Shangri-LaTravel Itinerary 2days

2 Days Shangri-La Travel Itinerary

Helen Tang
1816 Words/8 Minutes, By Helen Tang, Updated September 24, 2024

Are you traveling with children and looking for kid-friendly activities? Or are you an older traveler wanting a leisurely trip at your own pace? Perhaps you are a young adventurer looking for exciting activities like hiking, or cycling? Or maybe you want your itinerary to include some local cultural experiences like Thangka painting lessons, Learning Tie-dyeing etc.

Take a look at the itineraries we’ve prepared for you, you might find one that you like.

Actually all the itinerary is flexible, just contact us, please. We would be honored to customize a perfect, personalized itinerary specifically for you.

2 Days Itinerary in Shangri-La for Family with kids

Shangri-La itinerarySongzanlin Monastery

Day 1: Discover Shangri-La's Nature and Culture

Morning, Start your day with a visit to Pudacuo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park offers easy walking paths that are suitable for kids. Take a family-friendly hike around Shudu Lake or enjoy a boat ride on Bita Lake Look out for yaks, wildflowers, and the stunning alpine scenery.

Have nice Picnic Lunch in the scenic surroundings of Pudacuo National Park. There are designated picnic areas, making it a fun and relaxing experience for the whole family.

In the afternoon, head to Napa Lake, especially beautiful during the wet season. The wide grasslands and flocks of grazing animals like yaks and horses are perfect for kids to enjoy and take photos.

End your day with a relaxing stroll around Dukezong Ancient Town, where kids can explore traditional Tibetan architecture and parents can shop for local handicrafts. Visit Guishan Park to spin the Giant Prayer Wheel as a family for good fortune.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration and Local Fun

Morning, visit Songzanlin Monastery, known as the "Little Potala Palace." The monastery offers a fascinating glimpse into Tibetan Buddhism and culture. Kids will enjoy the vibrant colors, prayer flags, and stories of the monks.

Enjoy a family lunch at a traditional Tibetan home. Many local families offer home-cooked meals, where you can try yak butter tea, barley bread, and other Tibetan specialties. It's a great cultural experience for both kids and adults.

In the afternoon, participate in a Tibetan handicraft workshop. Try tie-dyeing, this hands-on activity is fun for kids and offer a creative way to learn about local culture.

Wrap up your trip by attending a family-friendly Tibetan cultural performance. Enjoy traditional music, dance, and even a chance for kids to try on Tibetan costumes.

2 Days Shangri-La Itinerary for Seniors with Slow Travel Pace

Shangri-La itinerarySongzanlin Monastery

Day 1: Relaxed Exploration of Nature and Culture

Morning, start your day with a leisurely visit to Songzanlin Monastery, also known as the "Little Potala Palace." The monastery offers stunning views and insight into Tibetan Buddhism. You can take your time exploring the complex and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The monastery also provides a shuttle service to avoid climbing too many stairs.

After your visit, head to a nearby Tibetan restaurant for a slow, relaxed lunch. Try local dishes such asyak butter tea, barley bread, and Tibetan-style noodles.

Spend a relaxing afternoon exploring Dukezong Ancient Town. This well-preserved old town offers easy, flat walking paths. You can stop by the shops to browse Tibetan handicrafts, or enjoy tea at one of the local cafes. Visit Guishan Park to gently walk up to the Giant Prayer Wheel or simply take in the views from the base.

Evening, after enjoy dinner, visit the Sifang Street, pick some souvenirs

Day 2: Gentle Nature Experiences

Visit Pudacuo National Park, one of Shangri-La's most beautiful nature reserves. The park offers a shuttle service to its scenic spots, including Shudu Lake and Bita Lake, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque views without strenuous walking. You can take leisurely walks on the boardwalks, with plenty of benches to rest along the way.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park or dine at the park’s restaurant. The serene environment is perfect for taking in the fresh air and beautiful landscapes at your own pace.

Take a boat trip on the Shudu Lake and enjoy the beautiful views.

After a restful afternoon, enjoy a light dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant, reflecting on the beauty of Shangri-La and its relaxing atmosphere.

2 Days Shangri-La for Young Travelers

Shangri-La itinerarySongzanlin Monastery

Day 1: Adventure and Challenge

Start your adventure with hike at Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world. Choose a moderate or challenging trail based on your fitness level, with stunning views of the Jinsha River and the surrounding mountains. This hike will take up most of the morning, so wear comfortable hiking gear and pack snacks.

After your hike, head to a nearby guesthouse for a well-deserved break and a hearty lunch.

Explore Dukezong Ancient Town, with its quaint streets, ancient Tibetan architecture, and unique shops. Climb up to Guishan Park to spin the world’s largest prayer wheel and take in panoramic views of the city. You can also check out the local handicrafts and Tibetan souvenirs in the shops around the town.

Enjoy a traditional Tibetan Yak Hot Pot dinner in one of the local restaurants. After dinner, experience Shangri-La’s small but vibrant nightlife by visiting a local bar or café. Some places offer live music performances, making it a great place to unwind after a long day.

Day 2: Nature and Cultural Experiences

Morning, Visit the Napa Lake Nature Reserve by bike. The ride will take you through beautiful countryside landscapes with yaks grazing on the grasslands. Depending on the season, you might see the lake filled with water or transformed into vast grasslands. The ride is moderately challenging but offers fantastic scenery along the way.

Bring a picnic and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature at Napa Lake. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of the distant mountains make it a perfect spot to relax after your ride.

Visit the majestic Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, often referred to as the "Little Potala Palace." You can explore Tibetan Buddhism, and the stunning architecture and spiritual atmosphere make this a must-see in Shangri-La.

End your day with a Tibetan bonfire party in Dukezong Ancient Town. Many local venues host cultural evenings with Tibetan dance performances, where travelers can join in the dancing and celebration. It is a fun and interactive way to immerse yourself in local culture and meet fellow travelers.

2 Days Culture tour in Shangri-La

Shangri-La itineraryGanden Sumtseling Monastery

Day 1: Tibetan Culture and Spirituality

Morning, visit to the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, Songzanlin Monastery, also known as the "Little Potala Palace." explore its intricate architecture, and visit the halls filled with sacred relics and statues. Engage with monks for a deeper insight into the monastery's spiritual practices.

Have lunch at a local Tibetan restaurant. Experience authentic Tibetan life by visiting a local Tibetan family's home. Here, you can learn about their daily lifestyle, traditional customs, and maybe even take part in preparing some traditional dishes like momos (Tibetan dumplings). This is a great opportunity to understand the deep-rooted hospitality and culture of the Tibetan people.

End the day with a Tibetan cultural show featuring traditional dance, music, and performances. Many shows also include reenactments of Tibetan folk stories, showcasing the region's rich history and traditions.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Craftsmanship

Morning, start your day by exploring Dukezong Ancient Town, a beautifully preserved Tibetan settlement with over 1,300 years of history, and make your way to Guishan Park to spin the world's largest prayer wheel for blessings.

Participate in a Thangka painting workshop at the Shangri-La Thangka Institute, Thangka is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist art form, and you will learn the basics of this sacred craft from skilled artists. This hands-on experience allows you to create your own painting to take home as a meaningful souvenir.

Enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner at a restaurant that focuses on cultural immersion through food. Finish your cultural tour by dining on Tibetan hot pot or other regional delicacies.

Tips: When you enjoying the tour in Shangri-La, keep the following points in mind:

  • 1. The high altitude means stronger UV rays, so make sure to protect your skin from the sun.
  • 2. Upon arrival at the high plateau, allow yourself time to acclimate to the environment. Avoid intense exercise and alcohol. After climbing snow-capped mountains, avoid taking a shower immediately to prevent altitude sickness.
  • 3. There is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening, so dress warmly.
  • 4.As a religious site, it is important to dress modestly when visiting Songzanlin Monastery. This means avoiding shorts, sleeveless shirts, and clothing that exposes too much skin. It's also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes, as there are many stairs and steep paths around the monastery.
  • 5.When visiting Songzanlin Monastery, it's important to be respectful of the local culture and customs. This means refraining from taking photos or videos inside the temple halls, and avoiding loud or disruptive behavior. It's also a good idea to bring a small offering or donation to leave at one of the temple altars as a sign of respect.

Customize Your Unique Yunnan Tour

Yunnan Itinerary

If you are interested in one of the Yunnan itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Yunnan Tour, please visit our Yunnan Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

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Helen Tang

Hi, I’m Helen Tang, if you like my article, please share it with your friends. Any sugguestions on this article, please contact me. Thanks!

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