Meili Snow Mountain
Meili Snow Mountain (aka Kawa Karpo) – in reality, a multi-peaked mountain range – is located in the western section of Deqin County, Yunnan Province, on the border with Tibet Autonomous Region. Apart from its top, which is snow-capped year-round (hence the name), Meili Snow Mountain is characterized by the usual four distinct seasons.
Between the mountain's foot and summit are several zones of plant distributions, from a flower-studded tropical zone near the base of the mountain to a frigid zone that comprises the mountain's snow-capped peaks, with intermediate and transitional zones in between. Meili Snow Mountain is also a one-of-a-kind habitat for several endangered species (among them: snow leopards, clouded leopards, Asiatic black bears, and red pandas), which is why The Nature Conservancy has chosen to throw its support behind Meili Snow Mountain.
Meili Snow Mountain has 13 peaks boasting an average peak height of 6000 meters above sea level. The highest peak, Kagebo, reaches 6740 meters above sea level, the highest peak in Yunnan Province. Since all of Meili Snow Mountain's peaks are quite high (they are often either mist-enshrouded or covered in clouds), the mountain – or rather, mountain range – is also called Taizi Shisan Feng, or "13 Princely Peaks". As part of the same belt of mountains that stretches both north and south, Meili Snow Mountain connects with Mount Adongeni of Tibet Autonomous Region to the north, and with Biluo Snow Mountain farther to the south in Yunnan Province.
The first team to try, in 1902, was the British. This was followed, equally unsuccessfully, by American, Japanese, and Chinese teams, all of whom also failed. A combined Chinese and Japanese team tried to reach the summit of Kagebo in 1991, but the expedition ended in tragedy: the entire team perished in an accident, their remains not discovered until years later, in 1998. The many failed attempts to climb Kagebo have – quite understandably – only reinforced the religious beliefs that the local Tibetans attach to their sacred mountain.
Kawagebo Peak - the Highest Peak of Meili Snow Mountain
For the Tibetans, this is a place that is considered sacred. It is a location where they find inner peace and it is also where they say their deepest and sincerest prayers.
The Kawagebo Peak is the main peak of the Meili Mountain. It serves a very special purpose for the Tibetans because of its significance for their culture, rituals, and religion. In fact, it is included in the Eight Holy Mountains for Tibetans.
A Sacred Mountain for Pilgrims
The Kawagebo Peak is primarily known as the destination for pilgrims. Those who would like to express their devotion and faith allocate time each year to go to this place. According to the devotees, going to Kagebo Peak renews their beliefs and enriches their souls. Aside from that, they are also able to free their mind from all their worries because of the tranquil surroundings.
The pilgrims come from different locations like Tibet, Sichuan, Gansu, and Qinghai. The main reason why the Kagebo Peak is visited by thousands of pilgrims each year is that they believe that it is the reincarnation of a Tibetan God. Their God is the one who helped out the locals in driving away evil spirits which bring misfortune.
Within Kawagebo Peak, there is a shrine that is built in honor of the Tibetan God. The shrine houses the statue of Kagebo, depicted as a defender who is riding a horse and carrying a sword.
Each year in late autumn and early winter, Tibetan-Buddhist pilgrims flock to Meili Snow Mountain from neighboring Sichuan Province, Tibet Autonomous Region, and even Qinghai and Gansu Provinces, some traveling hundreds of kilometers to pay homage to the sacred mountain. They spend one to two weeks in a pilgrimage around the mountain (a process termed "circumambulation" by the adherents who participate), ritualistically prostrating themselves in reverence at certain key localities. On each Goat Year of the Tibetan Calendar, the number of "circumambulators" increases a hundredfold.
Aside from the common pilgrims who go to this area, this place was also visited by a notable religious person in October 1989. A grandiose celebration was held when the 10th Panchen Lama went to the Kagebo Peak to worship.
The Unconquered Peak
The first team to try, in 1902, was the British. This was followed, equally unsuccessfully, by American, Japanese, and Chinese teams, all of whom also failed. A combined Chinese and Japanese team tried to reach the summit of Kagebo in 1991, but the expedition ended in tragedy: the entire team perished in an accident, their remains not discovered until years later, in 1998. The many failed attempts to climb Kagebo have – quite understandably – only reinforced the religious beliefs that the local Tibetans attach to their sacred mountain.
How to Explore Meili Snow Mountain and Kawagebo Peak
It is not just the devotees who go to this place. Even people of different religions and cultures exert effort in visiting the Kagebo Peak because of its immense beauty. There are guided tours which are being offered to tourists who are from different parts of the globe. That is why, this has become a destination for visitors from Europe, Australia and other parts of Asia.
The peak is well-preserved. All thanks to the efforts of the government and the locals. The surroundings are heart-warming because of the natural beauty that the Kagebo Peak possesses.
The peak has several cliffs too. Aside from the stunning land formation, there are also plenty of greeneries that decorate the surroundings. Climbing to the highest point of the Kagebo Peak can be quite dangerous because of the constant avalanches and the steep slopes. The first attempt to reach the top was in 1902. Though many mountain climbers dare to explore the Kagebo Peak, people are usually permitted only up until the foot of the Kagebo Peak.
For people who would like to stay at the foot of the Kagebo Peak, there are available inns and accommodation. Tourists can stay in these accommodations for a day or two so they can enjoy the vicinity much better. After all, this is a place that is perfect for unwinding because of the serenity which envelopes it. Breathing in the cool air can be very relaxing too.
The Kawagebo Peak is a place that is perfect for vacation and unwinding. This is a welcoming destination that is not solely for the devotees but also for those who are looking for a sanctuary that will free them from all the stress that they have.
Circle around the Peak - Inner Route ( 6 Days)
Day 1 – Proceed from Shangri-la to Deqin, where you will spend the night, passing through Bengzilan and past Dongzhulin Temple (187 kilometers);
Day 2 – Proceed from Deqin to Mingyong Glacier (70 kilometers), overnighting at Mingyong Village;
Day 3 – Proceed from Mingyong Village to Xidang Village by bus, then on to Yubeng Village on horseback, or on foot, overnighting at Yubeng Village;
Day 4 – Spend the day in Rest & Recuperation at Yubeng Village (you are also resting up for a challenge
Day 5, possibly exploring the village a bit, and overnighting there again;
Day 6 – Trek over Yubeng Mountain back to Xidang, then take the bus back to Deqin, where you overnight; Day 6 - Return to Shangri-la from Deqin by bus, immensely satisfied with yourself.
Circle around the Peak - Outer Circle (13 Days)
Since this is a pilgrimage for the hardy, which leaves out most of us, we will skip most of the details here. Rest assured that you can obtain a detailed itinerary, replete with a map, of the Outer Circle circumambulation route at any hotel in the area, or at the Tourist Bureau in Shangri-la. Note as well that the Outer Circle route is generally not via roads – at least not via paved roads – and since the terrain can be muddy and fraught with landslides or heavy snows in some places (in some areas, the pilgrimage may be held up by landslides that recur each year during July and August, and in the winter – from January through March – the pilgrimage can be temporarily blocked in some areas by heavy snow), it is absolutely advisable to make this pilgrimage on horseback. If you make it back to Shangri-la, you will surely be happier with yourself than were Mitch and Phil in the Hollywood film, City Slickers!
Meili Snow Mountain Travel Tips
How to Travel to Meili Snow Mountain
The mountain is located in western China's Yunnan Province. It is very remoted. The best way to travel there is first to take a plane to Kunming, and then travel there from Kunming.
The best Place to View the Mountain
Feilai Temple, the best vantage point from which to view Meili Snow Mountain, is 10 kilometers from the Deqin County seat. Tourists can make the 10-kilometer trip by a variety of motorized means, or go there on foot. The weather in the vicinity of Meili Snow Mountain is highly changeable. In general, the rainy season is July to August. A down-filled coat can be rented for 20 yuan (with an additional, refundable 100 yuan deposit). An oxygen bag, for those who feel they might need it (the best advice, if one feels that one might need it, would be to abandon the idea of viewing the mountain from the vantage point of Feilai Temple), is available for the same price/ refundable deposit.
The second-best place to view Meili Snow Mountain is Crown Prince Temple on the Mingyong Glacier. To get there, take a regular bus to Deqin (the Shangri-la County seat), which costs 40 yuan. Or, one can get to Crown Prince Temple by charter bus from Xiali. The round-trip fare is a whopping 500 yuan, however.
Best Time to Visit
The best time for visiting the beautiful scenery of Meili Snow Mountain is from January to May. It is difficult to see the mountain in its entirety during summer and autumn, due to heavy cloud cover or mists, but if one is in the area anyway, then try at various times of the day. For example, mists can burn off later in the day, while ordinary cloud cover may first blanket the mountain later in the day, so, depending on whether one or the other is present, one can proceed accordingly (if both are present, well,... shucks!).
Remember to Enjoy the Scenery on the Way, not just the Mountain
The very best way to enjoy the area – not just the mountain – is to get yourself to Shangri-la by whatever means is handy for you (it depends on your departure location of course), then take the charter bus to Feilai Temple. The charter bus trip offers you a fantastic view of the passing scenery through enchanting villages such as Nixi and Bengzilan, and past Dongzhulin Monastery as well as Baimang Snow Mountain, and finally, past Mingyong Glacier before depositing you at Feilai Temple. If you are in the vicinity of Feilai Temple at dusk, you will be able, weather permitting, to behold the sun go down behind Meili Snow Mountain.