Shangri-La Climate - Best Time to Visit


The best time to visit is March to August. During this period, the weather is favorable and the wild flowers are in bloom here and there. September or October is also a favorable month. This is fall harvest time and the entire plateau becomes a golden world.

Tips
1. Because of the plateau climate, the weather of Shangri-La is always varied and unsettled. Even in August, you can find a snow flake dropping from the sky. So no matter when to go, you should be prepared with some warm clothes. And the ultraviolet radiation here is very strong so wear a sunhat and sunglasses. Ladies, especially, shouldn't forget to use sun block.
2. After arriving in Shangri-La, you may have altitude stress: shortness of breath, chest tightness and dreaminess. At this moment, you must not do strenuous exercise or drink alcohol but should have a good rest and keep warm.
3. Before you drink a toast proposed by Tibetans, you should moisten your index fingers with the liquor, flick this finger three times, and then say "Zha-xi-de-le". ("Zha-xi-de-le" means "as lucky as one's wishes" in Tibetan.) According to the Tibetan customs, you should sip three times and the host will refill your cup three times. After that, you ought to drink up. If you really can not stand much liquor, you can tell the host politely.
4. In a Tibetan family, there is an order to the drinking of butter tea. The elders, parents, guests and the persons they pay respect to will drink first; then, the host himself and lastly the younger people. The host will add the butter tea into your cup from time to time. So, if you have drunk enough, you should use your palm to cover the cup mouth and the host will understand. When you leave the family, you should leave a little buttered tea in your cup, which signals for your respect to the host.

Please click Proper Etiquette to know some taboos of Tibetans.

Travelers' Voices on Shangri-La Climate

1.

Jan. 11,2009 16:24 Reply

Mr.Stawicki(Poland) said:

Hello, I am planning to visit Shangri-La (Zhongdian), its sorroundings and also make a hiking in Meili Snow Mt. in last week of May and first week of June 2009. What could be the weather (temperatures during day and in night)and what about rainy season in that area and in Meili Mountains? Is end May/beginning of June the good time for walking and hiking in Shangri-La county and in Meili Mountains? Best regards - Jerzy

Jan. 11,2009 21:17
Mr.Wang replied:

May to october is the rainy season of this area. Whenvever you go to Zhongdian, thick clothes to keep warm is necessary. Summer is supposed to be the best time to visit. Temperature varies greatly in daytime and night during summer and autumn. Chose sunny days to make a hiking to Mei Li Snow Mountain. Or you may not see it from any angle if the weather is not good. The time is fine, but you should still well prepare. Bring hat, sun glasses and so on. Protect you cameras if it rains. Enjoy your time there.

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