Trekking the High Road: The Wild Grandeur of Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-La Section)

The World-Class Hiking Trail

1.While the Lijiang side of Tiger Leaping: Gorge offers accessible viewing platforms, the Shangri-La Section (located on the Haba Snow Mountain side) is legendary for something entirely different: the "High Road." This trekking route is widely acclaimed by outdoor enthusiasts and western explorers as one of the "world's best hiking trails". Stretching from Qiaotou (Hutiaoxia Town) to Walnut Garden (HeTaoyuan), the trail winds along the precipitous cliffs of Haba Snow Mountain, offering hikers an eye-level view of the 13 peaks of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain across the river. Unlike the tourist-heavy boardwalks, this path retains a wild, rugged atmosphere where you can truly feel the scale of one of the world's deepest gorges, with a vertical drop of approximately 3,900 meters from mountain peak to river surface.

Conquering the 28 Bends

2.The journey through the: Shangri-La section is a test of endurance and a feast for the eyes. The most famous challenge on this route is the 28 Bends (28 Dao Guai). This steep, winding ascent pushes trekkers to high elevations, rewarding them with panoramic views of the Jinsha River roaring thousands of meters below. Upon reaching the top, the sense of achievement is matched only by the breathtaking scenery. Along the way, hikers often stop at iconic resting points like the Tea Horse Guesthouse, where the "Highland Aesthetics" of snowy peaks and deep canyons create a backdrop that makes every step worth the effort.

The Thrill of Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge

3.Beyond the High Road lies the dramatic Middle: Tiger Leaping Gorge. This section is narrower and more perilous than the upper section, with the river squeezed to a width of only about 30 meters. Here, adventurous travelers can descend from the high trail down to the riverbank via steep paths, some involving the famous "Sky Ladder" (Tianti), a near-vertical climb that adds an adrenaline rush to the experience. At the bottom, you can stand on the rocks right next to the churning water, witnessing the raw power of the Jinsha River as it crashes against the legendary Tiger Leaping Stone.

A Cultural Corridor of the Tea Horse Road

The Shangri-La section is not just a geological wonder; it is a living museum of the ancient Tea Horse Road. Historically, this rugged path was a vital commercial artery connecting Yunnan with Tibet. Today, the trail connects various villages such as Nuoyu, Yacha, and Walnut Garden, where Naxi and Tibetan cultures coexist. The local architecture, often consisting of stone and wood, blends harmoniously with the harsh yet beautiful environment. Walking this path allows visitors to tread in the footsteps of the ancient caravans (Ma Bang) who once transported tea and salt through this formidable terrain.