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Shangri-La Old Town - at 3,200 m in far north Yunnan

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Shangri-La in Yunnan province, ChinaA travel experience in a frontier destination. Shangri-La at 3,200 m, formerly Zhongdian, is located in the far north of Yunnan province. Where the Tibetan world starts! Make some brilliant walks in the Old Town and in nearby local forest PutaChao with its two lakes. Surrounded by the snow capped mountains. Songzanlin monastery and the possibility to experience butter tea are included in this module for a real Tibetan touch.

 

Dag 1: Shangri-La for a Tibetan-feeling, formerly Zhongdian

The Golden Sand River, the upper Yangtze, mountain passes; you won't be bored during your four-hour drive -180 km - from Lijiang to Shangri-La. If you wish, we can make a stop in the Tiger Leaping Gorge, this extends our transfer from Lijiang to Shangri-La with approximately 2 hours. After you crossed the river Yangtze, you drive into the Tibetan area with typical Tibetan houses, including ever white mountain tops, Yi-villages, and magnificent views and extensive grasslands with yaks.
Once in Shangri-La, you will be brought directly to your hotel. You will experience very soon that you are at height. Drink enough water and take it easy. In de afternoon, you have time to explore the Old Town (Dukezong). In the evening locals dance and relax on the central square in Shangri-La Old Town.

Shangri-La, formerly Zhongdian, is located in the far north of Yunnan Province, where the Tibetan world starts. Shangri-La is located at the feet of the Himalaya at a height of 3,200 meters. If you don't visit Tibet during your China-tour, you will experience a Tibet-feeling anyway. And, if you're planning to visit Tibet, it is an ideal town to acclimatize. 
 

Day 2: PutaChao Forest, Songzanlin monastery & butter tea

After breakfast, you will be heading to the fabulous PutaChao Forest Park (in Tibetan: Potatso)  with the two lakes Bitahai and Shuduhu (resp. about 3,500 m and 3,700 m above sea level), about 22 km east of Shangri-La. Get ready for a brilliant walk around the lakes, make sure you have enough memory available on your camera!
Furthermore, the 300-year-old Tibetan Songzanlin monastery is on our list. But, we will pass some Tibetan villages first. If you like, we can ask a family to visit their house and maybe they will offer you some butter tea. This day ends at your hotel in Shangri-La.

Day 3: Explore Shangri-La town (Dukezong)

Today is yours!
In case you feel lost, here some suggestions from our side in which we are happy to assist:

  • A two days hike in the Tiger Leaping Gorge
  • Visit Shangri-La's Old Town: giant prayer wheel, and many shops and restaurants 

Day 4: 

You can take a taxi for the short distance to the airport. You can fly to your next destination, for example, Lhasa or via Kunming to Guilin. In summer, direct flights to Shanghai and Chengdu are sometimes offered.
Another very appealing offer is by 4WD via Litang, Datong, and Kangding to Chengdu.

 

Hotels in Shangri-La

We only suggest quality hotels, three to five stars. Here a selection of the hotels we propose for this module.
Would you like to spend the night in another hotel, please let us know, we can offer all the hotels of good quality.

Songtsam Hotel ****

Four-star Songtsam Hotel in Shangri-La - Yunnan province, China
A 15 minutes drive from the city center

The hotel has 26 rooms and suites that combine Tibetan ethnic style with modern comforts. The rooms feature locally handcrafted furnishings, and traditional Tibetan carpets and fabrics. Suites have extra living space with a lounging sofa and casual furnishings. All rooms are en suite with a shower and bath. On the menu is traditional Tibetan food, but famous Sichuan flavors and the Western cuisine are also available.

Bodhi Boutique Inn ***

Bodhi Boutique Inn Shangri la

in the centre of Dukezong Old Town, YeRu Mulang St No 14

The 14 rooms and suits of Bodhi Inn are characteristically Tibetan style. The hotel interior is colorful, using ethnic textiles. Rich hues of orange, browns, and purples integrate the decorative motif of the Endless Knot, one of the eight auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism.

Banyan Tree Ringha Hotel *****

Five-star Banyan Tree Ringha Hotel in Shangri-LaJian Tang Town, Shangri-La (Zhongdian)
45 minutes drive from Diqing Shangri-La Airport

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Banyan Tree Ringha is nestled within a fabled valley, offering inspiring views and experiences within a tranquil retreat. At the Banyan Tree Ringha, the feeling of exotic isolation converges with all the comforts of a pampering resort stay.