This is by far the most amazing place in China. Located between the Mekong River (Lancang jiang), Salweeen River (Nu Jiang) and the Tibetan border in northwestern Yunnan, Mount Meili (Kawagebo or Kawakarpo) reaches an astonishing 22,112 feet (6740 meters). Kawagebo is the second holiest mountain in Tibetan Buddhism, which draws tens of thousands of pilgrims who spend 2-3 weeks slowly circumambulating (circling) Kawagebo's gigantic base. Often the first pilgrimage stop while circling Kawagebo is Yubeng, which sits at 14,000ft and consists of an upper and lower village area. Both villages are traditionally Buddhist focusing on agricultural, grazing and non-timber products (wild medicinal plants and mushrooms). The setting is spectacular with MT. Meili towering above and the deep gorge valley where Yubeng rests. Hiking to Yubeng is a ethno botanists paradise and a biologically diverse adventure. Beginning along side the upper Mekong River the desert like environment quickly leads to dense coniferous (pine) forests. The ancient path leads up trough rhododendron speckled slopes into a rare cloud forest. After crossing a low pass the trail descends towards a deep river cut valley where upper and lower Yubeng are beautifully perched. Kawagebo itself has never been climbed successfully, and in 1991, a team of Japanese mountaineers attempted the feat but were all killed in a mass avalanche. Since then the Chinese government has declared Mt Meili a holy Tibetan site and now it is illegal to try and summit the mountain. However, the trek to the base camp area, rarely attempted by the rushed traveler, is an incredible journey through original growth rain forests followed by a talus plain sprawling into a massive glacier face. Base camp is located on the edge of Bing Hu (Frozen Lake) whose waters are in a liquid state for only a few weeks of the year. The view of Mt. Meili from the base camp is breathtaking. The "sacred geography" (a Nature Conservancy Term) is best observed from the base camp area. Another day trek from Yubeng (lower) is to the famous holy waterfall. Yet another spectacular journey to an ancient Tibetan pilgrimage site. Accessing MT. Meili is easy for those who have time to spend a week in northern Yunnan. One can either fly into Sangri-la (zhong dian) or bus it from Kunming. Busing it from Kunming passes through Dali ancient city, Lijiang, Sangri-la and Diqin. The roads are in excellent condition and the roadside view is often breathtaking. If you are interested in visiting MT. Meili or Yubeng village area please contact us at info@yehs.org. We can arrange different levels of travel, the backpacker approach or by more comfortable means. YEHS can help purchase plane, train and bus tickets, reserve rooms for lodging, and provide every level of need while traveling to these unique areas.