YUNNAN · TIBET · CHINA

TEA HORSE ROAD EXPEDITION

Songtsam Yunnan-Tibet Expedition

Private Tour · 12N13D

From Shangri-La to Lhasa A Songtsam journey through living Tibetan heritage

RouteShangri-La to Lhasa
Duration12N / 13D
Highest StayLaigu 4,200m
StaysSongtsam Lodges
Group2-8 PAX private

ANCIENT TRAILS PLATEAU CULTURE LODGE-LED COMFORT

Route Map

Yunnan to Tibet

Tea Horse Road Expedition · Shangri-La to Lhasa

A lodge-to-lodge private route from northwest Yunnan into eastern Tibet, tracing monasteries, salt fields, gorges, glaciers, forest valleys, sacred lakes, and Lhasa old city.

CNCHINA

YNYUNNAN

XZTIBET

· Private road journey· Songtsam lodge / linka· Monastery / sacred site· Forest / lake walk· Glacier and snow mountain view

* Route map is schematic. Final routing may adjust for weather, road control, altitude, and permit requirements.

Songtsam Journey

Concept

"Where can you find Shangri-La? In the places where Songtsam is located."

This Yunnan-Tibet route brings plateau roads, Tibetan culture, ancient trade corridors, and Songtsam comfort into one private journey from Shangri-La to Lhasa.

Ancient Trade Route

Travel from the heart of the Three Parallel Rivers region toward Lhasa along a corridor shaped by trade, faith, and cultural exchange.

Lodge-Led Comfort

Each day is anchored by Songtsam stays at different altitudes, giving the body time to recover while keeping the experience rooted in place.

Plateau Landscapes

Meili Snow Mountain, the Lancang River gorge, Laigu glaciers, Rawu Lake, Basomtso, and the Lhasa River Valley unfold across the route.

Culture and Nature

Monasteries, salt fields, villages, pastures, forests, and lakes reveal the everyday texture of Tibetan life.

Private Small-Group Pace

A private 2-8 guest journey supported by drivers, guides, and Songtsam hotel teams across the plateau.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Tour Highlights

Songtsam lodge-to-lodge comfort

·Stay at Songtsam Linka Shangri-La, Lodge Benzilan, Lodge Meili, Lodge Rumei, Lodge Laigu, Lodge Bome, Linka Basomtso, and Linka Lhasa
·Altitude-aware pacing from 1,900m Benzilan to 4,200m Laigu
·Oxygen-equipped comfort at higher-altitude properties where available

Snow mountains, glaciers, forests, and sacred lakes

·Meili Snow Mountain sunrise and Feilaisi Sang offering
·Ranwu Lake, Laigu glacier country, Bome forests, and Basomtso lake walk
·Drive through dramatic Yunnan-Tibet gorges, passes, and river valleys

Living Tibetan culture

·Songzanlin Monastery, Dongzhulin Monastery, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street
·Gujiunong Tibetan home visit, prayer flag printing, butter tea, tsampa, and Tibetan incense
·Lhasa citywalk through sweet tea houses, Barkhor, market life, and traditional courtyards

Private tour logistics included

·Local guides, experienced drivers, transfers, meals, activities, snacks, water, and permits included
·Multiple party-size price tiers for 2, 4, 6, and 8 guests
·Seasonal pricing for shoulder, peak, and holiday periods in 2026

Songtsam Stays

Songtsam Stays Along the Route

From hidden Shangri-La valleys to glacier-facing Laigu and Potala-view Lhasa, each stay is part of the route design rather than only a place to sleep.

Comfort across changing altitudes

Shangri-La · Benzilan · Meili · Rumei · Laigu · Bome · Basomtso · Lhasa

LODGES AND LINKAS ANCHOR THE JOURNEY FROM YUNNAN INTO TIBET.

Songtsam LinkaGlacier LodgePotala ViewPlateau ComfortLocal Hospitality

TEA HORSE ROAD

13-Day Itinerary

From Shangri-La to LhasaYUNNAN · TIBET · CHINA

"A private plateau journey through monasteries, forests, salt fields, glaciers, sacred lakes, and old Lhasa."

Altitude profile

Highest point 4,200 m · gradual ascent for acclimatization

DAY 1

Arrive Shangri-La

Songtsam Linka Shangri-La · 3,300m

Pick up from Diqing Shangri-La Airport and transfer to Songtsam Linka Shangri-La. Settle in with welcome drinks and local snacks, acclimatize to the altitude, and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Airport pickup
Welcome drinks and local snacks
Altitude acclimatization
Welcome dinner

No hiking today · 3,300 m altitude

Terrain: arrival + acclimatization + hotel
Transport: Private airport transfer, about 25 minutes
Meals: Breakfast: not included; Lunch: not included; Dinner: included
Stay: Songtsam Linka Shangri-La Deluxe Room

DAY 2

Shangri-La to Benzilan

Shangri-La - Benzilan · 1,900m

Begin with breakfast at Chumekhar Tea House overlooking Lamuyamtso Lake, then visit Songzanlin Monastery with guided interpretation. After lunch at Songtsam Linka Shangri-La, drive toward Benzilan with a stop at Dongzhulin Monastery overlooking the Jinsha River.

Chumekhar Tea House
Songzanlin Monastery
Dongzhulin Monastery
Jinsha River views

2 kmDistance+80 mAscent−1,400 mDescent3,300 mMax altitude

Terrain: monastery + tea house + river valley
Transport: Walk to nearby monastery, then private drive to Benzilan
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Stay: Songtsam Lodge Benzilan Deluxe Room

DAY 3

Niding Forest Hike and Meili

Benzilan - Niding - Meili · 3,600m

Drive to Niding for a flexible forest hike and outdoor picnic along mountain streams, wildflowers, mushrooms, birds, and waterfalls. Continue to Meili, check in, then visit a Tibetan home in Gujiunong Village for butter tea, tsampa, and prayer flag woodblock printing.

Niding Forest hike
Outdoor picnic
Gujiunong Tibetan home visit
Prayer flag printing

Hike duration and route can be arranged based on guests physical strength. Picnic may be replaced by hotel lunch in bad weather.

5 kmDistance+250 mAscent3,600 mMax altitude

Terrain: forest hike + picnic + village culture + altitude gain
Transport: 30-minute drive to Niding, then about 2-hour drive to Meili
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner included
Stay: Songtsam Lodge Meili Deluxe Room

DAY 4

Meili to Rumei via Yanjing Salt Field

Meili - Yanjing - Rumei · 2,600m

Wake early for the Meili Snow Mountain sunrise if weather allows. Visit Feilaisi Temple for Sang offering and prayer flags, then journey across dramatic views of Kawagebo and the Lancang River valley. Visit the ancient Yanjing Salt Field before continuing past passes and river landscapes to Rumei.

Meili sunrise
Feilaisi Temple Sang offering
Yanjing Jia Jia noodles
Ancient Yanjing Salt Field
Lancang River valley

Sunrise is weather permitting.

1 kmDistance+40 mAscent−1,000 mDescent3,600 mMax altitude

Terrain: snow mountain + temple + salt field + gorge road
Transport: 30-minute drive to Feilaisi, about 3 hours to Yanjing, then about 3.5 hours to Rumei
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Stay: Songtsam Lodge Rumei Deluxe Room

DAY 5

Rumei Choice Day

Rumei choice day · 2,600m

Choose between Niguo Temple, a spiritual site where humans and wild animals coexist, or Maiba Pasture Nomadic Village for butter tea in a black yak-hair tent and insight into Tibetan herdsmen life. Return to the lodge for afternoon tea and dinner.

Niguo Temple option
Maiba Pasture nomadic village option
Afternoon tea
Flexible cultural day

Niguo Temple includes packed lunch; Maiba Pasture includes lunch at a local herdsman home.

2 kmDistance+80 mAscent3,000 mMax altitude

Terrain: temple + pasture + nomadic culture + flexible
Transport: Private vehicle according to selected option
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Stay: Songtsam Lodge Rumei Deluxe Room

DAY 6

Rumei to Laigu

Rumei - Ranwu - Laigu · 4,200m

Drive toward Ranwu through dramatic altitude changes, crossing Jueba Mountain and Dongda Mountain Pass. After lunch at Bangda, cross Yela Mountain Pass, descend the famed 72 Bends to the Nujiang River, traverse Nujiang Grand Canyon, climb over Anjiula Mountain, and arrive at Laigu by Ranwu Lake.

Jueba Mountain
Dongda Mountain Pass
Yela Mountain Pass
72 Bends
Nujiang Grand Canyon
Laigu by Ranwu Lake

This is a long and high-altitude road day.

No hiking today · 4,200 m altitude

Terrain: long drive + high passes + grand canyon + glacier lodge
Transport: About 4 hours to Bangda, then about 5 hours to Laigu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Stay: Songtsam Lodge Laigu Deluxe Room

DAY 7

Laigu to Bome via Rawu Lake

Laigu - Rawu Lake - Bome · 2,700m

Enjoy sunrise from the lodge terrace if weather allows. Visit Duosong Tso, a secret holy lake, then return for lunch at Songtsam Lodge Laigu. Continue to mirror-like Rawu Lake and follow the Parlung Tsangpo River through canyon scenery to Bome.

Laigu sunrise
Duosong Tso
Rawu Lake
Parlung Tsangpo River
Bome lodge

Sunrise is weather permitting.

2 kmDistance+80 mAscent−1,500 mDescent4,200 mMax altitude

Terrain: holy lake + rawu lake + river canyon + descent
Transport: 40 minutes to Duosong Tso, 1 hour to Rawu Lake, then about 3 hours to Bome
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Stay: Songtsam Lodge Bome Deluxe Room

DAY 8

Gangyun Spruce Forest and Bome Recovery

Gangyun Spruce Forest · 2,700m

Hike into Gangyun Spruce Forest, listed among Chinas top ten most beautiful primeval forests. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Gang Village when available, then return for an in-room Tibetan medicine foot bath to support recovery after high-altitude travel.

Gangyun Spruce Forest hike
Gang Village picnic
Tibetan medicine foot bath
Recovery afternoon

Picnic may be replaced with boxed lunch or hotel lunch from November to the day before the Peach Blossom Festival.

4 kmDistance+160 mAscent2,800 mMax altitude

Terrain: primeval forest + picnic + recovery + foot bath
Transport: 15-minute drive to the forest trail area
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Stay: Songtsam Lodge Bome Deluxe Room

DAY 9

Bome to Basomtso

Bome - Basomtso · 3,400m

Depart Bome toward Basomtso with a stop at Zhaxigang Village, then lunch in Lulang with famed stone pot chicken. Cross Sela Pass and follow the Yarlung Tsangpo and Nyang Rivers through mountain and water landscapes before checking in at Songtsam Linka Basomtso.

Zhaxigang Village
Mount Jialabailei views
Lulang stone pot chicken
Sela Pass
Yarlung Tsangpo and Nyang Rivers

1 kmDistance+40 mAscent3,400 mMax altitude

Terrain: village stop + mountain pass + river valley + lake stay
Transport: About 2 hours toward Zhaxigang and Lulang, then about 4.5 hours to Basomtso
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Stay: Songtsam Linka Basomtso Deluxe Room

DAY 10

Basomtso Meditation, Lake Walk, and Tibetan Incense

Basomtso lake day · 3,400m

Begin with morning meditation, then drive to the starting point for a gentle lake-circling walk through oak forests beside Basomtso. Return by boat when arranged, have lunch at the hotel, and make Tibetan incense by hand.

Morning meditation
Basomtso lake-circling hike
Oak forest walk
Boat return
Tibetan incense making

5 kmDistance+120 mAscent3,400 mMax altitude

Terrain: meditation + lake walk + oak forest + handcraft
Transport: 20-minute drive to the lake-walk starting point, boat return when arranged
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Stay: Songtsam Linka Basomtso Deluxe Room

DAY 11

Basomtso to Lhasa

Basomtso - Lhasa · 3,700m

Continue to Lhasa as views transform from mountain forests to villages and towns along the Lhasa River Valley. Check in at Songtsam Linka Lhasa, enjoy lunch, and settle into Lhasas slow rhythm with sweet tea, pastries, fruit, and optional local music on selected dates.

Lhasa River Valley
Arrival in Lhasa
Sweet tea afternoon
Songtsam Linka Lhasa

No hiking today · 3,700 m altitude

Terrain: long drive + river valley + city arrival + sweet tea
Transport: Private vehicle, about 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Stay: Songtsam Linka Lhasa Superior Suite Room

DAY 12

Lhasa Citywalk: Potala, Jokhang, Barkhor

Lhasa old city · 3,700m

Follow the guide through old Lhasa. Visit Potala Palace in the morning, have lunch at Songtsam Linka Lhasa, then visit Jokhang Temple and continue to Barkhor Street to experience Lhasas most vibrant bazaar and pilgrim circumambulation route. End with a farewell dinner.

Potala Palace
Jokhang Temple
Barkhor Street
Sweet tea house and old-city life
Farewell dinner

4 kmDistance+80 mAscent3,700 mMax altitude

Terrain: citywalk + palace + temple + bazaar + pilgrimage
Transport: 30 minutes to Potala Palace, about 20 minutes to Jokhang Temple, plus walking
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and farewell dinner included
Stay: Songtsam Linka Lhasa Superior Suite Room

DAY 13

Depart Lhasa

Departure from Lhasa

After breakfast, transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for departure.

Breakfast
Airport transfer
Trip close

No hiking today · 3,700 m altitude

Terrain: departure + airport transfer
Transport: Private transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, about 1 hour
Meals: Breakfast included

Schedule

2026Private tour dates by request

PDF pricing is seasonal rather than fixed-date group departures. Representative 13-day windows are listed here for shoulder, peak, and holiday pricing; private departures can be requested within each operating season.

No bookable departures are configured yet.

Route

Shangri-La - Lhasa

Duration

12N / 13D

Highest Stay

4,200m Laigu

Group Size

2-8 PAX

Price From

CNY 60,700 / person

Trip Costs

Cost Details

8 PAX shoulder season from

60,700CNY/ person from

2 PAX shoulder season reference

79,800CNY/ person

Included

Private tour price table: 2 PAX: Shoulder CNY 79,800 / Peak CNY 85,100 / Holiday CNY 91,300 per person
4 PAX: Shoulder CNY 63,300 / Peak CNY 67,600 / Holiday CNY 72,400 per person
6 PAX: Shoulder CNY 65,300 / Peak CNY 69,600 / Holiday CNY 74,600 per person
8 PAX: Shoulder CNY 60,700 / Peak CNY 64,700 / Holiday CNY 69,400 per person
Single room supplement: Shoulder CNY 15,100 / Peak CNY 16,200 / Holiday CNY 17,300
Permit and documents: Tibet Permit: CNY 700 per person
Travel documents for Nyingchi, Shannan, and Changdu districts: CNY 150 per person
These costs are included in the quotation above and Songtsam assists with applications
Land cost includes: All land transfers on local transportation indicated in the itinerary
All admission fees and activities indicated in the itinerary
All accommodation based on double occupancy
All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 13
Standard drinking water and snacks throughout the trip
Complimentary minibar, coffee, and tea at all Songtsam hotels and lodges
Service of local guides
Tibet entrance fee and travel document fee for foreign guests

Not Included

Land cost does not include: - Medical, travel insurance, or evacuation insurance plans
- Personal telecommunication
- Domestic or international airfare to Shangri-La and from Lhasa
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
2026 seasonal definitions: - Shoulder: 24 Feb-9 Mar, 21 Apr-30 Apr, 6 May-9 Jul, 26 Aug-27 Sept, 8 Oct-9 Dec
- Peak: 1 Jan-12 Feb, 10 Mar-19 Mar, 11 Apr-20 Apr, 10 Jul-25 Aug, 10 Dec-31 Dec
- Holiday: 13 Feb-23 Feb, 20 Mar-10 Apr, 1 May-5 May, 28 Sept-7 Oct

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

Difficulty Level

This journey is considered moderately strenuous when touring and moderate when hiking. Full days begin early and end in the evening, with altitude changes managed through pacing and lodge recovery.

Highest Stay

4,200m

Trip Pace

Full-day touring

Recommended Age

18-70

Altitude

Guests respond differently to altitude. In the event of altitude sickness, the route may move to a lower altitude and allow rest.

Road conditions

Travel uses well-maintained SUVs or vans with experienced drivers. Some sections follow winding mountain roads and can be bumpy or affected by construction.

Preparation

Layered clothing is recommended because temperatures may shift from about 20 degrees to 5 degrees in one day. Sunblock, sunglasses, and evacuation insurance are advised.

Seasons & Pricing

When to go, and what it costs

Songtsam prices this route in three tariff windows across the year. The best mountain visibility often falls inside the cheaper shoulder dates.

Per person · based on 2 travelers · 4+ travelers from $8,900 pp

Shoulder

Best value — includes autumn & early-winter clarity windows

24 Feb–9 Mar · 21–30 Apr · 6 May–9 Jul · 26 Aug–27 Sep · 8 Oct–9 Dec

Best

From $11,200 pp

Peak

Summer holidays & winter festive dates

1 Jan–12 Feb · 10–19 Mar · 11–20 Apr · 10 Jul–25 Aug · 10–31 Dec

Good

From $11,900 pp

Holiday

Losar · May Day · Golden Week

13–23 Feb · 20 Mar–10 Apr · 1–5 May · 28 Sep–7 Oct — book 2–3 months ahead

Good

From $12,800 pp

Converted from Songtsam 2026 CNY tariff at 7.15. Tibet travel permits (CNY 850 pp) included. Single supplement from $2,120. Final pricing is confirmed by your consultant for your dates and party size.

Journey details

Songtsam Yunnan to Tibet Tea Horse Road Expedition 12N13D

A 13-day private Songtsam journey from Shangri-La to Lhasa, following the Tea Horse Road through Meili, Rumei, Laigu, Bome, Basomtso, and Lhasa.

This Songtsam Yunnan to Tibet route follows the spirit of the ancient Tea Horse Road from the Three Parallel Rivers region to Lhasa. The itinerary combines Tibetan culture, monastery visits, forest and lake walks, glacier landscapes, high-altitude road journeys, and Songtsam lodge stays across Yunnan and Tibet.

The route is designed for private groups who want comfort, authenticity, and an enlightened sense of adventure across dramatic plateau altitudes.

Route: Shangri-La - Benzilan - Meili - Rumei - Laigu - Bome - Basomtso - Lhasa
Stops: Shangri-La · Benzilan · Meili · Rumei · Laigu · Bome · Basomtso · Lhasa
Departure city: Shangri-La
Suitable for: Intrepid cultural travelers · Private groups · Tea Horse Road explorers · Tibet and Yunnan first-timers · Comfort-led plateau travelers
Highlights: Private Shangri-La to Lhasa route following the ancient Tea Horse Road · Songtsam stays from 1,900m Benzilan to 4,200m Laigu · Songzanlin Monastery, Dongzhulin Monastery, Yanjing Salt Field, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street · Forest hike, glacier-side lodge, Basomtso lake walk, Tibetan incense, sweet tea, and Lhasa citywalk · Local guides, experienced drivers, meals, activities, Tibet permit, water, snacks, and minibar included

Before you book

Meeting point: Diqing Shangri-La Airport arrival hall
Meeting time: Arrival flight dependent
Included: 12 nights accommodation based on double occupancy · All land transfers indicated in the itinerary · All admission fees and included activities · All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 13 · Standard drinking water and snacks throughout the trip · Complimentary minibar, coffee, and tea at Songtsam hotels and lodges · Service of local guides · Tibet entrance permit and travel document fee for foreign guests
Excluded: Medical, travel, or evacuation insurance · Personal telecommunication · Domestic or international airfare to Shangri-La and from Lhasa · Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary · Personal expenses and optional services
Booking notes: Foreign guests require Tibet permit and related travel documents; Songtsam assists with the application. · High-altitude travel is not recommended for guests with heart disease, high blood pressure, or respiratory disease. · The itinerary is suitable for ages 18-70. · Purchase medical, travel, and emergency evacuation insurance before departure. · Prepare 50+ sunblock, sunglasses, warm layers, and altitude-appropriate clothing.
Cancellation: Private tour booking follows confirmed Songtsam hotel, permit, and supplier terms. Tibet permit and related document fees are non-refundable once submitted.