3 Days Private Shangri-La Tour

After breakfast, we’ll first head to Songzanlin Monastery, a gateway to the past and present religious culture of the region. Upon entering, you’ll definitely be captivated by the mirror-like Lamuyangcuo Lake, reflecting the gold-plated roofs of the monastery and drifting white clouds. Along the lakeside plank path, there are many sacred stone cairns inscribed with Tibetan script. Standing on the stone steps, you’ll behold the eaves of Dratsang Hall, adorned with mythical beasts gleaming in the sunlight. Through your guide’s explanation, you’ll learn how these copper ornaments not only secure the roofs but also provide protection against strong winds and earthquakes. Inside the hall, the walls are decorated with colored murals, and nearly-two-story-tall bronze Buddha statues guard this sacred land silently. From the observation deck on its fourth floor, you’ll see the main hall embraced by white monastic dwellings.

Next, we’ll savor breathtaking natural scenery at the Potatso National Park. Due to the scattered attractions within the park, we’ll specially arrange a sightseeing shuttle to offer you a leisurely experience. The must-see destination is Shudu Lake, where the landscapes along the 3.3-kilometer (2.1-mile) plank road will be a feast for your eyes: herds of cattle and sheep are idling and grazing on the vast meadow, whose leisurely demeanor is a perfect testament to the slow-paced life in Shangri-La. Keep a close eye on the nearby forest, and you may even spot some deft squirrels. Along the Tranquil Eco Hiking Trail, you’ll marvel at a rich diversity of flora, such as ancient poplars and willows, meadows ablaze with irises, primroses and anemones, as well as shrubs dotted with lilacs and roses.

★ Visit a Tibetan Family to Experience Authentic Local Life

Upon stepping into the spacious living room, you’ll be greeted by the rich aroma of butter tea in the air. The hostess, dressed in traditional Tibetan attire, will treat you to a steaming bowl of butter tea, which is regarded as the sincerest hospitality here. Please receive it with both hands. One sip of this authentic salty tea offers a truly unique taste experience. You’re welcome to sit around the fire pit to chat with Tibetans, listening to the tales and histories of their family. After the visit, your guide and driver will convoy you back to your hotel.

Meal: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Shangri-La (4 stars) or Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City (5 stars)

After breakfast, your guide and driver will accompany you on a 50-minute drive to the last stop of your 3 days Shangri-La tour itinerary - Nixi Pottery Village, boasting its centuries-old black pottery craftsmanship. Step into a local workshop to witness how a piece of mixed clay is reborn through the craftsman’s dexterous hands and burning flames into a black pottery handicraft shining like a mirror. Passing from house to house, you’ll notice all kinds of black pottery artefacts on the shelves from tea sets to cookers. These pieces are said to release calcium and iron during daily use, which is good for health. That may be one of the reasons why they have become an indispensable part of the locals’ lives.

Finally, your guide and driver will escort you to Shangri-La Airport for your onward flight. If you wish to extend your tour to other cities such as Lijiang, Dali, and Kunming, we’re glad to make a tailor-made itinerary for you.

Meal: Western buffet breakfast