Yunnan's Highest Peak: Stunning Beauty That Captivates

[WorldMap] Meili Snow Mountain, located in Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, is the foremost of the eight sacred mountains in the Tibetan region. Its main peak, Kawagebo (6,740 meters above sea level), remains unclimbed to this day. Its sacredness and grandeur attract countless travelers. Here is a detailed travel guide: --- 📨1. Basic Information - Best Season: - October to May of the following year (dry season, mostly sunny, easy to see the "Sunlight on the Snow Peak"); - Avoid the rainy season in July and August (frequent clouds and fog, possible road closures). - Altitude: Feilai Temple Viewing Platform is about 3,400 meters, altitude sickness precautions needed. - Transportation: - Bus: Shangri-La Bus Station → Deqin County (4 hours, ticket about 65 RMB), then carpool to Feilai Temple (30 minutes, 20 RMB/person). - Self-drive: Shangri-La to Deqin about 180 km (Dian-Tibet Line National Highway 214, many bends and dangerous roads, snow chains needed in winter). --- [CityNight]2. Key Viewing Spots 1. Feilai Temple Viewing Platform (ticket 40 RMB) - Classic spot to photograph the "Sunlight on the Snow Peak," facing the Kawagebo peaks directly, arrive before sunrise. 2. Wunongding Viewing Platform (free) - Wider view, can capture snow mountains and villages in one frame, fewer people but a bit farther away. 3. Yubeng Village (a paradise for hiking enthusiasts) - Access: hike from Xidang Village (12 km, about 6 hours) or take an off-road vehicle (200 RMB/person). - Recommended routes: - Divine Waterfall Route (beginner, round trip 6 hours); - Ice Lake Route (intermediate, round trip 10 hours); - Cordyceps Route (advanced, temporarily closed, confirm before traveling). --- 🛏️3. Accommodation Recommendations - Feilai Temple: - Budget: Meili Past Youth Hostel (viewing balcony); - High-end with views: Songtsam Meili Mountain Residence (directly facing the snow mountain). - Yubeng Village: - Upper Yubeng: Butter Tea Inn (starting point of Ice Lake Route); - Lower Yubeng: Divine Waterfall Inn (near Divine Waterfall Route). --- [TrafficLightLateral]4. Precautions 1. Altitude Sickness Prevention: On the first day, avoid bathing and strenuous exercise; prepare oxygen bottles and glucose. 2. Respect Beliefs: Meili is a sacred mountain, climbing is prohibited; do not desecrate prayer flags or mani stones. 3. Environmental Protection: Carry out all trash when hiking; single-use plastics are banned in Yubeng Village. 4. Equipment: - Hiking poles and anti-slip shoes are necessary for trekking; - Winter clothing (large temperature difference between day and night, can reach -10°C early morning). --- 🚶‍♀️5. Itinerary Suggestions - Classic 3-day itinerary: - Day 1: Shangri-La → Deqin → Feilai Temple (stay overnight); - Day 2: Sunlight on the Snow Peak → Xidang Village → Upper Yubeng Village (stay overnight); - Day 3: Yubeng Divine Waterfall hike → return trip. - In-depth 5-day itinerary: add Ice Lake Route and Ninong Canyon hiking. --- [Tiptop] The awe of Meili Snow Mountain lies in its sacredness and unconquerability; luck and patience are equally important. If time permits, combine your trip with Shangri-La (Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park) and Lijiang. ⚠️ Final reminder: The weather is changeable, keep a calm mindset. Even if you don’t see the Sunlight on the Snow Peak, the Tibetan culture along the journey is equally worth savoring.