View to the Three Gorges Summit

Hiking the Dragon Ridge with fiery Autumn leaves, Three Gorges

Giant panda, Chengdu

Stunning vista from Goddess Peak, Three Gorges

Hiking to the Three Gorges Summit with a view of the River Yangtze

Hiking the atmospheric Dragon Ridge, Three Gorges

View from Goddess Peak, Three Gorges

Hiking to the Three Gorges Summit

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China's Three Gorges Hike

Hike beyond the usual Three Gorges experience on mountain trails and ridgelines above the Yangtze River.

China

9 Days from

$2590 USD

Trip Code: CYZ

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement

$380 USD

Duration

9 Days

Activities

2 days adventure touring
5 days hiking

Style

Classic Adventures

Accommodation

8 nights hotel

Meals

8 Dinners
7 Lunches
8 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: Moderate
The theme behind most of our trips is action holidays and the fitter you are, the more easily you will adjust and enjoy yourself. On a trekking trip such as this you need to be in general good health and moderately fit. One one of the days the trail climbs steeply from near river level, gaining approximately 1,290m / 4,232ft over a roughly 12km / 7.4mi point-to-point hike. This is a hard, sustained ascent, with thousands of steep stone steps and sections of narrow historic plank paths traversing the limestone mountainside. The grading overall would be moderate, with some "strenuous" activity. Before departure aerobic-type exercise, which increases your breathing, is an obvious advantage. We recommend that for about two to three months prior to departure you try to exercise most days for 30 - 45 minutes or aerobic type activity.
5 / 10
Moderate

Trip highlights

Hike high above the Yangtze River in the spectacular landscapes of the Three Gorges
Traverse the exposed Dragon Ridge above Wu Gorge, with sweeping views
Follow the Goddess Heavenly Road, hiking along cliffside trails to elevated viewpoints
Experience the Yangtze landscape from both its river and mountain trails
Challenge yourself on the ascent to Three Gorges Summit 1,388 meters (4,554 feet)
Travel with experienced local guides with carefully designed logistics throughout
Explore southwest China beyond the trails, visiting Chengdu and exploring Chongqing
Stay in comfortable hotels throughout

Overview

Go beyond the usual Three Gorges experience and discover this dramatic stretch of the Yangtze River on foot. Carved through steep mountains as the Yangtze flows east towards central China, the Three Gorges—Qutang, Wu and Xiling—form a spectacular corridor of towering cliffs, narrow waterways and deeply cut valleys. This active journey focuses on the mountain landscapes around Wushan and Fengjie, with rewarding hikes involving sustained ascents, steep mountain trails and exposed sections leading to high ridgelines and viewpoints above the river. Hike Dragon Ridge overlooking Wu Gorge, explore the trails around Goddess Peak and Goddess Heavenly Road, and climb to Three Gorges Summit before descending by gondola. Boat journeys along the Yangtze connect several of the walks and reveal the scale of the gorges from water level. Away from the trails, visit Chengdu’s renowned panda sanctuary and experience the city’s food and culture, before exploring Chongqing, including the atmospheric Chinaware Alleyway. Together, these experiences combine challenging hiking with two of southwest China’s most fascinating cities.

Itinerary

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Make your own way to the group hotel in Chengdu, where your journey through southwest China begins. The remainder of the day is at leisure before meeting your tour leader and fellow travellers in the hotel lobby at approximately 6:30pm. This evening provides an opportunity to get to know the group and learn more about the journey ahead. Afterwards, head to a local restaurant for your welcome dinner. Accommodation: Buddha Zen Hotel or similar

Meals: D

Spend the day discovering Chengdu, beginning with a visit to the Panda Sanctuary before continuing to People's Park and the historic Kuanzhai Alleyways, also known as the Wide and Narrow Ancient Alleyways. Together, these visits provide an introduction to several different sides of the city before you leave for the Yangtze region. Explore the traditional alleyways and experience the atmosphere of People's Park as you make your way through the city. Return to your hotel after a full day of sightseeing. Accommodation: Buddha Zen Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Leaving Chengdu behind this morning and traveling approximately 4.5 hours by fast train to Wushan, the base for the next stage of your journey. After lunch, transfer towards the mountains and set out on a rewarding hike along Longji, or the Dragon Ridge, named for its main ridgeline, which resembles a massive resting dragon overlooking the mouth of Wu Gorge. We follow the middle section the true ‘spine of the dragon’, where the trail narrows as it traverses the crest of the mountain. In places there are steep, near-vertical drops on both sides, creating a considerable sense of exposure. Developed sections are fortified with stone or concrete surfaces and safety handrails, but the narrow ridge and open terrain can feel intense, particularly for those uncomfortable with heights. With few trees obscuring the outlook on the open ridge, there are panoramic views across Wushan, Wu Gorge, the Yangtze River and surrounding karst mountains. Continue towards Denglong Peak, the symbolic ‘head’ of the dragon, before beginning the long descent. Here, the developed paths transition to more rugged, unpaved trails that can become slippery and muddy after rain. Return to Wushan following a dramatic introduction to the mountain landscapes of the Three Gorges. Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

This morning, we head to the Yangtze River for an approximately one-hour boat journey to Shenjiawan, where today's full-day hike begins. Set out on foot through Wu Gorge in the area of Goddess Peak, up to Wangxia village. A mixture of stone steps and earth footpaths with some sections of denser vegetation on this rarely visited path. The combination of walking and boat travel allows you to appreciate the landscape from contrasting perspectives as you make your way towards the riverside settlement of Lannihu. At the end of the hike, board a boat for the return journey along the Yangtze to Wushan. Ascent: 957m / 3,140ft Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Another journey along the Yangtze River begins the day, with an approximately one-hour boat ride to Light Tower and the start of our full-day hike. From here, we follow the Goddess Heavenly Road (Shennv Tianlu) through a dramatic high-altitude cliffside landscape in the mountains above Wu Gorge. The route maintains a relatively steady elevation along the ridge at around 1,200m / 3,937ft. Underfoot, the developed trail varies between well-maintained stone flagstones, paved scenic roads and sturdy wooden boardwalks. As we traverse the mountainside, there are bird's-eye views over Wu Gorge and the winding Yangtze River, with Goddess Peak rising across the gorge. Viewing areas along the route include Tianzhan Lantern, Fairy Shoe Terrace and Feiyun Terrace. Shorter, steeper flights of stone stairs lead to some of these viewpoints, adding more demanding sections to the ridge walk. The Goddess Heavenly Road hugs the mountainside, with sheer cliff drops in places creating a considerable sense of exposure, although the developed route is protected by handrails and safety barriers. Travellers with a strong fear of heights may find these sections challenging, particularly around the elevated viewpoints. We continue along the ridge towards Liuping Village, completing another rewarding day exploring the Three Gorges from its mountain trails rather than solely from river level. From Liuping, we return to Wushan by bus. Ascent: 1,023m / 3,356ft Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we travel by road for approximately one hour to Fengjie, before continuing by boat to Baiyanshan (White Salt Hill) for another hike above the Three Gorges. From the river, we make our way onto the mountain trails, climbing to elevated viewpoints with bird’s-eye views towards White Emperor City and Fengjie. After the high trails around Wushan, today's walk provides another perspective on the Three Gorges landscape, combining travel on the water with exploration on foot above the Yangtze. Following the hike, we return to Fengjie by boat for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the local museum to learn more about Kuimen and Fengjie in ancient times, adding historical context to the landscapes we have been exploring. We then settle into our hotel in Fengjie and prepare for tomorrow's most challenging hike of the journey, the strenuous ascent of Three Gorges Summit. Ascent: 647m / 2,123ft Accommodation: Royal Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today brings the most challenging hike of the journey as we set out from the ferry pier to climb Three Gorges Peak. After several days exploring the region from the Yangtze River and surrounding mountain trails, this strenuous ascent provides a fitting culmination to our time hiking in the Three Gorges. The trail climbs steeply from near river level, gaining approximately 1,290m / 4,232ft over a roughly 12km / 7.4mi point-to-point hike. This is a hard, sustained ascent, with thousands of steep stone steps and sections of narrow historic plank paths traversing the limestone mountainside. One of the defining sections is the “66 Switchbacks”, where the trail leaves the shaded forest corridors and climbs through a relentless sequence of tight switchbacks and stone steps. Careful footing and a steady pace are essential as we continue upwards, with substantial elevation gain and exposed cliffside terrain making this the toughest walking day of the trip. After approximately 5–6 hours of strenuous hiking, we reach the upper section of Three Gorges Peak. Rather than retracing our long ascent, we descend by gondola before returning by road to Fengjie for our final night in the Three Gorges region. Ascent: 1,290m / 4,232ft Accommodation: Royal Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Bid farewell to the Three Gorges this morning and take the fast train from Fengjie to Chongqing, a journey of approximately two hours. In the afternoon, explore Ciqikou, also known as Chinaware Alleyway, before discovering more of this metropolis built among the mountains. It is a distinct change of pace after your days of hiking around Wushan and Fengjie and provides an urban finale to the journey. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner featuring Chongqing's famous hot pot. Accommodation: SSAW Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before the trip concludes in Chongqing. There are no organised activities included today, leaving you free to make your onward arrangements. You may choose to spend additional time in Chongqing or continue your travels elsewhere in China. Your arrangements are independent after breakfast.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

6 scheduled departures between 6 Mar 2027 and 6 Nov 2027.

Departs 6 Mar 2027 – ends 14 Mar 2027 (9 days)
Departs 3 Apr 2027 – ends 11 Apr 2027 (9 days)
Departs 8 May 2027 – ends 16 May 2027 (9 days)
Departs 4 Sep 2027 – ends 12 Sep 2027 (9 days)
Departs 9 Oct 2027 – ends 17 Oct 2027 (9 days)
Departs 6 Nov 2027 – ends 14 Nov 2027 (9 days)

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners
Twin-share 4 and 5* hotels
Expert bilingual guide and mountain guide
First-class high-speed rail from Chengdu to Wushan and Fengjie to Chongqing
Private air conditioned vehicles
Visit to Chengdu Panda Sanctuary
Boat journeys on the Yangtze River and around the Three Gorges
Gondola descent from Three Gorges Summit
Medical kit

Not included

International airfares and departure taxes
Visa costs
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Arrival airport transfer
Meals and drinks not listed
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Any items not listed as included

Responsible Travel

Extra trip info

Buddha Zen Hotel, Chengdu: A traditional Chinese building with carved wooden balconies and a peaceful courtyard, offering a serene retreat in the city.

Zen Budda Hotel, Chengdu

Hampton by Hilton Hotel, Wushan

Royal Hotel, Fengjie

SSAW Boutique Hotel

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.

Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.

Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.

Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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The trip includes five consecutive hiking days, including two full-day hikes and a challenging ascent of Three Gorges Summit.

Hiking days range from 3-4 hours of hiking to up to 5-6 hours of hiking with steep ascents.

The climb to Three Gorges Peak on Day 7 is described as the most challenging hike of the journey with a sustained ascent, with thousands of steep stone steps of 1,290m / 4,232ft.

Yes. Several hikes on the Three Gorges trip include narrow mountain paths, cliffside sections and exposed ridgelines with wide, 360-degree views over the Yangtze River and surrounding gorges. Some developed sections have steps, boardwalks and safety handrails, but travellers who experience vertigo or are uncomfortable with heights may still find parts of the trip challenging.

No, due to the amount of walking, steps and uneven terrain, the trip is not suitable for travellers with limited mobility.

Yes. A tour leader is included, with local mountain guide and a support vehicle to carry your luggage.

You will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket and pants, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc

Walking boots with ankle support for uneven ground.

Comfortable 4-5* hotel accommodation is used throughout.

Yes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on most days, with dinner only on Day 1 and breakfast only on Day 9.

Vegetarian and some medically required diets can be accommodated with advance notice, although a completely allergen-free environment cannot be guaranteed.

The trip uses fast trains, road transfers and local boat journeys.

Road transfers are used between some trailheads and towns, including Wushan, Fengjie and the hiking areas, alongside train and boat travel.

Yes. Several hiking days include boat journeys along the Yangtze River to access and return from the trails.

Yes. The itinerary includes a visit to Chengdu's Panda Sanctuary.

The itinerary includes Chengdu's Panda Sanctuary, People's Park and Kuanzhai Alleyways, Fengjie's local museum and Ciqikou in Chongqing.

Spring and autumn are generally mild and comfortable for hiking, with daytime temperatures typically around 15–25°C, although cooler mornings, rain and mist are possible in the mountains.

No. Individuals must make their own arrangements.

Visa requirements depend on nationality and current Chinese entry regulations, so travellers should check the latest requirements before departure.

Yes, travel insurance is compulsory.

Experience the Three Gorges on foot, exploring mountain and gorge trails beyond the usual river journey
Hike Dragon Back, Wu Gorge, Goddess Heavenly Road, White Salt Hill and Three Gorges Peak
Combine hiking with a boat journey along the Yangtze River for different perspectives of the gorge landscapes
Travel with a tour leader and local mountain guide support
Enjoy organised rail, road and boat transport connecting the key stages of the journey
Combine active hiking with cultural experiences in Chengdu, Fengjie and Chongqing

Guaranteeing A Great China Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

Quality equipment

Quality accommodations

Innovative itineraries

Custom built, reliable transport

Our all inclusive approach

China's Three Gorges Hike

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Map

Elevation

Ready to start your adventure?