Urbane Nomads- China The Aman At Summer Palace

Songtsam Shangri La

Overview

Songtsam has established a series of luxury boutique hotels: Songtsam Lodges in five carefully selected locales; each lodge provides a distinct experience of this magical land of The Three Parallel Rivers Area. Songtsam Shangri-la (3,290m) is situated right next to the Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan province. The lodge is housed in a traditional Tibetan dwelling within this typical, self-sufficient Tibetan farming village where the founder of Songtsam, Baima Dorjie, spent his childhood. One complimentary ticket for Songzanlin Monastery is provided for each guest at Songtsam Shangri-la.

Shangr-la/Zhongdian (“middle district”, whose official name is now Shangri-la), or Gyalthang in Tibetan, is the capital of the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and the gateway to the ancient Tibetan kingdom. Located in a wide valley surrounded by soaring snow-capped peaks, primeval forests, and pristine lakes, the region is characterized by traditional villages with white walled and richly-decorated buildings. The town itself, located at an altitude of 10,500 feet above sea level, was formerly an important staging stop for trading caravans, and retains the rich cultural heritage of the Kham, the local people of Tibetan origin. Zhongdian is now officially known as “Shangri-la” after the mythical paradise of natural beauty in James Hilton’s book Lost Horizon, and has retained its identity as a spiritual center despite the rapid tourism development in the region.

Figures well as part of a luxury travel itinerary through China or as part of a luxury honeymoon or destination wedding in China.

Accommodation

Single room

Double room

Suite room

Deluxe suite

Although most of the rooms are of modest size, they excel in conveying a true homely feel. All rooms are decorated in the Tibetan style with modern comforts. The founder of Songtsam handpicked many of the decorative pieces and furniture for each room. The collection includes antique furniture and traditional Tibetan carpets. Some features are hand-made, such as the copper sinks in our fully renovated bathrooms. Rooms with views over the lake are also available.

Restaurants & Bars

Songtsam Tibetan Restaurant, serving unique Tibetan cuisine as well as Western cuisine with fusion flavors and local ingredients, such as pizza with Tibetan cheese and herb-seasoned spaghetti. Being an organic restaurant, we are supplied with natural products from many surrounding villages. Additionally, no artificial flavorings, such as MSG or chicken extract, are used in the kitchens.

Recreation

Rooftop

The rooftop provides a stunning view of Songzanlin Monastery, the beautiful lake, and stars at night. Cocktail parties or BBQs can be arranged on request
Courtyard

Courtyard

The sunny courtyard is one of the reasons that guests love about this lodge, watching flowers in bloom and golden fishes swimming in the lovely pond, listening to birds singing, it is haven for people escaping from big cities.

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This hotel can feature in this trip:

Camping in luxury on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, this itinerary coincides with the annual Horse Festival set against the picturesque plateau.

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