Songtsam Retreat
Overview
The Songtsam Retreat, a collection of 24 dry-stone structures spread out over 21 acres of hillside, is surely one of the most spectacular hotels in the world. Designed to transport you to a lost world of timeless tranquility and endless silence, the Retreat is an ideal location for those seeking to escape the bustle and hustle of everyday life.
Perched high on the hills overlooking Shangri-la, each suite enjoys commanding views over the valley, including the Songzanlin lamasery and swathes of farmland dotted with large racks for drying barley and worked by Tibetan women, whose bright head scarves stand out amidst the lush, dark green fields.
The spacious suites feature oak wall paneling, handlaid timber floors, Tibetan rugs and wooden bathtubs crafted by local artisans.
Travel Information
Location
Song Zan Lin, Shangri-La County, Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China 674400
How to get there?
Closest Airport
Diqing Shangri-La Airport [DIG], 15 km or 9.3mi from Songtsam Retreat.
Getting There From
Town of Shangri-La (6km or 3.7mi): By taxi, CNY 25.
Diqing Shangri-La Airport [DIG] (15km or 9.3mi): By taxi, CNY 50.
Lijiang (200km or 124mi): Frequent coach bus from Lijiang to Town of Shangri-La, 4 hours, CNY 35. | Local rental car with driver, CNY 1,200.
Kunming Wujiaba International Aiport [KMG] (700km or 435mi): Daily flights from KMG to DIG, CNY 700 per person. Proceed from DIG.
Climate
Daily temperatures fluctuate greatly in Shangri-La, up to 20°C in range. Layered clothing is highly recommended for all seasons. Even in summer, warm clothing is necessary in case of low nightly temperatures and occasional snowfall.
- Rainy season starts in June and ends in September.
- Winter temperatures range from -3°C to 8°C (26°F to 47°F).
- Autumn & Spring temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F).
- Summer temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
Health
At a relatively high altitude of 3,300 m (10,827ft), some people suffer altitude stress in Shangri-La. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and pressure in the chest. To prevent altitude sickness or alleviate the symptoms, try to avoid drinking alcohol and strenuous activities.
Rainfall is hard to predict in Shangri-La. We recommend bringing rainwear even in the dry season.
Sun radiation is very strong all year-round. Sun protection is necessary to protect from burns and intense exposure.
Contact Information
Email: H7078-RE@accor.com
Tel: +86 887.828.5566
Fax: +86 887.828.5511
Accommodations
The spacious suites meet modern levels of comfort and have commanding views over farmland, Tibetan villages and the Songzanlin Lamasery. Many fittings are handmade and decorative elements come from the owner’s personal collection.
-
Standard Room
Suitable for 2 persons. 33 square meters, double twin-size beds.
# of room: 8 -
Superior Room
Suitable for 2 persons. 56 square meters, king-size bed or double twin-size beds, private fireplace and balcony view.
# of rooms: 34 ( 15 double twin-size beds + 19 king-size bed) -
Junior Suite
Room suitable for 2 persons. 75 square meters, king-size bed or double twin-size bed, bathtub，private fireplace and balcony view.
# of room: 23 (11 double twin-size beds + 12 king-size bed) -
Superior Suite
Room suitable for 2 persons. 90-120 square meters, king size bed, bathtub private fireplace and balcony view.
# of room: 6 -
Villa
Room suitable for 2 persons. 115 square meters, duplex style, king size bed. Living room on the first floor with private fireplace, relax area and bed room with private balcony on second floor.
# of villas: 4
- Free Cable and Wireless Internet
- Satellite television
- DVD player
- International Direct Dial (IDD)
- Well-stocked individual refrigerator/pantry
- Water boiler
- Heating
- Fireplace（Except in 8 Standard rooms）
- 24-hour hot water
- Rates based on per suite, per night in Superior Room, Junior Suite and Superior Suite.
- Extra bed is a additional charge of CNY 200 per night.
- High season rates apply from Apr. 1 – Nov. 30; low season rates apply from Dec. 1, 2010 – Mar. 31, 2011.
- VISA, MasterCard, AmericanExpress, UnionPay, & JCB credit cards accepted.
Facilities
- Library
- Lounge bar inside library
- Boutique shop available in 2011
- Spa available in 2011
Tibetan Restaurant
The Tibetan restaurant offers Chinese and Tibetan cuisine throughout the day. Serves up to 55 persons indoor and another 25 on the balcony.
Western Restaurant
The Western restaurant offers authentic Western cuisine and drinks. Serves up to 24 persons.
BBQ
Songtsam Retreat also prepares outdoor BBQ upon request.
Grand Conference Room
Grand Conference Room occupies 104 square meters and holds 20 to 60 persons.
Business Facilities
- Computer
- Internet connection
- Projector
- Speaker/Microphone/Auditory Facilities
- White Board
- Office supplies
Day Experience
Day hike programs
Songtsam Retreat arranges day hikes of varying length and difficulty in nearby areas of a with vehicle and guide service. Guests can sign up for day hikes at the hotel at extra charges.
Songzanlin Monastery
Constructed in 1679 and full of precious artifacts, the Songzanlin Monastery or ‘the little Potala Palace’ is actually the biggest Buddhist monastery in Yunnan and is currently home to 700 monks. During our visit, we will add colorful prayer flags adorned with Buddhist sutras to the thousands placed by previous pilgrims and may then follow devotees on the kora or the sacred path around the monastery. We cap our visit with tea and a optional private audience with a senior lama in his chambers (Private audience are subject to schedule of lamas and will only will only be arranged for groups of over 6 persons.)
Dinner with local Tibetan family
A local family will treat us to an authentic Tibetan meal in their home. Expect yak to feature on the menu, since savory yak-butter tea, stewed yak meat and yak cheese are all staples of the local diet, highlighting the importance of the hardy animal to the people of this remote region. For groups with over 4 persons, we’ll party Tibetan-style by singing, dancing and drinking to our trip to Shangri-La after our dinner! This activity is arranged upon request at extra charges.
Circuits
-
Follow in the footsteps of traders, winding through spectacular valleys lined with ancient sites and unique tribal cultures as you head deeper and deeper into the Himalayas. On this journey, you can explore Yunnan’s diversity, the ancient trading posts along the Tea & Horse Caravan Trail, meet ethnic minority communities, explore the region's botanical and geological wonders, and conclude in Shangri-la, a remote outpost of the deeply spiritual Tibetan world.
-
The untouched beauty of this landscape has given rise to myth and legends for centuries. This circuit takes you into the heart of this mysterious land, and lets you unlock the secrets of Shangri-La.
