Tibetan Homestay in Yunnan near Deqen

Nestled deep in the majestic gorges of the upper Mekong River lies a cozy village, some 20 kilometres south of Deqen. Our Tibetan family invites you to experience the wonders of Tibetan culture and hospitality at our Tibetan Homestay in Yunnan. Indulge in self-made honey and wine, and savor a traditional Tibetan dinner made with home-grown vegetables and other delicious specialties.

Staying at our homestay in this picturesque mountain area will be an unforgettable experience. The world seems to stand still here, providing the perfect opportunity to explore ancient Tibetan traditions and culture. Our Tibetan Homestay can be found in a small village, which has a population of around 150. The spacious, two-story residential building features two terraces with stunning views of the snow-capped Meili Xue Shan Mountain to the south, weather permitting.

Below our homestay, you will find a stable that houses goats, pigs, cows, chickens, and a dog. Our Tibetan family tends to the animals and grows their own vegetables in several fields within the garden. Children will love getting involved in daily farm activities like milking cows, churning butter, and making cheese. They can also observe the traditional process of honey bees making honey.

Our cozy living room is decorated with typical woodcarvings on the walls, a wide Buddhist shrine, and a constant flaming stove. After enjoying dinner in the warm parlor, we invite you to savor our homemade red wine or Ara, a barley liquor. On clear nights, the unpolluted starry sky provides a breathtaking view and peaceful sleep. Our homestay provides a wonderful breakfast and lunch that includes Baba, a traditional Tibetan bread, and self-made butter tea.

Our homestay is also child-friendly, and children can explore the area with other kids from the neighbourhood. The sunny afternoons are perfect for relaxing hikes, and our homestay offers the ideal starting point. You can try different ways to get into the surrounding mountains, including a ridge in the southeast of the village that offers a beautiful view of the vastness of the Mekong valley. Just a short distance away is the holy snow mountain Kawa Karpo, also known as the gateway to Tibet.

In summary, our Tibetan Homestay in Yunnan near Deqen offers a unique opportunity to experience the peaceful mountain lifestyle of the Tibetan people. With delicious food, breathtaking views, and child-friendly activities, it is the perfect destination for families and travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience.

Highlights Nearby:

Our Tibetan Homestay is located on 1,900 altitude, in an area full of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and religious significance. FeilaiSi, also known as the “Flying Temple,” is one of the most remarkable sights in the region. This Buddhist temple complex is built into a cliff face and overlooks the Jinsha River, a major tributary of the Yangtze River. Visitors can climb the steep stairs to explore the various halls and pavilions, and enjoy breathtaking views of the river valley below. Meili Xueshan, also called Meili Snow Mountain or Kawa Karpo in Tibetan, is another must-see attraction in the area. This mountain range is considered sacred by the Tibetan people, and has long been a destination for pilgrims and adventurers alike. With peaks reaching heights of over 6,000 meters, Meili Xueshan is a stunning sight to behold. From the Meili Snow Mountain outlook on roughly 3,400 meters near Deqen you have the best views. The Pass of the White Horse, or Baimaxueshan, is a high mountain pass located at an altitude of over 4,000 meters. It is named after a legendary white horse that was said to have carried a famous monk across the treacherous terrain. The pass is a popular spot for hikers and trekkers, who can enjoy the stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and deep valleys below.

The Yubeng Hike and the Circumbulation of Meili Xueshan:

The Yubeng hike is a challenging but rewarding journey that takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery in China. Starting and ending at our Tibetan Homestay, this hike is the highlight of the pilgrimage around Meili Xueshan, one of the most sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism. The entire pilgrimage, or kora, takes 7 to 10 days to complete, but the Yubeng hike itself is a stunning 2-day journey through dense forests, steep gorges, and high mountain passes. Along the way, you’ll pass by the Holy Waterfall, a majestic waterfall that’s considered a sacred site by the local Tibetans. This waterfall is said to have healing powers, and many pilgrims come here to bathe in its waters. As you ascend higher, the trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including Meili Xueshan itself, which stands at an impressive height of over 6,000 meters. At the end of the first day’s hike, you’ll reach the village of Upper Yubeng, which is nestled in a hidden valley surrounded by towering peaks. Here, you’ll stay at a local guesthouse and have the opportunity to explore the village and interact with the friendly locals. On the second day, you’ll hike up to the Sacred Waterfall and continue on to Lower Yubeng, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the glaciers and snow-capped peaks that surround the valley. For Buddhists, completing the kora around Meili Xueshan is an important pilgrimage that brings great merit and blessings. The mountain is considered a manifestation of the bodhisattva Manjushri, and it’s believed to be a place of great spiritual power. The kora involves walking around the base of the mountain, usually in a clockwise direction, while reciting mantras and prayers. As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes, and it’s a truly awe-inspiring experience that will leave you feeling humbled and inspired.

Simon Urwin, professional Photographer took pictures of our Tibetan Homestay during his stay.