Songtsam Lodges

T 86 887 8288 889

F 86 887 8288 887

Shangri-la County

Yunnan Province

China

songtsam.com

IMAGINE PLACEA

A majestic land seemingly removed from the outside world.

A place hemmed in by the mighty Yangtze, the free flowing Mekong and the untamed Salween.

An intimate land full of endless adventure and soulful self-discovery. The Three Parallel Rivers area of Yunnan.

Upon your arrival, towering snow-capped peaks serve as your gatekeeper, with the shimmering reflections of untouched glaciated gorges urging you on, to explore more.

This is an extraordinary place, where China’s most unique ethnic minorities have lived and breathed life into this last true “Shangri-la” for over 2,000 years.

THELODGES

The great China tectonic plate runs into the

Tibetan Plateau in Northern Yunnan, forging

high mountain ranges with soaring snow-

packed peaks; three major rivers, the Yangtze

(Jinshajiang), Mekong (Lancangjiang) and

Salween (Nujiang), run through deep gorges

of wild, untamed scenery.

The resulting dramatic altitude and climatic

variations in this area create one of the most

ecologically and geologically diverse places

on the earth and a fascinating destination for

intrepid travelers.

In this remote land, Songtsam has built a

series of boutique lodges, each providing

a distinctive experience. All lodges are

beautifully decorated and equipped with

modern amenities, ensuring absolute comfort

and relaxation.

Combining stays at different lodges,

“Songtsam Circuit” trips take travelers on a

journey to explore these natural landscapes

and the unique cultures of the area.

3,300M

SONGTSAM SHANGRI-LA

THE LODGESituated right next to the Songzanlin Monastery,

this small lodge has been a base for travelers from

around the world for ten years. The lodge is housed

in a traditional Tibetan dwelling within a self-sufficient

farming village where founder Baima Dorji spent

his childhood.

Although most of the rooms are modest in size, they

excel in creating a true feeling of home. All rooms are

decorated in Tibetan style, balanced with modern

comforts, while a collection of hand-picked antique

furniture and traditional intricately woven carpets are

featured throughout the lodge.

• Scale: 17 rooms

• Room type: Standard (twin), Superior (double),

Deluxe (double/twin)

• Room size: 20-30 m2

• Facilities: Library/conference room , open rooftop,

wifi (public areas),Tibetan restaurant

• Address: Next to Songzanlin Monastery, Shangri-la

County, Diqing Autonomous Prefecture

• Transportation: 20 minutes from Shangri-la (Diqing)

airport by car

Activities:

• Guided visit to Songzanlin Monastery

• Learn about local NGO cultural preservation

initiatives in Shangri-la’s Old Town

• Village walk and dinner party with a Tibetan family

• Guided hikes

• Explore nearby mountains and valleys on horseback

• Bicycle ride to Napahai Lake

• Practice Tibetan Buddhist meditation

THE AREAShangri-la has long been viewed as a paradise-on-

earth, with its majestic landscapes, diverse cultures

and deep spirituality. Located in a wide valley,

Shangri-la is surrounded by mountain ranges on

all four sides. It is the capital of the Diqing Tibetan

Autonomous Prefecture, and the gateway to the

ancient Tibetan kingdom. The region is characterized

by snow-capped mountain peaks, pristine forests

and lakes, as well as traditional Tibetan villages with

white-walled and richly-decorated buildings. There

are many beautiful hiking routes to explore the

mountains, lakes and idyllic villages and pastures.

The original Tibetan name of Shangri-la is Gyalthang

(or Zhongdian in Mandarin Chinese), which means

“in the middle of a field”. It was officially renamed

to “Shangri-la” after the mythical paradise of natural

beauty in James Hilton’s book, Lost Horizon. In

addition to its mythical references, the stone-paved

old town of Shangri-la was once an important stop for

trading caravans along the Ancient Tea and

Horse Road.

The 5th Dali Lama built Songzanlin Monastery in 1758.

Modeled after Lhasa’s Potala Palace, the Monastery

is home to more than seven hundred monks. Walking

around the Monastery’s grounds and listening to the

monks’ chants is truly an enlightening experience.

1,900M

SONGTSAM BENZILAN

THE LODGENestled in an intimate green valley by the Yangtze

River, Songtsam Benzilan features 10 spacious guest

rooms, all decorated in modern Sino-Tibetan style.

The lodge is surrounded by authentic white-walled

Tibetan homes and has views of a small prayer house

that rests atop a hill.

It takes only 10 minutes from the busy little town

of Benzilan to reach this hidden valley, seemingly

removed from the outside world. Some of the

exquisite antique carpets and furniture displayed in

the different Songtsam lodges were collected from

the villages in this area; and that’s how Baima Dorji

found this secret location.

• Scale: 10 rooms

• Room type: Superior (double/twin)

• Room size: 25 m2

• Facilities: Meditation room/library, restaurant,

rooftop terrace, wifi (public areas)

• Location: Benzilan, Deqin County, Diqing

Autonomous Prefecture

• Transportation: 3 hours by car from Shangri-la

(Diqing) airport

Activities:

• Lacquered wooden bowl painting workshop

• Learn how to make traditional black pottery in

Nixi village

• Guided visit to Dongzhulin Monastery

• Meditation practice with a Tibetan master

• Hike through Benzilan valley and traditional

Tibetan villages

• Guided mountain and forest hike

• Night of Tibetan dancing

THE AREABenzilan stands on a narrow strip of land on the right

bank of the Upper Yangtze River, tucked between the

water and the sharply rising hills. As the altitude falls

by more than 1, 000 meters, so the temperature rises,

and travelers now arrive at another Shangri-la rich in

blooming flowers and flourishing trees. Some of the

region’s most delicious fruit is grown here, including

juicy grapes and watermelons during the summer,

and mouth-watering tangerines in the Fall.

The little town of Benzilan was once one of the most

important stops of the Ancient Tea and Horse Road.

Although the glory of the once charming trading

post is gone, fortunately the surrounding countryside

remains intact; traditional handicraft methods have

survived commercialized mass-production, leaving a

glance into the history of this famous trading road.

Dotted with farms, small temples and some of the

most pristine Tibetan villages, the countryside here is

an ideal place to experience tranquil village life, and

appreciate well-preserved local culture and traditions.

A short hike leads to more pristine Tibetan villages

and original forests in the mountains with stunning

views of the lush, deep Yangtze River gorge - a

journey of true discovery.

Dongzhulin Monastery sits forty minutes away

from Benzilan on the way to Tibet. Although not as

popular among tourists, it is a significant destination

for the local Tibetans. The Monastery has several

“living” Buddhas and each year the Mask Dancing

Ceremony attracts thousands of followers. It was built

in 1667, before Shangri-la’s Songzanlin, and at one

time housed treasures which rivaled those of Lhasa’s

Potala Palace. Unfortunately, the Monastery was badly

damaged during the Cultural Revolution. The current

structure was restored in 1987.

• Songtsam Meili 3,600m

SONGTSAM MEILI

3,600M

THE LODGEEach year, local Tibetans and global travelers come

to worship Kawagebo, the major peak of the Meili

Snow Mountain Range and one of the holiest

mountains in the larger Tibetan region. Specifically

designed as a respite along this spiritual pilgrimage

to Kawagebo, the Songtsam Meili lodge was built

in an unspoilt village away from any tourists and

overlooking the majestic mountains.

Hovering above 3,600 meters, the Songtsam Meili’s

17 guest rooms are furnished with large comfortable

beds, sofas, and timber flooring, providing a warm

atmosphere that combines rustic charm with modern

comforts. Most rooms also feature a cozy fireplace.

• Scale: 17 rooms

• Room type: Superior (double/twin)

• Room size: 25 m2

• Facilities: Library, rooftop terrace, restaurant, wifi

(public areas)

• Location: Gujinong village, Deqin County, Diqing

Autonomous Prefecture

• Transportation: 5-6 hours by car from

Shangri-la (Diqing) airport

Activities:

• Guided hikes and walks

• Local family visits

• Fantastic views of Meili Snow Mountain Range

• Prayer ceremony

• Night of Tibetan dancing and bonfire party

THE AREAThe Meili Snow Mountain Range is a sub range of

the Hengduan Mountains which run north to south,

marking the boundary between Tibet and

Yunnan province.

Meili Snow Mountain Range is remarkable for its

impressive chain of glaciated peaks, rising more than

6,000 meters high. At sunrise and sunset, the soft

sunlight illuminates all thirteen peaks. As of today,

none of the major peaks have been summited.

Standing at 6,740 meters, the main peak, Kawagebo,

is the first of the six most sacred mountains in

Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhists believe that

Great Spirits dwell in the mountains and over ten

thousand pilgrims make the 240-kilometer trek

circumnavigating the mountain each year.

The scenic drive from Shangri-la to Meili winds

through lush temperate and alpine forests, crossing

the Baima Mountain Pass at 4,292 meters. The

Yangtze drainage area lies on one side of the pass

and the Mekong on the other. On emerging from the

pass onto a steep descending road, the Meili peaks

soon appear in the distance.

Baima National Reserve, a UNESCO designated

world heritage site, is one of the few truly wild places

left in China. Nearly all of the world’s species of

rhododendron originated from this area. There are

even still a few spots where red pandas and snow

leopards roam free.

SONGTSAM TACHENG

2,020M

THE LODGEPart of a mixed Tibetan/Lisu farming community,

Songtsam Tacheng enjoys a comfortable climate and

boasts the region’s most fertile land. All 9 spacious yet

cozy rooms face beautiful terraced rice fields. This lodge

is elegantly designed to showcase fine Chinese art and

style; big windows and balconies enable guests to take

in the stunning rural scenery from the lodge.

The year-round mild climate yields an abundance of fruits

and nuts, growing alongside terraced fields of rice,

wheat and grapes. Meals in Tacheng benefit from a

rich supply of locally-grown organic vegetables all year

around, as well as wild honey, fish, and ham that might be

the best in China.

Tacheng is also home to the endangered Yunnan Golden

Monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti).The endearing wildlife,

idyllic environment and relaxing atmosphere make it

popular for family excursions and romantic getaways.

• Scale: 9 rooms

• Room type: Superior (Double)

• Room size: 25 m2

• Facilities: Outdoor pool, restaurant, wifi

(public areas)

• Location: Hada village, Weixi Lisu

Autonomous County

• Transportation: 4.5 hours from Lijiang, 3 hours from

Shangri-la by car

Activities:

• Guided hikes through beautiful villages, fields and

rural areas

• View Golden Monkeys in Baima Nature Reserve

• Visit a local family

• Hike or walk through local Naxi village

• Night of local dance, or other activities arranged by

the Lodge

THE AREATacheng County, only three hours by car from Shangri-

la, is located between the Yangtze and Mekong

Rivers, where some of the best old-growth forests

in the world can be found. This is one of the most

fertile valleys, yielding, among other crops, plentiful

amounts of rice and fruit. The semi-wild boars, which

feed on wild nuts before winter, make the best ham in

the world. Tacheng is also famous for its rich Tibetan

culture and Naxi and Lisu villages, with charming,

distinctive black-roofed farmhouses.

The rare Yunnan Golden Monkey (Rhinopithecus

biteti), is one of the world’s most endangered

primates: less than 2,000 can be found in the wild.

They live at the highest altitude of any primate (3,000-

4,500m), excluding humans.

The journey down the Mekong River from Meili

to Tacheng is simply incredible. Within only 250

kilometers, the road winds through vastly differing

landscapes, and includes descending from high

to low altitude and experiencing cooler to warmer

climates, Tibetan and Lisu culture, buckwheat crops

and rice fields, and different styles of architecture.

From Cizhong to Tacheng, the countryside is

incredibly beautiful. Industry is absent and the area’s

natural beauty remains untouched. As passers-by,

travelers will see farmers singing in the fading light

while working in the fields.

SONGTSAM CIZHONG

2,200M

THE LODGEA hundred years ago, French missionaries ventured

into landlocked valleys in Yunnan province to share

their religion. A century later, the churches that remain

in these regions continue to thrive. Cizhong Catholic

Church, where service in Tibetan is still held every

Sunday, is the most beautiful of these churches, even

after many years of disrepair. The Songtsam Cizhong

lodge sits in this lovely Tibetan village, surrounded by

the grapevine-covered slopes of local vineyards.

• Scale: 10 rooms

• Room type: Superior

• Room size: 25m2

• Location: Cizhong village, Deqin County, Diqing

Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Activities:

• Guided hikes through Catholic Tibetan villages

• Chat with elderly villagers at their local

Catholic church

• Sip tea with a local family

• Wine-tasting at a local vineyard

At the base of the Upper Mekong River valley,

Cizhong lies in a fertile green field dotted by prayer

flags, farm houses, and waterfalls. A hundred

years ago, French missionaries ventured overland

to northern Yunnan province, the gateway to the

heartland of Tibetan Buddhism. A century later, the

churches in these regions are still thriving.

Cizhong Catholic Church is the most beautiful of

these churches. First built in 1867 and rebuilt in

1909, the building combines Gothic features with

characteristics of Chinese architecture. Despite many

years of disrepair, the structure remains and some

of the wall paintings and facade have survived the

Cultural Revolution. Services in Tibetan are held

every Sunday.

The village community includes both Christians and

Buddhists, with the two groups living peacefully

together. Numerous hiking routes take you into

the mountains.

THE AREA

SPIRITEDJOURNEYS

From the highest mountain peaks to the very

center of the Three Parallel Rivers, Songtsam

travel experiences are designed for intrepid

travelers to discover the region’s living

heritage through comfort, authenticity and

an enlightened spirit of adventure.

Trips start either from Lijiang or Shangri-La,

with customized flexibility to participate in

daily activities as one choses, helping guests

create a journey that is either relaxing or

adventurous.

LIVING HERITAGE OF THREE PARALLEL RIVERS

Here is an example of how we can combine different lodges for a circuit trip. We are happy to tailor journeys and events to match guests’ individual interests, and welcome your inquiries.

Day 1 Meet guide in Lijiang and drive to Tacheng; walk through the rice fields and Naxi villages.Day 2 Visit Tacheng Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park; hike through a forest, and along the Ancient Tea and Horse Road. Visit a Lisu village and local families.Day 3 Drive to Benzilan; explore pristine Tibetan villages hidden deep in the mountains. Admire breath-taking views of the Yangtze River gorge. Visit a local center for prayer in the evening.Day 4 Drive to Meili via Dongzhulin Monastery, where we can practice meditation with a Tibetan master.Day 5 Day-hike in one of the most holy Tibetan regions, with stunning views of the Meili Snow Mountain Range.Day 6 Travel back to Shangri-la; learn about traditional Tibetan artifacts.Day 7 Visit Songzanlin Monastery and Shangri-la Old Town. Alternatively, horseback-riding through the valley, stopping for a picnic lunch and a visit to a local market.Day 8 Trip ends.

SONGTSAMCIRCUIT TRIP

SPECIAL TRIPS,EVENTS & OCCASIONSEach year Songtsam designs and runs special journeys. These journeys focus on topics such as photography, challenging trekking, Tibetan Buddhism and culture, community service, and many additional special themes.

We also offer innovative ways to organize private or corporate events, e.g:

• Hold a meeting in China’s most scenic conference room, drawing inspiration from the dramatic views of the Meili Snow Mountain Range.• A Tibetan-style wedding.• A colorful and unique event, rooted in the Tibetan spirit.

Shangri-la Tacheng Benzilan Meili Cizhong Lijiang

Shangri-la / 3hr / 90km 2.5-3hr / 80km 6hr / 180km 9hr / 230km 4-5hr / 180kmTacheng 3hr / 90km / 4hr / 110km 7+hr / 195km 6hr / 180km 4.5-5hr / 170km

Benzilan 2.5-3hr / 80km 4hr / 110km / 3hr / 100km 5hr / 150km 7+hr / 280kmMeili 6hr / 180km 7hr / 210km 3hr / 100km / 3hr / 50km 10+Cizhong 9hr 6hr 5hr 3hr / /Lijiang 4-5hr / 180km 4.5-5hr / 170km 7hr / 280km 10+ / /

DESTINATION INFORMATIONHow to get to Songtsam

Shangri-la and Lijiang are the gateway towns to

reach any Songtsam Lodge. Both can be reached via

Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan province. Major

Chinese cities with direct flights to Shangri-la(Diqing

Airport) include Beijing, Chongqing, Chengdu, and

Guangzhou; or Shanghai and Guangzhou to Lijiang.

Songtsam provides complimentary transportation

from Shangri-la airport to Songtsam Shangri-la.

To reach other lodges, guests can book private

transportation with Songtsam.

Most roads between the lodges are paved and in

good condition; however, most part of the drive

between Tacheng and Benzilan is on a bumpy and

winding road along the Upper Yangtze River.

Weather and Best Time to Go

Although this area can be experienced all year long,

many travelers are especially fond of spring (May to

June) to appreciate the blossoming rhododendrons,

and autumn when many tree’s leaves change colors.

However, in summer the countryside’s vitality and

blooming flora contrast with the snowy backdrop of

mountains, creating a dramatic panorama. In winter

time, villages and monasteries bustle with colorful

cultural and religious events drawing intrepid travelers

from around the world.

Tacheng and Benzilan are warm with mild

temperatures all year round; in the daytime, it can

reach 30°C in summer and drop to around 10°C in

winter. Meili and Shangri-la enjoy highland sunshine

which can achieve midday temperatures of 10°C even

in winter time. However it can be freezing cold in early

mornings and at night, even in summer.

Altitude

Shangri-la and Meili sit on highlands of up to

3,300/3,600 meters while Tacheng and Benzilan are

situated at lower than 2,000 meters. The changes in

altitude when traveling from one Songtsam lodge to

the next provide the rare opportunity to experience

dramatic natural diversity.

People can and do react differently to altitude.

Symptoms of altitude sickness usually subside after

getting plenty of rest and drinking sufficient amounts

of water.

OUR STORY

Some memories never fade. It seems like only

yesterday that Baima Dorji was on his way back

to Shangri-la, with ambitious plans to shoot

a documentary of his childhood home. While

it had been many years since he had last set

foot in his native land, fond memories came

pouring back. He remembered the excitement

of climbing local mountains as a young boy, the

intimate solitude of his town’s temples, and the

people who helped define him as a person.

Finally, Baima was home. The rush of emotions

made him wonder: How could he give back?

What more could he do? Soon it all became

clear. He thought about the region’s rich culture

and how he could create a way for travelers

to come and experience a new way of life; a

place that was more than the usual hotel and

gift shops, a place where guests could immerse

themselves in living history. So Baima turned

his family’s small guesthouse into the first

Songtsam lodge.

Inspired by the rich Tibetan culture, he

worked with local artisans and members of the

community to help produce and run Songtsam

Green Valley. Four lodges and nine years later,

Baima’s vision continues to grow, and so does

the Songtsam experience.

SOUL OFSONGTSAM

Songtsam builds lodges that evoke a feeling of

“coming home”, rekindling the warmth of being taken

cared for just as when one was a child. This coincides

with the Buddhist view of life and reincarnation:

everyone could have been everyone’s parents, and

everywhere could have been home.

The soul of Songtsam is the friendly and attentive

staff. A family atmosphere draws them together, with

many members having worked with Songtsam from

the very beginning. Coming from different villages

around the region, everyone has a story to share

about their hometown; first-hand experiences that

help enrich and deepen guests’ travel experiences.

Like many other high-end properties, Songtsam built the lodges away from the regular tourist trails, in the most beautiful, hand-picked locations. However, unlike many other high-end accommodations, Songtsam never tried or wanted to be separate from the local community. Instead, the lodges are constructed right inside or next to living villages, which creates opportunities for guests to share a special close bond with the vibrant life of the local culture. Local villagers’ yaks often try to get into the yard to eat the plants and villagers say hello on their way back home. When one steps out of the front door of the Songtsam lodges, they are immersed in the fascinating daily village life.

THE COMMUNITIES

TIBETAN TREASURESSongtsam Lodges serve as a platform to display the

unique collection of artifacts native to the Tibetan

region. Each lodge has been designed for travelers to

“live among” the collections, with attention given to

the smallest details as they experience each place.

Each lodge features a unique collection of traditional

artifacts, including antique furniture, Tibetan paintings,

embroidered Tangkas, exquisite rugs, colorful

lacquered boxes and perfectly polished brass-wear.

CONNECT WITH SONGTSAM

AWARDS

Songtsam Shangri-la

T (86 887) 8288 889

F (86 887) 8288 887

Email: info@songtsam.com

www.songtsam.com

• Bookings and inquiries can be made via our website or email.

• Media or agencies please contact via email

Condé Nast Traveler, Hot List 2012“The Best New Hotels of 2012” (Songtsam Tacheng)

Tatler, Travel Guide 2012

“101 Best Hotels in the World” (Songtsam Meili)

TripAdvisor, Traveler’s Choice 2012

“Top 25 Hotels in China” (Songtsam Shangri-la)

“Top 10 Hotels for Families in China” (Songtsam Shangri-la)

“Top 25 Hotels for Service in China” (Songtsam Shangri-la)

Travel + Leisure Asia, Special T+L PICKS“The Best of 2011” (Songtsam Tacheng, Songtsam Benzilan, Songtsam Meili)

TripAdvisor, Traveler’s Choice 2011“Top 25 Hotels in China” (Songtsam Shangri-la)