1-Day Shangri-La Tour to Ganden Monastery, Nixi Pottery Village and Tibetan Town

Shangri-La , China

1-Day Shangri-La Tour to Ganden Monastery, Nixi Pottery Village and Tibetan Town

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About this experience

For this private day trip of Shangri-La, you will visit the most classic sights with your private guide, like the Ganden Monastery, learn to make pottery and Dukezong, an ancient Tibetan town.
You will be picked up and dropped off Shangri-la(Diqing) hotel.

Available options

1-Day Shangri-La Tour to Ganden Monastery, Nixi Pottery Village and Tibetan Town

Pickup included

What's included

The private car & private guide

The entrance tickets

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

In the morning,Your private guide will sign your name and pick you up from your hotel at 09:00.

Today, first you will visit the magnificent Songzanlin Monastery. As the largest-in-scale Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan, Sonzanlin is reputed as the Little Potala. Nestled on a hill slope, the whole temple complex is just like a giant and imposing castle with fabulous mural paintings. Delving into the monastery, you can check out the abundant cultural relics such as Buddhist scriptures, Tangka works and Buddha statues.

After lunch, we will drive for the Nixi Pottery Village famous for its centuries-old black pottery making art. In this lovely Tibetan village, you are given a rare chance to learn to make your own pottery vessels from a local craftsman, and the class will take about one hour.

Afterwards, proceed to Dukezong Ancient Town with a history of over 1,300 years. Following our guide, you will wander through the archaic lanes crammed with wooden white-wall dwellings, Tibetan Temples, gilded prayer halls and pagodas. At the central square of the town, you are able to get a close touch with the real local life by joining their leisure activities such as singing and dancing.

At the end, your guide will escort you to your hotel.

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

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Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Wheelchair accessible

About Shangri-La

Shangri-La, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is a picturesque town known for its stunning natural beauty, rich Tibetan culture, and serene landscapes. It's a place where ancient traditions meet breathtaking scenery, offering travelers a unique and spiritual experience.

Top Attractions

Songzanlin Monastery

One of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Yunnan, Songzanlin Monastery is a must-visit for its spiritual significance and stunning architecture.

Religious 2-3 hours Free (donations welcome)

Napa Lake

A scenic wetland park known for its diverse birdlife and beautiful landscapes. The lake is a popular spot for birdwatching and photography.

Nature 1-2 hours ¥30 (entrance fee)

Dukezong Ancient Town

The historic old town of Shangri-La, Dukezong Ancient Town, is a reconstructed area that offers a glimpse into the town's rich history and Tibetan culture.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Pugongling Park

A park dedicated to the memory of the famous Chinese writer and poet, Jiang Zilan, who was born in Shangri-La. The park features a museum and beautiful gardens.

Cultural 1 hour ¥20 (museum entrance fee)

Meili Snow Mountain

One of the most sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism, Meili Snow Mountain is known for its stunning peaks and spiritual significance.

Nature Full day ¥50 (entrance fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Yak Butter Tea

A traditional Tibetan drink made with butter, tea, and salt. It's a staple in Tibetan cuisine and provides energy in the cold climate.

Drink Contains dairy and caffeine

Thenthuk

A hearty Tibetan noodle soup with vegetables, meat, and sometimes hand-pulled noodles. It's a comforting and filling dish.

Lunch/Dinner Can be vegetarian or with meat

Balepkhek

A traditional Tibetan bread made from barley flour. It's often served with yak butter or jam.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Shanla Lajiao Fen

A spicy noodle soup made with chili oil, garlic, and sometimes minced pork or beef. It's a popular street food in Shangri-La.

Snack Can be vegetarian or with meat, contains spicy ingredients

Popular Activities

Hiking and trekking in Meili Snow Mountain Exploring Yubeng Village Mountain biking in the surrounding countryside Yak butter tea ceremonies Visiting local spas and hot springs Strolling through Dukezong Ancient Town Attending cultural performances and festivals Visiting Tibetan monasteries and temples

Best Time to Visit

April to October

This is the best time to visit Shangri-La as the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The landscapes are lush and vibrant, and the skies are clear.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese, Tibetan
Widely spoken: Chinese (Mandarin), Tibetan
English: Limited

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Shangri-La is generally safe for travelers, but it's essential to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, especially in remote areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of scams and overcharging
• Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings

Getting there

By air

Shangri-La Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from the city center

By train

Shangri-La Station

By bus

Shangri-La Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is the most common and affordable way to get around Shangri-La. Buses connect major tourist sites and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Dukezong Ancient Town Gandainor Shangri-La New Town

Day trips

Lijiang

180 km (112 miles) • Full day

Lijiang is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient towns, canals, and stunning natural scenery. It's a popular day trip from Shangri-La.

Deqin County

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

Deqin County is known for its stunning landscapes, including the famous Meili Snow Mountain and the Yubeng Village, a remote and picturesque Tibetan village.

Benchen Monastery

30 km (19 miles) • Half day

Benchen Monastery is one of the most important monasteries in the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. It's known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.

Festivals

Songzanlin Monastery Festival • May Shangri-La Cultural Tourism Festival • July Tibetan New Year (Losar) • February or March (lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Visit Songzanlin Monastery early in the morning to experience the morning prayer ceremonies and avoid crowds.
Try local Tibetan dishes like thenthuk, yak butter tea, and balepkhek for an authentic culinary experience.
Explore the local markets and night markets for unique souvenirs, handicrafts, and street food.
Hire a local guide for trekking and hiking in the surrounding mountains and villages.
Experience a Tibetan homestay for an immersive cultural experience and a chance to connect with the local community.