Tiger Leaping Gorge planning
A practical choice that changes the length and character of your first hiking day.
Short answer
Start at Qiaotou if you want the longer, conventional High Trail approach. Start at Naxi Family Guesthouse if you want to save roughly two hours and begin closer to the climb toward the 28 Bends. For a group hiking to Halfway or Bendiwan in one day, Naxi Family Guesthouse is usually the more practical choice.
Reviewed by Edison, based in Dali · Updated August 22, 2026Compare the starts
Longer start
The conventional beginning of the north-to-south High Trail. The route first climbs away from town through village and approach sections before reaching Naxi Family Guesthouse.
Practical start
A common shortened starting point before the climb toward the 28 Bends. It removes the town approach while keeping the best-known mountain section of the High Trail.
Before you decide
Rain, trail conditions and shorter winter daylight can change the sensible starting point.
The trail is genuine mountain walking with sustained climbing. There are no escalators or elevators.
Halfway, Bendiwan and nearby guesthouses may require different luggage and vehicle arrangements.
Large vehicles may not suit every local access road. Confirm the final handoff before the hiking day.
Common questions
Yes. Qiaotou, now commonly called Hutiaoxia Town, is the conventional starting area for the longer north-to-south High Trail route. The first section toward Naxi Family Guesthouse adds roughly two hours for many hikers.
No. Naxi Family Guesthouse is before the climb toward the 28 Bends. Starting there skips the earlier Qiaotou approach but keeps the best-known uphill section of the classic trail.
For most travelers with limited daylight, Naxi Family Guesthouse is the more practical start. It reduces the approach and gives the group more time for the mountain trail, rest stops and changing weather.
Often yes, but the arrangement depends on the guesthouse, vehicle size and current road access. Confirm the exact meeting point, luggage capacity, pickup time and payment directly before the hiking day.
Need a route check?
Send your date, overnight guesthouse, group size and luggage plan for a practical local assessment.
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