Day 1 :

 Shangri-La I

Arrive at Deqin airport from Shanghai or another major city (direct or via Kunming, depending on dates) You will be met by a guide and driver and escorted to the beautiful Songstam Retreat Shangri-la (or any similar hotel). Later enjoy a visit to the Songzanling monastery nearby and Old town walk and talk, learn about local efforts to preserve the culture. Evening dinner party with a Tibetan family.

Day 2 :

 Shangri-La II

After breakfast enjoy a morning meditation with a Tibetan Master. Later go for a guided hike through scenic snow mountain area, valleys and villages to enjoy the pastoral landscape around Shangri-La. The rest of the day is free to relax and rest up before tomorrow’s long journey.

Day 3 :

 Meili I

Today requires and early start (7am departure) as you set out for a long (6 hours) but magnificent drive into Tibetan territory towards the holy mountain of Meili where pilgrims gather each year to celebrate their beliefs. Several stops along the way are made for pictures and stretching our legs. Arrive at the Songtsam Meili Lodge (or any similar hotel) and enjoy a rest in your beautiful room with amazing views. The rest of the day is free.

Day 4 :

 Meili II

Today you will be escorted by a local guide on a wonderful walking tour along hidden trails, visiting local villages along the way. Weather permitting you will also be able to take unforgettable pictures of Mount Meili, one of China’s most beautiful peaks covered in perpetual snow. You will meet local families and learn more about Tibetan culture. Owing to its remote location you will be surrounded by true Tibetan culture, often more so than in Lhasa or other tourist areas, a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Day 5 :

 Benzilan I

After breakfast drive for about three hours to the small settlement of Benzilan, a pleasant town standing on a narrow strip of land on the right bank of the Upper Yangzi River, tucked between the water and the sharply rising hills. Stay at the Songstam Benzilan Lodge (or any similar hotel) for one night. In the afternoon visit a Black Pottery workshop before visiting the Dongzhulin monastery. End your tour with a delicious dinner of local delicacies. Tomorrow morning you will be driven to the airport in Shangri-La (3 hour drive) for your onward flight to Kunming and other destinations.

Day 6 :

 Benzilan II

You can extend your stay to visit other places in China, or choose to end your vacation here upon which you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.