Day One
You will arrive in the literary utopia of Shangri-La this afternoon.  As the altitude at the Banyan Tree Ringha is about 11,000 feet, your first task is to acclimatize to the thin air.  (Banyan Tree – Suite**) (B, L.)

This afternoon has been left free for you to enjoy the hotel property.  Those who have the energy are invited to join a guide for a gentle trek.  Your stay in this area affords you a fascinating glimpse into Tibetan life, with mystical scenery available at almost every turn.

Day Two
This morning you will visit a non for profit school for children from the surrounding villages.  The aim of the school is to instill in the villagers the importance of education in the life of young children.  

Afterwards, we walk (or ride) to the village below. Traditionally costumed locals wander the streets of the villages that dot the valley.  We will step inside a typical Tibetan home and, depending on the season, see some butter making, yogurt making or textile weaving.  If you’re feeling really adventurous, ask for a cup of butter tea. In honor of your visit, members of this community will lay on a local horse-racing competition.  The day’s activities will be topped with a visit to the exquisite local temple.

In the afternoon, we leave our valley to investigate the surrounding area.  Our tour begins at the bustling Ganden Sumtseling Gompa Monastery, one of the most important in the Tibetan world, now being carefully renovated decades after the destruction of the Cultural Revolution.

Here we will sit for a chat with a senior Tibetan lama, where a visitor is free to ask questions about the way of life of a monk.  Afterwards we take a stroll about the buildings, sneaking peeks into the prayer halls where rows of monks can be heard reciting their ancient sutras. (B, L.)

Day Three
Time allowing, we will stroll through the old town of Shangri-La and visit the galleries and NGOs that have made this town their base.  Afterwards you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B.)

Please note that B, L, D denotes Breakfast, Lunch Dinner.

The above Shangri-la itinerary is arranged on a private basis only. All private tour itineraries can be modified to meet your travel schedule and specific interests. Visitors interested in a small-group tour of China should view our Scheduled Tour departures.