Shangrila, China: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Shangrila, China? If you're planning to go to Shangrila, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Shangrila
- Important essentials for Shangrila
- Activities for Shangrila
- Shangrila in January: weather and what to pack
- Shangrila in February: weather and what to pack
- Shangrila in March: weather and what to pack
- Shangrila in April: weather and what to pack
- Shangrila in May: weather and what to pack
- Shangrila in June: weather and what to pack
- Shangrila in July: weather and what to pack
- Shangrila in August: weather and what to pack
- Shangrila in September: weather and what to pack
- Shangrila in October: weather and what to pack
- Shangrila in November: weather and what to pack
- Shangrila in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Shangrila, China
Based on the climate and weather in Shangrila, the best time to go is November. See below for details.
Important essentials for Shangrila, China
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Shangrila, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often become worn. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
General health necessities
Shangrila is at a somewhat high altitude, and could cause problems for some. For that reason, you will want to be constantly hydrated and pack altitude sickness remedies.
-
Supplements
Ginko biloba or other supplements (ask your doctor before using)
-
Over-the-counter medicine
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent value.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Shangrila. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and I. This one works in most locations, but check with your hotel.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Shangrila, China by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Shangrila can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost almost every day of the month. It rains or snows once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Pajamas
-
Lip balm
The best pick: here
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Shangrila, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Shangrila has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you plan go to a monastery, like Songzanlin Monastery, take the following:
February
February here is brisk. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost most days. It rains or snows 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Lip balm
The best is: this one
-
Pajamas
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Shangrila, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Shangrila has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you plan go to a monastery, like Songzanlin Monastery, take the following:
March
March for Shangrila is cold. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost about two thirds of the time. It rains or snows a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Lip balm
Our choice: this
-
Heavy jacket
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Shangrila, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Shangrila has some excellent ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you plan go to a monastery, like Songzanlin Monastery, take the following:
April
April in Shangrila can be brisk. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) to low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Shangrila, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Shangrila has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you plan go to a monastery, like Songzanlin Monastery, take the following:
May
May in Shangrila can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). There is frost a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: here
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
If you plan go to a monastery, like Songzanlin Monastery, take the following:
June
June in Shangrila can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to low 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
If you plan go to a monastery, like Songzanlin Monastery, take the following:
July
July in Shangrila is relatively cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
If you plan go to a monastery, like Songzanlin Monastery, take the following:
August
August in Shangrila is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
If you plan go to a monastery, like Songzanlin Monastery, take the following:
September
September is cool. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. There is frost sometimes. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
If you plan go to a monastery, like Songzanlin Monastery, take the following:
October
October in Shangrila can be very chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Shangrila, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Shangrila has some good ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you plan go to a monastery, like Songzanlin Monastery, take the following:
November
November in this region is cold. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. There is frost about two thirds of the time. It rains or snows occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Shangrila, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Shangrila has some excellent ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you plan go to a monastery, like Songzanlin Monastery, take the following:
December
December in Shangrila is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C). There is frost nearly every day this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Lip balm
The best is: this
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Pajamas
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Shangrila, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Shangrila has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Activities for Shangrila, China
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Shangrila.
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