A Tented Stay in China’s Shangri-La
A Tented Stay in
China's Shangri-La
A rare opportunity for a canvas-style overnight address, surrounded by many tales of Shangri-La
WHY THIS TOUR?
Nothing short of ‘magical’, ‘mystical’ and ‘breath-taking’ – these are recollections of former tea trail caravanners of Northern Yunnan which is a true Shangri-La. Modern-day travellers can share these early traders’ experiences with an exploration of the land of snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes and dizzyingly deep valleys. Yunnan, which means ‘South of the Clouds’ offers visitors diverse ethnic cultures, colourful history and exceptional landscapes.
All this sounds like a perfect pitch for small groups in finding their way at their Shangri-La; glamping in this magical town in Yunnan has become reality. The western-managed tented camp offers 2 days | 1-night packages that include temple visits, dining at a local farm and walking tours to explore the old town and Ringha Valley. The camp operates in collaboration with local experts who know the region inside out.
TRAIL ITINERARY
Day 1
Shangri-La [L, D]
A late morning pick up (around 10 am) from the guests’ accommodation by the team behind this pitched concept in the heart of Shangri-La. A team of local experts with a sound knowledge of what goes around inside and outside one of Yunnan’s most well-known towns will commence this 2-days tour with a walk around the old town. The foundation of the intriguing blend of ethnic minorities and cultural richness of what the highlands of China has to offer.
Your guide for the day explains the ins and outs of how the town became the capital of the former Zhongdian region. Currently, Shangri-La flourishes now as the starting point for hikes and treks through the vastness of the Yunnan Province. Some parts of the old town have been destroyed after a destructive fire engulfed large parts of the old town: many of the destroyed buildings and houses have been rebuilt in the original state. The walk through the cobblestone paths, the stone houses and shops and meeting the ever-so friendly residents will take approximately 1.5 hours.
Lunch is included at the Flying Tigers Café
A Shangri-La is not complete with heading into the Ringha Valley. Sandwiched between Tibet, Myanmar and China’s Sichuan Province, the fertile grounds of this part of greater Shangri-La are home to various farms. Large patches of agricultural land weave through the valley and the afternoon is not complete with a short visit to the Dabosi Temple, an important religious centre for the hospitable people living and working in the region. The famous tea trail made its way through this part of China, and remnants of its importance are found throughout the landscape. Tea certainly plays a big role in the life of a farmer and his family and joining one of these tea-leaves specialists in their garden for a cuppa connects guests straight with what gave this region its name and trading fame.
A region as expansive as Shangri-La and the Ringha Valley has its own tales to tell, be it mythical or partially based on true events. Your local Insider for the day, whilst you enjoy a small aperitif, will elaborate on the legends and stories that still flow through the valley.
We make our way back to Shangri-La for a set dinner and prepare to check-in at our tented camp, exclusively set up for your group. As the evening may still be young, the night will end with a gathering around a campfire with local villagers dancing and singing songs, reflecting their lives and culture.
Overnight in the tented camp in the heart of Shangri-La
Day 2
Shangri-La – Departure Shangri-La [B]
Breakfast is served at a local farm near your tented camp
Matching breakfast with your scheduled departure time from Shangri-La to our next destination will be something worth considering on the final day of this glamping package. Following the resort’s check-out times and conditions, our guide and driver will be waiting for you at the resort to bring you in comfort back to the airport, train station or other starting points for your onward journey.
