Three Parallel Rivers National Park

Three Parallel Rivers National Park banner Meili Snow Mountain at Dusk - Meili Snow Mountain Three Parallel Rivers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Yunnan, China, in part of the same complex of mountain ranges as the Himalayas, at the eastern end of the Himalayas. Descending from Tibet, three mighty rivers here run parallel to each other for over 200 km (125 miles), carving out vast canyons, before diverging halfway across Asia, nourishing billions and giving rise to splendid civilizations.

Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas map01 - Location

The three rivers (listed east-to-west) are:

• the Along_the_Yangtze_River| Yangtze, China's greatest river, empties into the East China sea near Shanghai
• the Mekong, Southeast Asia's lifeblood, empties into the South China Sea near Ho Chi Minh City
• the Along_the_Salween River|Salween, Myanmar's second river, empties into the Bay of Bengal near Yangon

Their mouths are thousands of kilometers apart, flowing into different oceans. Their headwaters are also fairly widely separated. However, in this region they are quite near each other, flowing along three enormous more-or-less parallel gorges which wind through a region of large mountains.

The Irrawaddy River follows a similar path but is not included in this park area because its gorge lies across the border in Myanmar.

The three rivers have different names in this region than downstream and the names in Chinese do not sound anywhere near their names in English. To avoid confusion when communicating with local residents, it is advisable to memorize the Chinese pronunciations. The Salween is Nu Jiang (怒江) and the Mekong is Lan Cang Jiang (澜沧江), and the Yangtze is Jin Sha Jiang (金沙江).

Three Parallel Rivers National Park Halal Travel Guide

These are large rivers running through large mountains. The scale is absolutely mind blowing; the gorges are 3000 meters deep (twice the depth of the Grand Canyon). Due to the isolation of the valleys and the area is remarkably diverse in many ways: climate, plants, animals, ethnic groups, languages and culture.

The mountains

India and the rest of Asia are on separate continental plates which are colliding, and the impact creates the world's largest mountains. The truly huge ones (many over 7,000 meters and 14 over 8,000) are further west, in the main Himalaya range along the India-Tibet border in areas like Nepal, Ladakh or Gilgit-Baltistan. However and the parallel rivers region also has many quite substantial peaks, more than 100 above 5,000 m and several over 6,000.

Khawa Karpo 02 - Kawagarbo

For comparison, Mont Blanc (the tallest mountain in Western Europe) is 4,810 m and Mount Whitney (highest point in the 48 United States#Geography|contiguous United States) 4,421. Alaska has one mountain, Denali, at 6,200 m and three others above 5,000. Canada has none over 6,000 and five above 5,000. Eurasia's highest mountain outside the Greater Himalayan region is Elbrus in the Caucasus at 5642 m.

The tallest peak in this region at 6,740 m (22,100 feet) is Kawagarbo (or Kawa Karpo or several other spellings); it is comparable to Aconcagua in Argentina and the tallest in the Andes and tallest outside Eurasia at 6,961 m. As the crow flies, Kawagarbo is only 20 kilometers (about 12 miles) from the town of Shenping which is on a highway. The mountain is sacred to Tibetans and pilgrims often make a circuit around it on foot.

Kawagarbo has never been climbed, and an attempt would be illegal (see #Respect).

The rivers

All three rivers in the park, and the Irrawaddy across the border, are on Wikipedia's list of the world's largest rivers. Here is a summary, comparing them with some other well-known rivers:

Rank	River	Discharge (m3/s)	Largest in
6	Yangtze	30,000	China
10	Yenisei	19,600	Siberia
14	Saint Lawrence	16,800	North America
15	Mississippi	16,800
18	Mekong	16,000	Southeast Asia
22	Irrawaddy	13,000	Burma
28	Volga	8,060	Europe
32	Danube	7,130	Western Europe
36	Indus	6,600	Pakistan
60	Salween	4,876
91	Nile	2,830
122	Rhine	2,330

The area has gorges several thousand meters deep as the rivers cut through the mountains. Downstream, in level lowland territory and these rivers become relatively gentle, but here in the mountains they are quite vigorous and dangerous.

How is the Climate in Three Parallel Rivers National Park

The climate is very diverse. The latitude is almost tropical, but the region is at quite a high altitude, so the basic climate is temperate. In winter, much of the area can get quite cold, especially at higher altitudes.

However, with the complex structure of mountains and valleys and there is a huge range of micro-climates. Two valleys only a few miles apart may have quite different weather because one gets more sun or the pattern of wind and rain is different.

Flora and fauna

Large parts of the area are forested, mainly with conifers, and some of the highest peaks are covered in snow year round, but other areas have different micro-climates so the variety of both plants and animals in the region as a whole is unusually large. The UNESCO citation adding this region to the World Heritage List describes it as "an epicentre of Chinese biodiversity ... one of the richest temperate regions of the world in terms of biodiversity".

The People of Three Parallel Rivers National Park

Mountainous terrain tends to protect minorities from either conquest or assimilation, so the population in this area is also quite diverse. China has 56 officially recognized ethnic groups, of which about half can be found in Yunnan and several in this region.

The Hengduan mountain range which includes this park corresponds roughly with the old Tibetan province of Kham, and Khampa Tibetans are still the largest ethnic group in the region. However, Kham is no longer used as an administrative division; all of its former territory is now considered part of the Tibetan Autonomous Region or the Chinese provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan. The sub-range which includes Kawagarbo now forms a part of the Yunnan/Tibet border.

Travel as a Muslim to Three Parallel Rivers National Park

Being on the northern edge of Yunnan bordering Tibet means all access has to come from the south. This usually starts in one of the three Tea Horse Road cities: Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-la. Each city has a airport with Lijiang usually being the cheapest, Shangri-la a close second and Dali ridiculously expensive. There are also trains to Dali and Lijiang, and buses to all three cities.

For the Jinsha (Yangtze) and Lancang (Mekong) valleys, take a bus on the national road G214. (See Yunnan tourist trail)

For the Nu (Salween), take a bus up the provincial road S228. Starting from Dali usually require a change in bus in Liuku.

Treks into the region, most taking a week or more, are organised by various agencies. Treks to the Lancang (Mekong) and Jinsha (Yangtze) valleys mostly start from either Lijiang or Shangrila. Treks to the Nu (Salween) valley mostly start from Bing Zhongluo Xiang.

Nearly all travellers should expect to join a trekking group or at least to hire a local guide. The area is remote and isolated and the terrain is difficult, almost no-one speaks any foreign language, and there are several different local languages none of which travellers are likely to know. Some of the local residents speak Chinese or Tibetan, but often with a heavy local accent that will be difficult for Muslim travellers.

Fees and permits

National Park tickets in China are never cheap. Set aside ¥700 for a single park.

How to get around in Three Parallel Rivers National Park

Having three enormous valleys going in parallel means all roads must follow the valleys. Going north or south is easy. Going east or west is hard.

The Jinsha (Yangtze) and Lancang (Mekong) valleys are separated by the Bai Mang mountain (白茫雪山). National Road G214 connects between the two in a three-hour drive over a 4300-meter high pass (白茫雪山垭口).

The Lancang (Mekong) and Nu (Salween) valleys are separated by the much higher Meili mountain (梅里雪山). Driving between the two requires going south to Dali, east to Liuku, north to Bengzhongle. The other option is a two-day hike of a 5000-meter pass. Bring a guide and be prepared for the unexpected.

What to see in Three Parallel Rivers National Park

• zha laqueni - 扎拉雀尼 | Main peak of Bai Ma mountain (白马雪山) aka Bai Mang mountain (白茫雪山).
• Kawagarbo - 卡瓦格博 | Main peak of Meili mountain (梅里雪山). Best viewed from Fei Lai Si (飞来寺) at sun rise.

What to Do

• Hike into Yubeng - 雨崩 | The premier hike in the Lancang (Mekong) valley.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Three Parallel Rivers National Park

Three Parallel Rivers National Park - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Three Parallel Rivers National Park, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Three Parallel Rivers National Park. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Three Parallel Rivers National Park 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 Three Parallel Rivers National Park. 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 Three Parallel Rivers National Park. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inThree Parallel Rivers National Park: 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 Three Parallel Rivers National Park.

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

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Three Parallel Rivers National Park, 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 Three Parallel Rivers National Park, 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 Three Parallel Rivers National Park and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Three Parallel Rivers National Park, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Three Parallel Rivers National Park, 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 Three Parallel Rivers National Park 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 Three Parallel Rivers National Park 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 Three Parallel Rivers National Park.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Three Parallel Rivers National Park 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 Three Parallel Rivers National Park, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Three Parallel Rivers National Park Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Feilaisi is the major hotel strip in upper Lancang valley. Bing Zhongluo Xiang is the major tourist town in the Nu valley. Guest house comfort levels quickly deteriorate once outside of these tourist centers. Expect clean sheets, hot water and clean toilets to be hard to find.

Stay Safe

There is some risk of altitude sickness. Anyone heading into this region should get well acclimatised to altitude before setting out. Most travellers can easily do this along the Yunnan tourist trail; Kunming is at 2000 m (nearly 7000 feet) and all the other towns on that route are higher.

More generally and the area is remote, mountainous and not much touristed; be certain your health, skills, and equipment are adequate for the conditions. Consider taking an organised tour or hiring a guide.

The entire park is geologically active. Landslides can happen during and after heavy rain. Avoid being on the road in such weather.

Local Customs in Three Parallel Rivers National Park

Kawagarbo is sacred to Tibetans; an attempt to climb it would be sacrilegious. It would also be illegal; in 2001, local government passed laws banning all climbing attempts on cultural and religious grounds. This applies to both Kawagarbo and a number of nearby mountains.

There are many other mountains in the area that can legally be climbed. Consult local guides if you want to find them.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Three Parallel Rivers National Park

The treks here all start from towns along the Yunnan tourist trail, so the rest of that route is the obvious place to go.

Once out of the mountains and there are many other possibilities. From Kunming there are trains to anywhere in China and planes both in China and beyond. On the ground, some routes east from the area are described in Hong Kong to Kunming overland, and west in Overland to Tibet. One could also head south toward the Banana Pancake Trail through Southeast Asia, or north to link up with the Silk Road. 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.