The Songtsam Linka Shangri-La (formerly Songtsam Retreat) is a charming boutique retreat nestled within a Tibetan village close to the sacred Songzanlin Monastery. Surrounded by lush fields and mountains, away from downtown, it鈥檚 a haven of calm for guests. Guests stay in 72 rooms and suites scattered throughout a variety of hand-built stone structures spread over acres of hillside. The decor is a distinct Tibetan style with Tibetan rugs, handcrafted furniture and touches of modern luxury, and the service from friendly staff is warm and welcoming.
You鈥檒l also find restaurants serving Tibetan and international food, a bar, and a spa. Despite its hideaway location, the retreat is only a five-minute drive to Songzanlin Monastery, a 20-minute drive to the airport, and is an excellent base from which to explore the mountains, lakes and villages of Shangri-La.
OUR OPINION:
Our preferred hotel in Shangri-La, Songtsam Linka offers panoramic views as well as a convenient location that鈥檚 far from the bustle of town and just a short walk to Songzanlin Monastery.
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Photos of Songtsam Linka
Rooms
The Songtsam Linka Shangri-La offers 72 guest rooms and suites, stylishly furnished with local handcrafted furniture. Each room is equipped with a TV and DVD player and safe deposit box, and the en suite bathrooms come with copper bathtubs and a good selection of amenities. The suites feature oversized bed platforms sitting above the living area complete with a fireplace.
Location
The Songtsam Linka Shangri-La is only a five-minute drive to Songzanlin Monastery and a 20-minute car journey to the airport. The attractions of Shangri-La such as Songzanlin Monastery, Napa and Bitahai lakes, Tibetan villages and Potatso National Park are all within easy reach.
Food and drink
The property has restaurants serving Tibetan and international dishes and there is an option for a barbecue on one of the terraces. The Library Lounge Bar is an excellent venue to enjoy a few cocktails by the fire or relax with a book in hand. Outdoor terraces allow guests to enjoy the sweeping views of the mountains while enjoying their meals or drinks.
Facilities and activities
The retreat鈥檚 spa offers a selection of treatments and massages. Guests can take part in Tibetan yoga, explore Tibetan villages and the countryside on hiking excursions, or learn about the local Tibetan culture with a visit to a local family and join them for dinner.
Tour ideas in Shangri-La
Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Songtsam Linka as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.
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![Songtsam Hotel, Zhongdian]()
Songtsam Hotel
Shangri-La
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.
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Dabao Temple Hike ![Interior of traditional Tibetan house]()
Dabao Temple Hike
Dabao Temple Hike
The trek begins at Ruobola Hill, heading through the forests toward Dabao. During the journey the highest sections are around 3,500 metres above sea level.
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Songzanlin Monastery ![Songzanlin Monastery]()
Songzanlin Monastery
Songzanlin Monastery
This 300-year-old monastery houses over 600 Tibetan monks and is one of the most prominent Tibetan monasteries in southwest China.
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Shangri-La and nearby places
- Tiger Leaping Gorge 50 miles away
- Lijiang 76 miles away
- Shaxi 108 miles away
- Dali 153 miles away
- Kunming 270 miles away
- Chengdu 327 miles away
- Jianshui 352 miles away
- Yuanyang 377 miles away
- Chongqing 432 miles away
- Jiuzhaigou 442 miles away