Shika Snow Mountains

Introducing Shika Snow Mountain (from China.org.cn & Tibet.cn)
Mt. Shika, a snow mountain sitting 4,500 meters above sea level, is located in Shangri-la County of Deqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province. Covering about 65 square kilometers, the Shika Snow Mountain Scenic Area connects Napa Lake Nature Reserve in the north, Qianhu Mountain Scenic Area in the south, Songzanlin Temple in the east, and Jinsha River in the west. "Shika" means a mountain with wapitis in Tibetan. Two wapitis are regarded as all living things listening to the Buddha's sermon, thus, a wapiti is listed as an auspicious animal in Tibetan Buddhism. People usually conclude the dynamic sceneries in Shika Snow Mountain Scenic Area in the following sentence "one can see green grasses in spring, watch views of flowers in summer, experience the autumnal tints in fall and look for the mystery in the snow fields in winter."

Shika Snow Mountain Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Shi Ka Xue Shan 石卡雪山
• Best Time to Visit: Sept to Apr
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 3-4 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Nature, Hiking, Adventure
• Opening Hours: 08:00-16:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY 270 including round-trip cable
• Address: Shika Road, Jiantang Town, Shangri-La, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan

What to expect at Shika Snow Mountain

Riding in the cable car toward the peak altitude of 4,449 meters, travelers can have a birds-eye view of the whole Shangri-La and look over the Yulong and Meili snow mountains when stand on the top of the mountain. After the climb, visitors could take a bath at Tianshang Bridge Hotspring, which will surely provide you with a wonderful and relaxing experience.

When standing on top of Mt. Shika on sunny days, you could see all nearby mountain peaks including Mt.Yulong, Mt. Haba, Mt. Balagezong, Mt. Baimang, Mt. Biluo, and even the faraway Mt. Xiannairi in Yading of Sichuan Province. Standing in a snow world with prayer flags and Mani stones all around, you would feel the mystery of religion and the magic of nature.

 

How to get to Shika Snow Mountain
• Shika Snow Mountain Scenic Area locates about 7 kilometers from Shangri-La County.
• Take a sightseeing bus from Shangri-La Xinhua Hotel to the scenic area directly.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Shangri-La to Shika Snow Mountain.

Additional travel advice on Shika Snow Mountain
• With an average elevation over 3,300 meters, a mild altitude sickness in Shangri-La is quite common. Avoid strenuous activity, and better drink more water. Prepare AMS medication, in accordance with a doctor's advice.
• It is cold and windy on the top of the mountain. Please prepare warm jackets and comfortable hiking shoes.