12 days 11 Nights Tea Horse Road Expedition Yunnan to Tibet
SONGTSAM BOUTIQUE HOTELS
Journey through UNESCO-listed wonders and storied highlands as Songtsam reveals the living heritage of Tibet and Yunnan’s diverse ethnic cultures across its collection of seven unique resorts.



EXPERIENCES TO BE DISCOVERED
ITINERARY
Shangri-La, Yunnan to Lhasa, Tibet | 7 resorts
Travel Period: From now till 31 December 2025
From the heart of the Three Parallel Rivers to the roof of the world, the Songtsam Yunnan to Tibet route is a journey for the discerning explorer—where ancient cultures, sacred landscapes, and elevated comfort converge. Long whispered in legend, this is the land said to have inspired the myth of Shambhala—Shangri-La itself—an earthly paradise veiled in the mystique of the Tibetan highlands.
Arrive at Diqing Shangri-La Airport and transfer to Songtsam Linka Shangri-La. Settle into your deluxe sanctuary with welcome drinks and artisanal local bites, then take the afternoon to gently acclimatise . As evening falls, indulge in a refined welcome dinner—your first taste of Tibetan hospitality in the fabled land of Shangri-La.
Begin the day with a visit to the majestic Songzanlin Monastery—Yunnan’s largest and most revered Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary, often called the “Little Potala Palace.” After a flavourful local lunch, journey through the sun-baked Jinsha River valley and ascend the dramatic Baima Snow Mountain en route to the elegant Songtsam Lodge Meili. Later, step into the timeless rhythms of Gujiunong Village, where a traditional Tibetan home welcomes you with yak butter tea, hands-on tsampa making, and the artful stamping of prayer flags. Conclude the day with a refined dinner in your mountain retreat.
At dawn, witness the ethereal glow of sunrise gilding Kawagebo’s sacred peak (weather permitting). After breakfast, traverse a landscape of breathtaking contrasts—where snow-clad summits meet the plunging Lancang River valley in a single panoramic sweep. By midday, arriveat the storied Yanjing Salt Fields on the Yunnan–Tibet border and savour a bowl of local Jia Jia noodles. Explore these ancient salt terraces, where centuries-old techniques still yield red and white salt from opposing riverbanks. Continue your ascent through high mountain passes before reaching the serene Songtsam Rumei Lodge. Conclude the day with an elegant dinner in tranquil seclusion.
After breakfast, embark on an exclusive journey to Maiba pasture, a hidden nomadic enclave reserved for Songtsam guests. Amidst sweeping grasslands dotted with yaks, sheep, and perhaps even Tibetan foxes, immerse yourself in the rhythms of herdsmen life. Sip yak butter tea, savour fresh yak milk, and enjoy a seasonal picnic surrounded by nature’s grandeur. Return to the lodge for a leisurely afternoon tea, followed by a refined dinner steeped in local flavour and quiet elegance.
After breakfast, set off on a grand overland journey to Rawu, ascending to 5,130 metres over the majestic Dongda Mountain Pass. Pause for a scenic picnic on the vast Bangda Grassland before navigating the legendary Nu Jiang 72 Turns—a dizzying descent of curves and cliffs. Continue over the 4,400-metre Anjiula Pass, arriving at Songtsam Lodge Laigu just in time for a golden sunset on the terrace. Conclude this epic day with a well-earned dinner, high in the Tibetan wilds.
Begin the day with a sublime sunrise over snow peaks from the lodge’s terrace (weather permitting). After breakfast, venture to the secluded Duosong Tso—a sacred, untouched lake encircled by forest and glacial grandeur. Return for a leisurely lunch at the lodge, then spend the afternoon at your own pace: unwind with afternoon tea or, for the intrepid, explore the ancient Laigu Glacier. Conclude the day with a tranquil dinner in the heart of the highlands.
After breakfast, visit the serene Rawu Lake—its mirror-like waters shifting from deep blue to turquoise with the seasons. Continue your journey through lush forests along the Palong Tsangpo River to Bome, where you’ll check into Songtsam Lodge and enjoy a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, explore the tranquil Guxiang Lake, framed by evergreen cedar and pine, a jewel of southeast Tibet’s temperate wilderness. Return to the lodge for an elegant evening and dinner.
After breakfast, journey to the majestic Zhuxi Glacier and the 400-year-old Pulong Temple, nestled beneath its icy flanks. Surrounded by ancient spruce and fir, this timeless sanctuary offers a striking display of natural beauty year-round. Return to the lodge for lunch before setting off on a gentle afternoon stroll through the enchanting Spruce Forest. Conclude your day with a refined dinner in serene alpine comfort.
Journey across the Tongmai Bridge toward Lulang , where a local lunch awaits. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic hike through Zhaxigang Village, nestled beneath the Jialabailei Summit. Continue through Lulang’s vast alpine forest—where snow-capped peaks rise above meadows dotted with grazing herds—and cross the Nyingchi Sejila Mountain Pass to reach the tranquil shores of Basong Tso. Check into Songtsam Linka BasongTso and end the day with a serene dinner overlooking the lake.
Begin your day with a visit to the sacred turquoise waters of Basong Tso, Tibet’s only 5A-rated natural scenic site. At its heart lies Tsozong Gongba Monastery, a 15th-century Nyingma sanctuary on Tashi Island, now quietly tended by a small community of nuns. After lunch at the hotel, follow the iconic G318 highway through dramatic highland landscapes to Lhasa. Upon arrival, unwind at Songtsam Linka Lhasa with welcome drinks and local treats, before a graceful dinner in the City of Gods.
Begin your final day in Lhasa with a visit to the iconic Potala Palace—Tibet’s towering symbol of faith and former seat of the Dalai Lama. Return to the hotel for lunch, then delve into the sacred heart of Tibetan Buddhism at Jokhang Temple, where waves of devoted pilgrims gather day and night. Conclude with a stroll along Barkhor Street, the vibrant spiritual circuit alive with chanting, incense and timeless tradition. Your journey ends with a heartfelt farewell dinner at the hotel—an elegant finale in the city of gods.
After breakfast, enjoy a seamless private transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport—bringing your extraordinary journey through Yunnan and Tibet to a graceful close.
A SELECTION OF ACCOMMODATIONS
FACILITIES
- Check-in: 2:00pm
- Check-out: 12:00pm
- Lobby Bar
- Restaurant
- Book Lounge
- Songtsam Linka Shangri-La: 92 rooms
- Songtsam Lodge Meili: 17 rooms
- Songtsam Lodge Rumei: 28 rooms
- Songtsam Lodge Laigu: 20 rooms
- Songtsam Lodge Bome: 32 rooms
- Songtsam Linka Basong Tso: 122 rooms
- Songtsam Linka Lhasa: 45 Rooms
- Complimentary minibar in guest rooms.
- Children are welcome
- Public smoking spaces available
- Pets are not allowed
RATES
- From MYR 57,980 per person
(minimum 2 persons per booking) - From MYR 41,925 per persons
(minimum 4 persons per booking)
- 11 nights' accommodation based on double occupancy.
- All meals included.
- Drinking water and snacks throughout the trip.
- All land transfers on well-maintained local transportation are indicated in the itinerary.
- All admission fees and activities as indicated in the itinerary.
- Service of local guides.
*Terms and conditions apply
- Medical, travel insurance, or evacuation insurance plans.
- Personal telecommunication.
- Domestic or international airfare to Shangri-La and from Lhasa.
- Tibet entrance fee and travel document fee for foreign guests at CNY 980 per person
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary.