Private Shangri-la Day Tour: Songzanglin Monastery, Old Town, Pudacuo National Park

After breakfast, greet your tour guide at hotel lobby at about 9:00 am and commence to tour around the fairyland of Shangri-la. (The guide will contact you in advance to confirm the pickup time.)

Head for Songzanlin Monastery with 10 mins driving through northern part of Shangri-la County, to see the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan area. Established in 17th century during the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama, it is a wonderful place to experience the mystery and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. The castle style monastery is honored as Little Potala Palace with roofs gilded copper and exterior walls painted in a variety of colors, such as white, red, and tan making the whole complex look much grand and magnificent. Now, there are about 700 monks and lamas living there or around and assembling for important functions.

After about 2 hours visiting at Songzanlin Monastery, continue the tour to Old Town of Shangri-la, knowed as Dukezong Ancient Town as well. The town is the largest and best-preserved Tibetan residential cluster among China's Tibetan counties. Visitors will experience the authentic Ancient Tea-horse Road, the focal point for Han-Tibetan exchanges, traditional Tibetan way of life, as well as dwellings, when strolling around the narrow lanes.

Then, proceed to Pudacuo National Park, a natural reserve extending 300sqkm on an altitude between 3,500 and 4,100 meters above sea level, with virgin forests of spruce, pine and meadow dotted by wild flowers and tranquil lakes. Visitors are suggested take sightseeings clockwise for good luck, from Shudu Lake, then Militang Alpine Pasture, to Bita Lake. Lastly, pay a visit to a local Tibetan family to experience the local daily life.

Conclude the well-spend day tour by driving back to the hotel.