Top 8 Best Things to Do in Shangri-La: Hiking, Cooking,

From the summit of Guishan, you can overlook the entire ancient Dukezong City, gaze at the distant snow-capped mountains, turn the Giant Prayer Wheel to wish for good fortune, and visit Songzanlin Monastery, known as the "Little Potala Palace." You can also explore Napa Lake Nature Reserve and Pudacuo National Park, climb Meili Snow Mountain, and more. Here are the top best things to visiting Shangri-la.

Top 1: Admire Dukezong Ancient City

You can Stroll Dukezong Ancient City, which has a history of over 1,300 years, it is the largest and best-preserved ancient architecture in the area strongly influenced by Tibetan culture. The Great Buddha Temple on the top of the Guishan mountain, from the temple, overlook the Dukezong ancient City, it allows you to experience the charm of the entire ancient city from this Tibetan temple. you can spin the Golden Giant Prayer Wheel with your friends and offer prayers for good fortune, it is the largest of its kind in the world, standing 21 meters tall and weighing 65 tons.

Top 2: Explore Pudacuo National Park

You can spend a full day exploring the beautiful Pudacuo National Park, which offers a variety of tour options to cater to different visitors' needs and preferences, allowing you to fully explore this stunning area.

The park has three main attractions: Shudu Lake, Militang Pasture, and Bita Lake. Shudu Lake, the largest lake in Pudacuo National Park, boasts a beautiful lakeside environment where you can take leisurely walks or boat rides to enjoy the scenery.

Bita Lake, surrounded by wetlands and meadows filled with flowers, offers options for hiking or boating, allowing visitors to take in the lake's beauty and wetland landscapes.

The northern trail along Shudu Lake offers breathtaking views, and you can rent a bicycle to ride along the route, immersing yourself in nature's beauty!

Top 3: Hiking Yubeng Village

Yubeng Village has become a classic route for hiking enthusiasts, largely due to the Mountain Circumambulation Festival. Zhuanshan Festival in the Yubeng Village where you can witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the snow-capped mountains. Every April, the Zhuanshan Festival is held in Yubeng Village, which is on the inner pilgrimage route. Yubeng Village is part of a classic, entry-level trekking path where people join Tibetan pilgrims in worship.

Top 4: Visit Songzanlin Monastery

Songzanlin Monastery

It is a must to visit Songzanlin Monastery, known as the 'Little Potala Palace,' to experience the charm of Tibetan culture. It is a one of the top options when traveling to Shangri-La.

If your visit coincides with local festivals, you can also participate in the various rituals and ceremonies held at the monastery, For example, during the Gedong Festival on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, grand sacrificial ceremonies are held at Songzanlin Monastery.

Top 5: Adventure Haba Snow Mountain

Adventure Haba Snow Mountain, it offers breathtaking alpine scenery and is popular among trekkers and nature enthusiasts. Haba Snow Mountain is primarily known for its challenging climbing routes and is more suited for intermediate to advanced mountaineers rather than beginner climbers. Haba Snow Mountain is also a place where you can experience skiing.

Top 6: Trekking along the Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Trek Tiger Leaping Gorge and experience one of the deepest gorges in China. it is also one of the most famous gorges in the world for its precipitous terrain. A place that one must hike at least once in your lifetime. It is renowned for its dramatic and rugged scenery. The gorge is situated on the upper reaches of the Jinsha River, with a total length of 17 kilometers and a winding road of 25 kilometers. It is divided into three sections: Hiking the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge is the easiest option, suitable for most hikers. The Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge offers a more challenging experience, requiring more physical effort and time. The Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge, with its steeper and narrower trails, demands higher levels of strength and endurance.

Top 7: Cooking Class

In Shangri-La, a cooking class offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Tibetan cuisine. Participants can learn to prepare traditional dishes using local ingredients, guided by experienced chefs who share their knowledge of regional cooking techniques and recipes. The class often includes hands-on instruction in making popular dishes such as yak meat stews, barley bread, and butter tea. This immersive experience not only teaches cooking skills but also provides insight into the cultural significance of the dishes and the culinary heritage of the Tibetan people.

Top 8: Spinning Giant Prayer Wheel

Spinning the Giant Prayer Wheel is a unique and spiritually enriching experience. Standing 21 meters tall and weighing 65 tons, this monumental prayer wheel is the largest of its kind in the world. Traditionally used in Tibetan Buddhism, the wheel is inscribed with thousands of mantras and prayers. Spinning it is believed to bring peace, blessings, and positive energy. Visitors can turn the wheel in a group, feeling the collective spiritual energy and witnessing the intricate designs that adorn its surface. This ritual not only connects participants with Tibetan spiritual practices but also offers a profound sense of communal harmony and reverence.

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