Destinations

Destinations worth the effort

Remote villages, mountain bases and places that make overland travel feel more rewarding when you slow down and do them properly.

China · Yunnan

Yubeng

A remote mountain village area known for dramatic scenery, rewarding hikes and a sense of isolation that still feels genuine.

Best for

Multi-day hiking tripsMountain sceneryRemote village atmosphere

Recommended stay: 2 to 4 days

China · Sichuan

Yading National Park

A high-altitude alpine park known for sacred peaks, glacial lakes and some of the most visually dramatic hikes in southwest China.

Best for

High-altitude mountain sceneryOne strong park day with major viewsTravellers who enjoy lakes, peaks and alpine landscapes

Recommended stay: 1 to 3 days

China · Yunnan

Shangri-La

A highland town in northwest Yunnan that works as both a cultural stop and a practical base for exploring some of the region's strongest mountain destinations.

Best for

Regional travel hubs with real characterTibetan atmosphere and cultural sightsTravellers building routes through northwest Yunnan

Recommended stay: 2 to 4 days

China · Yunnan

Meili Snow Mountain

A sacred snow mountain range in northwest Yunnan known for dramatic sunrise views, massive peaks and its connection to some of the most iconic landscapes in the region.

Best for

Big mountain scenerySunrise viewpointsTravellers exploring the wider Yubeng and Deqin area

Recommended stay: 1 to 2 days

China · Yunnan

Feilai Temple

A classic mountain viewpoint and staging area near Meili Snow Mountain, best known for sunrise views and its role in the wider Yubeng and Deqin travel route.

Best for

Sunrise over Meili Snow MountainShort scenic staysTravellers moving between Shangri-La, Deqin and Yubeng

Recommended stay: 1 day

China · Sichuan

Daocheng

A high-altitude town in western Sichuan that often works as the wider base and acclimatisation stop before visiting Yading National Park.

Best for

Acclimatisation before YadingTravellers balancing budget and logisticsWider regional planning in western Sichuan

Recommended stay: 1 to 2 days

China · Sichuan

Riwa

A practical small base near Yading National Park, often chosen by travellers who want the smoothest and closest starting point for an early park day.

Best for

Closer access to Yading National ParkEasier early startsTravellers who value convenience over the cheapest room

Recommended stay: 1 to 2 days

China · Yunnan

Haba Snow Mountain

A major mountain objective in northwest Yunnan known for summit attempts, strong altitude challenge and its position near the Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shangri-La travel corridor.

Best for

Travellers interested in mountain objectivesAltitude experiencePeople building a route around northwest Yunnan trekking

Recommended stay: 2 to 3 days

China · Yunnan

Tiger Leaping Gorge

One of the most famous trekking areas in Yunnan, known for dramatic gorge scenery, classic multi-stop hiking routes and its position between Lijiang and Shangri-La.

Best for

Classic Yunnan trekkingDramatic gorge sceneryTravellers moving between Lijiang and Shangri-La

Recommended stay: 1 to 2 days

China · Yunnan

Lijiang

A major travel hub in northwest Yunnan known for its old town atmosphere, access to major nearby mountain destinations and its role as a practical starting point for wider regional routes.

Best for

Regional travel logisticsOld town atmosphereTravellers combining culture and nature

Recommended stay: 2 to 3 days