Morning Departure
Begin your day by being picked up from your hotel and embarking on an adventure to the breathtaking Balagezong Grand Canyon, located about 31 miles (50km) northwest of Shangri-la County
Get ready to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this hidden gem
Discovering Balagezong
Explore the mysterious ancient Bala Village, where time stands still and tradition meets modernity
Meet the warm and hospitable villagers, who will welcome you with open arms
Be awestruck by the majestic snow-capped mountains, the plank road over the Gangqu River, and the precipitous gorges that will leave you breathless
Get up close and personal with Shangri-la Grand Canyon, a natural wonder that will leave you speechless
Unveiling Tibetan Culture
Step into a land untouched by time, where Tibetan culture thrives and the air is fresh with tradition
Immerse yourself in the unique customs and way of life of the local people, and discover the rich history and heritage of this enchanting region
Let the tranquility of this pure land envelop you, and leave with unforgettable memories of your visit
Bala Village
The first stop you will arrive at is Bala Village on the mountainside. It is the only village in this vast land in the past years.
Tibetan scripture records that millions of years ago, a group of people tried to find an ideal place without wars and miseries.
Shangri-la Grand Canyon
After visiting the village, you will have a thrilling journey in gorges. It is said that the Blue Moon Valley described in the book Lost Horizon is within this scenic area.
The U-shaped Shangri-la Grand Canyon, formerly called Birang Grand Canyon, is the main gorge with distinctive vertical climate.
Heaven-leading Gorge
What waits you is a branch gorge of Shangri-la Grand Canyon - Nanka Zhuorong Gorge whose name means a gorge leading to the heaven in Tibetan language.
Therefore, it is also called Heaven-leading Gorge or Tongtian Gorge. The gorge actually leads to Balagezong Snow Mountain, a sacred mountain.
Balagezong Snow Mountain
- The pyramid-shaped Balagezong Snow Mountain is a holy mountain among Tibetans, thus attracting lots of pilgrims every year. With an altitude of 17,408 feet (5306m), it is the highest mountain in Shangri-la County.
- Three snow-clad peaks, which are believed to be the incarnations of three daughters of a mountain God, tower into the clouds against the sunshine. The white snow and clouds floating on the clear sky make the mountain all the more sacred and mysterious, presenting a shocking view.
Shangri-la Stupa
At the northeast of the snow mountain stands the Shangri-la Stupa. It is actually a mountain resembling a round-based stupa and two mountains beside it look like a Lama and an unfolding sutra.
As the only natural stupa all over the world, it enjoys a great reputation.