Meili Snow Mountains
Mountains Sacred Tibetan mountain range with snow-capped peaks
In northwest Yunnan, the Meili Snow Mountains (Kawagebo range) include peaks sacred to Tibetan Buddhists; trekkers and pilgrims come for high‑altitude scenery, mountain villages and pilgrimage circuits.
The Meili Snow Mountains are a dramatic alpine massif in northwestern Yunnan province, China, noted for glacier-clad peaks and deep river gorges. The range is culturally significant to local Tibetan communities and is a prominent feature of the Hengduan mountain system.
Snow-covered ridges and glaciers, high-altitude vistas and pilgrimage routes around the peaks draw visitors for sightseeing and trekking around the lower valleys. The mountain group is most often approached from the town of Deqin, which serves as the principal base for visitors.
The range has long religious importance for Tibetan Buddhists; the highest peak, Kawagebo, is considered sacred and climbing and access are tightly restricted in practice following dangerous incidents. The mountains lie in Deqin County in northwestern Yunnan, north of the bend of the Jinsha (Upper Yangtze) River.
- Highest peak and access status: Highest summit reaches 6,740 metres and is regarded as sacred by Tibetan Buddhists, with limited or effectively restricted mountaineering activity out of respect and safety concerns.
What to See #
- Kawagebo peak (6,740 m): Kawagebo (Kawagarbo) is the range's highest peak at 6,740 metres and is the principal sacred summit for local Tibetan communities; it dominates northwestern Yunnan's skyline.
How to Get to Meili Snow Mountains #
Meili Snow Mountains are accessed from the city of Deqin in Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan. Deqin is reached by road from Shangri-La (Zhongdian) or by long-distance bus from Lijiang and other regional centers. Road travel can be slow; many visitors travel via organized tours.
Tips for Visiting Meili Snow Mountains #
- If trekking in Yunnan toward the Meili peaks, hire local guides with high-altitude experience and pack for altitude sickness.
- The sacred peak Kawagebo (Meili Xueshan) is revered by local Tibetan Buddhists and access to the inner sanctuary is restricted; respect signs and local customs.
- Road access into the range can be rough; allow extra travel time and check local weather and road advisories.
Best Time to Visit Meili Snow Mountains #
Best visited April-June and September-November for clearer skies, stable weather and the best chances of unobstructed views of the peaks.
Weather & Climate near Meili Snow Mountains #
Meili Snow Mountains's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -18°C to 8°C. Moderate rainfall (669 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -18°C. Almost no rain.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (135 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -12°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -16°C. The driest month with just 8 mm and mostly sunny skies.
