Playing Family Travels
Nina (age 8) spinning a Tibetan prayer wheel
Lost Horizon
The Millers encounter perfection in Yunnan The Miller Family
L
ast summer, we went on a trip to Yunnan, the “Kingdom South of the Clouds.” We booked the Family Summer Package directly through Songtsam Lodges’ website (songtsam. com). We got to visit a part of China that is still unspoiled by mass tourism. Yet, we traveled comfortably – even with a touch of luxury. We were surrounded by amazing landscapes the whole time and there were plenty of activities for everyone. The package included three nights in Tacheng, one night in Benzilan
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beijingkids
2013 June
photos: courtesy of the miller family
Travelers: Chelin and Nick Miller and their three daughters Hannah (age 17), Eli (13) and Nina (8) Destination: Yunnan (Lijiang, Shangri-La, Tacheng, and Benzilan) Dates: August 4-11, 2012 Cost: RMB 38,720 for two adults and three kids (includes all meals, accommodations, and transport for seven days). Does not include tips or flights. Tour company: Songtsam Lodges
and two nights in Shangri-La. We also took a detour to Lijiang. We wanted a trip that would cater to the various interests of our family: a bit of trekking and adventure for Nick, photography opportunities for me, a swimming pool for the children, and plenty of time to spend together as a family. When we were doing our research, we were very impressed by Songtsam’s package that offered a more relaxing alternative to a more adventurous trip at higher altitudes. We flew from Beijing to Lijiang, where we stayed one night to visit this picturesque town. Although this was not part of the package, I thoroughly recommend it. The following day, our guides and drivers picked us up from the hotel in Lijiang in two comfortable vans. They drove us and another family to our first lodge, Songtsam Tacheng. On the way, we took a detour to see Tiger Leaping Gorge. After Tacheng, we drove through mountain passes to Songtsam Benzilan, in an area that used to be a key part of the Ancient Tea Horse Road to Tibet. The tour ended with two days at Songtsam Shangri-La. Although the lodges were off the beaten track, it was very easy to communicate with the English-speaking staff. The guides were always at hand to translate, but their presence was not intrusive. The lodges are exquisitely decorated and the restaurants served excellent food. There were various local dishes, as well as pizza, pasta and ice cream.