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Introduction
Why Choose Shangri-La ?
Itinerary

We will travel to places such as Shangri-La, Shika Snow Mountain, Biluo Snow Mountain, Pujinlangba, Bigutianchi, Peacock Mountain, Baima Snow Mountain, and more, in search of nearly 10 species of green orchids, including Meconopsis betonicifolia Franchet、Meconopsis exilis、Meconopsis zhongdianensis、Meconopsis  prattii (Prain) Prain、Meconopsis rudis (Prain) Prain、Meconopsis venusta Prain、Meconopsis pseudointegridula Prain、Meconopsis sylphurea among others. We will also search for 5 species of Cypripedium, including Cypripedium flavum、Cypripedium plectrochilum、Cypripedium bardolphianum、Cypripedium tibeticum、Cypripedium yunnanense, Primula monticola、Primula deflexa、Primula sikkimensis、Primula secundiflora、Primula boreiocalliantha,Primula montana,more than Nomocharis pardanthina, and Lilium apertum ,Lilium lankongense、Lilium taliense, and other high-quality wild flowers. It’s worth noting that many of the flowers we seek are unique to this region and are rare and precious species that are not found elsewhere.

Why Choose Shangri-La ?

The Shangri-La region is a distinctive geographical area, where hundreds of snow-capped mountains, deep and crisscrossing canyons, vast alpine grassland pastures, starry-dotted alpine lakes and vast primeval forests are gathered. It is a microcosm of biodiversity and ecological environment in the Northern Hemisphere and can be regarded as a holy land for flower lovers all over the world.For a hundred years,“Plant Hunters”from all over the world have been constantlyTraveling to Shangri-La to exiplore the mysteries of plants.Here, you can not only enjoy

the magnificent snow-capped mountain scenery and explore numerous rare animals and plants,but also step into the charming cultural world and come into contact with the mysterious Tibetan and Naxi cultures and other little-known Chinese cultures.


Itinerary

Day1
Arrival in Shangri-La
Strolling through the ancient town of Dukezong, with over 1,300 years of history,stay in a traditional Tibetan house in the valley, and experience Tibetan life

The Bestecotours tour leader will pick you up at the airport upon your arrival and start the journey to explore the Shangri-La Meconopsis。

The tour leader will take you for a stroll in the ancient town of Dukezong in Shangri-La,where you can admire the ancient buildings,rotate the huge prayer wheel together,and taste Tibtan desserts such as butter tea and yak yogurt.

In Shangri-La, you will stay at the Banyan Tree Ringha. The is located in a river valley and is a traditional Tibetan wooden house with handcrafted wooden bathtubs,Tibetan carpets and Tibetan handicrafts.Each room also has an independent terrace. The hotel is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and the rivers flowing down from the mountains pass by the front door.The local residents will present you with a hada,which is a unique reception etiquette of the Tibetan people. Here, you can immerse yourself in the unique and secluded atmosphere of Shangri-La. You can take a leisurely stroll by the river or visit the nearby Buddhist temple to listen to the monks' evening prayers. This is a very "Shangri-La" experience.


Day2
Shangri-La – Napahai – Shangri-La Alpine Botanical Garden – Deqin
Visit the Shangri-La Alpine Botanical Garden to sample Nixi free-range chicken cooked in traditional Tibetan black pottery. Explore the Yeri Trail on the White Horse Snow Mountain in search of rare plants and seas of rhododendrons.

In July, the Napa Lake teems with lush aquatic vegetation, flanked by Tibetan villages where herds of cattle and sheep graze. This nature reserve was established to protect the black-necked crane. During summer, one may observe mallards, Mallard、Eastem Spot-billed Duck、Ruddy Shelduck、Great Egret、Eastem Cattle Egret raising their young. Amidst the surrounding scrub and woodlands, species such as Black-streaked Scimitar Babble、Elliot’s Laughingthrush、Rufous-tailed Babbler、Chinese Fulvetta、White-backed Thrush、Red-flanked Bluetail、 Wallcreeper、White-browed Tit-warbler are also busy foraging and rearing their young.

We proceed to the Shangri-La Alpine Botanical Garden, a research base dedicated to studying and conserving the rare flora of the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage Site and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Alpine plants such as Artemisia sinensis, Lilium sublimis, Cynoglossum officinale, Aconitum sinense, Primula tibetica, Artemisia sinensis var. sinensis, and various species of Artemisia are now in full bloom.

We shall also visit the Tibetan village of Nixi. This ancient stop on the Tea Horse Road boasts nearly a millennium of pottery-making tradition. A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage inheritor will explain the material selection and crafting processes of black pottery, while We will sample Nixi Native chicken cooked using ancient Tibetan traditional methods。

Travelling along the Yeri Trail of the White Horse Snow Mountain, we shall admire expansive fields of green gentian across the Hengduan Mountains and the magnificent rhododendron forests of the White Horse Snow Mountain.

Upon reaching Deqin, we shall lodge near the viewing platform of the Meili Snow Mountain Range. From our windows, the majestic peaks of Meili Snow Mountain will be visible, accompanied by the distant chanting from Feilai Temple.


Day3
Pujinlangba
Admire the sunlit peaks of the Meili Snow Mountains, then head to Pujinlangba to admire the sea of Primroses, Saussurea medusa Maxim, various Meconopsis species and other rare plants. At Feilai Temple, join the locals in burning incense for good fortune and enjoy a traditional Tibetan afternoon tea.

 Meili Snow Mountain is known as one of the four sacred mountains of Tibetan BuddhismThe snow-capped mountains stretching in the early morning, under the glow of the rising sun, seem to be gilded with a layer of gold. This phenomenon is called "Sunlight on the Golden Mountain" by the local people. For the Tibetan people, every time the golden light flashes, it is a blessing from the sacred mountains to the world. We will head to the alpine scree and sparse vegetation zone of the Baima Snow Mountain to see the flowers. The alpine scree of the Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve are the most perfectly developed, forming a garden where numerous periglacial plants converge.Entering the alpine pasture of Pujinlangba, we will climb from an altitude of 3,500 meters to the 4,500-meter alpine scree to enjoy the sea of Sikkim Primrose、Fritillaria cirrhosa、Trollius yunnanensis、anemone rupicola、Meconopsis lancifolia、Meconopsis speciosa、Meconopsis rudis、Meconopsis integrifolia var. uniflora、Saussurea medusa、Saussurea leucoma、Saussurea quercifolia、Corydalis hemidicentra

Day4
Deqin – Peacock Mountain – Cizhong
Search for the sea of flowers comprising Meconopsis sulphurea Grey-Wilson and Primula calliantha subsp. bryophila (Balf. f. & Farrer) W.W. Sm. & Forrest on Peacock Mountain, along with various rhododendrons, before heading to Cizhong Village to seek out the vineyard and church left behind by the French settlers of yesteryear.

We will head to Peacock Mountain to admire Pseudotsuga forrestii Craib, Taxus wallichiana Zucc. and Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense (Leichtlin ex Elwes) Stearm. At the Peacock Mountain Pass, there are extensive stands of Meconopsis sulphurea Grey-Wilson; we will also be looking for Meconopsis impedita Prain, Meconopsis compta, Omphalogramma souliei Franch., Nomochairs meleagrina Franch., Rhododendron forrestii Balf. f. ex Diels, Rhododendron cerasinum Tagg, Rhododendron saluenense var. Prostratum (W.W.Sm.) R.C.Fang, Rhododendron temenium Balf.f.&Forrest, Rhododendron campylogynum Franch., Rhododendron selense Franch. and others; we may also witness the spectacular sea of flowers of Primula calliantha subsp. bryophila (Balf.f.&Farrer) W.W.Sm.&Forrest. From Peacock Mountain, we shall proceed to Cizhong for the night. Here, Chinese and Western cultures and beliefs intermingle, with Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags standing alongside European churches.

In 1867, French missionaries built Cizhong Church here. The church bears witness to the history of Western missionaries entering the north-western Yunnan region. Naturally, amongst the mountains of north-western Yunnan, we shall discover many traces left by Westerners. In this Tibetan village, with the vineyard planted by the French missionaries back in the day right outside our windows, we will also visit Tibetan households, chat with the locals, and sample the local wine together.


Day5
Cizhong – Biluo Snow Mountain–Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey Nature Reserve
At the site of the Foreigners’ Quarters on Biluo Snow Mountain, look for Meconopsis, Rhododendron spp. and other rare plants, and visit the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey reserve.

Among the many Western influences, French winemaking techniques have endured to this day. This grape variety was originally introduced from Bordeaux, France, and is now rarely found in France itself. The Tibetan people, the grapes and religion together form the unique local wine culture we see before us. The wine here is more natural, more in harmony with the laws of nature, and has also contributed to the development of the local community’s economy.

We shall journey to Biruo Snow Mountain, a hidden gem scarcely known to foreigners. At the ruins of the ‘Foreigners’ House’ on Biruo Snow Mountain, this was once a vital stop on the ancient Tea Horse Road in the last century. At that time, the Swiss Order of St Bernard built a refuge here; today, only ruins remain. Yet, this place is a sanctuary for wildflowers.

We shall see Rhododendron haematodes Franch., Rhododendron sanguineum Franch., Rhododendron cephalanthum Franch., Lilium souliei, Nomocharis saluenensis, Pyrola calliantha H.Andr., Anemone Cathayensis Kitag, Trollius Bunge and others. We shall have a picnic at the foot of Mount Biluo.

Afterwards, we shall head to Weixi, home to a mysterious creature—the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey. This is a species endemic to Yunnan, extremely rare and seldom seen.

We shall stay in a forest lodge surrounded by mountains and shrouded in mist (this is our exclusive campsite). This is the habitat of the elusive Yunnan snub-nosed monkey.


Day6
Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey Nature Reserve—Songzanlin Monastery
At the site of the Foreigners’ Quarters on Biluo Snow Mountain, look for Meconopsis, Rhododendron spp. and other rare plants, and visit the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey reserve.

Among the many Western influences, French winemaking techniques have endured to this day. This grape variety was originally introduced from Bordeaux, France, and is now rarely found in France itself. The Tibetan people, the grapes and religion together form the unique local wine culture we see before us. The wine here is more natural, more in harmony with the laws of nature, and has also contributed to the development of the local community’s economy.

We shall journey to Biruo Snow Mountain, a hidden gem scarcely known to foreigners. At the ruins of the ‘Foreigners’ House’ on Biruo Snow Mountain, this was once a vital stop on the ancient Tea Horse Road in the last century. At that time, the Swiss Order of St Bernard built a refuge here; today, only ruins remain. Yet, this place is a sanctuary for wildflowers.

We shall see Rhododendron haematodes Franch., Rhododendron sanguineum Franch., Rhododendron cephalanthum Franch., Lilium souliei, Nomocharis saluenensis, Pyrola calliantha H.Andr., Anemone Cathayensis Kitag, Trollius Bunge and others. We shall have a picnic at the foot of Mount Biluo.

Afterwards, we shall head to Weixi, home to a mysterious creature—the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey. This is a species endemic to Yunnan, extremely rare and seldom seen.

We shall stay in a forest lodge surrounded by mountains and shrouded in mist (this is our exclusive campsite). This is the habitat of the elusive Yunnan snub-nosed monkey.


Day7
Shika Snow Mountain
Searching for Gentiana and other rare plants on Shika Snow Mountain

At the Shika Snow Mountain Scenic Area, we will take the cable car to the summit of Shika Mountain at 4,300 metres, where we will gaze out over the Meili Snow Mountains, Haba Snow Mountain, Yulong Snow Mountain and the Three Sacred Peaks of Daocheng Yading, whilst searching for rare alpine plants such as Solms-laubachia zhongdianensis.

We will have a picnic by Lingxi Lake, then hike from Lingxi Lake to Yala Qingbo Pasture. On Shika Snow Mountain, we will admire Cassiope pectinata, Cassiope selaginoides, Primula amethystina subsp. brevifolia, Rhododendron saluenense Franch., Primula bella, Meconopsis rudis Prain, Meconopsis pseudovenusta Tayl. Monogr., Meconopsis lancifolia (Franch.) Franch. ex Prain, Chesneya polystichoides (Hand.-Mazz.) Ali, Paraquilegia microphylla (Royle) Drumm. et Hutch., Pinguicula alpina L., Amitostigma monanthum (Finet) Schltr., Primula chionantha, Primula sikkmensis Hook., Primula secundiflora Franch., Primula chungensis Balf. f. et Ward, Primula malvacea Franch., Meconopsis pseudointegrifolia Prain, Megacodon stylophorus (C.B. Clarke) H. Smith, Primula deflexa Duthie, Pyrola calliantha H. Andr., Notholirion bulbuliferum (Lingelsh.) Stearn, etc.


Day8
Bigu Tianchi
Searching for Rosa praelucens Byhouwe , green gentian and other rare plants at Bigu Tianchi

 Bigu Tianchi is a typical representative of the thousand-lake area of the high mountain ice-scarred lakes in the Sanjiang Parallel Rivers World Natural Heritage Site in Shangri-La. It showcases the geological structure of the cold-temperate coniferous forest and subalpine meadow vegetation zones in this area. From the village of Bigu at the foot of the mountain, we can admire the largest flower in the world, Rosa praelucens Byhouwer, which is a unique species to Shangri-La. In the birch forest, there are Nomocharis forrestii, Incarvillea younghusbandii Sprague, Incarvillea zhongdianensis, and on both sides of the forest road, Primula deflexa Duthie, Primula sikkimensis Hook, Primula secundiflora Franch, and Iris bulleyana Dykes all form large communities. On the limestone rocks, there are Meconopsis pseudointegrifolia Prain, Meconopsis racemosa Maxim, Rhododenron wardii W.W.Sm. are located on the slopes of the pasture, and at an altitude of 3900 meters, Bigu Tianchi, around which Primula amethystina subsp.brevifolia, Cassiope Selaginoides Hook.f.&Thoms., Rheum alexandrae Batalin, Oxyfraphis glacialis Bunge, Rhododendron phaeochrysum and Rhododendron nivale Hook.f. form a magnificent high mountain flower sea.

Day9
Shangri-La, end of the trip

Bestecotours guide will take you to the airport, marking the end of your delightful exploration of rare Chinese flowers.


Know Before You Go

With Best, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.

Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:


What’s Included

Ground transportation, including airport transfers

Domestic flights and trains, as noted in the itinerary

All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary

Meals s noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water,beverages, snacks, fruits

Accommodation based on double occupancy as noted in the itinerary

Taxes

Services of an English-speaking nature and culture guide and China’s top naturalist Guides

Including the use of telescopes and tripod during your trip


Special feature

1、 For your safety and security, we will offer you an independent insurance plan, which includes medical evacuation and rescue services within China.

2、Do you ever feel awkward about tipping when you’re on holiday?No need to pay a tip anymore。When you book a trip with Best, the upfront cost will include a tip to be split fairly between your guides. 

3、Regarding meals, even in the wilderness, we will ensure that you can make any necessary adjustments to your meal requirements at any time.

Bottled oxygen for alleviating altitude sickness, the use of warm clothing


What’s Excluded:

International flights and relevant taxes

Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders

Travel and medical insurance

Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol

Expenses of a personal nature

Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary



How It Works


Step 1: Let’s Talk!

We know Chinese wildlife  inside out.And is skilled at designing immersive and adventurous itineraries that explore hidden and mysterious places.

Fill out the form and one of our team will be in touch for a chat.


Step 2: Go Deeper

Once we’ve got a feel for the kind of holiday you want, you’ll have a more detailed chat with a destination specialist.


Step 3: Create your holiday

When your travel specialist knows what your perfect holiday looks like, they help you create it. Together, we’ll take all the time you need to make sure your itinerary is spot-on, before paying a deposit.


Step 4: Travel with confidence

We’ll take care of all the logistics, paperwork, and the sorting out. You can be 100% assured. The remaining amount can be paid in person upon arrival in China.


Start customizing your exclusive !

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