouses and shops along the trail, so you don't need a tent or to take 10 days worth of food. However, this walk is not to be taken lightly - the weather conditions can turn treacherous, especially on the passes, and you must come prepared with warm and waterproof clothes and good boots. It is also a very remote trek - you can expect to be away from civilisation for days on end, with no mobile phone access and walking in remote valleys where the nearest basic medical facilities are two or three days walk away. There are no mountain rescue teams and no authorities available to help you out if things go wrong - you must be self sufficient and flexible. On a positive note it is a safe area and you will be trekking alongside Tibetan pilgrims who are invariably friendly and helpful.
It is possible to do the trek without a guide, but I would strongly advise against this. A local guide is essential for routefinding in some areas and also as a go-between in dealing with other Tibetans and helping arrange accomodation and transport. You can arrange guides in Yongzhi or even with the van drivers at Fei Lai Si, many of whom hail from Chalitong. Speaking some Chinese will obviously be helpful. Local Tibetans do not speak English, and many don't speak Mandarin to a high standard so you must be prepared to improvise use sign language. The best times to go are spring (May-June) and late autumn (September-November), when the weather is dry and settled. Avoid summer as this is the wet/monsoon season, while in Jan-April the high passes may be closed due to snow.
The highlights of the trek for me were crossing the Doker La on Day 2 and the territory north of Chawalong, along the Yuqu river in Tibet.
Written January 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrian B
Hong Kong19 contributions
Nov 2012 • Friends
The Kawa Karpo (or Meili as the Chinese tend to refer to it) is one of the Tibetan Buddhism's most holy mountains. Every year dozens of devout pilgrims circumambulate the mountain and joining them on an 12 day trek is one of the most culturally immersive and scenically spectacular experiences in China/Tibet.
Most of the reviews here confine themselves to a short trip to view the peak or the short and well trodden hike to Yubeng. If you have time (ie at least 2 weeks) and enjoy world class Himalayan trekking then I highly recommend the epic 'kora' trek. It can be arranged yourself on the spot but with a guide and mule but for most people joining a small group trip would probably be the better option. In 2014, the auspicious Tibetan year of the horse the adventure will be even more amazing and I plan to visit again next September/October.
I last trekked the route in 2012 and have attached several photos.
Most of the reviews here confine themselves to a short trip to view the peak or the short and well trodden hike to Yubeng. If you have time (ie at least 2 weeks) and enjoy world class Himalayan trekking then I highly recommend the epic 'kora' trek. It can be arranged yourself on the spot but with a guide and mule but for most people joining a small group trip would probably be the better option. In 2014, the auspicious Tibetan year of the horse the adventure will be even more amazing and I plan to visit again next September/October.
I last trekked the route in 2012 and have attached several photos.
Written October 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cdele
paris70 contributions
Sep 2013 • Solo
Awful experience and i don't recommand that trip : i left Shangri La in the morning for a 5 hours drive to se the Meili Snow Mountains. I never see such a misery all along the road : garbage left everywhere, land slides and rocks reducing the road width, dangerous drivers, a lot of heavy trucks, many trucks crushed by accidents along the road, not removed rubble after work just pushed on the side : a war landscape after bombing and battles, new cities with awful high buildings in the mountains and they are building a 7 kms tunnel to attract more people in these new cities built in the mountains etc... I are in China for 3 weeks now and it's the same result everywhere : quick growth without any respect of environment, very polluted cities, terrible trafic, many dirty places - a lot of public toilets but nobody in charge of cleaning so i let you imagine the result.
If if you are expecting bucolic landscapes with an untouched nature and typical tibetan traditional houses : this is not the place to go.
On top, i booked the best hotel at Meili Snow Mountain - supposed to have a view on mountains. So for 280 US $ or 207 Euros : i have a superior room with breakfast in a building at the back of the hotel with a "trees view" . So i just risk my life this morning, because another guy was in the middle of the narrow road in a curve to see trees from my room. If i want to see the landscape , i have to climb to the terrace of the main building. So this hotel is named the Songtsam Meili hotel : http://www.songtsam.com/en/lodges/songtsam-meili and the very expensive rate for China has no link with any services or any confortable room : it's just basic and their rate is abusive. So as you can understand it wasn't the perfect day but i traveled all over the world and there is more beautiful pristine mountains landscapes : Europe in the Alps, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Argentina, Peru, Chile ... and all these countries have more respect for Mother Nature. So you can forget and boycott that place without regrets
If if you are expecting bucolic landscapes with an untouched nature and typical tibetan traditional houses : this is not the place to go.
On top, i booked the best hotel at Meili Snow Mountain - supposed to have a view on mountains. So for 280 US $ or 207 Euros : i have a superior room with breakfast in a building at the back of the hotel with a "trees view" . So i just risk my life this morning, because another guy was in the middle of the narrow road in a curve to see trees from my room. If i want to see the landscape , i have to climb to the terrace of the main building. So this hotel is named the Songtsam Meili hotel : http://www.songtsam.com/en/lodges/songtsam-meili and the very expensive rate for China has no link with any services or any confortable room : it's just basic and their rate is abusive. So as you can understand it wasn't the perfect day but i traveled all over the world and there is more beautiful pristine mountains landscapes : Europe in the Alps, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Argentina, Peru, Chile ... and all these countries have more respect for Mother Nature. So you can forget and boycott that place without regrets
Written September 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
4DeltaMike
London, UK134 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
There is no doubt the Meili mountains has potential as a great hiking experience. But for various reasons it's not there yet. Particularly if you've hiked anywhere in the Alps, Dolomites, Yosemite, Acadia etc.
It's an interesting drive from Zhongdian (Shangri-la) with some good views and hair-raising roads with sheer drops. The Great Bend in the Yangtze River (Jinshu) was impressive. As ever though, the views in China are blighted by development, and there's a lot of that to be seen in the 5 hours it takes to get to Feilaisi.
We stayed in a newish hotel in Feilasi (Miamcimu) which was ok, and we had a mountain view from our room (a necessity. Saves you getting up & dressed to check out the sunrise, only to discover cloud obscures the peaks!).
We were driven to Xidang where we had our first hike, to Upper Yubeng. It's not a recommended hike - a lot of effort (5hr hike, 1000m climbed) for very little reward. The hike is in unremarkable pine forest, it's very busy, there are green rubbish bins every 50m and litter every 15 paces. Worse than that, the track stinks of horse dung and anyone with any sense will add to that by doing the journey by horse instead! It seriously is not an enjoyable hike.
In UY we stayed at the Guanjing guest house, which we wouldn't recommend. It's practically the first building on your left as you enter UY.
Our next hike was, in contrast, very lovely. We hiked up to Glacier Lake, through beautiful forest with birds chirping and every so often the sound of rushing water. Gets a bit busy at the top so go early and be the first to leave!
We walked back in to Lower Yubeng, to the Shenpu guest house (near the monastery). Can honestly say this is possibly the worst place I've ever stayed (and I've stayed in some rough places). A stinky squat toilet, a room that has possibly not had a decent clean in years, but worst of all, bed linen that had been used by previous occupants. We suspected it wasn't clean and gingerly went to bed in pyjamas. The next morning we observed 'housekeeping' attending to a vacated room. The woman dusted down the bottom sheet and replaced the duvet. Job done. We were due to stay a second night - we changed our plans, missed the hike to the Holy Waterfall and instead hiked the long hike back to Xidang via the valley
The first 12km or so is just stunning. Beautiful woodland by the fast flowing Yubeng river, woodpeckers & bird song etc. You then find yourself on a high ridge overlooking a sheer drop down into the valley - for about 5km it's a narrow mountain path with fabulous views but not for the faint-hearted. Especially when a cow blocks the track!
You then find yourself on a track running parallel with the Mekong - which is ok for a bit, but slowly the development takes over and it's no longer scenic. The hike should probably end there.
For us it didn't and our guide took us on what he thought was a new track. We ended up on a construction site for a new road into Xidang and for 8km or so it was dreadful - as lorries passed by, throwing up dust. No views, just an endless road-in-progress, in full sun. After a total of 27km (just over 6.5hrs hiking) we were finally back in Xidang. Perhaps had we not taken a wrong turn the rest of the path would have been nice, but probably not.
Sort out the accommodation and some more hiking tracks and this could be a stunning destination (provided it doesn't become littered). The only good reviews you will read on here is from travellers with limited mountain hiking experience. If you're from Europe, North America or Anzac, this is not (currently) worth your time and effort.
It's an interesting drive from Zhongdian (Shangri-la) with some good views and hair-raising roads with sheer drops. The Great Bend in the Yangtze River (Jinshu) was impressive. As ever though, the views in China are blighted by development, and there's a lot of that to be seen in the 5 hours it takes to get to Feilaisi.
We stayed in a newish hotel in Feilasi (Miamcimu) which was ok, and we had a mountain view from our room (a necessity. Saves you getting up & dressed to check out the sunrise, only to discover cloud obscures the peaks!).
We were driven to Xidang where we had our first hike, to Upper Yubeng. It's not a recommended hike - a lot of effort (5hr hike, 1000m climbed) for very little reward. The hike is in unremarkable pine forest, it's very busy, there are green rubbish bins every 50m and litter every 15 paces. Worse than that, the track stinks of horse dung and anyone with any sense will add to that by doing the journey by horse instead! It seriously is not an enjoyable hike.
In UY we stayed at the Guanjing guest house, which we wouldn't recommend. It's practically the first building on your left as you enter UY.
Our next hike was, in contrast, very lovely. We hiked up to Glacier Lake, through beautiful forest with birds chirping and every so often the sound of rushing water. Gets a bit busy at the top so go early and be the first to leave!
We walked back in to Lower Yubeng, to the Shenpu guest house (near the monastery). Can honestly say this is possibly the worst place I've ever stayed (and I've stayed in some rough places). A stinky squat toilet, a room that has possibly not had a decent clean in years, but worst of all, bed linen that had been used by previous occupants. We suspected it wasn't clean and gingerly went to bed in pyjamas. The next morning we observed 'housekeeping' attending to a vacated room. The woman dusted down the bottom sheet and replaced the duvet. Job done. We were due to stay a second night - we changed our plans, missed the hike to the Holy Waterfall and instead hiked the long hike back to Xidang via the valley
The first 12km or so is just stunning. Beautiful woodland by the fast flowing Yubeng river, woodpeckers & bird song etc. You then find yourself on a high ridge overlooking a sheer drop down into the valley - for about 5km it's a narrow mountain path with fabulous views but not for the faint-hearted. Especially when a cow blocks the track!
You then find yourself on a track running parallel with the Mekong - which is ok for a bit, but slowly the development takes over and it's no longer scenic. The hike should probably end there.
For us it didn't and our guide took us on what he thought was a new track. We ended up on a construction site for a new road into Xidang and for 8km or so it was dreadful - as lorries passed by, throwing up dust. No views, just an endless road-in-progress, in full sun. After a total of 27km (just over 6.5hrs hiking) we were finally back in Xidang. Perhaps had we not taken a wrong turn the rest of the path would have been nice, but probably not.
Sort out the accommodation and some more hiking tracks and this could be a stunning destination (provided it doesn't become littered). The only good reviews you will read on here is from travellers with limited mountain hiking experience. If you're from Europe, North America or Anzac, this is not (currently) worth your time and effort.
Written May 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerenandguy
26 contributions
May 2013
This place is great - dont miss it!!
Here some useful details:
To get there you need to take a bus from Shangri-la to Deqin (6 hours, 67 yuan pp).
From Deqin it's recomended to go to Felaisi (10 min bus, 5 yuan pp).
Spend the night in this lovely place.
In the morning take a 7 sits minivan to "hot spring" (2 hours, 20 yuan pp). On the way the driver will stop at the entrance to the reserve and you will have to buy tickets (235 yuan pp). When you get to hot spring you start climbing for about 4 hours and then decent for another 1.5 hours until you get to Yubeng. We stayed at a great place called "yak butter inn" (25 yuan pp). The owner is great and made us great dinner!!
Now you need to deside how long you want to stay in Yubeng because there about 3-5 options for day walks. We went to the waterfall. It' takes around 3-4 hours to get there and 2-3 hours to get back. In the last day (3rd) we stars walking to Ninong (around 5.5 hours). From there you can find minivan to 3 destination: Felaisi, deqin or shangri-la. We took a 7 sits minivan to shangri-la and paid 100 yuan pp (7 hours).
That's it...:)
Enjoy Yubeng!!! Great place...
Here some useful details:
To get there you need to take a bus from Shangri-la to Deqin (6 hours, 67 yuan pp).
From Deqin it's recomended to go to Felaisi (10 min bus, 5 yuan pp).
Spend the night in this lovely place.
In the morning take a 7 sits minivan to "hot spring" (2 hours, 20 yuan pp). On the way the driver will stop at the entrance to the reserve and you will have to buy tickets (235 yuan pp). When you get to hot spring you start climbing for about 4 hours and then decent for another 1.5 hours until you get to Yubeng. We stayed at a great place called "yak butter inn" (25 yuan pp). The owner is great and made us great dinner!!
Now you need to deside how long you want to stay in Yubeng because there about 3-5 options for day walks. We went to the waterfall. It' takes around 3-4 hours to get there and 2-3 hours to get back. In the last day (3rd) we stars walking to Ninong (around 5.5 hours). From there you can find minivan to 3 destination: Felaisi, deqin or shangri-la. We took a 7 sits minivan to shangri-la and paid 100 yuan pp (7 hours).
That's it...:)
Enjoy Yubeng!!! Great place...
Written May 17, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jose H
Bratislava, Slovakia40 contributions
Aug 2012 • Couples
I would be a badmouth, but initially probably nice place is turning to a place overcrowded by Chinese tourists. We were lucky with the weather, however the little rain in combination with the massive carrier horse service provided to the lazy and fat tourists plus the amount of trash they produce had made the walk from the Xidang to Yubeng a muddy tiring experience with no nice view. People in China really should at last start to think about green and sustainable challenges of their booming tourism!
I found the Yubeng village a very nice place in the magical plateau betwwn the mountains. But again, the overpressure of masses took its tax. Do not expect services to keep the pace of the tourist mass growth (the accomodation is simple, toilette in the Ice Lake guesthouse was the worst I ever experienced in China), also mind the limited provision of restaurant services. I heard from a girl to be cheated by local horseman, who came back and enforce her to pay. I also did not find the locals very friendly, as well, perhaps the money already spoiled once traditional community.
The way back we took much nicer path to Ninong (Nilong) village, that I recommend to give preference to... however be sure you secure the lift, because it is still an edge of the civilised world with no paved road :)... but not for long, maybe... I saw currently built new bridge, soon to be connected with the village, and new road from Deqin is to be finished very soon.
If you decide to go, come as soon as possible, because there is a chance, this nice mountainous place will be covered by garbage, and turned to a new Chinese Tibet park.
I found the Yubeng village a very nice place in the magical plateau betwwn the mountains. But again, the overpressure of masses took its tax. Do not expect services to keep the pace of the tourist mass growth (the accomodation is simple, toilette in the Ice Lake guesthouse was the worst I ever experienced in China), also mind the limited provision of restaurant services. I heard from a girl to be cheated by local horseman, who came back and enforce her to pay. I also did not find the locals very friendly, as well, perhaps the money already spoiled once traditional community.
The way back we took much nicer path to Ninong (Nilong) village, that I recommend to give preference to... however be sure you secure the lift, because it is still an edge of the civilised world with no paved road :)... but not for long, maybe... I saw currently built new bridge, soon to be connected with the village, and new road from Deqin is to be finished very soon.
If you decide to go, come as soon as possible, because there is a chance, this nice mountainous place will be covered by garbage, and turned to a new Chinese Tibet park.
Written August 15, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
XUEGANG Z
SHANGHAI305 contributions
Feb 2017 • Solo
The best view of these snow moutains is the golden sunrise, so it'd better to take a night at Fei Lai Temple village, bus from Lijiang city will stop here, and a lot of hotels are besides the road.In winter it has bigger chance than summer to meet sunny days, October to December is the best season, February to March it becomes very cold,but still acceptable( -10 centigrade).How about the view? I have attached several photos, you will see how amazing it is!
Written March 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jameshuang
Taipei, Taiwan2,002 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山, also known as Prince Snow Mountain) is located northwest of Shangri-La City, Yunnan, China. Meili Snow Mountain Fei Lai Temple Viewing Platform (梅里雪山飛來寺觀景台) is about 185 km from Shangri-La City via G214 national highway. It is the perfect location where you can enjoy the incredible sunrise of the Meili Snow Mountain. Meili Snow Mountain has 13 snow-clad ridges and peaks. Kawagarbo (卡瓦格博峰) is the highest mountain in Yunnan Province at 6,740 m (22,113 ft). The 6,054 m (19,862 ft) Mianzimu (緬茨姆峰) on the far left (south) and the 5,420.5 m (17,784 ft) Jiarien-an (加瓦仁安峰) in the middle are also easily identified from the viewing platform. Kawagarbo is one of the most sacred mountains for Tibetan Buddhists as the spiritual home of a warrior god of the same name. It is still a 'virgin peak' because no one has ever successfully reached the top. Meili Snow Mountain is a challenge for all mountain explorers from home and abroad. In 1991, 17 mountaineers from China and Japan lost their lives while trying to reach the peak of Kawagarbo; a tragedy which is amongst the worst ever in history of mountain climbing incidents in China. In 2001, local government passed laws banning all future climbing attempts on cultural and religious grounds.
Meili Snow Mountain was the highlight and farthest destination of our trip. We didn’t actually climb up or get close to the mountain. On the contrary, we went to Deqin close to Meili Snow Mountain Fei Lai Temple Viewing Platform. We stayed at the hotel just next to the viewing platform. It also provided a very convenient roof top viewing spot for us to enjoy the Meili Snow Mountain scenery without other tourists. We arrived just in time to see the sunset on the Meili Snow Mountain. Although it wasn’t as magnificent as the sunrise, we could feel the might of the mountains. The sun set behind the mountains. At night we went to the rooftop again to photograph the galaxy and stars. This was the first time I tried to shoot the galaxy, and the outcome was acceptable to me. The next day we woke up in the early morning and went to the rooftop again around 7 am. The sun went up behind us, and we saw the Meili Snow Mountain light up from dark. It started with gray and then white before the sunshine hit the tip of the mountains. The first golden light hit the top of Kawagarbo (卡瓦格博峰), which of course was the highest in the range. The 2nd one was the Mianzimu (?茨姆) on the far left which was the 4th highest peak in the range. The golden light show ended in about 10 minutes, and the mountains turned to white color of the snow. I continued taking photos of the surroundings including the Meili Snow Mountain Fei Lai Temple Viewing Platform from above.
The National Highway 214 is the main road from Shangri-La City to Deqin County. It is part of the famous Yunnan Tibet highway (滇藏公路). It is a two-way road with no center divide lines, no convex traffic mirrors on curves and no traffic barriers at most of the edges of the road. Trucks, buses and cars are the most seen vehicles on this road. Our driver honked the horn whenever the bus came close to a curve. It was amazing and scary when he passed the slow truck on the 2-way highway. The beautiful scenes are worth the worrisome ride. The weather can be very unstable in early spring and summer to early fall. From mid fall to winter (between November and March) the weather is usually dry with clear skies.
Meili Snow Mountain was the highlight and farthest destination of our trip. We didn’t actually climb up or get close to the mountain. On the contrary, we went to Deqin close to Meili Snow Mountain Fei Lai Temple Viewing Platform. We stayed at the hotel just next to the viewing platform. It also provided a very convenient roof top viewing spot for us to enjoy the Meili Snow Mountain scenery without other tourists. We arrived just in time to see the sunset on the Meili Snow Mountain. Although it wasn’t as magnificent as the sunrise, we could feel the might of the mountains. The sun set behind the mountains. At night we went to the rooftop again to photograph the galaxy and stars. This was the first time I tried to shoot the galaxy, and the outcome was acceptable to me. The next day we woke up in the early morning and went to the rooftop again around 7 am. The sun went up behind us, and we saw the Meili Snow Mountain light up from dark. It started with gray and then white before the sunshine hit the tip of the mountains. The first golden light hit the top of Kawagarbo (卡瓦格博峰), which of course was the highest in the range. The 2nd one was the Mianzimu (?茨姆) on the far left which was the 4th highest peak in the range. The golden light show ended in about 10 minutes, and the mountains turned to white color of the snow. I continued taking photos of the surroundings including the Meili Snow Mountain Fei Lai Temple Viewing Platform from above.
The National Highway 214 is the main road from Shangri-La City to Deqin County. It is part of the famous Yunnan Tibet highway (滇藏公路). It is a two-way road with no center divide lines, no convex traffic mirrors on curves and no traffic barriers at most of the edges of the road. Trucks, buses and cars are the most seen vehicles on this road. Our driver honked the horn whenever the bus came close to a curve. It was amazing and scary when he passed the slow truck on the 2-way highway. The beautiful scenes are worth the worrisome ride. The weather can be very unstable in early spring and summer to early fall. From mid fall to winter (between November and March) the weather is usually dry with clear skies.
Written December 31, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenniwong4
Singapore, Singapore96 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
Is worth the trip for us for this fine weather!
Is very convenient to travel from Shangrila bus station to Deqen. The journey is only 3-4 hours. I ask the driver if can extend to feilaisi, which is possible at Y5 only (return free if take the morning 8.30am bus only from feilaisi). The driver ask me to transfer to another bus, pay the Y5 directly and off I go. Quite a few people going the same way.
The place is a small area 1 road Street. Stay in Pin Song Chu hotel which is a small road up a row of identical hotels (developer) but different names. Pin Song Chu hotel is manage by Tibetan siblings I think. Very helpful family. Good stay. Food is also good.
We also have a nice soya drink (very naturally thicken) bought in the morning while waiting for the bus from the lady outside a restaurant. There are 2 ladies 2 stalk selling.
Is very convenient to travel from Shangrila bus station to Deqen. The journey is only 3-4 hours. I ask the driver if can extend to feilaisi, which is possible at Y5 only (return free if take the morning 8.30am bus only from feilaisi). The driver ask me to transfer to another bus, pay the Y5 directly and off I go. Quite a few people going the same way.
The place is a small area 1 road Street. Stay in Pin Song Chu hotel which is a small road up a row of identical hotels (developer) but different names. Pin Song Chu hotel is manage by Tibetan siblings I think. Very helpful family. Good stay. Food is also good.
We also have a nice soya drink (very naturally thicken) bought in the morning while waiting for the bus from the lady outside a restaurant. There are 2 ladies 2 stalk selling.
Written October 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HO Cheng Soon
Hong Kong, China267 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
Highland is always unpredictable...
Missed sunset behind the mountain as it was raining with fog.
Morning missed the golden sunrise shining on the Snow Mountain. Anyhow worth the 3+ hours drive from Shangri-La (Diqing County)
Missed sunset behind the mountain as it was raining with fog.
Morning missed the golden sunrise shining on the Snow Mountain. Anyhow worth the 3+ hours drive from Shangri-La (Diqing County)
Written July 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jihan Cantiq
Xianning, China
When i go there on summer next july can i build a tent on mountain?
Written March 1, 2019
Is there any hostel recommend for me?
I want a room with view of meili snow mountain.
Thank you!!
Written February 16, 2019
I stay in Pin Song Hotel which is at the ending of a row of hotels, can see the mountains, those hotels in the middle row would have better view but cannot remember the names. These hotels are on higher ground and overlooking the mountains. The hotels in front of the mountains are the more expensive ones.
Written February 16, 2019
Is there any hostel recommend for me?
I want a room with view of meili snow mountain.
Thank you!!
Written February 16, 2019
Sorry for the late reply, yes, and it’s many of hostels around feilaisi temple.
Written May 18, 2019
Hi
I am interested to go from Shangri-La to Deqin County, travelling as 7 ppl. Would you recommended bus or private hire? Also for bus do we need to book in advance? Are there stops along the way for food, toilet break etc?
Thanks, Gerald
Written December 2, 2018
We travel public bus. For 7 if you want to go Yubeng too, then a private bus and proper tour better. Have a private bus for few days save on travel waiting time and can have more to do. Car and guide hire is on per day basis.
Written December 3, 2018
Hi there,
I hope someone can help me please. Unfortunately I don't have much time to spend around Shangri-La, but I'd love to visit the Meili Snow Mountain. I'd be so happy to see the sunrise there..
In fact I have two nights in/around Shangri-La..
My options:
1: Day 1 I'll be coming from the Tiger Leaping Gorge. I'll take the bus to Shangri-La as early as possible. Does anybody know at what time buses leave to Shangri-La and how much time it tikes before arrival at Shangri-La? If possible, I'd love to take a bus to Deqen/Meili Snow Mountain at the same day, but I've difficulties finding if this is even possible..
2. If not I'll be staying the first night in Shangri-La, to travel to Meili Snow Mountain on day 2 and see the beautiful sunrise at day 3. But.. I'll be flying that afternoon at 15:50 from Deqen/Shangri-La airport.. Will I make this?
I hope that anyone can help me, thanks a lot in advance!
Cecilia
Written January 7, 2018
Does anyone know how to get around to the various locations such as treks to Yubeng village and Feilai temple? I am planning to spend a few days on this area doing landscape photography, so it's hiring a car is not ideal. Is there public transport between those various locations and the Deqin county centre?
Written December 25, 2017
你好：請問七月份到梅里雪山的話是不是溶雪了？還值得一去嗎？
Hello - Is the MeiLi Snow Mountain worth visiting in July ? Thanks!
Written June 29, 2015
Hi all - is it safe to trek Mingyong Glacier as a solo female traveller? From the pictures the area appears to be quite deserted. Thanks...
Written March 21, 2015
Himalaya Tibet ... E
Xining, China
hi, Clueless 999, it is totally safe to trek Mingling Glacier on yourself, you will be accompanied by many other tourists on the road, It's not deserted at all, there is forest... let me know if you need other info.
Written May 16, 2015
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