Nestled in the base of the Upper Mekong River valley, the remote Songtsam Cizhong hotel is 5,900 feet above sea level and surrounded by fertile green fields dotted by prayer flags, farmhouses, and waterfalls. The small Tibetan town was discovered a century ago by French missionaries, who erected the beautiful, Gothic-style Cizhong Catholic Church that stills stands – albeit in a state of some disrepair – and holds services in Tibetan every Sunday to this day. There are even some wall paintings and facades inside the church that survived the Cultural Revolution. The hotel offers one room type, and all accommodations are spacious and equipped with all the essentials. Rooms can be appointed with either one king-size bed or two twins, and they have a deck from which guests can enjoy spectacular views. The hotel’s restaurant serves local dishes, along with afternoon tea and a modest selection of wines, and there is also a library and an on-site garden. The Tibetan village that the Songtsam Cizhong calls home is surrounded by the grapevine-covered slopes of local vineyards – note that local wines are available at the hotel, and there are also hiking routes through the mountainous surrounding region. Guided hikes through Catholic and Buddhist Tibetan villages can be arranged, as can chats with elderly villagers at their local Catholic churches.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands – a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
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Here is a small selection of the kind words our guests have said about us, as well as features by journalists and travel writers.
From the moment I happened upon the REMOTE LANDS website over a year ago, browsed the options, I knew that this would be well worth it. The entire staff is nothing less than professional with service that made us feel like royals.
This was truly the trip of a lifetime. Magical destinations, the most luxurious hotels in the world, and the most wonderful travel companions we could’ve wished for. We were treated like family everywhere we went and we have 14 new best friends.
We have used some of the top rated travel specialists all over the world and, without question, Catherine Heald and Remote Lands are at the very top of the list!
