Explore Meili Snow Mountains and the Tibetan Culture along scenic Road 214

Hi adventure lovers!! Here’s a detailed 7-day trip itinerary in North Yunnan starting in Shangri-La and taking us along the famous Road 214, through the Balagezong Gorge, Deqin, the Three Parallel Rivers Gorge, and culminating at the spectacular Meili Snow Mountains. It offers a perfect balance of scenic views, cultural exploration, and outdoor adventure.

Located at the northernmost edge of Yunnan, bordering Tibet and Myanmar, we set out to retrace the famous Road 214, a historically significant trading route between China and Tibet.

As we neared Kawagebo Peak, the ultimate highlight of our adventure, we journeyed through remote mountain villages, hiked to glacier-fed lakes, uncovering pristine landscapes and immersing ourselves in the vibrant Tibetan heritage. We’re excited to share this journey with you, day by day!

Day 1: Discover the Tibetan town of Shangri-La

As you arrive in Shangri la, start your day touring in the scenic Tibetan town of Shangri-La (known as Zhongdian), situated at 3,200 meters above sea level.

Morning visit to the Songzalin Monastery

This large Tibetan Buddhist monastery is one of the most significant in the region. Wander through its impressive buildings, soak in the spiritual atmosphere, and listen to the chants of the monks. You’ll also notice a distinct scent in the Tibetan monasteries, the unique fragrance of candles made from yak butter..... adding - somehow - to the spiritual atmosphere of these sacred places.

Afternoon stroll in the ancient Tibetan town

After visiting the monastery, spend some time exploring the Shangri-La Old Town (also known as Dukezong Old Town). The narrow streets, traditional Tibetan architecture, and local markets offer a perfect mix of culture and charm. There are lots of local shops to buy Tibetan handicrafts, thangkas (Tibetan paintings), and yak wool products.

Visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery: If time permits, check out this lesser-known but beautiful Sumtseling Tibetan monastery located just outside the old town.

Dinner at Flying Tiger Café: If you travel to Shangri la, you have to stop by the popular Flying Tiger Café, a cozy spot where you can enjoy international food and drinks, as well as meet fellow travelers.

Regarding accomodations, there are just so many options in town. We have listed a few in the useful links below.

Day 2: Explore the Balagezong Gorge

The next morning, as we set off for Benzilan (about 2-3 hours, 100 km), we headed to the Balagezong Gorge - the highlight of our day - ,where an exciting outdoor adventure awaited. Let's tell you more!

Morning visit to the Ringha Dabao Monastery

On the way to the gorge, make a stop at this beautiful Tibetan monastery built on a rugged green hillside at an altitude of 3,300m and soak in the spiritual atmospehre.

Explore the Balagezong Gorge

It's really a must-do and approximately an 1 hour 45min drive from Shangri la. The gorge is famous for its steep cliffs, lush forests, and crystal-clear rivers. Once you've arrived you can either visit the lower gorge and walk on the foot bridge along the river where you can admire the canyon.

Lower Gorge

Upper Gorge

Or, Alternatively, you can drive directly to the upper section of the gorge to experience the breathtaking views from the Glass Platform, which juts out over the gorge, offering a thrilling perspective of the landscape.

And hey, if you are an adrenaline addict, take a ride on a zipline that takes you flying over the canyon! Definitely an experience you will not forget!

Tips: keep in mind that only adults from 40kg to 85kg are allowed on the ride

For this 1/2 day trip, plan to bring some light snacks as there are very limited dining options in the area.

Late afternoon arrival in Benzilan

Time to head to Benzilan for a well derserved dinner!

The town has long been a vital trading hub on the route to Tibet, located at the intersection of Sichuan and Yunnan playing a key role along the ancient Tea Horse Road trade route.

Benzilan is a peaceful stopover for travelers, resting at a lower altitude of approximately 1,900 meters before ascending to higher elevations.

We stayed at the Benzilan Lux Hotel, a comfortable and stylish hotel offering a great place to rest.

Day 3: Hit scenic Road 214 from Benzilan to Deqen

Driving up road 214 on the way to Tibet is an adventure in itself.

It is one of the most spectacular highways in China, offering picturesque views on towering mountains peaks, deep valleys, Tibetan villages, and ancient monasteries.

It runs through the heart of Yunnan Province, connecting several key regions, including Shangri-La, Deqin, and beyond, and is often considered a highlight of any road trip in the region.

Get on a scenic morning drive

After a short stroll in Benzilan, begin your drive along the old Road 214 connecting Shangri-La to Deqin.

The road is absolutely breathtaking winding up 4,000m of altitude!

That's if you decide to drive the old road!

Alternatively there is a short cut through the mountain tunnel but you would be missing lots of the beautiful views over the mountain chain.

Taking the tunnel is a good option for the way back to Shangri la!

Stop at the scenic Jinsha River Bend: Stop at the watchpost where the Jinsha River makes a sharp turn carving its way through towering mountain ranges.

It is actually the upper course of the Yangtze river. The views are truly stunning, with steep cliffs and lush greenery surrounding the river.

Make a brief detour at the remarkable Dongzhulin temple. (If time allows)

Dongzhulin temple, established over 400 years ago, is one of the principal monasteries of the Gelug sect, renowned for its focus on monastic discipline, study, and practice.

Perched at 3,800 meters above sea level, the road leading there is winding, but the journey is well worth the detour.

Reach the highest mountain pass in Yunnan at +4,000-meter Pass:

As you continue driving, you’ll begin to gain altitude. The road climbs to Baima Snow Mountain Pass at 4,290 meters! It is the highest section of the road 214 in Yunnan.

From there you will admire 20 peaks of more than 5.000 meters above sea level, among which the highest is Baima Snow Mountain towering at 5,430 meters.

The pass historically served as a strategic trading route along the Tea Horse Road, which connected Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet.

At this altitude, you’ll likely start to feel breathless, but the road soon descends back to 3,000 meters.

Late afternoon arrival to Deqin

As you arrive in Deqin, you'll be rewarded with some of the most magnificent views in Yunnan with the Meili Snow Mountain and the Kawagarbo Peak standing before you!

Deqin is a small town at 3,600m above sea level but an important hub in North Yunnan connecting the southwestern regions of China to Tibet. The best highlight is to enjoy the view, so better check in the hotel, enjoy a late lunch and relax!

There are few hotel options but we chose to stay at the Sunyata Hotel as it has a great lookout plateform on the mountains.

It's a small boutique hotel located on top of the hill, known among travelers for its comfort and for offering the most stunning views of the Meili Snow Mountain Range. The hotel provides free light snacks and drinks around 4:00pm!

Altitude Adjustment: Before you book you rooms, make sure to ask for the ones equipped with oxygen outlets in case altitude adjustment gets challenging.

Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Again our kids did great (no headace nor altitude sickness).

But, stay vigilant to any signs or symptoms.

Few tips below in the useful links section to help adjust with altitude.

Day 4: Explore the Meili Snow Mountains and Yubeng Village

It's time to get closer to the mountains and immerse deeper into the Tibetan culture. Reaching the remote village of Yubeng, nestled at the foothills of the magnificent Meili Snow Mountain range, is quite an adventure in itself. The village is a popular destination for trekkers, nature enthusiasts but with limited motorized access. Make sure to start your day early as it will take you 1/2 day to reach the village together driving & hiking!

The Meili Snow Mountains: The Ultimate highlight of This Road Trip

The Meili Snow Mountains are among the most sacred peaks in Tibetan Buddhism. Of its 13 towering summits, Kawagebo is the highest, reaching about 6,740 meters.

Located on the border between Yunnan Province and Tibet, the mountains lie at the convergence of three famous rivers—the Jinsha River, Nu River, and Lancang River—which are also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Meili Snow Mountain is the tallest mountain range in Yunnan, and Kawagebo remains a virgin peak, as no one has ever reached its summit.

Hiking to Yubeng Village at the base of the mountain range

On the way to Xidang, make a quick stop at Feilai Si - a popular view point - to admire the views of the Meili Snow Mountain Range.

Getting to Yubeng Village (click here )

• Drive to Xidang: After breakfast, take a 1.5-hour drive from Deqin to Xidang (about 40 km). This village is the starting point for a trek to the remote village of Yubeng. There are 12 km between Xidang to Yubeng (6-7 hours trek). You can start the 6 hours trek to the village of Yubeng. Its a dusty road and it's preferable to start the hike from the Nanzong Mountain Pass going down to the village.

• Take an SUV to the Nanzong Pass: From Xidang, you will have to leave your current tour driver and get on an SUV. Those SUV drivers are actually waiting for hikers at the beginning of the dust road. They will take you to Nanzong Mountain Pass (approximately 20 minutes) to start the hike.

• Hike to Upper or Lower Yubeng village

  Once you reach the pass, breathtaking views unfold, and it's a 2-hours hike down the trail to the village

Unwind in the village of Yubeng

Located at 2,700m above sea level, Yubeng Village is a genuine Tibetan mountain village, sitting at the base of the Meili Snow Mountains.

Its isolation, stunning landscapes, and spiritual significance make it one of the most unique and memorable places we have visited in northwestern Yunnan.

We felt truly fortunate to be there, experiencing such a special place.

Walk around the Village: The Village is divided in two sections lower & upper Yubeng as a river goes through. Local homes are often built in the traditional Tibetan style, and the villagers rely on agriculture and livestock, including yaks and goats, for their livelihood. Its also time to grab someting for lunch and restore. Local little farm houses have turned into tibetan eateries. It's a very simple setting but the meals are delicious and kids will love it too!

Afternoon hike to the Sacred Waterfall: After lunch, our curiosity led us on the next trail to the Sacred Waterfall, a site of great religious significance for the local Tibetan community. The waterfall is beautiful and surrounded by lush greenery and striking mountain views.

You'll need to plan 2,5 hours for the round trip. Poneys are available for the kids if they feel tired.

Spend the evening in a Tibetan Guesthouse: In the evening, check into a local Tibetan guesthouse.

The hospitality here is warm and welcoming, offering a truly authentic cultural & dining experience.

Day 5: Hike to the Glacier Lake

Morning hike to Glacier Lake.

After breakfast, begin a challenging hike up to Glacier Lake (around 4-5 hours). The hike takes you through steep slopes, alpine forests, and rocky terrain.

The elevation gain is approximately 1,000m of altitude with the lake located at 3,700m above sea level. The views along the way are spectacular, and you’ll pass through diverse landscapes as you ascend.

Once you reach Glacier Lake, enjoy its stunning beauty, with clear waters and snow-capped mountains surrounding it. A truly rewarding experience!

After spending some time at the lake, return to Yubeng for a late lunch.

Hiring Ponies: If traveling with kids or preferring a more comfortable pace, you can hire ponies to help with the hike. It is always very impressive to observe how they navigate through this rocky mountainous terrain!

By the end of the day, you can spend another night in Yubeng and return to Xidang the following day. There is an option to get on the SUV from Upper Yubeng Village. The local guide will be able to contact an SUV driver and plan the return trip to Xidang.

Day 6: Visit the Mingyong Glacier and Local Wineries

On the 6th day of our trip, we had another exciting visit planned to the Mingyong Glacier, situated at an altitude of 2,700 meters.

Morning hike to the Mingyong Glacier

From Xidang it's only a 30 minutes drive to the Glacier. and then there is a 40 minutes walk on the footpath to reach the best view point of the Mingyong Glacier.

The glacier is one of the largest in the region, and the hike up the wooden path provides excellent views of the ice formations and surrounding peaks.

It is one of the few glaciers in China that descends to relatively low elevations, making it more accessible than many other glaciers in the region with its moraine extending down to approximately 2,300 meters.

Afternoon tasting in local wineries.

Deqin county is also known for its local wine production, so take some time to visit local wineries for a tasting session. This is a great way to learn about the region’s growing wine culture. The Ao Yun Winery Estate partially owned by LVMH released its first vintage in 2013!

Last evening in Deqin

After a full day of sightseeing, its is time to return to the hotel to relax and enjoy a comfortable evening in the lounge area overlooking the Meili Mountains!

Day 7: Return to Shangri-La

After breakfast, it's time to return back to Shangri-La, taking the new 214 Road, which cuts through a mountain tunnel, making the trip shorter and more comfortable.

En route, we stopped at Nixi Village for a quick lunch. Nixi is also famous for its black pottery, and visitors have the opportunity to try their hand at pottery making

In the afternoon, we got back to Shangri la and enjoyed the end of our trip with a nice dinner in town, reflecting this memorable approx. 650km journey through the stunning landscapes and rich culture of North Yunnan.

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I hope you've enjoyed reading about this epic adventure and that it inspires your next trip.

Cheers!

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Tips & useful Links

• Travel agencies: https://www.atrails.cn/about-a-trails/?lang=en; OR https://www.china-roads.com (They will arrange hotel bookings and mini van driver for the trip). We have travelled with both and everything went very smooth!

  
  

• Hotels :

  • Shangri la : (outside town) https://www.hotels.com/ho3052564640/shangri-la-dala-pasture-hotel-deqin-china/;

    (in town) https://www.songtsam.com/en/hotel/info/1

  • Benzilan: https://www.songtsam.com/en/hotel/info/3; https://www.luxresorts.com/en/china-lux-tea-horse-road/hotel/benzilan

  • Deqin: https://www.myboutiquehotel.com/en/boutique-hotels-deqin/sunyata-hotel-deqin-meili.html

  • Yubeng:

    
    

• Our Favorite restaurant in Shangri la: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/679710389028134/shangri-la-flying-tiger-cafe/recent/

  
  

• Altitude Sickness: Make sure to stay hydrated and take it slow, especially when reaching higher altitudes like Deqin and Yubeng. Give your body time to adjust.

  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-to-high-altitudes

  
  

• Distance: Shangri La to Deqin - 173km; 3h30

  
  

• Local Etiquette: Respect the local Tibetan culture, especially when visiting monasteries and sacred sites. Be mindful of local customs, and always ask for permission before taking photos of people or inside sacred spaces.

  
  

• Packing: Bring layers for varying temperatures and sturdy hiking shoes for trekking. Also, pack sunscreen and a hat for sun protection.

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