Tiger Leaping Gorge planning
Qiaotou or Naxi Family Guesthouse? Check High Trail access first.
Before choosing a trailhead or guesthouse, check which parts of the gorge visitors can legally enter on your dates.
High Trail access
What does the local notice say?
The September 29, 2026 joint notice identifies the undeveloped High Trail inside the Haba Snow Mountain Nature Reserve as a restricted area. This applies to the trail section regardless of the starting point. A reopening date for tourist hiking has not been verified.
The notice also covers undeveloped areas of the Middle and Lower Gorge within the reserve. Weather, an open road or a room available at a guesthouse are separate questions from permission to hike.
Access sources checked November 11, 2026. Conditions may change.Read the joint notice from the reserve and township authorities (Chinese) →
Common questions
Planning the High Trail
Can I start hiking at Qiaotou or Naxi Family Guesthouse?
The September 29, 2026 joint notice identifies the undeveloped High Trail inside the Haba Snow Mountain Nature Reserve as a restricted area. This applies to the trail section regardless of the starting point. A reopening date for tourist hiking has not been verified.
What are the 28 Bends and Halfway?
The 28 Bends are a climb on the historic High Trail, and Halfway is a guesthouse associated with the traditional overnight route. Before making a guesthouse booking, check how you can reach it by a permitted road for your dates.
Can we visit the Upper Gorge viewpoints instead?
Check the scenic-area operator’s opening notice for the day you plan to visit. A private transfer between Lijiang and Shangri-La can include the managed visitor area when it is open. An open scenic area or a reachable guesthouse does not establish hiking access inside the nature reserve.
Need a route check?
Ask Edison about the gorge on your dates.
Share your dates, group size and accommodation so I can check current access for your trip.
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