After completing our trek of the Gorge, we decided that night to continue west (towards Tibet) to Zhongdian, otherwise known as Shangri-La. We initially planned to return to Lijiang, but we had the time, so we took a five hour bus northwest. Because we planned to return directly, we packed an overnight bag for the trek (and left our large bags in Lijiang). This was good in that we didn't have to lug our huge backpacks with us but bad in that we were wearing dirty and, for me, smelly clothes. But, that's how we do these days. Zhongdian is on the edge of Tibet but not officially on the Tibetan plateau. Therefore, you are not required to obtain a special permit to visit. (For Tibet, you need pay a few hundred dollars for a permit
... read more