Songtsam: Your Gateway to Hidden Destinations

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The great China tectonic plate runs into the Tibetan Plateau in Northern Yunnan, forging high mountain ranges with soaring snow-packed peaks; three major rivers, the Yangtze (Jinshajiang), Mekong (Lancangjiang), and Salween (Nujiang), run through deep gorges of wild, untamed scenery.

Baima Snow Mountain, Yunnan

Moon Bay of the Yangtze River, Yunnan

The resulting dramatic altitude and climatic variation in this area creates one of the most ecologically and geologically diverse places on the earth and a fascinating destination for intrepid travellers.

Rice fields in Tacheng, Yunnan

In this remote land, Songtsam have built a series of boutique hotels and lodges, each providing a distinctive experience. All properties are beautifully decorated and equipped with modern amenities, ensuring absolute comfort and relaxation.

Songtsam Linka Shangri-La, Yunnan

(Since 2008, altitude 3,300m)

Songtsam Meili Lodge, Yunnan

(Since 2011, altitude 3,600m)

Songtsam Tacheng Lodge, Yunnan

 (Since 2011, altitude 2,020m)

Songtsam Linka Lijiang, Yunnan

(Since 2017, altitude 2,400m)

Combining stays at the different hotels and lodges, “Songtsam Circuit” trips take travellers on a journey through Yunnan and Tibet to explore these natural landscapes and the unique cultures of the area.

The Songtsam Circuit, Yunnan

By the end of 2019, Songtsam will add another three locations in Tibet to their portfolio: Songtsam Mangkang Rumei Lodge, Songtsam Ranwu Laigu Lodge, and Songtsam Linka Bomi. These new properties will mark the official launch of the Songtsam Yunnan to Tibet route, merging the ancient Tea Horse Road, G214 (Yunnan-Tibet highway), G318 (Sichuan-Tibet highway), as well as the Tibetan plateau road tour into one.

The Songtsam Circuit, Tibet

Songtsam Choskyi Linka Lhasa, Tibet

(Since 2017, altitude 3,700m)

Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet

Tibetan prayer wheels, Tibet

Songtsam Tibetan hotpot

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From the highest mountain peaks to the very centre of the Three Parallel Rivers, Songtsam travel experiences are designed for intrepid travellers to discover the region’s living heritage through comfort, authenticity, and an enlightened spirit of adventure.

Tibetan prayer flag printing

Traditional black pottery making

Soy milk and tofu making

Trips start from either Lijiang or Shangri-La, with customised flexibility to participate in daily activities as one chooses, helping guests create a journey that is either relaxing or adventurous.

Outdoor cooking and family activities

Visiting the black snub-nosed monkeys in Tacheng

Bird watching at Napa Lake

Mountain and forest hiking

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Songtsam builds lodges that evoke that feeling of "coming home", rekindling the warmth of being taken cared for just as when one was a child. This coincides with the Buddhist view of life and reincarnation: everyone could have been everyone’s parents, and everywhere could have been home.

The soul of Songtsam is the friendly and attentive staff. A family atmosphere draws them together, with many members having worked with Songtsam from the very beginning. Coming from different villages around the region, everyone has a story to share about their hometown; first-hand experiences that help enrich and deepen guests’ travel experiences.

Like many other high-end properties, Songtsam built hotels and lodges away from the regular tourist trails, in the most beautiful, hand-picked locations. However, unlike many other high-end accommodations, Songtsam never tried or wanted to be separate from the local community. Instead, the properties are constructed right inside or next to living villages, which creates opportunities for guests to share a special close bond with the vibrant life of the local culture.

Prayer house in Shiyi Village, Benzilan

Traditional Tibetan dancing in Deqin Town

Nixi chicken hotpot

Local villagers’ yaks often try to get into the yard to eat the plants and villagers say hello on their way back home. When one steps out of the front door at Songtsam, they feel immersed in the fascinating daily village life.

Calf in Shangri-La, Yunnan

Flocks of sheep at Yamdrok Lake, Tibet

Songtsam’s hotels and lodges serve as a platform to display the unique collection of artefacts native to the Tibetan region. Each property has been designed for travellers to “live among” the collections, with attention given to the smallest details as they experience each place.

Songtsam Linka Lijiang, Yunnan

Songtsam Shangri-La Lvgu Lodge, Yunnan

Each property features a unique collection of traditional artefacts, including antique furniture, Tibetan paintings, embroidered Tangkas, exquisite rugs, colourful lacquered boxes, and perfectly polished brass wear.

Shangri-La has been long viewed as a paradise on earth with its majestic landscapes, diverse cultures, and deep spirituality. Located in a wide valley Shangri-La is surrounded by mountain ranges on all four sides. It is the capital of the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and the gateway to the ancient Tibetan kingdom. The region is characterised by snow-capped mountain peaks, pristine forests and lakes, as well as traditional Tibetan villages with white-walled and richly decorated buildings. There are many beautiful hiking routes to explore the mountains, lakes, and idyllic villages and pastures.

Ganden Sumtseling Monastery and Lamuyangcuo Lake, Shangri-La

Songtsam Linka Shangri-La is hidden in the city’s peaceful and green valleys and located a short distance away from the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery situated between Tibetan villages and Himalayan barley fields. Tibetan-style rooms, dining facilities, spa, and other modern amenities are housed in lovingly hand-built stone structures spread over 21 acres of hillside surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Bedroom, Deluxe Suite

Living Room, Deluxe Suite

Terrace, Deluxe Suite

Handcrafted copper bathtub, spa

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