5 Days Shangri-La Tour with Meili Snow Mountain

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Shangrila Arrival

   Please make your own way to Shangri-la. When you arrive at Shangri-la Diqing Airport, the local driver will pick you up from the airport by holding a welcome board with your name, and transfer you to a local hotel.

   Free and easy on your own for the rest of the day.

   Note: No tour activities or English tour guide service for today.

   Hotel: Overnight in Shangrila

2. Day 2: Shangri-la Highlights Tour
   Explore Tibetan Cultural Treasures and National Park

   After breakfast, head to Songzanlin Monastery. This largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan rises from a hill at over 3300 meters. Being built by imitating the layout of the Potala Palace in Tibet, Songzanlin Monastery is in the traditional Tibetan style with a magnificent atmosphere, so it is also called the Little Potala Palace. The halls and inner walls are filled with spectacular murals, Buddha josses, golden lamps, silver censers, etc. narrating Buddhist history, legends, and former glory.

   

   Next, move to Pudacuo National Park. The first national park in China features primitive landscapes with verdant forests, meadows, streams, wetlands, rare flora and fauna, plus minority villages. The main scenic spots here include Shudu Lake, Bita Lake, and Militang Grassland. It is a paradise for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts, and the miles of wooden trails are perfect for strolling and taking in the scenic beauty.

   Then, take a leisure stroll around Dukezong Ancient Town. This 1,300-year-old town was once a key stop on the Ancient Tea-horse Road. The traditional Tibetan dwellings, ancient temples, and alleyways with authentic shops and restaurants make a dreamland for those who want to experience authentic Tibetan culture and customs.

   Besides the beautiful souvenirs like jewelry, thangka paintings, and incense, you will also meet the Guishan Park where you can have a bird's view of the ancient town and see the world’s largest prayer wheel.

   Hotel: Overnight in Shangrila

   

3. Day 3: Shangri-La to Feilaisi Tour via Deqin
   Drive to Deqin Via Pottery Village, Scenic Bends, Ancient Monastery

   After breakfast, drive around 5 hours to Deqin County (3400m altitude). You won’t be bored since there are many amazing views on the way!

   You will pass by Nixi Pottery Village which is famous for its long history of pottery-making techniques and well-made black potteries. Continue driving along G214, you will visit Benzilan, the First Bend of the Jinsha (Yangtze) River, and Dongzhulin Monastery.

   

   Benzilan: You will take a break from the hectic driving at Benzilan Town, a beautiful town on the riverbank of Jinsha River. Once an important station on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, Benzilan will catch your eyes with many charming traditional houses and lodges, orchards, and cultivated fields.

   The First Bend of Jinsha River (aka Moon Bay): It is about 20 minutes' drive from Benzilan. Here a viewing platform was built for visitors to enjoy an incredible view of the Jinsha River in a Ω-shaped bend.

   Dongzhulin Monastery: On the mid-journey from Shangri-la to Deqin, Dongzhulin Monastery can be dated back to 1667. It’s a treasure house of Buddhist culture with numerous Buddhist statues, Tangkar scroll paintings, Buddhist stupas, and religious instruments.

   In the late afternoon, you will finally arrive at Feilai Temple in Meili Snow Mountain. Check in at the hotel and have a good rest. A gorgeous sunrise view will be waiting for you the next day.

   Hotel: Overnight in Feilaisi

4. Day 4: Meili Snow Mountain Tour to Shangri-La
   Catch Sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain and Witness Stunning Mingyong Glacier

   Get up early in the morning to catch the best highlight of Meili Snow Mountain - the marvelous sunrise view. The amazing moment of sunrise offers nothing short of golden and dramatic views at Meili Snow Mountain. The snow-covered peaks are so vivacious when colored in reddish and orange.

   

   After breakfast, drive about 1 hour to Mingyong Village for hiking and visiting Mingyong Glacier. From Mingyong Village, you will walk about 2 hours to reach Taizi Temple, and what comes with it is a stunning view of the Mingyong Glacier.

   Among many glaciers in China, Mingyong Glacier is the one with the lowest latitude and elevation which stretches out like a silver dragon rush to  Lantsang River. It contributes to one of the most popular hiking routes in Yunnan.

   After the hiking, drive around 4.5 hours back to Shangrila.

   Friendly tip: You will hike for around 2-2.5 hours to visit Mingyong Glacier.

   Hotel: Overnight in Shangri-la

5. Day 5: Shangrila Departure

   At 12 pm, the driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby and see you off at the airport ( please depart Lijiang airport after 3 pm). This is the end of your 5 days Shangri-La tour to Meili Snow Mountain.

   Note: no English tour guide or tour activity for today

   Hotel: N/A