I was looking forward to traveling to Tibet for the first time with Songtsam, but 2020 had other plans of course! I know I’ll visit sometime in the near future, but for now I want to share why I chose Songtsam. Tibet is a remote and beautiful land, known as “the roof of the world” and Songtsam celebrates this lands’ unique spiritual connection. As a luxury boutique hotel group, they provide not only gorgeous properties throughout Tibet (and also Yunnan, China) but they offer tailor-made tours and curated experiences. When you plan a trip to Tibet with Songtsam, you’ll definitely be immersed in the Tibetan culture.
Songtsam’s Boutique Properties in Tibet:
Songtsam’s mission is to pursue the source of peace and happiness and thanks to their 4 properties in Tibet which are surrounded by nature and an untouched ambiance, they certainly achieve just that. As this is a boutique luxury brand, you can also expect attentive butler service and professional vehicle services to help guide you around local villages and wellness activities such as meditation, hiking, and more.
1. Songtsam Linka Lhasa – A retreat offering spectacular views of the nearby Potala Palace.
Everything from the hotel’s lime colored walls to the indigo carved windows and fish-fin shaped facade pays tribute to traditional artisans, ancient wisdom, and Tibetan culture. Built on a hillside, Songtsam Linka Lhasa gives you beautiful access to Potala Palace that was once the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas from 1649 to 1959. It is now a museum and since 1994, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well.
2. Songtsam Linka Bome – Wake up every morning to the beautiful melody of snowy mountains, enchanting forests, and sparkling lakes.
All guest rooms at Songtsam Linka Bome offer glorious views of the Guxiang Lake. This is really the perfect place to escape the chaos of your every day life and become one with nature again. The surrounding area is abundant with water and blessed with a mild climate all year round, making it the main food and vegetable production base in Tibet. So for any foodies out there, Songtsam Linka Bome is one of the best places to enjoy local Tibetan cuisine with the freshest ingredients.
3. Songtsam Lodge Laigu – A specially designed lodge that embraces breathtaking views of Laigu Glacier.
This is the highest property and most challenging construction of all the Songtsam properties, so much so that Laigu Lodge was awarded the prize for Best Architectural Design/Heritage Architecture by The Architecture Master Prize in 2019. Songtsam Lodge Laigu focuses on the preservation of nature and Tibetan’s cultural heritage. They made sure their design kept a very harmonious relationship with the texture of the original village. Everywhere you turn, you are blessed with views of snowy mountains, glaciers, lakes, and more.
4. Songtsam Lodge Rumei – Enjoy a boutique experience along with old, rural scenery along the Lancang River.
This gorgeous lodge embraces bright colors that mirror the sky and surrounding snow-capped mountains, rivers, and lush fields. Songtsam Lodge Rumei is nestled away in a valley next to Zhuka Village in the north and vast farmland in the south. You can expect stunning views from all the guest rooms of the surrounding rivers and fields.
Songtsam’s Wellness Experiences:
What really drew me to Songtsam was their belief that the importance of travel is to awaken your inner power and inspire potential by connecting with nature, local cultures, and communities. And with a strong focus and appreciation of Tibetan meditation, Songtsam offers travelers a range of traditional activities such as meditation but also mindful yoga, physiotherapy, spirited mountain hikes, Tibetan medicated-baths, spa therapies and more.
One unique experience that really stood out to me was a Tibetan Mindfullness Concert. This is a unique experience offered by Songtsam that is promised to be both harmonizing and relaxing. Guests are invited to lay down on mats and enjoy the vibrations of instruments and mantras – all of which are designed to bring you into a deep relaxation and connection to your true essence. The concert performers consist of spiritual nature music therapists and Tibetan Sanskrit artists. With the guidance of these mindfulness instructors, you are able to not only experience local Tibetan sounds, but hopefully you are also filled with positive energy, an inherent openness, and flexibility of the mind.
Songtsam’s Packages & Tours:
If you’re like me and all of the above interests you, then I highly recommend trekking around with Songtsam through one of their packaged tours, as they really can help you discover the hidden gems and joys of Tibet and Yunnan.
Songtsam offers 4 packages that range from 4-11 nights, which include transportation and accommodation in their wonderful boutique properties. If you want to go all out, I suggest the Yunnan to Tibet Tea Horse Road Expedition that lasts over a week. Based around the local culture and nature, you’ll get to enjoy comfort, authenticity, heritage, and adventure. From historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites to untouched mythical lands that have inspired Buddhists and authors around the world, there really is something for everyone with Songtsam.
