• Private vehicle with pickup/dropoff
• Customized Itinerary
• English-speaking private guide (option)
• French/German/Italian/Spanish/Russian guide (extra fee)
• Malay/Indonesian/Thai/Vietnamese/Khmer guide (extra fee)

• Admission Tickets to paid attractions
• Tips and gratuities
• Meals and beverages
• Personal expenses

A private day tour to Shangri-La offers a personalized experience of this Tibetan highland paradise. Before booking, here are key factors to consider:

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Shangri-La’s high altitude means seasonal weather variations can impact your experience.

• Spring(April-June) - mild weather, blooming flowers, and lush greenery.
• Summer(July-Aug) - pleasant temperatures but occasional rain and more tourists.
• Autumn(Sept-Nov) - the best time for clear skies, golden grasslands, and fewer crowds.
• Winter(Dec-Mar) - cold but magical with snow-covered landscapes; some attractions may have limited access.

HIGH ALTITUDE & HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Shangri-La sits at 3,160m (10,367ft), and some tour stops ( like Shika Snow Mountain ) go even higher.

• Altitude Sickness Risk - some travelers  experience headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
• Preparation Tips:
  • Arrive a day before the tour to acclimate.
  • Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol before/during the tour.
  • Bring altitude sickness medication if prone to altitude issues.

CUSTOMIZATION & KEY ATTRACTIONS

Since it’s a customizable experience, you have flexibility in choosing stops. Common highlights include:

• Songzanlin Monastery - the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, often called a “Mini Potala Palace”.
• Napahai Lake - a seasonal wetland surrounded by golden grasslands (autumn) and migratory birds (winter).
• Dukezong Old Town - a charming Tibetan village with the World’s Largest Prayer Wheel.
• Shika Snow Mountain( optional ) - a cable car rice up to 4,000m for stunning mountain views.
• Pudacuo National Park( optional, extra fee ) - a UNESCO-listed park with alpine lakes and hiking trails.  

CULTURAL ETIQUETTE & LOCAL TRADITIONS

• Respect Monastery Rules - dress modestly, keep voices low, and follow local customs.
• Ask Before Taking Photos - especially of monks or inside temples.
• No Touching Tibetan Heads - avoid touching people’s heads as it’s considered disrespectful in Tibetan culture. 

WEATHER & TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS

• Winter Snow - some routes or attractions may be inaccessible due to heavy snow.
• Rainy Season(July-Aug) - bring waterproof gear for potential rain showers.
• Festival Seasons - if visiting during Tibetan New Year or the Horse Racing Festival , expect cultural performances but also larger crowds.

Since Shangri-La is a high-altitude Tibetan town with varying weather conditions, travelers should pack wisely for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR

• Layered Clothing - Temperatures can fluctuate greatly between day and night.
• Warm Jacket - Even in summer, evenings can be chilly; in winter, bring a down jacket.
• Thermal Wear(Winter Visits) - Essential for staying warm in subzero temperatures.
• Comfortable Hiking Shoes - Many attractions require walking on uneven terrain.
• Gloves, Scarf & Hat - Necessary for cold months, especially if visiting Shika Snow Mountain.
• Rainproof Jacket or Umbrella - Useful during rainy season (July–August).

ALTITUDE & HEALTH ESSENTIALS

• Altitude Sickness Medication - Shangri-La sits at 3,160m (10,367 ft), so bring meds if prone to altitude sickness.
• Reusable Water Bottle - Staying hydrated helps with altitude adjustment.
• Lip Balm & Moisturizer - The high-altitude air is dry and can cause chapped lips and skin.
• Sunscreen & Sunglasses - The UV rays are strong at high altitudes, even in winter.
• Basic First Aid Kit - Includes band-aids, pain relievers, and motion sickness pills (for winding mountain roads).

PERSONAL ITEMS

• Cash(RMB/Chinese Yuan) - Many small shops and rural areas don’t accept credit cards or foreign payment apps.
• Power Bank - Ensure your phone stays charged, especially for navigation and photography.
• Plug Adapter(If Needed) - China uses Type I, A, and C sockets.
• High-Energy Snacks - Such as nuts, protein bars, and dried fruit for long drives or hikes
• Tissue & Wet Wipes - Some public restrooms may not provide toilet paper.
• Hand Sanitizer - Important for hygiene, especially in remote areas.

ALTITUDE & WEATHER READINESS HACKS

• Hydrate Constantly - Use a collapsible water bottle to save space when not in use.
• DIY Altitude Sickness Kit:
  • Ginger candies or peppermint oil for nausea.
  • Electrolyte powder packets (like Hydralyte) for hydration.
  • Ibuprofen for headaches.
• Use Sunglasses with Polarized Lenses - The high-altitude sun is strong, and this prevents glare from snow or lakes.
• Apply Lip Balm Before Sleep - Shangri-La’s dry air can crack lips overnight.
• Bring Moisturizer in a Contact Lens Case - Saves space compared to carrying a full bottle.