Shangri-La is often called the gateway to Tibet, and the closest you’ll get to Tibetan culture without extra permits or paperwork. We spent a few days exploring this charming city and its surroundings. Some things we loved, others we decided to skip, here’s our take on the best things to do in Shangri-La.
Explore the Old Town (Dukezong old town)
Shangri-La’s Old Town is the heart of the city and its main tourist spot. Much of it sadly burned down in a fire in 2014, but luckily it has been rebuilt in a traditional style, and new buildings continue to follow the same look. As you wander the lanes you’ll even stumble upon sites being constructed in the same beautiful, old style. The cobblestone streets are lined with cafés, tea houses, and shops selling outdoor clothing, souvenirs, and yak jerky. The old town will keep you entertained for a few hours, but the real magic of Shangri-La is outside of the city center.
Visit Songzanlin Monastery
Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan and a perfect place to explore Tibetan Buddhism without crossing into Tibet itself. We spent about two hours here and felt it was one of the highlights of our stay in Shangri-La.
Explore the beautifully painted prayer halls (no photos allowed), admire the views, and breathe the fresh mountain air. For practical details, see our full guide to visiting Songzanlin Monastery.
Discover Tibetan Food
With a majority Tibetan population, Shangri-La is probably the best place in Yunnan (maybe even the best outside Tibet itself) to try authentic Tibetan food. Tibetan cuisine is shaped by life on the high plateau, where barley, buckwheat, and yak products are staples. Don’t miss yak hotpot and Tibetan barley cake. Read our full guide on what to eat in Shangri-La.
Spin the Giant Prayer Wheel
The Giant Prayer Wheel in Shangri-La is said to be the largest in the world. It sits on a hill overlooking the Old Town, and you can join locals in spinning it clockwise for good fortune. At sunset, the view over the rooftops is especially beautiful.
Half-Day Trips from Shangri-La
Napa Lake
Napa Lake is a seasonal lake and grassland just outside the city. Sometimes a shimmering lake, sometimes vast meadows with grazing yaks. It’s easy to visit by hired car/scooter, taxi, or bus.
We took a Didi to a café on the northwestern side, passing along the eastern and northern shores on the way (about 30 minutes). On the return we drove the western and southern edges (another 30 minutes). The weather was a bit unstable during our visit (August 2025), so we didn’t make any longer walks outside. Instead, we admired the view and its surroundings from the comfy chairs of the café. A full loop around the lake by road takes roughly an hour.
Potatso National Park
Potatso (Pudacuo) National Park is famous for alpine lakes, meadows, and pristine forests. It’s a popular day trip and can be very crowded in peak season. As we understood it, to get out ot Potatso National Park you have to use the official shuttle buses, and during peak season they fill up very quickly so it might take a little while before you find an available one to leave the park. This is why we decided to skip Potatso this time, but plan half a day to a full day if you go.
Longer Trips from Shangri-La (multi day trips)
Tiger Leaping Gorge
We spent three nights (two full days of hiking) in Tiger Leaping Gorge and absolutely loved it. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Shangri-La and a must if you enjoy hiking. The trail winds along the cliffs high above the beginning of the Yangtze River (the world’s third-longest river!). Expect jaw-dropping mountain scenery and cozy guesthouses along the trail. Highly recommend spending a few days here.
Yubeng
Yubeng is a remote Tibetan village beneath the Meili Snow Mountains. It used to be accessible only on foot or by mule; today there is road access part of the way (and seasonal vehicle/shuttle options), but many travelers still choose to hike in. Either way, it’s often described as a magical multi-day trek with waterfalls and sacred sites, top of our list for next time.
Final Thoughts
Shangri-La is much more than a stopover on the way to Tibet. From monasteries and prayer wheels to yak hotpot and alpine lakes, it’s a place where culture and nature meet. We enjoyed our time in Shangri-La, hope this helps you plan yours!
Did you visit Shangri-la? What was your favourite part about it?
