"Nanjilo: The Ultimate Romantic Summer Hike, Where Snow-Capped Mountains Meet Flower-Filled Meadows"

Located in Achidaga Village, Badi Township, Weixi County, Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan, Nanjilo is an undeveloped, pristine wonderland boasting magnificent snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests, and meadows. Here's a hiking guide to Nanjilo: I. Best Time to Visit • May-June: The mountains are covered in snow, and the lakes have ice, offering Iceland-like scenery. • July-October: Snow-capped mountains, meadows, flower-filled valleys, forests, and waterfalls blend seamlessly, creating Swiss-like scenery. This is the best season for hiking. • Winter: The mountains are closed for most of the winter, and travel is not recommended. II. Transportation Guide • Self-driving: Approximately 240 km from Shangri-La, about a 5-hour drive; approximately 340 km from Lijiang, about a 6-hour drive. • Public Transportation: Take a bus to Weixi from Lijiang or Shangri-La, then transfer to a local bus to Badi Township. • Mountain Transportation: Private vehicles can only reach Achidaga Village. You'll need to contact a local driver for an off-road vehicle to reach the hiking starting point at Lake 3. The round-trip cost is approximately CNY 300/person. III. Hiking Routes • Small Loop (Lake 3 - Lake 5): Approximately 4 km round-trip, taking 2-3 hours. The highest elevation is 4,200m, suitable for light hiking. • Large Loop (Lake 3 - Lake 9): Approximately 7 km round-trip, taking 6-8 hours. The highest elevation is 4,400m, requiring crossing a high-altitude ridge. This route offers the most beautiful scenery. • Advanced Route (Lake 10 - Lake 12): More challenging with the highest elevation, suitable for experienced hikers. IV. Accommodation Recommendations • Badi Township: Offers comprehensive facilities with numerous guesthouses and restaurants, making it the preferred accommodation location. • Achidaga Village: Has fewer accommodation options and can be fully booked during peak season. • Nanjilo Village: Some villagers offer homestays, but conditions are basic. V. Important Notes • Advance Booking: The scenic area has a daily limit of 200 visitors. Book 3-5 days in advance. • Altitude Sickness Prevention: Prepare oxygen, glucose, and high-energy snacks. • Equipment Preparation: Bring hiking clothes, waterproof and non-slip shoes, trekking poles, rain gear, down vests, etc. • Environmental Awareness: Protect the environment and take your trash with you. • Safety Tips: Hiring a local guide is recommended to avoid getting lost. VI. Food Recommendations • Butter Tea: Rich in milk and tea flavors. • Barley Cakes: Sweet and delicious. • Yak Meat: Tender and flavorful. Nanjilo is a paradise on earth. Hiking here feels like stepping into a fairy-tale world. It's definitely worth a visit.