Misterious Shangri-La snow mountain, glacier and village
Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province, lies at the junction of three provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet. Diqing means good fortune and peace. Shangri-La means a place nearest to Heaven. When visiting Yunnan, travelers always go to Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang. Shangri-La, 200 km from Lijiang, takes 4 or 5 hours driving. On the way, travelers can visit Tiger-Leaping Gorge and distance view to First Bend of Yangtze River. In Lijiang and Dali, ancient towns are must- go places; in south of Yunnan, tropical rain forest should be visited. While in Shangri-La, we surely recommend Snow Mountain, glacier and highland lakes.
Songzanlin Lamasery
Songzanlin Lamasery, also honored as lesser Potala Palace, is the biggest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Yunnan Province, 5 kmaway from Shangri-La County. It has altitude of 3300 meters. Even in August, it may snow a little.
Pudacuo National Park
Pudacuo Park is first National Park in China, loatingat 22 km east of Shangri-La. It mainly is composed by Bita Lake and Shudu Lake with altitude of 3500 meters to 4150 meters. This park has well preserved primitive ecological environment, such as geologic landforms, lake and wetland, forest and grassland, valleys and steams, rare animal and plants, etc.
Meri Snow Mountains
Meri Snow Mountains also called Prince of Snow Mountain, is regarded as Holy Mountains by local Tibetans. The average altitude is more than 6000 meters, having thirteen peaks, names thirteen prince peaks. Meri is the most splendid snow mountains in Yunnan Province. The best timeto visit is May.
MingyongGlacier
Mingyong Glacier directly originates from the main peak of Meri Snow Mountains, of Kawakarpo. The glaciers go winding down from the peak with its tongue stretching to 2650 meters. There are well preserved green mountains andverdurous valleys, theropencedrymion and ever green boarder leaves forests nearby.
Yubeng Village
Yubeng Village is a mysterious and beautiful place whereis considered as a land of peace. It’s at the back side of Meri and clustered crowd by mountains. Due to its special geographical environment, there are afew habitants around this place with about 20 families. You can find only one road from outside world to this village. Separated to two sections, go to the upper village, travelers will visit the camp base of mountaineering of Kawagarpo Peak and go to the down village will enjoy the scenery of grand waterfall.
The best travel timeto Shangri-La is May, June, July, September and Oct. There are flights from Kunming, Chengdu, Lhasa, etc.
