Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山) is located in Deqin County, Yunnan Province, renowned for its rich history, unique customs, deep culture, and stunning landscapes. This area is a treasure trove of tourism resources, offering a variety of activities, from trekking and mountaineering to ethnological studies and cultural exchanges.
Known as a sacred pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhism, Meili Snow Mountain attracts thousands of devotees each year, particularly in late autumn and early winter. Pilgrims travel long distances from Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Gansu to pay their respects, creating a breathtaking scene of devotion and perseverance.
The mountain itself is not only a stunning natural wonder but also a place where travelers can explore the diverse ethnic cultures and traditional lifestyles of the local communities. Whether you seek adventure, research, or spiritual fulfillment, Meili Snow Mountain offers a profound and enriching experience.
Travel Information about Meili Snow Mountain
Meili Snow Mountain: Tickets, Opening Hours, and Best Visiting Time
Tickets:
- Jinsha River Bend: 20 RMB
- Mingyong Glacier: 155 RMB
- Feilai Temple: 40 RMB
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
The ideal season to explore Meili Snow Mountain is from October to May, during the winter and spring months. Late October is particularly the best time, as the weather is clear, the air is crisp, and visitors have the chance to witness the stunning “Golden Mountain” phenomenon when the sunrise illuminates the snow-capped peaks.
Getting to Meili Snow Mountain
Location: Shengping Town, Deqin County, Diqing Prefecture
By Bus: From Shangri-La to Deqin (184 km), five buses run daily. The road can be rough, passing through Benzilan (109 km), Dongzhulin Temple (131 km), and Baima Snow Mountain (153 km). The trip takes about 7-8 hours, with a stop at Benzilan for lunch.
By Private Car: For a more scenic and flexible journey, it’s recommended to hire a private car from Shangri-La to Meili Snow Mountain. The views along the way are spectacular. Make sure to negotiate the price with the driver beforehand and confirm the destination and route to avoid any misunderstandings.
Scenic Rating:
- Culture: ★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★★
- Relaxation: ★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★★
- Adventure: ★★★★
Highlights of Meili Snow Mountain
Mount Kawa Karpo (卡瓦格博峰)
Mount Kawa Karpo, often referred to as the “virgin peak,” remains one of the few mountains in the world that has never been summited. Renowned for its stunning glaciers and expansive permafrost, it is a coveted destination for climbers. In the 20th century, climbing expeditions from the UK, USA, Japan, and China attempted to reach its summit on five separate occasions, yet none were successful.
In 1991, a tragic event marked the history of climbing in China when a joint Chinese-Japanese expedition encountered a sudden blizzard while attempting to scale Mount Kawa Karpo. The entire climbing team perished, including six Chinese climbers and eleven Japanese climbers, making it one of the deadliest incidents in the annals of Chinese mountaineering. It wasn’t until July 1998 that the bodies of the fallen climbers were located and properly memorialized.
In the year 2000, a significant declaration was made, establishing Mount Kawa Karpo as a sacred pilgrimage site in Tibetan Buddhism. From that point forward, it has been permanently designated as off-limits to climbers, ensuring that its majestic beauty and spiritual significance remain untouched.
Mingyong Glacier (明永冰川)
Mingyong Glacier, located at the base of Kawa Karpo, is the longest glacier in the Meili Snow Mountain range. This glacier is a low-latitude tropical monsoon maritime glacier that maintains a perennial ice cover. Due to its lower snow line and relatively high temperatures, Mingyong Glacier experiences rapid melting and relies heavily on precipitation for its sustenance, which contributes to its swift movement.
In winter, the glacier’s ice tongue can extend from an altitude of 5,500 meters down to 2,800 meters, resembling a magnificent dragon made of silver scales that flows gracefully from the towering snow peaks down to the foothills.
In recent years, Mingyong Glacier has been retreating due to factors such as global warming and increased tourist activity. Locals attribute this phenomenon to previous domestic and international climbing expeditions, believing these activities have angered the spirits of the mountain. In response, the local government has prohibited climbing on Meili Snow Mountain to preserve its pristine ecological environment and ensure the protection of this breathtaking natural wonder.
Yubeng Village (雨崩村)
Yubeng Village is the highest village closest to Meili Snow Mountain, nestled on its backside. Surrounded by towering peaks, this remote village has a unique geographical environment that results in a sparse population, consisting of only about twenty households. Access to Yubeng is limited to a single trekking path, making it a hidden gem. However, in recent years, as the fame of Meili Snow Mountain has grown, visitors from all over the world have begun to arrive almost daily.
Yubeng is a crucial stop for Tibetan pilgrims who undertake the “inner kora” around Meili Snow Mountain. The area is home to several key attractions, including the Snow Mountain Sacred Waterfall, Base Camp for climbing, and Sacred Lake. These sights are connected by the renowned Yubeng trekking route, offering hikers a unique experience with landscapes distinct from other trekking paths.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal seasons for visiting Yubeng are from April to June and September to November, avoiding the rainy season and winter when conditions can be harsh.
- Safety Precautions: Avalanches have occurred in Yubeng in recent years, so it’s crucial to pay attention to safety. Before your trip, ensure to check the local weather conditions to stay informed and safe.
Feilai Temple (飞来寺)
Feilai Temple is located along the Dali-Lijiang Highway, just 10 kilometers from Deqin County, making it an ideal spot to admire Meili Snow Mountain. Originally built during the Ming Dynasty, the temple is surrounded by ancient pine forests and boasts stunning scenery. According to legend, the wood used to construct Feilai Temple was magically transported from villages like Ninu and Jida by the monk Nanka Qujie Jiasuo, which is how the temple got its name, meaning “Flying Temple.”
The architecture of Feilai Temple is characterized by its tiered structure, with halls and buildings complementing one another harmoniously. The temple complex consists of several key areas, including the Zisun Hall, Guansheng Hall, Haichao Hall, as well as two side wings and four auxiliary halls. Notably, the layout reflects a blend of the three major schools of thought in Chinese culture—Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
Nearby, there is a viewpoint that offers a chance to see the main peak of Meili Snow Mountain, Kawagebo, especially on lucky days. Visitors may also witness the breathtaking “sunshine on the golden mountain,” a phenomenon where the sunlight casts a golden hue over the snow-capped peaks.
Legend of Feilai Temple
The origin of Feilai Temple’s name and its construction is steeped in legend. It is said that the original site chosen for the temple was two kilometers away from the current location. However, on the eve of construction, all the materials, including beams and pillars, mysteriously disappeared. The abbot sent people to investigate and discovered that the materials had reappeared at the current site, already positioned according to specifications. This was seen as divine intervention, leading to the decision to build the temple at this location, hence the name “Feilai Temple.”
Visitor Guide for Meili Snow Mountain
Accommodation near Feilai Temple
Feilai Temple is one of the best places to observe Meili Snow Mountain, and there are many hotels and guesthouses nearby. Here are some options with good reviews:
Meili Wangshi (梅里往事):A European-style wooden building, with a restaurant and bar on the first floor, and a large balcony facing the snow mountain on the second floor. It’s best to book in advance.
Meili Mountain Lodge (梅里山庄): The oldest guesthouse in the area, offering standard rooms with bathrooms and 24-hour hot water.
Nanka Hotel (南卡酒店): Most rooms have windows facing Meili Snow Mountain, making it the highest hotel in the area. The rooftop is a perfect spot for viewing the sunrise over the mountain.
Faraway Home (远方的家): Located in Upper Yubeng Village. Each room is spacious and bright, with 24-hour electric water heaters, private bathrooms, cable TV, and comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage. There are three observation decks, a restaurant, a self-cultivated vegetable garden, and free-range chickens.
Mingyong Village Stays (明永村任宿): Mingyong Village currently has many farm stays run by local villagers, and prices can be negotiated, usually around dozens of yuan for a stay. Additionally, there is a temple midway to the glacier where accommodations can also be found.
Cuisine in Deqin County
Deqin County is predominantly inhabited by Tibetan people, so the local cuisine primarily features Tibetan flavors. Tibetan pastries are a specialty here, with common varieties including fried fruit (油炸果) and longyan buns (龙眼包子). In addition, traditional dishes such as butter tea and tsampa (roasted barley flour) can be sampled.
Due to the inconvenient transportation and scarcity of supplies, the dining options in the Meili Snow Mountain scenic area – particularly in Feilai Temple, Yubeng Village, and Mingyong Village – are somewhat limited, and prices tend to be a bit higher. However, restaurants along the way offer some basic meals. Additionally, there are supply stations on the routes between villages where visitors can find instant noodles, pancakes, drinking water, and other essentials.
Travel Tips for Meili Snow Mountain
Weather Preparedness: Even in the summer, temperatures around Meili Snow Mountain can drop to about 5°C if it rains. It’s advisable to bring a thicker jacket. Hikers should also carry quick-dry clothing, and those visiting during the rainy season must bring rain gear.
Mobile Signal: Be prepared for limited or no mobile signal in many areas of the Meili Snow Mountain scenic area.
Ticket Management: After entering the scenic area, be sure to keep your ticket safe, as staff members will check tickets along the way.