JinSha means “Golden Sand”. Coming down from the Tibetan Plateau, the JinSha River is becoming later on the Yangtze River, being Asia’s longest river, the third longest river in the world, and the longest river to flow entirely in one single country being China.
It is also the JinSha River with its wild white-water (especially in the summer) that flows through the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan. The Gorge, which has a maximum depth of ca. 3790 meters, is one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world, offering different very popular hiking options. For this trip we will follow the JinSha River until we reach a part much further down, a remote area with small Naxi villages, an impressive historic stone village built on a rock, and a hiking trail that is demanding in its way, but not too difficult, revealing to us spectacular views of high cliffs, tunnels through rocks and the river in its magic winter color.
The trail we are going to walk is connecting different Naxi villages along the JinSha River, to end with a boat ride getting through the gorge back to our starting point. February is the perfect season for this hike, as it doesn’t go into high altitudes, and we will have simple, but comfortable beds at night to rest. We will hike for 3 days, for a total of 40km distance, spending 2 nights in simple guesthouses enjoying their local food. Views are spectacular, the river pleases us with its turquoise color, while sunny days treats us with comfortable temperatures.
February 2025, “JinSha River Winter Hike”: total 40km; Hiking 3 days / 2 nights; Highest altitude at 2560m.
Suitable for Hiking intermediates, or trekking beginners. Not suitable for small children, or people afraid of heights.
Total 5 days / 4 nights: February 19th to 23rd, 2025
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