Embark on a 7-day tour of Shangri-La, Tacheng, and Deqin. Visit the Songzanlin Lamasery, Pudacuo National Park, and the Meili Snow Mountains. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan meal and see the Yunnan golden monkeys.
DAY 1
Meet your guide at the airport. A private vehicle will transfer you directly to your hotel where your guide will help you to check-in. Relax for the rest of the day.
DAY 2
Visit the largest Tibetan Buddhist lamasery in Yunnan Province — Songzanlin Lamasery — which was built in the style of the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Explore Shangri-La Old Town in the afternoon. Learn to paint a thangka('sacred tapestry') and bring the self-made souvenir and the good luck back home. Don't miss the Tibetan dancing on the central square in the evening.
DAY 3
Visit Pudacuo National Park in the morning. It retains the well-preserved ecosystem of the virgin forests. The must-see scenery in this park is Shudu Lake. Drive from Shangri-La to Tacheng in the afternoon. The beautiful countryside along the way is impressive.
DAY 4
Visit Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park after breakfast. This area is the hometown of the Yunnan golden monkeys. They are the only primates living at an altitude of 3,000–4,500 meters (10,000–15,000 feet) above sea level, apart from humans. The national park's staff feed the monkeys in the forest every morning. The monkeys appear suddenly when hearing the staff whistling.
Drive alongside the Lancang River (the Mekong River) from Tacheng to Deqin. As the altitude gradually decreases, the landscape, vegetation, crops, and villages will change. Stop at Cizhong Village. There, you will discover a Catholic church, which was built in 1921. It was built in a Gothic style, but combines features of Tibetan architecture.
DAY 5
Enjoy an incredible view of the Meili Snow Mountains at sunrise. When the sunlight shines on the snowy peaks and turns them sparkling golden, it is a magical moment when the chaos and routines of life can be forgotten. Visit Mingyong Glacier to get close to Kawagebo, the main peak of the Meili Snow Mountains. As one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Yunnan Tibetan area, Kawagebo is still a virgin peak, which none have conquered due to the complicated terrain and fickle weather (not to mention respect for Tibetan beliefs and a government climbing ban from 2001).
DAY 6
Depart Deqin and go up to Wunongding Viewing Platform for a last panoramic view of the Meili Snow Mountains before saying goodbye. Drive along the Jinsha River back to Shangri-La. Stop at a platform for a great view of the big bend of the Jinsha River, which is the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Visit Niding Tibetan village to get close to the daily life of the local Tibetan people. Enjoy an authentic Tibetan meal in a local family's house and a moderate hike in the forest nearby to a meadow with a fantastic view.
DAY 7
Your guide and driver will escort you to the airport.