Jiaozi Snow Mountain Overnight Tour with Sunrise Summit Hiking

2 days

Moderate

Embark on an overnight tour to Jiaozi Snow Mountain from Kunming. Hike to the summit to watch the sunrise and explore the mountain.

Embark on an overnight adventure to Jiaozi Snow Mountain from Kunming. Watch the sunrise from the summit of the mountain, take a scenic cable car ride, and enjoy a local lunch.

Start your overnight tour with pickup at your hotel in Kunming city at 6:00 PM and arriving at Jiaozi Snow mountain around 9:00 PM. After an early breakfast, start hiking to the summit around 3:30 AM to catch the sunrise.

The 8-kilometer hike with an elevation increase of 650 meters will take about 3 hours. After enjoying the sunrise at the summit at over 4,200 meters above sea level, take the cable car to descend back to mid-mountain to continue a scenic tour of the Jiaozi Snow mountain.

After the tour, enjoy a local lunch before heading back to Kunming. Jiaozi Snow Mountain soars over 4,200 meters above sea level, making it one of the tallest peaks in Yunnan. This majestic beauty offers a tapestry of natural wonders that will leave you in awe.

From the majestic glaciers and snow-capped peaks to the crystal-clear alpine lakes and cascading waterfalls, this mountain range is a photographer’s dream come true.

What's included?
    • Transport from/to Kunming
    • Jiaozi Snow Mountain Entrance tickets, cable car, shuttle bus
    • Accommodation at Jiaozi Snow Mountain (twin-sharing)
    • Breakfast/Lunch
    • Professional Hiking Guide (Chinese-speaking)
    • Insurance 
    • English/French/German/Italian/Spanish/Russian guide (extra fee)
    • Malay/Indonesian/Thai/Vietnamese/Khmer guide (extra fee)
    Exclusions
      • Personal expenses
      • Dinner
      • Tips & gratuities
      Please note

        PHYSICAL FITNESS & HIKING REQUIREMENTS

        • DIFFICULTY LEVEL
          • The sunrise hike is moderately challenging and involves steep trails, snow, and icy conditions during winter.
          • Suitable for those with good physical fitness and prior hiking experience.
        • DURATION
          • The hike to the summit may take 3-4 hours depending on your pace, plus additional time to descend.
          • Expect a full day of activity starting early in the morning and returning in the afternoon or evening.

        ALTITUDE CONSIDERATIONS

        • ELEVATION
          • Jiaozi Snow Mountain reaches an altitude of 4,223 meters (12,855 feet) at its summit.
          • Risk of Altitude Sickness: Be aware of symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Acclimate in Kunming (1,890 meters) for 1-2 days before attempting the hike.
        • HYDRATION
          • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and minimize altitude effects.

        WEATHER,CLOTHING AND ACCESSIBILITY

        • COLD TEMPERATURES
          • Expect sub-zero temperatures, especially at the summit during sunrise. Wind chill can make it feel even colder.
        • WHAT TO WEAR
          • Dress in warm, layered clothing (thermal base layer, insulated jacket, waterproof outer layer).
          • Wear gloves, a hat, and a scarf to protect against the cold.
          • Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are essential for snow and icy terrain.
        • SEASON WEATHER
          • Best time to visit is December-February, when snow is at its peak and the sunrise views are clear.
        • ACCESSIBILITY 
          • The trail to the summit is not wheelchair-friendly and may not be suitable for young children, the elderly, and those with mobility issues.

        SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

        • HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
          • Inform the guide of any medical conditions (e.g., asthma, heart problems).
          • Carry necessary medications and a small first-aid kit.
        • TRAIL CONDITIONS
          • The guide will assess weather and trail safety. Always follow their instructions, especially on icy or challenging sections.
        • WEATHER DEPENDENT ACTIVITY
          • Sunrise hikes may be rescheduled or canceled due to poor weather conditions (e.g., heavy snow, fog, or rain). 

        HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SUNRISE SUMMIT HIKE

        • SCENIC BEAUTY
          • Witness stunning views of snow-covered peaks, alpine meadows, and frozen waterfalls as the sun rises.
          • The golden glow of the sunrise on the mountain is a breathtaking experience, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
        • LESS CROWDED
          • The sunrise tour offers a quieter, more serene experience compared to later visits.


        What to bring

          For an overnight tour, it’s crucial to be well-prepared for the cold, high altitude, and possibly snowy conditions. Here’s a list of essentials tailored for this experience:


          CLOTHING

          • BASE LAYERS: Thermal top and bottom for warmth and moisture-wicking.
          • INSULATED JACKET: Down or synthetic jacket for warmth.
          • WATERPROOF AND WINDPROOF OUTER LAYER: Jacket and pants to protect against snow and wind.
          • HIKING PANTS: Lightweight but warm, comfortable, ideally fleece-lined or softshell.
          • HAT/BEANIE: Insulated to keep your head warm.
          • GLOVES: Waterproof and insulated.
          • NECK GAITER/SCARF: For wind protection and warmth.
          • THERMAL SOCKS: Wool or synthetic, plus an extra pair.
          • STURDY HIKING BOOTS: Waterproof, insulate, with good traction for snow.

          GEAR

          • BACKPACK (30-40L): To carry essentials like food, water, and layers.
          • SLEEPING BAG: If accommodations are basic, bring one rated for sub-zero temperatures.
          • HEADLAMP: Essential for early morning ascent. Bring extra batterie.
          • TREKKING POLES: Helpful for stability or balance on snow or icy/uneven trails.
          • GAITERS: To prevent snow from entering your boots.
          • SUNGLASSES: To shield eyes from snow glare, especially at sunrise.
          • WATER BOTTLE OR INSULATED FLASK:  Insulated to prevent freezing, hot drinks are highly recommended.
          • PORTABLE CHARGER/POWER BANK: To keep phones and other electronics charged.

          FOOD AND HYDRATION

          • SNACKS: High-energy foods like nuts, dried fruits, chocolates, and energy bars.
          • HOT DRINKS: Bring tea, coffee, of a hot water flask for warmth during breaks.
          • ELECTROLYTE PACKETS: To stay hydrated and energized. Helps with hydration, especially at high altitudes.

          OTHER ESSENTIALS 

          • ALTITUDE SICKNESS MEDICATIONS: To manage symptoms if needed, like headaches or dizziness.
          • SMALL FIRST AID KIT: Include painkillers, band-aids, and personal medications.
          • CAMERA/PHONE: To capture the stunning sunrise.
          • SUNSCREEN AND LIP BALM: High-altitude UV rays are strong, even in winter.
          • HOT PACKS/HAND WARMERS: Useful for cold hands or boots.
          • TRAVEL ADAPTER: If travelling from outside China, bring a plug adapter for Chinese sockets ( Type A, C, or I ).

          TIPS

          • Acclimatize to the altitude if you are not used to high elevations.
          • Start your hike early to allow enough time to reach the summit before sunrise.
          • Communicate with your guide. Let them know your fitness level and preference.
          • Stay with your group or guide. Follow local guide for a safe and enjoyable experience.


          Being well-equipped ensures you can enjoy the breathtaking sunrise without discomfort.

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