• Private vehicle with pickup/dropoff
• Customized itinerary
• English-speaking private guide (option)
• French/German/Italian/Spanish guide (extra fee)
• Malay/Indonesian/Thai/Vietnamese/Khmer guide (extra fee)

• Tiger Leaping Gorge Admission (CNY45)
• Tips and gratuities
• Meals and beverages
• Personal expenses

Aether Tours offers customizable routes based on fitness levels:

ACCESSIBILITY & TRAIL OPTIONS

• UPPER GORGE (easiest & most accessible)
  • Features a paved walkway and a viewing platform near the roaring Jinsha River.
  • Suitable for all ages, including those who prefer minimal walking
  • Not wheelchair-friendly due to some stairs and uneven paths.
• MIDDLE GORGE (Moderate to Challenging)
  • Requires a steep descent and ascent, with rugged paths and suspension bridges.
  • The famous Sky Ladder is a nearly vertical climb on metal rungs. 
  • Recommended for active travelers comfortable with hiking.
• LOWER GORGE (Challenging, Remote, & Least Touristic)
  • Only for experienced hikers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
• People with knee or mobility issues should stick to the Upper Gorge.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

• Spring (Mar-May) - blooming flowers, pleasant weather.
• Autumn (Sept-Nov) - crisp air, clear views.
• Summer (June-Aug) - lush greenery but risk of landslide and slippery trails.
• Winter (Dec-Feb) - fewer crowds, colder temperatures.

PHYSICAL READINESS & HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

• Altitude ranges from 1,800m to 2,600m (5,900-8,530 ft), some may experience mild altitude sickness.
• Not Recommended for those with serious heart, lung, or knee issues.
• Rest breaks available - guides can adjust the pace to suit your comfort.

SAFETY MEASURES

• Some sections have steep drop-offs with no guardrails.
• Follow local guide’s advice and avoid venturing off marked paths.

PRIVATE TOUR BENEFITS

• Custom Itinerary - choose between sightseeing, light walking, or a full-day hike.
• Local Expert Guide - insightful stories about Naxi culture, history, and geology.
• Comfortable Vehicle - avoid public transport hassles with a private car.

CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR

• Comfortable, layered clothing - The temperature varies by altitude and time of day.
• Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers - Essential for rocky and uneven trails.
• Windproof & waterproof jacket - Weather can change quickly, especially in summer.
• Hat & gloves (winter visits) - It can get cold in the morning and evening.

HEALTH & SAFETY ITEMS

• Water bottle - Hydration is key to preventing altitude sickness.
• Snacks & energy bars - Food options are limited along the trail.
• Altitude sickness medications - If prone to high-altitude discomfort.
• First-aid kit - Basic supplies like band-aids/plasters, pain relievers, and motion sickness pills.
• Lip balm & moisturizer - Dry mountain air can cause chapped lips and skin.

PERSONAL ITEMS

• Tissues & wet wipes - Useful for hygiene, as some restrooms may lack supplies.
• Hand sanitizer - A must for cleanliness.
• Bug repellent - Not always needed, but helpful in summer.
• Sunglasses & sunscreen - Strong UV exposure at high altitudes.
• Power bank - The views are stunning! Bringing a power bank is essential as cold weather drain batteries faster.
• Cash - Some local guesthouse and vendors don’t accept WeChat Pay and Alipay.