Diqing

Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is China's last outpost on the way to Tibet. Within this high and remote tip of Yunnan Province, Deqin is the most northern town of note, 11,650 feet (3,550 meters) above sea level and 80 percent Tibetan. The lure is the natural scenery and the opportunities for high-altitude, absolutely pristine trekking, hiking, and horseback riding. The Melixue Mountain Nature Reserve, with Kawa Karpo Peak (22,100 feet; 6,740 meters), offers sightseeing, hiking, and an unusual pilgrimage site, Mingyong Glacier, a seven-mile trail suitable for trekking or horseback riding that leads to Lotus Temple at the top of the ...

Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is China's last outpost on the way to Tibet. Within this high and remote tip of Yunnan Province, Deqin is the most northern town of note, 11,650 feet (3,550 meters) above sea level and 80 percent Tibetan. The lure is the natural scenery and the opportunities for high-altitude, absolutely pristine trekking, hiking, and horseback riding. The Melixue Mountain Nature Reserve, with Kawa Karpo Peak (22,100 feet; 6,740 meters), offers sightseeing, hiking, and an unusual pilgrimage site, Mingyong Glacier, a seven-mile trail suitable for trekking or horseback riding that leads to Lotus Temple at the top of the glacier. Adventurous travelers can also take extended treks into other mountains, hike along the Mekong River, or visit even more remote Tibetan villages in the region.

About the Expert

J.D. Brown is a contributor to Frommer's China and Frommer's Beijing, coauthor of Frommer's China: The 50 Most Memorable Trips, Berlitz Shanghai, Berlitz Singapore, and other books.