Avis Tiger Leaping Gorge Tea-Horse Hotel

Well, I was surprised when I arrived on the bus in Shangri-La administrative town that the hotel was back the other way toward Lijiang and that it was not near any Tibetan monasteries. But I was traveling on my own and picked the hotel on Expedia.com because of the great price and name. The owner was lovely, it was gorgeous, quiet, and I meditated at the crack of dawn near an ice cream stand look-out. I was able to hike, get some breakfast, lattes, and watch the sunrise over the mountains. I am learning more about "Shangri-La" and surprises are okay, especially when traveling alone. I was able to visit a Tibetan monastery outside of Lijiang when headed back that way.

breath-taking view facing Yulong snow mountain with reasonable price. we stayed three nights waiting for wonderful golden sunset moment.