“A journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one’s feet...” - Chinese proverb
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| (A dazzling double rainbow in Dukezong Old Town) |
Day 05: 28 August 2025 (Thursday)
Route: Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Napa Lake Wetland - Dukezong Old Town - Shangri-la
Hotel: Shangri-la Elong Hotel
After breakfast we checked out at 8.30 am and got ready to travel to Shangri-la about 190 km from Lijiang.
On the way, we detoured to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world, located about 60 km north of Lijiang between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. The Jinsha River or the upper Yangtze runs through the gorge. Legend says a tiger once escaped a hunter by leaping across the gorge at its narrowest point. There are escalators and walkways that make it easier for visitors to reach the main viewing platforms by the river closest to the Tiger Leaping Stone. the legendary spot where the tiger supposedly leapt across.
We had lunch at a Muslim Halal Food at Deqen and performed our jamak prayers in the room in the upper floor of the restaurant.
Next destination was Nàpǎihǎi Lake in Napahai Nature Reserve, which is a highland wetland and seasonal lake located about 8 km northwest of Shangri-La. The altitude is around 3,260 m above sea level. In the rainy season it fills with water, while in winter it partly dries into grassland where horses and yaks graze. When we were there Naxi and Tibetan villagers offer horseback tours around the wetland. Visitors could also rent costumes for photography. Other activities are boat rides,Yak rides and archery.
Hotel: Shangri-la Elong Hotel
After breakfast we checked out at 8.30 am and got ready to travel to Shangri-la about 190 km from Lijiang.
On the way, we detoured to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world, located about 60 km north of Lijiang between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. The Jinsha River or the upper Yangtze runs through the gorge. Legend says a tiger once escaped a hunter by leaping across the gorge at its narrowest point. There are escalators and walkways that make it easier for visitors to reach the main viewing platforms by the river closest to the Tiger Leaping Stone. the legendary spot where the tiger supposedly leapt across.
We had lunch at a Muslim Halal Food at Deqen and performed our jamak prayers in the room in the upper floor of the restaurant.
Next destination was Nàpǎihǎi Lake in Napahai Nature Reserve, which is a highland wetland and seasonal lake located about 8 km northwest of Shangri-La. The altitude is around 3,260 m above sea level. In the rainy season it fills with water, while in winter it partly dries into grassland where horses and yaks graze. When we were there Naxi and Tibetan villagers offer horseback tours around the wetland. Visitors could also rent costumes for photography. Other activities are boat rides,Yak rides and archery.
By the calm waters of Napahai Lake, I rode a yak draped in colorful Tibetan cloths - a short ride that carried the charm of Shangri-La’s highlands. It was more for the photos than the journey but what a fun story to bring home!
From Napahai Lake we travelled to Shangri-la Dukezong Old Town. Shangri-la, formerly known as Zhongdian, largely Tibetan, with famous Buddhist monasteries, alpine lakes, and rich culture.
Shangri-La Old Town, is a well-preserved Tibetan town. It boasts a history of over 1,300 years and was an important stop on the Tea Horse Road. The old town was entirely destroyed by a giant fire in January 2014. The town has been rebuilt and is known for its traditional Tibetan architecture, including residential complexes, with endless shophouses selling tourist trinkets and souvenirs. The nightly dancing in the square begins at 7.00 pm is popular for locals of all ages and lasts until 10:00 pm. The temple at the top of the hill with a giant praying wheel gives a first taste of what can be seen in Songzanlin Monastery.
From Napahai Lake we travelled to Shangri-la Dukezong Old Town. Shangri-la, formerly known as Zhongdian, largely Tibetan, with famous Buddhist monasteries, alpine lakes, and rich culture.
Shangri-La Old Town, is a well-preserved Tibetan town. It boasts a history of over 1,300 years and was an important stop on the Tea Horse Road. The old town was entirely destroyed by a giant fire in January 2014. The town has been rebuilt and is known for its traditional Tibetan architecture, including residential complexes, with endless shophouses selling tourist trinkets and souvenirs. The nightly dancing in the square begins at 7.00 pm is popular for locals of all ages and lasts until 10:00 pm. The temple at the top of the hill with a giant praying wheel gives a first taste of what can be seen in Songzanlin Monastery.
It was drizzling when we were in Dukezong Old Town. The rain gave way to a dazzling double rainbow, painting the sky above the Tibetan roofs in colors of wonder.
Dinner was at a Muslim restaurant in town in Diqing Zangzu, Shangri-la
After dinner we checked in Shangri-La Elong Hotel. The thin air left many of us with headaches, breathlessness, and poor sleep. Our guide advised skipping hot showers before bed, a tip we followed to ease the effects of altitude.
Dinner was at a Muslim restaurant in town in Diqing Zangzu, Shangri-la
After dinner we checked in Shangri-La Elong Hotel. The thin air left many of us with headaches, breathlessness, and poor sleep. Our guide advised skipping hot showers before bed, a tip we followed to ease the effects of altitude.
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