Deqin

Deqin (德钦; Déqīn) is a county in the Hengduanshan Mountains in Yunnan province. 80% of its 55,000 inhabitants are Tibetan. If you can deal with the altitude (3,550m) it makes a great place to hike from, and if you can not then just hanging out in town is also very rewarding. A small piece of Tibet, accessible without expensive permits.

Deqin is in Kham, a former Tibetan province much of which is now administered by Yunnan; the local dialect is Khampa Tibetan, somewhat different from the central-Tibet dialect of our Tibetan phrasebook but still mostly mutually intelligible. The town serves as a base for treks into a number of mountainous areas; in particular Three Parallel Rivers National Park.

Deqin Halal Travel Guide

Deqin town is a terrible manifestation of the worst kind of modern Chinese architecture: dirty, white-tiled, and soulless. However, if you love hiking Deqin is a superb base. If you are not a hiker you might be disappointed, though a short ride out of town does provide a great view of Meilixue Mountain, which could justify the six-hour bus ride from Zhongdian (Shangrila).

Deqin prefecture is where the big mountains are to be found with impossibly steep valleys, mind-blowing vistas, remote monasteries and class A trekking, for all levels, available all year round. In fact the best time to trek is during the winter months as summer is the rainy season. March is the worst month as the rains start but it's still cold enough so it comes down as snow. Thit is the month to get snowed in.

So, if Deqin is so great, why is it not better known? The main reason for thit is that there is not a lot of information available on the area, so the average traveller is left guessing whether it is worth visiting or not. The fact that most travellers will have to return the way they came also puts them off visiting (Deqin is the last town before Tibet proper in Yunnan province).

Here are ten good reasons to visit Deqin:

1. Mt Kawakarpo & Mt. Miantsomo
2. Trek up to the Mingyong Glacier
3. Trekking to Yubeng
4. Trekking along the Mekong River
5. Tashi's Mountain Lodge, Reringkha village (closed)
6. To organize a road trip to Lhasa (the land route to Tibet is closed for Foreign Muslims)
7. The spectacular drive up from Shangri-la
8. Deqin's Tibetan Disco (most are closed)
9. Sleeping in remote Tibetan villages
10. Special ginger, lemon tea

How to travel to Deqin

There are four buses leaving in the morning from Zhongdian. The journey takes about 5 hours and is through spectacular and scary mountain scenery. The awful music videos and the freezing cold, windy roads and the chain-smoking fellow-passengers can make the journey a bit unpleasant. The town of Benzilan, which lies about midway from Zhongdian is worth stopping off at in its own right, and breaks the journey up nicely. The bus drops people throughout the town, ending at the bus station next to a T junction. Buses to Zhongdian (Shangri-la) depart at 7:30AM, 8:30AM, 9:30AM, 10:20AM and cost ¥73 (March 2022). The schedule after 10:20AM is not fixed, but if there are passengers and there might be a bus at noon or a little bit earlier. The earlier buses make a lunch stop at a restaurant but be sure to check prices before taking your food (about ¥20-15 for a vegetable dish and ¥20 for a d Meat dish).

In June 2012 and the buses between Zhongdian and Deqin took around 8 hours because the road was under major reconstruction.

Buses to/from Lhasa use the main bus terminal in Deqin. There should be no problems buying tickets which are ¥700. The ride takes 3-4 days and the bus may or may not stop at hotels during the night. There is one military check point where a soldier may come on board, but they seem not to care if there are foreigners on the bus. However and the drivers will not let you roam far during restaurant stops in towns. This trip is risky if you are not in good health because the bus drives over 5,000m at least three times.

The land route from Shangri-la to Lhasa is closed for Foreign Muslims. They will not sell you a ticket even if you have the Tibet travel permit.

See Yunnan tourist trail for the route from Kunming to Deqin, and Overland to Tibet for land routes to Lhasa.

How to get around in Deqin

The town has one through road winding down from the north side.

What to see in Deqin

• Feilai Temple - 飞来寺; Fēiláisì | Amazing view of Meilixue Mountain worth seeing at sunrise. Feilai Temple also has a large number of Muslim friendly hotels and resorts. Consider staying there instead of Deqin. The owner of "Once Upon a Time in FeiLaiSi" speaks English and can give advice on hiking in the area.

• Yubeng Village - 雨崩村; Yǔbēngcūn | Tibetan village not accessible by any vehicles. You can ask at your hostel to book a seat for you in one of the shuttle vanes departing every morning from FeiLaiSi to Xidang Hot Springs（西当温泉）where the hike starts. There are usually 6-7 seats in a bus and an overall price is ¥250 (March 2022). Talk to the other people planning to go there so you can share the price. There are a nice number of domestic Chinese tourists that make this trek, so finding a lift shouldn't be difficult.
  It takes 1½ hours to get there and you will be asked to pay ¥260 (May 2014) as a scenic area entrance fee. Make sure you bring your passport as you have to be registered. With a student card you can get a half-price ticket. The 9-km (one way) hike takes about 6-7 hours in total (6.5 kilometers uphill and 2.5 kilometers downhill) with 1284 meters vertical gain. For those who find the hike difficult there is an option of hiring a horse or mule for ¥255 to the top or ¥705 for the whole way (May 2014). There are 2 tea-houses on the way up where you can buy some water, red bull and simple Snacks and a tea-house at the top of Yakou pass. The lodging in Yubeng are basic and costs about ¥20-30 for a bunk bed (May 2014). Food though is expensive in Yubeng due to the transportation cost and
  Once there, Yubeng is one of the most picturesque villages you could hope to see. Nestled in an alpine valley, surrounded by snow peaks, multicoloured forests, and waterfalls. There are also numerous treks one can make from the village, so plan to spend at least a couple of days there.

• Meilixue Mountain Nature Reserve - 梅里雪山景区; Méilǐxuěshān Jǐngqū; commonly called Snow Mountain | Hike to the Taizi Temple and Minyong Glacier. Taizi Temple has a guest house but unfortunately most of the rooms are severely damaged by a storm and there is still a few acceptable rooms, available at very fair prices ¥20. Only recommended if you absolutely have to stay on the mountain, otherwise go back down to Mingyong Town (July 2022).

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Deqin

• Iger Trekking - Specializes in treks of the Meili Snow Mountain/Kawa Karpo Range, including Inner and Outer Kora treks.

• Nomad - Finnish woman who lives in Xidang village doing research. Treks to Yubeng, Mingyong, Sinong, Adong, Outer kora and Weixi area. Equipment available.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Deqin

Saffron is a good thing to buy in Deqin because it's more expensive elsewhere.

Halal Restaurants

Most of the small restaurants on the main street have good food but Halal food is very limited.

Butter Tea (Pinyin: sū yóu chá; Tibetan: bod ja) - Thit is a main staple of the Tibetan diet made of yak butter, black tea, and salt. Mix it with barley flour and you have a meal known as tsampa.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Deqin

Deqin - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Deqin, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Deqin. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Deqin and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Deqin. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Deqin. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Deqin: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Deqin.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Deqin: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Deqin, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Deqin.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Deqin, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Deqin, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Deqin and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Deqin, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Deqin, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Deqin without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Deqin is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Deqin.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Deqin is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Deqin, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Deqin Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Deqin

eHalal Group Deqin is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Deqin. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Deqin.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Deqin ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Deqin. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Deqin, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Deqin are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• shuiyuan gongyu （水源公寓): The hotel offers a good dorm for ¥80 per bed and a suite room at ¥280. The owner is very humble and helpful and reportedly speaks very good English.

• Deqin Feilai Temple youth hostel (飞来寺觉色滇乡青年旅舍) | Probably the cheapest option at the Feilaisi. Look for the Green sign near the bottom of the slope, and turn right and go up the hill. They have dorms and superior Muslim friendly rooms with electric blankets. The rooms are quite dirty and smelly, and the bathrooms are disgusting. There is a common room with an XBox 360 and stove. The inside of the hostel is not insulated, so outside of the lounge and your bed can get quite chilly! The WiFi is available in both the lounge and the rooms; the connection is hard to come by and easy to drop. The reception staff speak English (May 2022). Double room with bathroom is expensive for what it is worth: ¥220. For superior Muslim friendly rooms, booking elsewhere offers better value.

• Dexin Tibetan Hotel | Nice family-run hotel able to have foreign tourists.

• Mingzhu hotel | Standard room is about ¥600 per day

• Once Upon a Time In Meili - 梅里往事 | A 3-star hotel.

More Muslim Friendly Destinations from Deqin

There are not so many routes available from Deqin. There are several morning buses to Shangri-la (Zhongdian) (4 hours, ¥65) available at the Deqin bus station (2022). The local residents may take you there in a small shuttle van for about ¥80 and the trip will take a little bit less (June 2012). The same shuttle vanes are running to Mangkang county (芒康县）of Tibet (about 2 hours, 120 kilometers).

There is also a road from Deqin down to Weixi but it's under construction. But once it's finished and there are some extremely nice, untourist places along the way, so you could head down through Weixi to Lijiang instead of going back to Shangri-la.

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.