Fly into Lijiang, Yunnan province, and stay at the Bivou (bivou.com), which has an English-speaking staff. The inn will arrange for taxi service from the airport, plus transport to Qiaotou and the start of the Tiger Leaping Gorge trail. Choices for accommodations and meals during your hike include the Naxi Guest House, Tea Horse Guest House and Halfway Guest House. End your hike at the Tibet Guest House in Walnut Grove (search it by name at hostelworld.com), known for having the best food along the trail. An English-speaking staff member will drive you back to your Lijiang lodging for a reasonable fare.
Melanie Radzicki McManus
