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Shangri-La

The name Shangri-La immediately evokes peace and tranquillity, and it does not disappoint. Once a small village, Shangri-La has developed into a city of migrants from neighbouring Sichuan and other parts of Yunnan have flocked here in pursuit of greater opportunities. A favourite last stop for travellers journeying into Tibet, Shangri-La's historic Old Town was recently revitalised through a government scheme designed to attract investment. Its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with cafes, restaurants and boutiques selling prayer flags, jewellery, 'thangka' paintings and traditional clothing from Tibet and other parts of the Himalayas.

Adjacent to the Old Town, sits Zonggu Monastery, which boasts the world's largest prayer wheel. Make sure you take a trek up to Napahai Lake that overlooks the Shangri-la grassland, which is fed by snow melt from the nearby mountains in the summer and recedes to form a lush grassland during the dry season. Each September the lake serves as a temporary paradise for flocks of migratory birds ranging from bar-headed geese to black-necked cranes, one of the rarest bird species left on earth. As well as birds it is a great place to spot the seasonal rhododendrons.

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CHINA - Yunnan, women in local dress
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CHINA - Yunnan, women in local dress
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The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.
Rudyard Kipling

Client Testimonials

Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
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Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
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