Your hike takes place well away from the crowds in this remote glacially-carved valley just outside of Lijiang. Following an 8:30 departure from your hotel, we'll drive for about 45 minutes to the trailhead just outside the scenic spot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at 2,980 meters elevation. The first kilometer of the hike is moderately steep, climbing up and in to the glacial trough - a broad, flat-bottomed valley carved by what was once the southernmost valley glacier in the northern hemisphere. Our route continues up the valley to the edge of the glacial moraine - a mass of boulders left behind by the now-extinct glacier. Here, flanked by towering walls guarding the main summit of the mountain, we'll enjoy a picnic lunch and discuss our options for either extending the hike into the boulder field of the moraine, climbing above the valley to make a loop, or returning the way we came with plenty of leisure time on the return. Your guide will do their best at every stage to ensure your safety and accommodate your fitness level and interests.