Ringha Valley is situated in the high altitude Tibetan plateau. Ringha Valley is a traditional rural Tibetan community and this tour is designed to give visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local surroundings. Ringha Valley is home to 6 Tibetan villages and the Banyan Tree Rhinga Resort. (
visit link)
In the photo gallery there is a google earth view of this tour; however, the satellite photo does not show the Banyan Tree resort as it was not yet built when the photo was taken. I assure you that it is there and that it is lovely and everything you expect from a luxury resort. There are photos of the waymarks, including ones of the Banyan Tree resort in the photo gallery. This tour will include a visit to a Buddhist temple and it is customary to give a donation. The donations do not have to be large and the funds are used to maintain the temple buildings and to assist the community.
This journey begins with a stop at the Banyan Tree Restaurant (N 27, 45.944 E 099, 46.016) for a hearty breakfast and cup of hot ginger tea, which is said to help the body in dealing with the high altitude. Take the pathway around the right side of the restaurant, turn right and head south across the resort grounds. As you pass the lodges look down and you will see room numbers etched on stones. Near rooms 306 & 307 you will see a pathway to your right, through the birch trees, that will take you to the second waymark on this journey.
The pathway to the Three Stupas (N 27, 45.853 E 099, 46.081) is a little steep so take your time, regulate your breathing so you can enjoy the climb.
After you have admired the stupas and the awesome view of Ringha Valley, walk east through the trees and you will come to a dirt road. This dirt road will take you to the third waymark on this tour, Rhinga Temple (N 27, 46.035 E 099, 46.366). Turn left and head downhill. This roadway will intersect with another dirt road and you will turn right and walk to the gateway on your left that leads to the prayer bell lined steps that will take you to the temple. There are a lot of steps so take your time, regulate your breathing, and take breaks as needed. This is an active temple, one of the 4 most sacred Buddhist temples in China.
After visiting the temple and descending the steps to back down turn right and follow the roadway through one of the small villages until you come to an intersection that turns off to the right. This is the "cool down" portion of the tour and there are no more steep inclines. Take this right and stroll down through another one of Rhinga Valley's villages. You will pass a basketball court on your right. When you come to the main road bridge (N 27, 46.564 E 099, 46.294) you will be able to cross over the river on your left.
Take your time while walking south through the pastures. You may encounter a multitude of animals from sheep to yaks or pigs, horses, and goats as they roam freely. Watch your footing as the ground is not level in many areas and there may be surprises you wish to avoid getting on your shoes. The pasture bridge (N 27, 46.053 E 099, 45.955) will cross you back over the river and the path inclines gently back up the hill.
Once you are at the top of the hill you are also back at Banyan Tree. Walk past the lobby & gallery building to the spa (N 27, 45.938 E 99, 46.081) and enjoy one of the many spa packages that Banyan Tree offers.
This entire tour is at elevations in excess of 10,000 feet and caution is warranted for those prone to altitude sickness. Ringha Valley is a short 20 minute drive from Shangri-la City and a trip to the Old Town of Shangri-la, located within the city limits, is a must see!