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Zhongdian, which in the Naxi language means Yak Plateau, is nowadays usually referred to by its Tibetan name - Shangri-La. It is located at a lofty altitude of 10,500 feet (3,200 metres) on very edge of the Tibetan plateau. Tibetans make up around a third of the population with another 12 minorities constituting the balance. It is home to one of the most important Lamaist monasteries outside Tibet, the 300-year-old Sumtsenling Monastery, which is home to around 600 monks. Tibetan stupas, prayer wheels and prayer flags all add to the colour and atmosphere of this spectacular monastery.
There are intermittent flights from Shangri-La to Lhasa in Tibet and visiting Yunnan before continuing to Tibet is a perfect way of acclimatizing to the altitude or a great alternative if Tibet is for any reason closed to travelers.
Songtsam Shangri-la is the flagship lodge of Songtsam Lodges, originally referred to as Songtsam Hotel or Songtsam Lvgu Hotel. The hotel has been a favourite over the past 10 years and hosted...
The Gyaltang Dzong Hotel is located a picturesque 15 minute walk (4 minute drive) to the south of Gyaltang Town (Gyaltang is the Tibetan name but known nowadays as Shangri-La or Zhongdian in Chinese...
Our trip went very well and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. All the guides and drivers were really good except for the fellow in Beijing who picked us up and took us out on the Sunday - he was hard work. We really liked the accommodation in the traditional style hotels in the older areas.
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