Journey at a glance
- Day 1 Arrive in Shangri-La
- Day 2 Shangri-La to Meili
- Day 3 Meili to Shangri-La
- Day 4 Depart from Shangri-La
Known as Gyalthang in Tibetan and Zhongdian in Chinese, could this small city of Shangri-La in the foothills of the Himalayas really be James Hilton’s mythical paradise? Get swept off your feet by views of Mount Meili and become immersed in Tibetan culture as you surround yourself with people in the market. Then, lose them all again and stroll through the silent, incense-filled rooms of Yunnan’s largest Tibetan Lamasery.
About this Journey
Was the mythical paradise just that – a story? Or is there more behind the myth, tucked away in the back streets or hills that surround the real city of Shangri-La? Mount Meili dominates the view from the moment you reach the city and your first day sees you climbing a winding path upwards, taking in fresh mountain air and admiring a landscape so remote, you feel a world away from the life you’re used to. Another life awaits you in Shangri-La, a life of Buddha’s relics interred in white stupas, of yak-butter tea simmering on the stove, and of incense burning in golden-rooved temples.
Tour Highlights
- Chanting sutras alongside a revered Lama at Gadan Dongshulin Temple
- Hiking the forested trails that snake around Mount Meili
- Wandering through the gilded pillars and incense-filled rooms of Songzanlin Monastery
YOUR JOURNEY
Route Map
Select a route section to explore the map. Tap a stop for its location or use the directions link for the next leg. Flights, trains, cruises and hiking arrangements follow your itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Shangri-La
Begin your journey by arriving at the Shangri-La airport, where your local guide will be waiting to welcome you and ready to whisk you off to your hotel for check in • Spend the remainder of the evening at your leisure resting up and acclimating to the high altitude.
Day 2 Shangri-La to Meili
Having finished breakfast, lace up your boots and prepare for Baima Snow Mountain Range’s hiking paths, covering the central section of the vast Yunling Range, an unforgiving sprawl of snowy crags shrouded in a frosty haze of primeval forests • Round out a full day by arriving at Songtsam Meili before nightfall and savor a well-deserved Tibetan dinner.
Day 3 Meili to Shangri-La
Begin the day by wandering through the incense-filled halls of Songzanlin Monastery, the biggest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan, currently home to 700 monks • Continue the day’s journey into Shangri-La old town, an atmospheric assemblage of narrow winding lanes, white stupas, and colorful markets, where we will enjoy a local dinner.
Day 4 Depart from Shangri-La
Enjoy a 2 hour leisurely hike in Pudacuo National Park, where you will be able to see diverse landscapes covering lakes, mountains, grasslands, and river valleys • As the journey ends, your local guide will escort you to the airport and help you with checking in for your flight home.
Hotels
Songtsam Linka Retreat Shangri-La
Luxury BoutiqueNestled at Songzanlin Monastery, Songtsam Linka Resort Shangri-La is an authentic Tibetan village retreat offering traditional rooms, stunning views, and an immersive cultural experience.
Songtsam Meili Lodge
Local BoutiqueOverlooking the Meili Snow Mountain Range, the Songtsam Meili Lodge provides the ultimate mountain retreat, discreetly blending into its village to bridge adventure and community.
Photos
Photos Songzanlin Monastery Pudacuo National Park majestic peaks of meili mountain tibetan prayers flags in Shangri-la old town
Details
What’s Included
- Services of an English-speaking local English-speaking guide
- Accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfasts included
- All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
- Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
- Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
- Travel and medical insurance
- Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
- Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers
TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL
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