Private Tour
Lijiang to Shangri-La Scenic Drive Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the natural beauty of the Tiger Leaping Gorge, Haba Snow Mountain, and Baishui Terrace on a full-day scenic drive from Lijiang to Shangri-La.
Start your tour with pickup from your hotel in Lijiang and head to the Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Pass the Haba Snow Mountain, the main peak of which is 5,396 meters above sea level.
See the Baishui Terrace, a natural limestone terrace that resembles a frozen waterfall.
Finally, visit the Songzanlin Monastery and the Dukezong Ancient Town in Shangri-La.
Choose to return to Lijiang via highway or stay over at Shangri-La City
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia)
At the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Stand on the observation deck and see the towering peaks on both sides of the canyon reaching high into the clouds, steep and precipitous. Watch as the river surges in the narrow canyon, stirring up huge waves.
Haba Snow Mountain
Pass the Haba Snow Mountain, the main peak of which is 5,396 meters above sea level.
What‘s Included
Private Vehicle with Pickup/Dropoff
Private Guide (option)
Round Trip from Lijiang/Shangri-La or One-way Transfer between Lijiang and Shangri-La
Customized Itinerary
Meals and beverages
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Admission Fees (Payment on entry if visiting)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private Vehicle (No Guide)
No Tour Guide
Private Vehicle
Pickup included
Private Vehicle + Tour Guide
Tour Guide
Private Vehicle
Pickup included
Reviews
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tiger Leaping Gorge: Where Scale Becomes Real
579Na00,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world, where the landscape feels immediate and powerful. The Jinsha River cuts between steep cliffs, and the scale becomes clear the moment you arrive. It’s a place you experience through movement, whether a short visit or a longer hike. Start your day early around 8:00 AM from Lijiang or Shangri-La. The drive takes about 2 to 2.5 hours from either direction. The most convenient option is to arrange a private car or join a small group tour, as public transport is limited. Most visitors choose the Upper Gorge (Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge) for a one-day trip. After arriving at the entrance, walk down the steps toward the river. The path is short but steep, leading you closer to the roaring water. At the bottom, you’ll see the narrow section of the river rushing between rocks, giving a direct sense of the gorge’s power. Plan to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring this area, including time for photos and rest. If you want a slightly deeper experience without committing to a full trek, you can walk short sections of the high trail nearby. Even a brief hike offers wider views of the canyon and surrounding mountains. Always check your time and energy, as some sections involve uneven paths.
Smooth and stress-free tour
hongyuo2023,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was comfortable, straightforward, and the ride was very smooth. Everything was handled professionally, allowing my friend and me to enjoy the experience effortlessly
Excellent your in Shangri-La , Yunnan, China
217vt,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience with ‘Shangri-La Jack’ as our tour guide. He met us at Lijiang and then escorted us for the 2 hour drive to Shangri-La. Very attentive and reliable guide. We stopped along the way to take photos at vista points. Tiger Leap Gorge was spectacular. ‘Shangri-La Jack’ ( SLJack) was also our guide in Shangri-la for our two night stay. He is flexible and friendly and very accommodative to our requests. The driver was also very professional and safe. I have no hesitation in recommending SLJack, of the local Tibetan minority culture, as your tour guide.
Explore the beauty of Lijiang and Shangri La at your own pace
Li Ching Gladys O,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Instead of taking another train ride from Lijiang to Shangri-La, we opted for this route to explore the beauty of nature between these two destinations. Starting off with Tiger Leaping Gorge, we chose to take the two way elevator rides rather than down the steps and climb our way up. It proved a wise decision as we had more time and energy to move ahead of the masses at the stairways and snag good photo shots. We had lunch before heading to Baishuitai, a stunning natural formation known for its white calcium carbonate pools filled with spring water pools that reflect the blue of the sky. Along the way, our English speaking guide, Andrew, provided many snippets about the legends and modern stories behind these places of interests. As a member of the Naxi minority tribe, he also shared perspectives of how the different people groups live and communicate together. We were thankful to him and the driver for their superb insights and understanding to our needs throughout the journey. The road can be winding and the air does thin out as we ascend, but this remains a good option to consider from Lijiang to Shangri-La.
A must do experience in Lijiang
Rong Yu Z,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was a bit unsure at first because of the lack of reviews but this turned out to be our best decision in Lijiang. The team was very organised and made sure we were where we needed to be be during the day. Our driver was incredibly skilled and very friendly. He even helped us buy tickets for the gorge and showed us all the best photography spots. Ill be reccomending this to all my friends who go to Lijiang jn the future.
Beautiful scenery!!
Richelle E,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour company reached out to us promptly and we decided to depart at 0730 which turned out to be a great decision as we beat many tour buses to the locations and had a more peaceful experience. The scenery was phenomenal, our driver was easy to communicate with via translator apps. The car was clean, in good working order, and the driver made us feel safe with his driving. Overall great tour.
Incredible 1 day tour to experience Tiger Leaping Gorge
stephanie-yates,Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an incredible tour that was customised to my needs. My tour guide and driver were both so helpful and ensured plenty of extra stops at view points so I could fully experience the wonderful area. The company even arranged an earlier start time and dropped me to the airport afterwards, they were so obliging. 10/10 recommend!
It was such a wonderful, special experience.
Happy Mom Traveler,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The driver was professional, helpful and smoothly supported me on my journey. The car was very nice and comfortable. The travel agent also contacted us beforehand and communication was smooth. The sightseeing spots are so unique and beautiful, and they were some of the most memorable things on this trip. The view from the car on the way was also quite amazing and inspiring. I'm glad I booked this trip with this tour operator.
Amazing guide in Lijiang, Jack!!
C3484CBroset,Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were so happy and appreciate the services rendered by Jack our guide at the Lijiang province. Upon arrival we were in the ancient city and enjoying the beautiful sights when I dropped my glasses in one of the small river. Without hesitation he looked around and sensing that it is safe to retrieve, he went down to take. His shoes and pants were wet up to his knee level and he took it in his stride!! Amazing guy, not a word of complaint. That saved my entire trip as it will be a totally different experiences without my glasses. He is professional and took grest care of both my hudband and I who is in our 70s. Even on our free day, he asked to contact him should we need anything. Highly recommended guide and he will make your holiday safe and happy.
Great trip from Lijiang to Shangri-La
AiVee N,Jun 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It is one of the best way to travel from Lijiang to Shangri-La. The White Water Terrace is definitely worth the extra miles (as you can't see this view anywhere in the world). The trip around the mountains are much better than through the high-way even though it is a faster route. You can take your time at the Tiger Leaping Gouge and White Water Terrace.
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Operated by Yunnan Tours