Rated by National Geographic as China's Most Beautiful Snow Mountain! The Perfect Time to Encounter Kawagebo in Meili in Autumn

Hi, I’m Xiao Man, a traveler passionate about chasing the beauty of snow mountains. Last month, when autumn was in full swing, I set off once again on a journey to Deqin, just to have an autumn date with Meili Snow Mountain. The autumn colors here blend beautifully with the snow-capped peaks, making it an absolute must-visit destination for photography and nature lovers alike!
【My 4 Days 3 Nights Pilgrimage】
✅Day 1: Depart from Shangri-La → 4-hour self-drive to Feilai Temple → Check in at a scenic hotel → Acclimate to the altitude
✅Day 2: Watch the "Sunlight on the Golden Mountain" at dawn → Visit the Wunongding Viewing Platform → Afternoon hike to the entrance of Yubeng Village
✅Day 3: Light hike in Yubeng Village → Pilgrimage to the Divine Waterfall → Experience Tibetan mountain-circumambulation culture
✅Day 4: Day trip to Mingyong Glacier → Return to Shangri-La
🌟Highlights that will blow your mind: Every view is breathtaking
▫️Sunlight on the Golden Mountain spectacle: Autumn is the season with the highest chance to witness this phenomenon. When the first ray of sunlight shines on Kawagebo Peak, the entire snow mountain turns golden—a shockingly unforgettable sight.
▫️Yubeng Village in autumn: This "village at the foot of the sacred mountain" looks unreal in autumn, with golden poplar trees, babbling streams, and distant snow mountains forming a stunning painting.
▫️Mountain-circumambulation cultural experience: Follow local Tibetans to experience a small mountain circumambulation and feel their devout worship of the sacred mountain. This cultural experience is truly unique.
📸Photo tips: Capture the most beautiful moments
→For shooting the Sunlight on the Golden Mountain, use a telephoto lens. The best spot is the Feilai Temple viewing platform, where you should arrive by 6 a.m.
→The barley racks in front of Yubeng Village make an excellent foreground, perfectly combining snow mountains and local culture.
→The thirteen white towers at Wunongding are a classic spot; the morning light is softest here, allowing you to capture photos with rich layers.
💡Practical TIPS
▪️Best time: Late October to early November, when the chance to see the Sunlight on the Golden Mountain is highest.
▪️Altitude acclimation: Deqin is at 3,400 meters elevation; avoid strenuous exercise and prepare altitude sickness medication.
▪️Transportation advice: The road from Shangri-La to Deqin is in good condition but has many curves; drive carefully.
▪️Accommodation recommendation: The scenic hotel at Feilai Temple is the top choice; I recommend "Meili Past," with rooms facing the snow mountain.
Autumn at Meili Snow Mountain is pure and sacred. If you want to see the true face of Kawagebo, this autumn is the best time!