Abujicuo, A Challenging but Rewarding Experience!!

On February 28, 2025, I embarked on a full-day, 28 km hike to Abujicuo in Shangri-La. The trail was quite slippery and steep on the day I went, but the breathtaking views, especially under a clear blue sky, made every step worth it. If I could do it again, I would definitely bring crampons—they would have been incredibly useful. However, I noticed that some guides and trekkers managed fine with just trekking boots. Along the way, I found the local guides and fellow hikers to be extremely friendly and supportive. Despite not speaking any Mandarin, they made every effort to assist me throughout the journey, which was truly heartwarming. There are ATVs available for hire that can take you up to around the 9 km mark, depending on snow conditions. While they can save some energy, riding them is still exhausting as you have to stay stable on rough terrain. I ended up taking an ATV down because my legs were completely worn out by the end of the hike. Be prepared for the high altitude—starting at approximately 3,200 m and climbing to 4,200 m, the thinner air makes breathing increasingly difficult with every step. Also, note that there are no toilets along the trail, not even at the car park at the starting point. The hike begins early, around 6 AM, with a local guide picking you up from your hotel in Shangri-La and driving about 40 minutes to an hour (depending on weather conditions) to the trailhead. The hike starts immediately, and around the 7 km mark, there’s a small hut where trekkers stop for a quick, simple lunch. From there, it’s another 7 km to the lake at the summit. My whole group arrived at the car park at around 5pm( 1 person out of 4 who walked up and down full trail, the rest took ATV on the way back😂) And then another 1 hour drove back to the city. Overall, this trail is absolutely worth it—not too crowded, with incredible scenery all along the way. Just make sure to check the weather before you go and come well-prepared! P.S. there is no signal up there, you will be disconnected from the world. For me this is not for the beginners, you must be prepared. #abujicuo #shangri-la #เที่ยวจีน #yunnan #hiking #china