Hiking in China; 5 day trip to the Grand Canyon of Shangri-la

5 day trip through the Grand Canyon of Shangri-la located in Balagzong National Park

If you are looking for a good hiking in China, from here, together with a Chinese travel agency located in Yunnan, we organize a spectacular 5 day trip to the area of the Grand Canyon of Shangrila, located in the Balagzong National Park. The Grand Canyon of Shangri-la – Balagzong National Scenic Area is located in southwest China, at the junction of the provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet. With a total area of 176 square kilometers, this landscape acts as a natural border between the 3 provinces.

The highest point in Shangiri-la County is located in the scenic area of Balagzong Snow Mountain, 5545 meters above sea level. On the contrary, lowest point is in the south of Shui Zhuang, at 2200 meters above sea level. The difference in height is 3345 meters.

It is a landscape of incomparable natural beauty: snow-capped mountains, glaciers, canyons, forests, meadows, lakes and pure air. The snowy mountains here are majestic; steep and rugged. The meadows are green; full of herds of cows and sheep. Likewise, the colorful Tibetan popular culture and its people blend harmoniously in this magical and sacred land, where peace and tranquility reign.

Landscape: ★★★★★★★★

Risk ★★

Intensity: ★★

Hiking in China: Detailed trekking route

D1: Meeting in Lijiang

Itinerary: We will meet at the Lijiang Jingxi Hotel. After checking in, you can go to either Lijiang or Shuhe Old Town for a walk. In the afternoon, all staff will go to a bar in the old town of Shuhe for the pre-tour explanation meeting.

Food: Today’s meals are not included.

Accommodation: Stay in Lijiang (four-star hotel).

D2: Lijiang – Balagzong – Bala Village – Natural Pagoda

Itinerary: We will get up at 7 o’clock. After breakfast, we will go to Balagzong. We will pass through the Jumping Tiger Gorge – Little Zhongdian – Shangri-la County – Napa Lake – Yila Meadow – Qiaotou Village and enter the Grand Canyon of Shangri-la.

We will visit the Canyon of Palms after lunch in the town of Shuizhuang. In the afternoon we will go to the village of Bala and visit the natural pagoda. Free activities after adaptation (4200 meters above sea level). In the evening, all together we will prepare a delicious dinner.

Food: Lunch and dinner included. (Let’s cook together!).

Accommodation: Night in the Pagoda Ranch (log cabin).

D3: Natural Pagoda – Guisongwang Ranch

Itinerary: After breakfast, we will pack our things and walk to Guisongwang Ranch through Balagzong natural park. We will pass by the Menduita platform and the Shanghuahai pond. We will have a picnic in the field and arrive at Guisongwang Ranch around 3 p.m.

On the way, we will pass through the primeval forest, the sea of flowers, the snow mountains and the meadows. In the evening, we will all cook a delicious dinner together. Today’s altitude: 3400 meters and the total distance of the walk is 11.5 kilometers, about 7 hours.

Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. (Let’s cook together!).

Accommodation: Overnight at Guisongwang Ranch (log cabin).

D4: Guisongwang Ranch – Naidang Ranch

Itinerary: After finishing breakfast, we will walk to Naidang Ranch. We will pass by Dayongka, a scenic viewpoint. Today’s total walk is 8 km and lasts about 6 hours. Picnic lunch and we will cook dinner together at Naidang Ranch. Today Altitude: 3300 meters.

Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. (Let’s cook together!).

Accommodation: Overnight at Naidang Ranch (log cabin).

D5: Naidang Ranch – Descent to Balagzong Gorge – Shangri-La – Lijiang

Itinerary: We will have breakfast and then walk from Naidang Ranch to Dayong Nala Village. The total walk today is 13 kilometers. Along the way you will pass by Gezong Sacred Mountain, virgin forests and streams. We will arrive at Nala village around 3 p.m. and return to Lijiang by bus. We will arrive in Lijiang around 8 p.m. to check in at the hotel and have dinner.

Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Accommodation: Stay in Lijiang (four-star hotel).

D6: End of the tour

Itinerary: After breakfast, the trip is over. You can also stay in Lijiang for a few more days. Please check out before 12 o’clock.

Food: breakfast is included in the hotel.

Hiking in China: Things to consider

• Starting and ending location: Lijiang
• Number of people: up to 14 (postponement due to insufficient number of people or extreme weather conditions)
• If you leave after registering for personal reasons, you will be responsible for transportation costs. All other non-refundable expenses and the rest of the money will be refunded.
• Ineligible participants: persons under 12 and over 60 years of age. People with heart disease, hypertension and asthma.
• Especially suitable participants: outdoor adventure tourists, photography fans, experts or wildlife enthusiasts, nature and outdoor lovers.

Hiking in China: What do I bring?

• Mountain backpack.
• Jacket and pants for outdoor activities.
• Cap.
• Thick socks.
• Gloves.
• Hiking shoes.
• Individual medication.
• Lamp or flashlight.
• Articles of personal cleanliness.
• ID card or passport.
• Personal food (dried meat, nuts, fruit, bread, …).
• Sleeping bag (-15°).
• Sleeping mat.
• Raincoat.
• Kettle and dishes.

Cost of the trip

• Small group visit: 14 or more people: 599 USD (4000 Rmb) / person
• Mini group tour: 6~10 people: 730 USD (5000 Rmb) / person
• Family/lover tour: 2~3 people: 999 USD (6800 Rmb) /person

Fees include:

• Room: two nights in a four-star room and three nights in a wooden house.
• Meals: picnic in the nature and others in restaurants.
• Car: air-conditioned tourist bus (adjusted according to the number of persons). Environmental protection car of the scenic area of Balagzong.
• Tickets: Tickets for Balagzong.
• Tax of environmental protection.
• Leader: Certified Mountain Adventure Leader.
• Guide: A local Tibetan who is familiar with the mountain areas.
• Horse: To carry supplies and bags, you walk lightly.
• Insurance: Outdoor sports accident insurance.
• Public goods: kitchen utensils, gas tank, first aid medicine, satellite phone, walkie-talkie, etc.

Fees do not include:

• Transport from other cities to and from Lijiang.
• Personal equipment.

Hiking in China: Attention

1. The altitude of the area involved in the activity is from 2600 to 4400M. Pay attention to the allocation and recovery of physical fitness.
2. The lowest (nighttime) temperature in the area of the activity is about 15 degrees below zero. Please choose an appropriate sleeping bag and warm clothing.
3. When entering minority areas, please obey the customs of the minority nationalities; Respect all local customs and cultures.
4. Considering the safety of this activity, the travel agency and the tour guide will not be legally or financially responsible for all consequences caused by accidents and injuries due to personal factors and irresistible natural factors during the activity.
5. Strictly protect the environment and remove the garbage. It is prohibited to place commemorative signs and other items in the area of the activity. Wild animals and plants will be protected and will not be killed or destroyed.
6. Due to the environment, conditions, if there is any dissatisfaction with food, housing, transportation, please understand.
7. Take good care of public property. If there is any damage caused by you, you will compensate according to the degree of damage.
8. The tour leader has the right to adjust the content and schedule of the activity according to the progress of the activity, weather conditions and other factors.

Note: There are risks in any type of exercise. In case of illness, injury or death during exercise, we will help you seek medical treatment and follow-up with insurance immediately. Our company and the third party will not make any compensation.

If this trekking route in China is not the right one for you, you can also take a look at our other trips in Yunnan: organized trip to the highlights of Yunnan with car and guide and trip through the south of Yunnan focused on nature.