Tatler's “Travel Guide 2012”: “101 Best Hotels in the World”

Songtsam Meili is 6 hours from Shangri-la by car on the Yunnan-Tibet road up to the boarder of Tibetan.  The nearest airport is Shangri-la (Diqing) airport (6hours); and nearest town is Dechin (30 minutes by car).

The lodge (3,600m) overlooks the majestic Meili Mountain Range. Most of the rooms have a stunning view of Meili, a memorable experience for every guest who stays here. Breakfasts are set in our small book bar for the great view of the sunrise on the snow peaks right outside our window. A romantic dinners can be arranged on the open terrace where the mountain peaks look like so close, almost surreal. 

Gujiunong, where Songtsam built the lodge of Meili, is a tranquil village inhabited by only five families who practice polyandry. This is also one of the few places where traditional Tibetan herding and farming are still practiced. Guests take a challenging hike day to the summer pasture of the village will have a rare opportunity to see the beautiful area and learn about the traditional life style.

Conde Nast Traveler “Hot List 2012” 

Songtsam Tacheng is 3 hours from Shangri-la or 4 hours from Lijiang. In a low mountain valley with year round mild weather and sufficient rainfalls, Tacheng is the most fertile place in this area. 

Fresh vegetables, all kinds of fruits, local ham and rainbow trout are famous from this place and make it a “healthy and tasty destination”.  Wild Honey is also a specialty of Tacheng, guests have the opportunity to visit local bee keepers while walking through the local village. 

Each room features a wide balcony with view of the terraced field. Organic rice is produced from the fields in front of the lodge and served to all Songtsam Lodges, more than 3000kg of organic rice was harvested here in 2011.

It is a perfect place for idyllic village life, this lodge is popular for family vacations and romantic getaways.The lodge (2,020m)  forms part of a mixed Tibetan/Lisu farming community.  Many of Songtsam staffs are from the surrounding villages. Guests are always welcome to visit these “songtsam families” for a cup of tea or even be invited to a special dinner with the family.

Tacheng is also home to the charming, endangered Yunnan Golden Monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti).