Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour

10 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Discover the beauty and charm of Shangri-La from Lijiang on a fully customizable private tour with an experienced English-speaking guide. This tour allows you to 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. Formerly known as Zhongdian County, it was renamed to Shangri-La in 2001. Appeared in James Hilton's novel Lost Horizon in 1933, it had become a dream place for people around the world. In Tibetan, Shangri-La means 'the Sun and Moon in one's heart'. 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.

What's Included

Private Guide (option)
Customized Itinerary
Private Vehicle with Hotel Pickup/Dropoff
Tips and gratuities
Meals and beverages
Personal expenses
Admission Tickets to Paid Attractions

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We will pick you from the hotel lobby

Itinerary

Duration: 10 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Dukezong Ancient Town: 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. Visitors can immerse themselves in a rich cultural tapestry through local crafts, performances, and teahouses within this town.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Balagezong Grand Canyon 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.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 3

    The birthplace of Naxi Dongba teaching.According to legend, the gods of the Naxi people used to create the terraces in order to let the local Naxi people learn how to cultivate the farmland. Therefore, the descendants were praised as the "fairy people". 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.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 4

    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. The highest point in the park is 4,670 meters above sea level, and the lowest point is 2,347 meters above sea level. 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.

    2 hours Admission ticket not included
  • (Pass by)

    A seasonal plateau lake—lakes in summer (with grazing livestock), golden grasslands in autumn, and swamps in winter-spring.

    Admission ticket free
  • 5

    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. Its unique designs together with valuable religious artifacts and detailed murals depicting Buddha's life, offers insights into Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery's setting on Foping Mountain affords visitors stunning landscape views, enriching their visit with both spiritual and visual delight. Because of the temple's many cultural and religious treasures as used in Tibetan Buddhism, this site is absolutely worth a visit.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Yunnan Tours

Tags

Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Car Tours
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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