Dance Tibetan dance at Moonlight Square
Dukezong ancient town
Dukezong ancient town
Dukezong's giant prayer wheel
Typical Tibetan civil engineering architecture
Traditional Tibetan women
Nape wetlands
Napa wetlands
Napa wetlands
Shika snow moutain
Songzanlin Monastery
Songzanlin Monastery（monk）
Songzanlin Monastery Gilded copper tiles
Typical Tibetan civil engineering architecture
Songzanlin Monastery
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Shangri-La Private Day Tour

10 hours

Easy

Explore the beauty of Shangri-La on a private day tour. Visit Pudacuo National Park, Dukezong Ancient Town, White Water Terrace and more

Discover the beauty and charm of Shangri-La on a fully customizable private tour. Explore signature spots designed to give you an in-depth understanding of Shangri-La's history, culture, and natural wonders while catering to your personal interest and pace.


Shangri-La is located in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It is a pure land that perfectly preserves the area’s natural ecology and traditional culture. The grasslands surrounded by snow-capped mountains are full of bright sunshine and fresh air. There are also clear and tranquil lakes as well as magnificent temples and friendly Tibetans.


Choose from Shangri-La's iconic attractions, cultural landmarks, or hidden gems. 


Visit Pudacuo National Park, renowned for its ecological significance and breathtaking natural beauty. It is home to Bita Lake known for its legends and pristine conditions, and Shudu Lake, celebrated for its clear waters and vibrant wildlife. The park offers an array of activities such as hiking and bird-watching across different terrains from lakes to lush pastures, perfect during the colorful seasons of spring and summer.


There are many unique small scenic spots such as fault cliffs, forest brooks, and deep canyons staggered, including relatively primitive and complete forest shrubs, alpine meadows, wetland lakes, geological relics, river canyon ecosystems, etc.


Visit Dukezong Ancient Town, with its enchanting thousand-year-old streets, traditional white-painted Tibetan houses, and vibrant prayer flags, delivers a vivid snapshot of Tibetan culture. This town is designed in an eight-petal lotus shape, reflecting the geomatic features of this mountainous area. Known as 'moonlight city' for its silver glow at night, the town was an essential stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road.


Explore Balagezong Grand Canyon, which features a range of natural attractions including steep cliffs, U-shaped gorges, and diverse ecosystems. This place provides a perfect blend of cultural and ecological tourism with activities like rafting through meandering rivers and exploring ancient, culturally rich Tibetan villages such as Diqing Bala Village.


Visit Sumtseling (Songzanlin) Monastery, which stands out for its architectural resemblance to Lhasa's iconic architecture Potala Palace. It serves as a central cultural and spiritual site in Shangri-La. 


Visit Napa Sea, a seasonal lake in the plateau, the four seasons of Napa Sea have their own characteristics. 


Visit White Water Terrace, the birthplace of Naxi Dongba teaching. Dubbed "China’s Cotton Castle," this natural limestone terrace resembles a frozen waterfall. The turquoise pools, formed by calcium-rich springs, glow under sunlight—perfect for photography.


Visit Niru Village, where the traditional costumes are pretty unique. The women are dressed in colorful Tibetan costumes, and delicate embroidery and accessories show off their exquisite craftsmanship. 

What's included?
    • Private vehicle with pickup/dropoff
    • Customized Itinerary
    • English-speaking private guide (option)
    • French/German/Italian/Spanish/Russian guide (extra fee)
    • Malay/Indonesian/Thai/Vietnamese/Khmer guide (extra fee)
    Exclusions
      • Admission Tickets to paid attractions
      • Tips and gratuities
      • Meals and beverages
      • Personal expenses
      Please note

        A private day tour to Shangri-La offers a personalized experience of this Tibetan highland paradise. Before booking, here are key factors to consider:


        BEST TIME TO VISIT

        Shangri-La’s high altitude means seasonal weather variations can impact your experience.

        • Spring(April-June) - mild weather, blooming flowers, and lush greenery.
        • Summer(July-Aug) - pleasant temperatures but occasional rain and more tourists.
        • Autumn(Sept-Nov) - the best time for clear skies, golden grasslands, and fewer crowds.
        • Winter(Dec-Mar) - cold but magical with snow-covered landscapes; some attractions may have limited access.


        HIGH ALTITUDE & HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

        Shangri-La sits at 3,160m (10,367ft), and some tour stops ( like Shika Snow Mountain ) go even higher.

        • Altitude Sickness Risk - some travelers  experience headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
        • Preparation Tips:
          • Arrive a day before the tour to acclimate.
          • Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol before/during the tour.
          • Bring altitude sickness medication if prone to altitude issues.


        CUSTOMIZATION & KEY ATTRACTIONS

        Since it’s a customizable experience, you have flexibility in choosing stops. Common highlights include:

        • Songzanlin Monastery - the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, often called a “Mini Potala Palace”.
        • Napahai Lake - a seasonal wetland surrounded by golden grasslands (autumn) and migratory birds (winter).
        • Dukezong Old Town - a charming Tibetan village with the World’s Largest Prayer Wheel.
        • Shika Snow Mountain( optional ) - a cable car rice up to 4,000m for stunning mountain views.
        • Pudacuo National Park( optional, extra fee ) - a UNESCO-listed park with alpine lakes and hiking trails.  


        CULTURAL ETIQUETTE & LOCAL TRADITIONS

        • Respect Monastery Rules - dress modestly, keep voices low, and follow local customs.
        • Ask Before Taking Photos - especially of monks or inside temples.
        • No Touching Tibetan Heads - avoid touching people’s heads as it’s considered disrespectful in Tibetan culture. 


        WEATHER & TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS

        • Winter Snow - some routes or attractions may be inaccessible due to heavy snow.
        • Rainy Season(July-Aug) - bring waterproof gear for potential rain showers.
        • Festival Seasons - if visiting during Tibetan New Year or the Horse Racing Festival , expect cultural performances but also larger crowds.
        What to bring

          Since Shangri-La is a high-altitude Tibetan town with varying weather conditions, travelers should pack wisely for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.


          CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR

          • Layered Clothing - Temperatures can fluctuate greatly between day and night.
          • Warm Jacket - Even in summer, evenings can be chilly; in winter, bring a down jacket.
          • Thermal Wear(Winter Visits) - Essential for staying warm in subzero temperatures.
          • Comfortable Hiking Shoes - Many attractions require walking on uneven terrain.
          • Gloves, Scarf & Hat - Necessary for cold months, especially if visiting Shika Snow Mountain.
          • Rainproof Jacket or Umbrella - Useful during rainy season (July–August).


          ALTITUDE & HEALTH ESSENTIALS

          • Altitude Sickness Medication - Shangri-La sits at 3,160m (10,367 ft), so bring meds if prone to altitude sickness.
          • Reusable Water Bottle - Staying hydrated helps with altitude adjustment.
          • Lip Balm & Moisturizer - The high-altitude air is dry and can cause chapped lips and skin.
          • Sunscreen & Sunglasses - The UV rays are strong at high altitudes, even in winter.
          • Basic First Aid Kit - Includes band-aids, pain relievers, and motion sickness pills (for winding mountain roads).


          PERSONAL ITEMS

          • Cash(RMB/Chinese Yuan) - Many small shops and rural areas don’t accept credit cards or foreign payment apps.
          • Power Bank - Ensure your phone stays charged, especially for navigation and photography.
          • Plug Adapter(If Needed) - China uses Type I, A, and C sockets.
          • High-Energy Snacks - Such as nuts, protein bars, and dried fruit for long drives or hikes
          • Tissue & Wet Wipes - Some public restrooms may not provide toilet paper.
          • Hand Sanitizer - Important for hygiene, especially in remote areas.


          ALTITUDE & WEATHER READINESS HACKS

          • Hydrate Constantly - Use a collapsible water bottle to save space when not in use.
          • DIY Altitude Sickness Kit:
            • Ginger candies or peppermint oil for nausea.
            • Electrolyte powder packets (like Hydralyte) for hydration.
            • Ibuprofen for headaches.
          • Use Sunglasses with Polarized Lenses - The high-altitude sun is strong, and this prevents glare from snow or lakes.
          • Apply Lip Balm Before Sleep - Shangri-La’s dry air can crack lips overnight.
          • Bring Moisturizer in a Contact Lens Case - Saves space compared to carrying a full bottle.
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