Tiger Leaping Gorge
FAQFrequently asked questions
Where exactly is this gorge and is it really Nepal?
Despite the confusion in the plates, Leaping Tiger Gorge is not Nepal, but southwest China, Yunnan province, about 60 km north of Lijiang city. It is crossed by the Jinsha River - an upper tributary of the Yangtze River.
How deep is it?
Very. The drop from the river to the tops of the mountains above it reaches about 3,790 meters, so it is one of the deepest river gorges in the world. It is sandwiched between two snow-capped giants - the Jade Dragon (5,596 m) and Khaba (5,396 m) mountains, and stretches for about 15 km.
How to get there and how much time should be spent on the track?
The starting point is the city of Lijiang, 60 km to the south, from where travelers depart. The classic route is the upper trail for about 22 km with waterfalls, microclimates and guesthouses along the way; the lower road goes along the river, but is regularly showered with rockfalls.
When is the best time to go?
Avoid the rainy season - that's when the upper path becomes impassable, and the lower path is covered with stones. The climate here is generally mild, the average annual temperature is from 13 to 20 degrees, so it is pleasant to walk in the dry season.
Where does this name come from?
According to the legend, the hunted tiger escaped by jumping over the river in the narrowest place - and it, by the way, is as much as 25 meters wide, with a stone in the middle as a springboard. Either it was a very athletic tiger, or the fishermen lied a little.
