From reading this forum, it seems possible to get from north Nu River over the mountains to Shangrila. Looking at Google Earth, the terrain looks tricky to say the least. Are there roads / tracks? Is this trek for experienced athletic hikers or can moderately fit inexperienced hikers make it?

Are there villages along the way? How many days?

Is there a bar in Kunming that would be good to get some Nu River info, meet hikers?

Would appreciate all tips, thank you.

A road is being built from Nujiang over to Lancangjiang, but wasn't finished at least last time I checked. With a strenuous three-day hike over tough terrain and with a guide, it is possible to walk it: you can arrange at the travel office in Gongshan or with Aluo in Dimaluo. Not too many villages up in the high mountains, and the track isn't too clear either. After that, getting from Lancangjiang (a village like Cizhong) over to Shrangila would be another tough hike, I think, or you should be able to bus it...

Hmmm. Thanks Ross. My girlfriend could probably do that, but not sure if I can! I'll check in with Aluo when I get there.
Thank you

Anybody have direct contact info with Aluo before going to Dimaluo? I'm generally interested in hiking Gongshan, Dulong and the pre-mentioned hike to Shangrila..any info is greatly appreciated!

Haseman is right...contact Aluo whose information can be found in Lonely Planet, the hike is from Dimaluo to Deqin

The road is already under construction, but won't be finished for years.
Hiking is the only way.

Aluo has a new map that he created himself of the entire region and all the hiking trails in it. He can give you specific information. All you have to do is find him at his guesthouse in Dimaluo.

While I haven't done it myself, I once sent a couchsurfer on that trail (with Aluo's nephew as a guide) and he said that while it was strenuous, it doesn't require any technical climbing. No villages on the way, you need to bring camping gear.

Aluo's map includes some pretty hairy trails, some of which are much more dangerous than Dimaluo to Lancang, which is one of the more commonly hiked ones, so you probably don't have anything to be worried about.

However, you may want to rethink doing this during the rainy season. My couchsurfing friend did it in June and he said it was very wet and slippery and he couldn't see any scenery because of the clouds.

i did the tiger leaping george during rainy days and it was indeed slippery, going down i kept on falling