Meili Snow Mountain
» Shangri-la, Yun Nan

梅里雪山 雪山之神 形如金字塔 云海徘徊

Meili Snow Mountain, also known as Prince Snow Mountain, is located 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) northeast of Deqin County of Yunnan Province. The mountain sits on the border of Yunnan Province and Tibet, where the three famous rivers, namely the Jinsha, Mekong (Nu) and Salwen (Lancang) flow.

What to explore

You are treated to spectacular view from all vantage points. The continuous mountain ridges feature snowy peaks and the sun throws golden lights on the low-floating clouds which form various extraordinary shapes, affording yet another splendid view! But mostly, the mountain presents itself as mystery when dense fog and clouds made it a gleaming sight to see and you could hardly resist the temptation to unveil it. You can have a panoramic view of the thirteen towering peaks from the Feilai Temple which is in the west of Deqin County.

Kawagebo Peak

Known for the grandest view in Yunnan Province, Meili Snow Mountain boasts numerous snow-clad ridges and peaks, thirteen of which exceed 6,000 meters (19.685 feet) above sea level. The most splendid view is of the Kawagebo Peak, the highest in Yunnan Province rising about 6,740 meters (22,112.86 feet). It is still a "virgin peak" for no one has ever reached the top. Thus, Meili Snow Mountain is a challenge for all mountain explorers from home and abroad.

A local tale

Kawagebo, which means white snow mountain in Tibetan, is considered the god of the snowy mountains and a sacred place of pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhism. A local tale tells how Kawagebo became the patron saint of Jiajuba, a branch of Ningma School. Originally Kawagebo was an evil spirit with 9 heads and 18 bodies. After been converted by Budda Padmasambhava, Kawagebo became shipped by Tibetan people, usually Kawagebo rode a white horse with a sword in hand. His majestic appearance was similar to that of the peak.

A holy peak

It is said that if you climb to the top of the Potala Palace, you will see the shadow of Kawagebo through the colorful clouds. Every year during the end of autumn and the beginning of winter, thousands of Tibetan Buddhists walk to Kawagebo. During the year of the sheep in the Tibetan calendar, the number of adherents will multiply and the spectacle is very grand.

Kang Karpo Peak

From the foot of the Kang Karpo Peak, you see the peculiar low-altitude glaciers formed in modern times. Strong updrafts collide with cloud airflow from the inner continents in this area producing frequent dense fog and heavy snow. The resulting topographic extremes include hanging glaciers, icefalls and snow slides.

Mingyong Glaciers

The Mingyong Glaciers, in particular, rushes from an elevation of 5,500 meters (18.045 feet) down to the forest zone 2,700 meters (8,858 feet) above the sea level in rainy seasons. From afar it looks like a huge white snake wriggling its way among the verdant mountains. Only 800 meters above Lancang River, Mingyong is one of the few low altitude glaciers in the world. There is a 40 kilometers ride between Deqin County and Mingyong Village, and then you can walk or rent a horse to get to the glacier.

Waterfall

On the south side of the peak, a waterfall named "holy collapsing rain" falls from thousands of meters high. Pure water splashed from snow cracks and with the help of the sunlight, rainbows are often seen hanging above the fall.

In the south of Kagebo Peak is a waterfall, named Yubenshenpu (holy collapsing rain), coming down from a 1,000m high cliff. It is said that to be drenched by the water here will bring you good luck.

Climatic zones

Owing to its high altitude, the mountain owns several climatic zones with a diversity of plants, vast expanse of grassland and rich fungi species that are vertically distributed. The types of vegetation here range from the Torrid Zone to Frigid Zone vertically. From the altitude of 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) to 4,000 (13,123 feet) meters, forests flourish with varieties of spruce. The depth of the forest is an exotic world of rare birds and animals. The meadows surrounding the forests are embellished by countless flowers which add more vitality and charm to the mountain.

Holy Mountain for worshiping

Towering like a pyramid, Meili Snow Mountain is regarded as a Holy Mountain by local Tibetans. Although there are numerous snow-covered mountains between Yunnan and Tibet, including Mt. Qomolangma, the highest mountain in the world, and Qiaogeli Peak, the second highest in the world, Meili Snow Mountain is the highest holy Tibetan mountain - one shrouded in mist, cloud and mystery.

It is a holy land for worshiping. Pilgrims from Tibet, Qinghai Province, Sichuan Province, and Gansu Province travel to the mountain at the beginning of each winter to worship. Thousands of devout pilgrims worship together and encircle the holy mountain, adding even more mystery and loftiness to the mountain.

Attractions around » Shangri-la, Yun Nan

Natural Scene

Natural Scene

Historical Site

Historical Site

Mountain

Mountain

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

  Weather

  1. When to go
  2. Changeable weather

  Food

  1. Tibetan drinking custom: do as the Tibentan does
  2. Useful butter tea custom info

  Other Hints

  1. Are there any tips for me to know when traveling on altitude place?
  2. How is the telecommunication there?
  3. Can I get online there?
  4. How to bring back the Tibetan knife I bought?
  5. Useful Numbers:
  6. Emergency Numbers:

  • When to go

    Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit Shangri-la when temperatures are moderate. The scenery is also gorgeous during these periods, with flowers blossoming and wildlife thriving in this pretty area.

    Autumn in Diqing Plateau is also spectacular. 10 days after the Mid Autumn Festival, the leaves fall form the teas and the area takes on a picture postcard appearance.


  • Changeable weather

    Bear in mind however, that Shangri-la is very high, and temperatures can change fast here. It is not unusual too, to see some snow fall in the autumn months. What's more, the temperature can vary greatly within the space of one day. Visitors to this region should come prepared- packing a variety of clothes and shoes. As usual in China- always carry your umbrella!


  • Are there any tips for me to know when traveling on altitude place?


    After arriving in Shangri-La, you may have altitude stress: shortness of breath, chest tightness and dreaminess. At this moment, do not do strenuous exercise or drink alcohol; have a good rest and keep warm, and you will be fine.


  • Tibetan drinking custom: do as the Tibentan does

    Before you drink a toast proposed by Tibetans, you should moisten your index fingers with the liquor, flick this finger three times, and then say Zha-xi-de-le'. ('Zha-xi-de-le' means 'as lucky as one's wishes' in Tibetan.) According to the Tibetan customs, you should sip three times and the host will refill your cup three times. After that, you ought to drink up. If you really can not stand much liquor, you can tell the host politely.


  • Useful butter tea custom info

    In a Tibetan family, there is an order to the drinking of butter tea. The elders, parents, guests and the persons they pay respect to will drink first; then, the host himself and lastly the younger people. The host will add the butter tea into your cup from time to time. So, if you have drunk enough, you should use your palm to cover the cup mouth and the host will understand. When you leave the family, you should leave a little buttered tea in your cup, which signals for your respect to the host.


  • How is the telecommunication there?

    China Mobile Communications Corporation is in the process of making the communication net cover the whole county. Now, the mobile phones can be used in most areas of Shangri-La. The signal strength may be very poor sometimes, especially in the mountains or in a gorge.


  • Can I get online there?

    Usually in your hotel, there will be internet service; but if not, you can find internet bars on Changzhen Road, and there you can go to post office to get online. It charges 4 RMB an hour in the post office.


  • How to bring back the Tibetan knife I bought?

    The Tibetan knife with not be allowed through customs at the airport however it can be taken to the train and sent by post.


  • Useful Numbers:

    • Diqing Shangri-La Airport Inquiry: 0887-8229901
    • Tourist Complaint: 0887-8225390


  • Emergency Numbers:

    • Fire: 119
    • Ambulance: 120
    • Police: 110
    • Traffic: 122


Towering like a pyramid, Meili Snow Mountain is regarded as a Holy Mountain by local Tibetans. The continuous mountain ridges feature snowy peaks and the sun throws golden lights on the low-floating clouds which form various extraordinary shapes, affording yet another splendid view!



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