Tiger Leaping Gorge - Day 1

Before our departure, we had already decided to do a 2-day hike that is easily accessible from Lijiang: the hike high above the Tiger Leaping Gorge. The day before, we booked the bus tickets to Qiaotao and were supposed to leave at 7:30 a.m. Uff, early wake-up again.

But everything went smoothly, we were at the bus station at 7:15 a.m. We expected more Western tourists, as the hike is rarely done by Chinese people. They would rather take an organized bus tour to see the rapids of the Yangtze River roaring through the Tiger Leaping Gorge. But besides us, there is only one couple from Argentina in the bus.

Shortly before 9 a.m., we arrived in Qiaotao and had a hearty breakfast at Jane's Tibetan Guesthouse. The first day is characterized by steep ascents, dust, and unfortunately quite a lot of construction noise: a massive bridge is being built opposite the gorge! This construction site and its noise accompany us for quite a long time. However, the higher you climb, the more interesting the landscape becomes.

Only above about 2500 meters above sea level do coniferous trees grow; since the meadows are still quite dry and brown, the coniferous trees and bamboo are welcome touches of color (and a damper for the construction noise). After climbing more than 900 meters in altitude, we made it and reached the highest point (2650m).

We found the beginning of the hike more strenuous than the dreaded 28 bends. However, after the highest point, you have to descend another 300 meters to the next village and the guesthouses. We arrived at the Tea Horse Guest House at around 4:30 p.m. A warm shower and a well-deserved beer with other hikers from around the world on the impressive terrace of the guesthouse were a must. There are rarely heaters in the hotels and guesthouses, but a brilliant invention are the heated mattress toppers - I'm impressed. Especially important at the Tea Horse, as everything is made of wood and far from air-tight. Therefore, earplugs are also vital for survival... :)

To end the day, a delicious meal with a few new acquaintances from the Netherlands and South Korea, and then off to bed at 9:30 p.m. However, there wasn't much sleep, despite the earplugs, you could still hear every activity (laundry) and every word of the neighbors in the room.