Trekking at Tiger Leaping Gorge

In early November, Hotec organized a two-day hiking trip at Tiger Leaping Gorge for our team building, which was undoubtedly an unforgettable experience for us. The combination of physical challenges, immersive nature, and cultural exploration offers a holistic approach to enhancing team dynamics - pushing boundaries, overcoming challenges, and forging stronger connections within a team.

Located in the mountainous region of Yunnan Province, China, Tiger Leaping Gorge, runs between the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang and the Haba Snow Mountain in Shangri-La. It stretches for 23 kilometers, with the entrance at an elevation of 1,800 meters and a height difference of 3,900 meters. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, towering cliffs, and the raging waters of the Jinsha River, Tiger Leaping Gorge is considered one of the "Top Ten Most Beautiful Canyons in China" as well as one of the "Deepest Canyons in the World." It is ranked alongside the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon in Tibet and the Grand Canyon in the United States.

On the first day, we set off from Naxi Yage and began our journey along a narrow cement path, which lead us straight into the first challenge of the day: the 28 Bends. This section required continuous climbing and was quite physically demanding. Along the way, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain seemed to beckon us forward.

From a high vantage point, we overlooked the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, and when we spotted a stone marked with the words "Mountain Top”, we knew that we had reached the highest point of the 28 Bends. From here, we got a clear view of the true form of the Jade Dragon Thirteen Peaks across the gorge.

After descending from the "Mountain Top", the path gradually sloped downward, taking us to the Teahorse Guesthouse where we could stop to rest and replenish. We began to truly experience the dramatic beauty of the Tiger Leaping Gorge: the Haba Snow Mountain becomes steeper, and the path clings precariously to the cliffside. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain stands in cold, imposing grandeur, like an axe, giving a sense of pressure.

As we continued along the cliffside trail, we passed graffiti and English signs guiding us forward. We also encountered a rock that resembled a human profile, seemingly staring across the Jinsha River at the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. When we reached the "Halfway" Guesthouse marker, our destination for the day was within reach.

On the second day, we set off from Halfway Guesthouse after enjoying our breakfast with the awesome view in front of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The road conditions excavated along the cliff forced us to move closer to the mountain. Halfway through, a waterfall fallen from the sky, with mist drifting in the wind, just like a divine waterfall, this is the 'Guanyin Waterfall'.

Hiking along the mountainside all the way, the thrilling and shocking feeling of Tiger Leaping Gorge suddenly raised when we reached the bottom of the valley. The river water collides with the rugged rocks, causing waves to splash and suddenly fall, accompanied by a roaring sound as it dives downwards, making it hard to imagine what would happen if it fell. There are several iron chain bridges on the river leading to the giant boulder at the center of the river. Standing on the boulder, the overwhelming force of the Jinsha River makes people dare not move forward any further.

Trekking at Tiger Leaping Gorge offers more than just an opportunity for adventure; it provides a transformative environment that enhances collaboration, trust, and leadership. In a world where team dynamics often play a crucial role in success, the gorge’s challenging trails and serene beauty create an ideal setting for deepening connections among team members. Whether your goal is to strengthen communication, tackle problems together, or simply reconnect with nature, Tiger Leaping Gorge is a place where teams can grow, bond, and come away stronger than ever.