Our plan: People interested will meet in Shangri-La to spend some nice days together. Since different people having different preferences about their activities, we will not plan any groups yet. This can be done on the spot. Yet there is one exception. Some of us want to do some real mountaineering (2-3 days). For this we need some preparation. We need to find a guide, as some areas are not accesible without and the accomodation needs to be organized as well. We are in contact with some guides and it would be helpful to have the number of people interested to join.
We should carefully pursue the COVID-19 situation. It is not worth to take any risks. If the new outbreak is not under control around 20th of August, it might be better to postpone this trip.
Some places that might be worth a visit …
level: easy
level: mid-range
level: advanced
Accomodation: There are different opinions about the type of accomodation. While we first said we will stay at some sort of hostel or guesthouse together (easier to organize the groups if everybody is at the same spot), some people prefer to stay at a hotel. The city provides different types of accomodations. There is Hilton and Shangri La Hotel as well as a variety of nice guesthouses and hostels. The guesthouse/hostel group will stay so far at Baita hostel, since it is located in old town, clean, local owner (speaks English and can also be hired as a tour guide), provides enough rooms, has some nice meeting area and a bar / bbq opposite. It is just a suggestion, there are plenty more guesthouses around. Only thing: it would be nice if we don’t spread to much over the city. Common activities are much easier to organize if we are close.
Some pictures of Baita hostel:
The old town of Shangri-La
Shangri-La has different tourist spots in the town. The main part is the old town, which widely burned down in 2014 but is fully rebuild. Most houses are tibetan wood style. There are plenty of hostels, restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and museums.
Our plan: People interested will meet in Shangri-La to spend some nice days together. Since different people having different preferencesContinue readingShangri-La
Just straight walking, the old down can be visited in half a day, but for enjoying the attractions it is better to plan for 2 days. Besides the old town there are some temples and monastries in the city. Ganden Sumtsenling and Guishan monastry are the most famous ones, but walking the city you can find a few more.
To the east, a one hour hike starting from old town pays out with a magnificent view over the city.
Another great spot to get a nice view over the city is the Baiji monastry just at the hill next to the old town. A bit tricky to find, small but still worth a visit.
There are some other spots in the city, like museums a shopping area for locals the park along the river, a very well made indoor swimming pool, the theater for minorities etc.
Some more recommendations on food. In several places tibetan food is offered. Ver common are butter tea and Yak-dishes. There is a fromagerie even winning an international price (in France) for their Yak-cheese.
Trip to Shika Snow Mountain and Napa-Lake
Close to the city, about 10 km to the west from old town Shika snow mountain is located. It can only be visited using the cablecar which slowly goes up in two stages. It is worth go for a walk at the switching station to visit the meadow with the cows and yaks. Quite a peaceful feeling.
Visiting Shika snow mountain is better to do with good weather, so you can enjoy a nice view over the city. On top of the mountain most areas are blocked now, so the visit is not more than 30-40 minutes. There is a stone telling you, that you are at 4500 m. I checked with some altimeters telling me it is actually 4430m in altitude. Asking the souvenirs sales guy, he pointed to the mountain next, which is 4500m, but the road is blocked now.
At the feed of Shika snow mountain Napa-lake is located. If you are into lakes, check first if it has water. Sometimes there is no lake. Still around the lake is a lot of grassland and that’s the spot for a horseride.
Trip to Potatso National Park
It’s a one day trip from East gate of old town. Busses go at 9 am and last bus back will be around 3 pm (so you are back in town around 4 pm). Potatso National Par is mainly for enjoying nature. It has three places, but two are closed for conservation these days. First you are free to enjoy a 2 km hiking along the river. One can also go directly to the main attraction, which is the lake. It is possible to walk around the lake and there are four landing stages for boats, but due to the limited number of tourists, only two are used. The trip around the lake takes at least two hours, so it’s better to calculate the time well to not miss the bus.
Abuji Scenic Area
One day trip, leaving 8:30, back around 6 pm. The area can only be entered with a guide. The ticket is around 250 RMB, but car ride and food and drinks are included. It’s a very scenic spot and one need to be in good shape. Takes about 3 hours to hike up, starting from 3650m. Some places are very windy, so wind jacket is needed. The hiking destination is a lake at about 4100m. Once arrived one can find a wind protected place to rest, walk around the lake or continue the hiking.
Hot Spring
Half an hour out of city (40 RMB by taxi), in the mountains, are two hot springs. One is up the mountain and usually only frequented by locals, the other more official one down the valley hosts a great sauna build in the mountain. Sulphate water of about 44 degrees heating up the hot spring. Good for skin, but better not to stand at the water intake. Simply too hot. In the middle, there is a little pool for children, water temperature is much lower. It opens until 11 pm, so if it’s not cloudy it’s a great place to enjoy the starry sky as well.
Shangri-La brewery visit
Shangri-La has a famous brewery. The owner is Tibetan origin, but was raised in Switzerland. He brings swiss brewing tradition to Xiangelila. Was a free visit in the past, but now it’s 100 RMB a person. Love the IPA.
for German / English website of the brewery follow this link …
Meili Mountains
Nanjieluo
Monkey park
Pottery village, make your own pottery
Hostel
Part of the old town, but 200m away from the busy shpping streets. Nice place to sit together talk, enjoy a beer or sing. The owner is a local usually inviting you over to the little stove down to enjoy the evening with other guests. He opened his hostel in 2011, it’s one of the oldest hostels in town now. He also recommends you many places to visit. If there is a group he will also play the tour guide. An option for Meili mountains, where a tour guide is needed.
