Tiger Leaping Gorge Town is the starting point for the entire hiking journey, marked with red arrows along the way. The classic Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail features lush greenery and trees on the left, while on the right, the gorge is shaped by the turbulent waters of the Jinsha River. Across the river, towering peaks are often shrouded in clouds, offering glimpses of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain on clear days.

There is a Naxi village with guesthouses where you can take a short rest. At the village entrance, a stream flows down from the mountains, surrounded by lush trees. From afar, you can see the red flags fluttering at the guesthouses, with the towering peaks of Jade Dragon Mountain facing you, truly magnificent. The cement road in the village leads to the lower trails near Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, where along the way you may encounter many wild animals and villagers raising cattle and sheep.

From Naxi Ya Ge Guesthouse, head east and take the left path. There are forks along the way; always choose the path that ascends uphill. Soon, you'll reach the winding path halfway up the mountain. From here, the trail climbs steeply, so you may need to take breaks periodically. Avoid shortcuts as most routes do not lead to Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. About an hour later, you'll pass a small shop called "28 Bends Refueling Station." From there, continue uphill for another 15 minutes to tackle the toughest stretch known as the "28 Bends." These bends ascend steeply with intense sunlight and dust. If you're fit, you can reach the highest point at 2,670 meters, called "Gan Yan Fang," in about an hour. There's a small shed at the top where water is sold during peak seasons. Tickets are also sold for access to the nearby scenic viewpoint. Even if you're not afraid of heights, standing on the rocks and looking down at the rugged terrain below might make your legs feel weak.

From here, the path becomes more leisurely. After about an hour or so, you'll reach the village of Yacha, where the Tea Horse Inn is located.