Highlights
Lift the veil on the fiction and legend of Shangri-la depicted in James Hilton’s 1930 novel Lost Horizon, when you spend a marvelous day immersed in the stunning scenery, ancient Tibetan culture and buildings and get up close and personal with the people living the traditional way that brings the legends to life.
Itinerary
Your tour guide will meet you in your hotel lobby at the time confirmed in advance.
A ten minute drive through the northern part of Shangri-la County will take you to Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province. The monastery was established in the 17th century during the reign of the 5th Dalai Lama and now 700 monks and lamas assemble for important functions in what is commonly known as Little Potala Palace – for the scale of the buildings and lavish gilding on buildings and artefacts. Here you can see eight gold-plated Sakyamuni Buddhas, Palm-leaf Manuscript, colorful gold painted Thangkas, incense burners made of, or gilded with gold and silver during the reigns of the Fifth and Seventh Dalai Lamas. At the Tibetan Art Museum you can learn about arts that have created the structure, architecture, painting and other artefacts.
Immersion in Tibetan culture, both myth and fiction, continues with a visit to the Shangri-la Old Town , which was built based on the ideal country Shambhala, a mysterious kingdom hidden in snowy mountains described in Buddhist stories. Standing at the foot of the mountain, the ancient town merges with the surrounding landscape. Uneven roads are paved over the natural terrain. Stroll on the stone paths to see the tracks of the horse’s hooves left by caravans on the Ancient Tea Horse Road many years ago.
Proceed to Potatso National Park, a nature reserve covering 1300 sq km on an altitude between 3,500 and 4,100 meters above the sea level. Virgin forests of spruce, pine and meadow dotted by wild flowers and tranquil lakes have been conserved to protect 20% of the country’s plant species found there and the many endangered animal and bird species. Wandering around the grassland and passing picturesque Shudu Lake and Bita Lake, you may chance upon black-necked cranes, beautiful orchids and yew trees. Gain an insight into the culture when a visiting a local Tibetan family to see how they live their daily lives.
The tour ends when you are returned to your hotel.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions
- Admission fees: to sightseeing spots & activities specified.
- Activities specified in the itinerary.
- Excellent professional English-speaking guide.
- Ground transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver as specified.
- Pick up and return to hotel.
- Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour.
- Government taxes & fees.
Exclusions
- International/domestic flights and trains to/from Shangri-la.
- China visa.
- Gratuities to guides and drivers and any expense of personal nature.
- Hotel accommodation.
- Meals: Lunch is excluded allowing you flexibility around meal choices. Your guide will make recommendations and order for you, if required. Dinner is left to your own arrangement.
- Our tour package does not include travel insurance. Please purchase travel insurance before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
Important Information
- This is a private tour for your group of family or friends. No other travelers will join you. It’s always available for your schedule!
- Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Prices based on twin occupancy.
- The prices shown above are not valid during China’s Official Holidays (such as National Day and Chinese Spring Festival etc.).
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