Yubeng is a secluded small Tibetan village tucked away at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain in Deqin county, the northwestern corner of Yunnan Province. It is only accessible by foot or horse/mule. But the trip, however arduous, is worth it. Yubeng is divided into an upper and a lower section. Both parts offer fabulous views of the Mei Li Snow Mountains. Lower Yubeng is smaller, quieter and closer to the lakes and waterfalls that you will likely visit during your stay.

Yubeng Village is situated at the foot of the Meili Snow Mountain Range. From Upper Yubeng, trekkers have access to the Base Camp, and Ice Lake hikes. From Lower Yubeng, you can find the paths to the Sacred Waterfall, and if you are a hardcore hiker, Holy Lake, which from a higher vantage point, has an unobstructed view of the Kawa Karpo Peak (6,740 meters), and most of the rest of the mountain range.

What to attract you in Yubeng

1. Base Camp and Ice Lake (3850 m). Beautiful glacier fed lake above a meadow. 5-8 hour hike. The path starts after passing through upper Yubeng - locals can point you in the direction. Along the path there are green trash cans - just follow them. The first part of the trail is flat, and goes through a forest where you will cross a small stream. After, there is about a one hour ascent to the top of a mountain pass. The path up starts quite easy, but gets progressively steeper. You may have to do a bit of scrambling over rocks and trees to reach the top. After the pass, there is a small climb downhill along some rocky steps, until you reach a flat bit of woodland and a river. After crossing the river, it's another short walk to a clearing, where you will find Base Camp, where it's possible to buy a bowl of rice (20RMB) or refreshments. In the summer, it is also possible to stay at Base Camp - there are basic communal lodgings and bedding provided. From Upper Yubeng to Base Camp take about 3 hours. From the base camp to the lake is about another hour. The path leads towards the snow mountains, and starts off fairly easy, getting progressively steeper as you get to the top. Just before the lake, you may have scramble up some rocks for the last section of the walk, which could be a bit dangerous in winter. To reach the lake, you can scramble down the rocks to reach the bottom. 
2. Shenpu 雨崩神瀑 (Sacred Waterfall) (3650 m). Apparently best seen in the morning to catch rainbows. 4-5 hour hike. The path starts by crossing lower Yubeng, and turning right near the stupa. There are green trash cans along the path. There is a tea shop about 2/3 of the way to the waterfall. In the summer, the tea shops also provide basic lodgings and bedding if you want to stay overnight in the mountains.  

1. 3.Ninong (2000 m). Follow the Yubeng river down to the Lancang river and hike to Ninong village. Some of the most stunning views and thrilling trails of the area. Hike out or in this way do not miss out.

There are about 10 Guesthouses in Upper and Lower Yubeng. Most Guesthouses charge about 40 Yuan per night per person for basic accommodations and shared bathrooms or outhouses. Standard rooms with private bath and nicer décor range in price from 160-200 Yuan per night, not including food which runs about 30~50 Yuan per meal per person. Some recommendations include: the new Eden Inn, which is the first guesthouse along the path to Lower Yubeng. A bit further down the same path is the Hiker Dwelling Inn(Hikers' Home) which offers spectacular views with shared rooms starting at 40 Yuan and more comfortable standard rooms at 180 Yuan.  If you continue down along the path from the Hiker Dwelling Inn and across the river you will enter Lower Yubeng. In Lower Yubeng we recommend Shenpu Guesthouse which offers basic accommodations, occasional hot showers, outhouse and great food in a warm and friendly setting.