Meili North Slope is the northern group of peaks in the Meili Snow Mountains, reached from Yagong village in Foshan township, Deqin county, Diqing. The route is often called the Pojun trek. It follows the mountain’s northern flanks, away from the better-known viewpoint at Feilai Temple, and brings walkers close to glaciers and to peaks including Lairigongka (6,300m), Nairidingka (6,379m), Mangkuang Laka (6,040m) and Kawagebo II (6,509m).
Route and distance
The core walk usually takes five days: about 50km, with roughly 4,650m of cumulative ascent and 5,600m of descent. The high point is the 5,200m Yunnan-Tibet pass. This is not a technical climb, but it is a serious high-altitude trek. The approaches cross scree and moraine, the pass has no obvious trail in places, and weather can change the plan.
Horses can carry main packs, so walkers can usually complete the route with day packs. That makes the distance more manageable. It does not remove the need for fitness, warm layers and care over altitude. An eight-day trip includes arrival in Lijiang, road transfers, five walking days and a return drive. Guides adjust camps and pass days to conditions and group pace.
Eight days from Lijiang
Day 1: Lijiang
Arrive in Lijiang (2,400m) and use the day to rest, check gear and adjust to the altitude. Lijiang is the assembly point, not the start of the walk.
Day 2: Drive to Feilai Temple
The drive to Feilai Temple is long but scenic: about 378km and eight hours along G214, through Shangri-La (3,300m) and Benzilan, then over the Baima Snow Mountain range into Deqin and the Meili Snow Mountain area. Feilai Temple sits at about 3,450m and faces the main Meili massif. It is the usual place to acclimatise and watch the peaks at sunset or sunrise before the trek.
Day 3: Yagong to Zhulin Camp
A short drive of about 1.5 hours reaches Yagong village (3,000m), where the walking begins. The first day is 9km, about five hours, to Zhulin camp at 3,550m, with roughly 500m of ascent. The trail climbs through mixed bamboo and broadleaf forest above the valley, with several sections across loose stone. A bridge makes a natural lunch stop. Near the end of the day the first snow peaks appear. Mobile signal is lost for the latter part of the walk.
Day 4: Pojun Glacier and Pojun Camp
The second walking day covers 6km in about five hours, gaining 600m to Pojun camp at 4,120m. The route continues up the valley through old-growth forest; after about 3km the northern peaks open up. Walkers pass an abandoned cattle farm, cross a wooden bridge and climb the slope toward Nairidingka and its glacier. Pojun camp sits opposite the glacier and the peaks Nairidingka and Mangkuang Laka. There is time to walk toward the ice and photograph the glacier. Expect no mobile signal.
Day 5: Ciding Pass to Pojiang
This is a harder day: 6km, about seven hours, with more than 600m of ascent to Ciding pass at 4,770m and a camp at 4,450m. Leave camp through a small pasture and climb a steep scree slope, then continue along the mountain into a glacial valley at about 4,500m. Skirt the lateral moraine and climb to the pass. Nairidingka glacier stays in view and can be photographed from several angles. Beyond the pass, a zigzag descent of about 300m leads to the upper Pojiang camp. The 5,200m Yunnan-Tibet pass lies behind the camp. There is 4G coverage here.
Day 6: Yunnan-Tibet Pass and Twin Lakes
The highest and most demanding day covers 9km in about six hours, with 800m of ascent. The 5,200m Yunnan-Tibet pass is the main challenge: altitude, a faint route and rough ground on both sides. Climb carefully to a platform at about 4,700m, rest, then continue upward. Kawagebo II comes into view as the path rises, and Nairidingka glacier opens out again. From the pass there is a wide view over the Meili North Slope and into the Tibet Autonomous Region, where Mukong Snow Mountain can be seen. Follow the ridge, then descend right across scree to Twin Lakes at 5,050m. A long descent leads to camp below Dala pass at about 4,200m. Some signal may be available.
Day 7: Descend to Yagong and Drive to Feilai Temple
The return route is 10km and about five hours on foot. A short climb of just over 100m is followed by a long descent. The trail passes an abandoned cattle shed and enters forest, dropping to a valley around 2,800m. Follow the stream and cross several wooden bridges to reach Yagong, where the main trek ends. A road transfer then returns the group to Feilai Temple.
Day 8: Return to Lijiang
The drive back to Lijiang is about 378km and eight hours, again via Shangri-La. If the morning is clear, there may be one more view of the Meili massif from Feilai Temple before departure. Check road conditions locally; the return is a long mountain drive.
Altitude, weather and signals
The itinerary gains height gradually, but Feilai Temple is already 3,450m and the camps sit above 4,000m. Headache, nausea and breathlessness should be taken seriously. An extra night in Feilai can help acclimatisation, and descent is the main response to altitude illness. Weather can close the high pass, so keep flexibility in the itinerary.
Mobile coverage is patchy. Feilai Temple and Pojiang camp have service; many walking hours do not. The usual season runs from May to early December, but snow, rain and pass conditions determine whether a trip can proceed. Check current forecasts and route reports rather than relying on old schedules.
Gear for a supported trek
A 60-litre pack with rain cover is useful for the main load, with a 28-litre daypack for daily needs. Bring a sleeping bag suited to the season and altitude, shell jacket and trousers, softshell layers, moisture-wicking base layers, an insulated jacket, waterproof hiking boots, several pairs of walking socks, a headlamp, thermos, eating utensils, hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, gaiters for seasonal snow, personal medicine and documents. Keep valuables, water, warm layers and documents with you even when horses carry the main packs.
Practical notes
Camps are basic; groups need to arrange food, fuel and water. Independent walkers should confirm guide, horse, camp and access arrangements with local authorities or a reputable operator. The high pass marks the Yunnan-Tibet boundary, and local access rules can change, so check before setting out. The route crosses a Tibetan cultural landscape; follow local instructions and leave the camps and trails as you find them.
How this guide was made
This guide combines structured research and automation with source and duplication review. Dates change; verify time-sensitive details before travelling.