Just got back from Shangri-La and I don't recommend going in April.

Planning a trip to Shangri-La without doing your research beforehand? That's a huge mistake! I went in completely unprepared and ended up having a rough time, missing out on beautiful scenery, and wasting money. It was a lesson learned through blood and tears 😫. So, now that I'm back, I've put together this super detailed and practical Shangri-La travel guide, along with some thoughtful travel tips to help you have the perfect trip. Save it for later! 🌞 Shangri-La Weather 🌡️ In April, Shangri-La still has a bit of a winter chill, with temperatures ranging from about -5℃ to 12℃. When the sun is out during the day, it feels relatively warm. A thick sweater and a down jacket are enough to keep you warm outdoors. However, the temperature difference between day and night is extreme, especially in the highlands. As soon as the sun goes down, the temperature drops sharply, so be sure to bring warm scarves, gloves, and earmuffs to keep yourself bundled up. Be sure to pay close attention to the weather forecast before you travel. The weather in the highlands is changeable, and it could snow at any time. Adjust your clothing according to the weather so you can enjoy your trip comfortably and healthily. ⚠️ Shangri-La Travel Tips: ❌ At the entrance to Shangri-La Old Town, there are often people who enthusiastically try to get you to stay at their hotels, claiming to have low prices. Don't believe them! These guesthouses are often in poor condition, unhygienic, and may even have safety hazards. Be sure to book well-reviewed accommodations on reputable travel platforms in advance, read reviews, and compare options. ❌ Don't buy cheap local products sold around the scenic spots that are claimed to be "natural caterpillar fungus" or "pure yak jerky." They are most likely fake. Genuine caterpillar fungus is expensive, and yak jerky has its reasonable cost. If you want to buy local products, go to a regular store or supermarket to ensure quality. ❌ Be careful when taking photos. Some "models" wearing Tibetan clothes will offer to take photos with you and then ask for money afterward. If this happens, politely refuse. In addition, if you rent Tibetan clothes for photos, be sure to negotiate the price, rental time, and included accessories in advance to avoid disputes. ✔️ If you want to visit Pudacuo National Park, book your tickets and sightseeing bus tickets online in advance. This will not only save you time in line, but also allow you to know the park's opening hours and weather conditions in advance. Plan your route accordingly to ensure you don't miss any of the beautiful scenery. The altitude in the park is high, so slow down and avoid strenuous exercise to prevent altitude sickness. ✔️ If you want to taste authentic Shangri-La cuisine, go straight to "Tibetan Cuisine on the Tip of Your Tongue" in Dukezong Old Town. Their butter tea is fragrant, the zanba (roasted barley flour) has a unique taste, and the yak hot pot is warming and delicious, allowing you to instantly immerse yourself in the local food culture. Also, try "Lixiangyuan Ribs" outside the old town. The ribs are stewed until soft and flavorful, and the side dishes are plentiful. Eating a pot of this in the cold month of April will bring you immense happiness. ✔️ To see the sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain, arrive and stay near the Feilai Temple viewing platform the day before. Wake up early in the morning to secure the best viewing spot and wait for the sun to slowly rise. The golden light shining on the snow-capped mountains is a breathtaking sight that you will never forget. However, it is cold in the highlands in the early morning, so remember to dress warmly. ✔️ After visiting Songzanlin Monastery, stroll along Lamuyangcuo Lake. The lake reflects the magnificent temple buildings, creating a peaceful and majestic scene. There are also many mani stones around the lake, adding a touch of mystery. It is a great spot for taking photos. Remember to be quiet and respect religious sites. ✔️ If you want to ride horses at Napa Haiyila Grassland, choose a regular horse farm and negotiate the price, route, and time in advance. Don't be tempted by cheap offers from people soliciting customers on the roadside to avoid being ripped off. Follow the coach's instructions during the ride to ensure your safety. 🏘 Accommodation Recommendations ✔️ It is recommended to stay in or around Dukezong Old Town for convenient travel. At night, you can enjoy the old town's dazzling night view and experience the rich Tibetan culture. The guesthouses in the old town are unique, ranging from traditional Tibetan style to modern minimalist style. You can choose according to your preferences. If you are going to Meili Snow Mountain to see the sunrise, the guesthouses near Feilai Temple are the first choice. You can see the snow-capped mountains from your window, and you don't have to rush to see the scenery in the morning. However, you need to book in advance, as rooms are hard to come by during peak season. ❌ Although accommodations far from the scenic spots are cheaper, they are inconvenient to get to and lack surrounding amenities. In case of emergencies, such as altitude sickness requiring medical treatment, it is difficult to get help in time. Choose carefully when selecting accommodations. 📍 Shangri-La Transportation: Shangri-La's urban area is not large, and most of the main attractions can be reached by taxi at a reasonable cost. However, during the peak tourist season, the demand for taxis is high, and you may have to wait in line. It is recommended to plan your travel time in advance. You can also take the local buses. Some lines can reach some attractions. Although there are not many buses, they are affordable and allow you to experience local life. If you are going to more distant attractions, such as Pudacuo National Park, you can take a special bus from the passenger station. Find out the departure and return times in advance to avoid delays. If you are driving, be aware that the road conditions in the highlands are complex, with many curves and steep slopes on some sections. Drive carefully to ensure driving safety. In short, plan your transportation in advance to make your Shangri-La trip smooth and worry-free.