Lakes, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, pastures, forests, gorges, sea of clouds, marshes, temples… After seeing so many landscapes around the world, I still cannot find anything akin to the “Wanwan Lei Qing” in the Tibetan region of China.
For the Tibetan region, I would go thousands and thousands of times!
In the past, entering Tibet meant “eyes in heaven, body in hell.”
Now, with 16 hotels and 1 tent camp, Songtsam has transformed the “New Dianqing Route” from just a geographical term into a truly navigable modern Tea Horse Road!
Today, I want to write about a hotel group that I’m most looking forward to throughout the promotional period: Songtsam.
After last year’s Double 11, my five assistants have been following up on post-sale issues with the products. Songtsam’s service has received unanimous recognition from them — all available dates are fully stock-accessible, and the success rate for targeted reservations is extremely high. They have also further enhanced the redemption rights.
Even if the backend reservations are not available, contacting an assistant usually means they can help give access to reservations through alternative means (unless there are really no rooms left).
What’s even more impressive is that Songtsam’s liaison has read every comment under our promotional posts. During this 618 promotional period, the phrase I heard the most was, “Based on your comments, we’ve made adjustments this time…” It’s clear that Songtsam not only wants to sell products but is also keen on enhancing the experience.
So what’s new with Songtsam this 618?
A joint offer between Lijiang and Shangri-La with a price of 5199 yuan for 4 nights, the brand-new product launch includes an extra transport offer!
A private tour from Shangri-La to Meili, priced at 13600 yuan (for two people for 5 days and 4 nights), features a returning hot product, waiting for the sunrise on the golden mountain;
A private tour from Shiyueliang to Bingzhongluo, priced at 16900 yuan (for two people for 6 days and 5 nights), exploring “the last secret place in Yunnan”, and no price increase during the Dragon Boat Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival!
A private tour from Namcha Barwa – Basong Co – Lhasa, priced after discount at 22300 yuan (for two people for 6 days and 5 nights), a dream trip in Tibet;
A private tour from Bomi – Laigu – Baiba, priced after discount at 21200 yuan (for two people for 6 days and 5 nights), featuring summer glaciers and exploring the world’s “third pole”;
Songtsam has 6 hotels available for mutual redemption, starting at 1999 for 2 nights including breakfast and afternoon tea, just in time for summer vacation needs.
Furthermore, all of Songtsam’s prices only see increases during peak seasons, with no additional charges for the Mid-Autumn Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, or weekends!
The products for this year’s 618 at Songtsam are divided into two types: private tours and hotel packages.
Let me explain the private tour package: the price includes hotel stay, daily breakfast, afternoon tea, and daily transportation.
Daily transportation means a driver will take you around, with all fuel costs included (no need to arrange driver accommodation), and drinking water and snacks provided in the car. This duration can definitely cover all of your daily travel arrangements.
This transportation is very useful, or we could say it’s essential.
The first day includes airport pickup, and the last day is for return; in between, there’s daily transportation for 10 hours and up to 300 kilometers, and if there are activities on the first and last days, the driver will also accompany you.
Traveling in Tibet just by public transport is certainly unmanageable; you either have to join a group, rent a car, or hire a driver.
Moreover, with an experienced driver from Tibet as your guide, it certainly adds to the comfort and safety!
1) 【Private Tour】Songtsam Green Valley Mountain Resort – Meili Snow Mountain 5 days and 4 nights for two (Green Meimei), 13600 yuan for two
2 nights in a superior room at Green Valley Mountain Resort + 2 nights in a snow mountain view room at Songtsam Meili Mountain Resort + daily breakfast and afternoon tea at the hotel, free drinks in the minibar of the guest room. If you travel before June 30, you will receive an additional 600 yuan dining coupon, a La Mer travel kit, and possible upgrade to a deluxe room at Songtsam Green Valley Mountain Resort depending on availability.
Valid until October 31, with additional costs as detailed.
This is an exclusive product optimized for the 618 promotion, with the original itinerary including one extra night at Benzi Lan, which would increase the total cost by over 6000 yuan — enough to buy tickets for two adults and one child, right? Our Green Meimei has dramatically improved in cost-effectiveness!
The Shangri-La to Meili route is Songtsam’s earliest and most classic route into Tibet. If it’s your first time to Yunnan’s Tibetan region, this well-developed route is the most suitable (with a maximum altitude of 3600 meters).
The two hotels on this route both have significant meaning for Songtsam.
One is the Songtsam Green Valley Mountain Resort, where the Songtsam dream began, originally the founder’s home, Bai Ma Duo Ji, renovated.
The hotel is located next to the spiritual landmark of Shangri-La, close to Songtsam Monastery, just a few minutes from the temple.
Don’t worry about the hotel being too old; Green Valley was renovated in 2019, featuring numerous Tibetan-style furniture, copper artifacts, and Thangka art. It resembles a Tibetan museum without an entrance fee and has a very charming ambiance.
The other one, Songtsam Meili Mountain Resort, astounds all who visit with its breathtaking views — the hotel has 35 rooms, 31 of which have direct views of the Meili Snow Mountain, the peak of which is known as Kawa Karpo. Each room is a snow mountain viewing room.
Staying at Meili Mountain Resort, seeing the snow-capped mountain feels as easy as breathing!
Moreover, staying at Meili Mountain Resort provides a sense of being a local. The village where the hotel is located has only 5 households, but is surrounded by mountains, forests, and pastures, making for a stunningly perfect location.
You don’t need to look for attractions; you’ve already stepped into a painting.
1 Purchase Taobao code: 39￥ CZ3452 KaN2WERE2oI￥ https://m.tb.cn/h.g39pQ2t/
Private tours do not include butler service; it’s essential to prepare in advance. Simply tell the driver where you want to go. Here’s a suggested itinerary for Green Meimei for your reference.
Day 1: Airport pickup → Songtsam Monastery/ Dukezong Ancient Town (stay at Green Valley Mountain Resort)
Day 2: Benzi Lan → Dongzhu Temple → Qudeng Pavilion (stay at Meili Mountain Resort)
Day 3: Feilai Temple to see the sunrise on the golden mountain → Kawa Karpo snow mountain wishes (stay at Meili Mountain Resort)
Day 4: Jinsha River Bend → Napa Lake (stay at Green Valley Mountain Resort)
Day 5: Airport transfer and return.
2) 【Two-Store Link】Lijiang – Shangri-La 5 days and 4 nights for two | Songtsam Monastery, 5199 yuan for two
2 nights in a luxury room at Songtsam Lijiang Mountain Resort + 2 nights in a luxury room at Songtsam Shangri-La Linka + daily breakfast & afternoon tea + free drinks in the minibar + free bedtime drink + high-speed rail station pickup in Lijiang + Shangri-La airport pickup/station + 2 tickets to Songtsam Monastery. If you travel before June 30, you will receive an additional 400 yuan dining coupon.
Valid until October 31, with extra charges as detailed.
Note that the two-store link package does not include transportation for the entire journey. The reason is that last year, a high-speed rail line between Lijiang and Shangri-La was opened, reducing travel time (the entire journey only takes 1 hour) and increasing comfort, thereby lowering the overall package price as well.
Last year’s Double 11 route had the same hotels and number of nights but lacked transportation, resulting in a total price reduction of over 6000 yuan! What a great deal!!
Moreover, Songtsam’s hotels typically charge over a thousand yuan; we’re talking about the upper hundreds.
The two-store link package not only offers a lower price but also includes three transfers to and from the airport/station. If you’re planning to visit Yunnan during the summer, this two-store package is a must-have!
There are many hotels in Lijiang, but I must commend Songtsam’s selection skills.
The hotel is not in the old city but is close enough. The north side allows for views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and you can see the golden mountain sunrise from the hotel in the morning; to the west, you can gaze at Lashi Lake. It’s away from the noise but still surrounded by attractions.
The other hotel in the itinerary, Songtsam Shangri-La Linka, is not the same as the previous Songtsam Shangri-La Green Valley.
Originally affiliated with MGallery, it claimed to be the “first MGallery in China”, thus was very well constructed from its inception.
1 Purchase Taobao code: 47￥ CZ8908 2M1wWERDPBT￥ https://m.tb.cn/h.gWGRU91/
Songtsam Shangri-La Linka offers a better view of Songtsam Monastery, with more rooms and better facilities than the Green Valley, including a restaurant, library, gym, spa, and more public areas with more staff.
With all the upscale hardware and advantageous location, this Shangri-La Linka continuously ranks among the top tier in terms of price.
This summer, prices in Lijiang and Shangri-La might fluctuate quite a bit; I recommend comparing calendar prices when redeeming your voucher. If the calendar prices are lower, return the package to book the calendar.
3) 【Private Tour】Yunnan Tour Shiyueliang – Bingzhongluo for two, 6 days and 5 nights (Shishi Bingbing Stone), 16900 yuan for two
3 nights in a superior room at Songtsam Shiyueliang Mountain Resort + 2 nights in a luxury garden view room at Songtsam Bingzhongluo Mountain Resort, with added promotional benefits: a complimentary dinner for two at Bingzhongluo + a lunch for two at Shiyueliang + a double Angkor Wat experience, valid for the duration.
Valid until October 31, with no extra charges for Mid-Autumn Festival/Dragon Boat Festival/weekends, with extra costs outlined.
We just completed this latest Songtsam route, featuring two new hotels, indicating that Songtsam has successfully established its beautiful loop around the Three Rivers Valley and has opened up the last hidden corners of Yunnan!
*A glimpse from the car window
This route is one that most people don’t touch on their journey to Yunnan; it’s secretive yet extraordinary.
Facing Gongdang Mountain, you can overlook the magnificent first bay of the Nujiang River. The continuous snow mountains spread before you, and the sound of rushing waters from the Jinsha River creates a white noise.
You’ll encounter several secluded mountain villages nestled in the folds of the mountains, and once you stay at Songtsam, you become a resident of this paradise.
During this trip, you will stay at two Songtsam hotels. One is the Songtsam Shiyueliang Mountain Resort, perched on the cliff, offering views of the Nujiang Grand Canyon.
In the current situation where even Rainy Peak is experiencing traffic, Nujiang, which has no railway station and no airport, is indeed “the last hidden corner of Yunnan.”
Shiyueliang Mountain Resort is Songtsam’s first canyon hotel, and from every balcony and floor-to-ceiling window, you can see the three-dimensional views of the Nujiang Grand Canyon and the azure Nujiang River while also catching sight of the unending full moon at the mountaintop — the sacred stone of the Nujiang Lisu people.
The other hotel is Songtsam Bingzhongluo Mountain Resort, which offers stunning canyon views and the chance to fall asleep surrounded by a sea of clouds.
Bingzhongluo is deeper into the Nujiang Grand Canyon, backed by snow-capped mountains and Buddhist temples, overlooking the terraced fields in the canyon. While the difficult access hides its beauty, it also highlights the uniqueness of this Songtsam.
Being in the canyon gives you a high probability of seeing an utterly beautiful sea of clouds in the morning.
The clouds gather and scatter among the mountains, creating a grand spectacle of frolicking clouds that lasts until noon — a simple scene but one that captures your attention, making the balcony a great place to linger.
1 Purchase Taobao code: 48￥ CZ0000 ioiiWERDFbJ￥ https://m.tb.cn/h.gWR3wr1/
The entire Shi Shi Bing Bing route has an elevation of about 1750 meters, and the chances of altitude sickness are almost non-existent; it’s friendly for all ages.
I recommend the Shi Shi Bing Bing itinerary:
Day 1: Airport pickup (stay at Shiyueliang Mountain Resort)
Day 2: Zhiziluo → Laomudeng Village → Laomudeng Christian Church (stay at Shiyueliang Mountain Resort)
Day 3: Bingzhongluo → Shiyueliang cable car → Qiangtang (stay at Bingzhongluo Mountain Resort)
Day 4: Misty Village → Gongdang Mountain (stay at Bingzhongluo Mountain Resort)
Day 5: Puhua Temple → afternoon tea at the hotel (stay at Shiyueliang Mountain Resort)
Day 6: Airport transfer and return.
4) 【Private Tour】Eastern Tibet Namcha Barwa – Basong Co – Lhasa 6 days and 5 nights package (Dababa Lala), discounted to 22300 yuan for two
1 night in a luxury room at Songtsam Namcha Barwa Mountain Resort + 2 nights in a superior room at Songtsam Basongzhu Linka + 2 nights in a luxury suite at Songtsam Lhasa Linka, including daily breakfast, afternoon tea, and free drinks in the minibar. If you travel before June 30, you will receive an additional 600 yuan dining coupon, and a La Mer travel kit.
Valid until October 31, with additional charges as detailed.
The original Dababa Lala is a best-seller from Songtsam.
After extensive effort, Songtsam developed this route that fulfills most people’s imaginations about Tibet, passing through Namcha Barwa, Basong Co, and finally reaching the holy lake of Potala Palace in Lhasa. With a lower elevation for entry and top-notch scenery, it’s suitable for first-time visitors to Tibet.
The 618 promotion reduces the number of nights at Namcha Barwa Mountain Resort, lowering the total cost by over 7000 yuan! That’s quite a saving!
If someone wants to visit Tibet but worries about altitude sickness, this Eastern Tibet route is the most suitable.
Starting from the lowest elevation (at 3150 meters) with the highest oxygen levels in Linzhi, it’s a gradual acclimatization process to the holy city of Lhasa (at 3700 meters), greatly reducing the chances of altitude discomfort.
I traveled this route last year, and my four-word description is “worth the journey.”
The first stop, Namcha Barwa Mountain Resort, sits at a high altitude to begin with.
Staying at this Songtsam, you will have a view from your window that features expansive barley fields, yaks, and Tibetan pigs scattered across the ridges. The famous twin snow peaks of Namcha Barwa and Gyala Peri stand majestically outside your window.
If you were to set the scene of a utopian ideal in Tibetan lands, this is what it might look like.
Namcha Barwa Mountain Resort has only 33 rooms, limited and precious, each room with direct views of the breathtaking Namcha Barwa peak.
If you stay at Namcha Barwa Mountain Resort, you will feel lazy, not desiring to visit multiple attractions but simply wanting to gaze at the Namcha Barwa peak outside the window, waiting for it to reveal its magnificent visage from the clouds.
The next stop, Basong Co Linka, is a hotel that opened last year and is strikingly beautiful, facing the majestic snow mountains and the biggest and most well-known Basong Co.
The natural scenery here is utterly captivating and surreal, and these stunning views are all nearby the hotel.
Basong Co is so beautiful it can leave you breathless. Moreover, you can rent motorcycles at the hotel to get deeper into the forested pastures; you can also reach several pristine Tibetan secret spots nearby, like Zhongco and Xince via walking, and Songtsam’s experiential activities are really commendable.
Lhasa, the holy city, is the first stop for most people entering Tibet, but the Eastern Tibet route places Lhasa at the end of the itinerary, allowing you 3 days to acclimatize to the plateau environment, which is crucial, especially for those who have never been to Tibet before.
Songtsam Lhasa Linka is not built in the bustling old city but rather on a hillside where you can enjoy panoramic views of Potala Palace and Lhasa’s old town (the old town has height restrictions).
If you’re lucky, you might even hear Tibetan music from nearby monasteries and the sounds of yaks grazing on the grass below.
All rooms are suites with large living rooms and equipped with diffused oxygen systems, yet again striving to reduce any discomfort caused by altitude sickness.
1 Purchase Taobao code: 39￥ HU0025 K2YoWERCYPa￥ https://m.tb.cn/h.g39J7u9/
Here’s a reference itinerary for the Eastern Tibet route as well.
Day 1: Airport pickup → Snow Mountain view afternoon tea/Tibetan incense making (stay at Namcha Barwa Mountain Resort)
Day 2: Motorcycle around the lake → Island in Basong Co (stay at Basong Co Linka)
Day 3: Visit Cuo Ga Ancient Village → Hike to Xince (stay at Basong Co Linka)
Day 4: Potala Palace (stay at Lhasa Linka)
Day 5: Jokhang Temple → Barkhor Street → Old Guangming Sweet Tea House → Small Jokhang Temple (stay at Lhasa Linka)
Day 6: Airport transfer and return.
5) 【Private Tour】Bomi – Laigu – Baiba 6 days and 5 nights for two (Bobo Laibo Bai), discounted to 21200 yuan for two
3 nights in a luxury room at Songtsam Bomi Mountain Resort + 1 night in a luxury room at Songtsam Laigu Mountain Resort + 1 night in a twin-bed tent at Songtsam Baiba camping site + daily breakfast & afternoon tea. If you travel before June 30, you will receive an additional 600 yuan dining coupon and a La Mer travel kit.
Valid until October 31, with additional charges as detailed.
It’s quite a surprise, as the limited room supply and high prices of the Laigu Mountain Resort have almost been monopolized by high-priced and private channels, but they’ve adopted it for the private tour product!
Similarly, the 618 event offers a discount compared to Songtsam’s original channels, reducing the time at Baiba campsite by one night for a total savings of over 7000 yuan!
I’ve stayed at Baiba campsite; one night is enough to enjoy it. Although it’s a pity to lose one night, there’s really no choice — the savings during the 618 promotion are enormous!
