Journey to the Holy Snow Mountain of Shangri La
Meili Snow Mountain, crowned as the most famous of the eight famed mountains in the Tibetan regions, is a mecca for the pilgrims of Tibetan Buddhism. The glistening snow-topped peaks, standing unparalleled elsewhere in the world, have long been coveted by numerous backpackers. The main peak - Kang Karpo Peak comes in the shape of a pyramid and is commonly known as the god of Snow Mountains. Meili Snow Mountain, which is veiled in mists all the year round, attracts countless Tibetan worshippers with its majestic and mystical charm. The local people believe that once the top of the peak is touched by humans, their god would leave them and disasters would ensue.
Holy Snow Mountain of Shangri La: Kunming, Lijiang, Shangri La & Deqin Mt. Meili
Day 1: Kunming - upon your arrival in Kunming, meet your personal guide at the arrival hall of the airport. The guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel. After check-in, take a stroll in the flower and bird market.
Hotels recommended: luxury hotels - Grand Park Hotel Kunming, Green Lake Hotel, Brilliant Resort & Spa or similar
Day 2: Kunming - Early rise for the 1.5 hours ride to the Stone Forest, a large forest of black limestone standing through winds and rains of millions of years. After lunch nearby, head back to the city to take a leisurely walk around Cuihu Park (Green Lake Park), a free park for the public and it also attract tens of thousands of black-headed galls in winters. Walk a few minutes to Yuantong Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Kunming city.
Day 3: Kunming/Lijiang - Morning flight to Lijiang, meet your guide and driver in Lijiang upon arrival. Stroll around Lijiang ancient town, hike up Lion Hill to have a bird’s eye view of the town.
Hotels recommended: Banyan Tree Lijiang, Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa, Crowne Plaza Lijiang Ancient Town, Lijiang Wangfu Hotel or similar
Day 4: Lijiang - Drive about an hour to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Yak’s plateau is chosen to see the face of the highest peak – Shanzidou. Two way shuttle bus and cable car are included. After a late lunch, explore the small but interesting Baisha Village for its beautiful murals.
Day 5: Lijiang/Shangri La - Drive about 3 hours to Shangri-la, en route you will take great pictures of the Yangtze’s first bend near Shigu Town. After lunch keep driving to get to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the most magnificent valleys in the world with a vertical drop of 3790 meters.
Hotels recommended: luxury hotels - Banyan Tree Ringha, Songtsam Retreat At Shangri-La, Gyalthang Dzong Hotel or similar
Day 6: Shangri La - The whole morning is for a visit to Pudacuo National Park for its two fresh water highland lakes – Shudu Lake and Bita Lake, the pastures and wetlands are great for photos too. After a late lunch, visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in the province, it finished construction in the year 1681. At night, attend the bonfire party held in the ancient town with the local people in colorful traditional costumes.
Day 7: Shangri La/Meili Mountain - Drive about 6 hours to Deqin, en route, you will see Baimang Snow Mountains, farm lands and local houses. The roads wind up and down in mountains and woods. Lunch is arranged in Benzilan down the mountain. Flying Temple sitting by the main road awaits you for a view of the highest peak of Meili Snow Mountain.
Hotels recommended: - Songtsam Meili or similar
Day 8: Meili Mountain - Drive about an hour to the foot of Mingyong Glacier, the longest and largest valley glacier with the lowest tail end altitude. A horse ride will take you up along the ice tongue. You will also visit Taizi Monastery and Mingyong village upon request.
Day 9: Meili Mountain/Shangri La/Kunming - drive back to Shangri-La for 6 hours to catch your flight to next destination.
Meals: breakfast included in the hotel, fine local restaurants for lunch or dinner upon your request
- Note: the Journey to the Holy Mountain of Shangri La tour itinerary mentioned above is only a sample; we can customize this tour to meet your requests.
