Meili Snow MountainsMeili Snow Mountains at a Glance#
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.
Nearby Attractions to Meili Snow Mountains#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | -18° - -5° | -17° | 9 mm | some cloud | 69% | 3.4 m/s | 1.0 high | 10.4h |
| February | Poor | -16° - -4° | -17° | 18 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 4.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.1h |
| March | Poor | -13° - -2° | -13° | 35 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 4.2 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Poor | -9° - 1° | -10° | 55 mm | overcast | 73% | 4.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.7h |
| May | Poor | -5° - 6° | -4° | 56 mm | overcast | 72% | 4.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.4h |
| June | Poor | 0° - 8° | 0° | 86 mm | overcast | 75% | 4.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.8h |
| July | Poor | 1° - 9° | 2° | 135 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.6h |
| August | Poor | 1° - 8° | 2° | 116 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.0h |
| September | Poor | -1° - 7° | 0° | 81 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.5 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Acceptable | -6° - 4° | -5° | 53 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.3 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.4h |
| November | Acceptable | -12° - 0° | -11° | 17 mm | some cloud | 71% | 3.0 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.6h |
| December | Acceptable | -16° - -3° | -15° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 69% | 3.3 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 10.2h |
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.