• Superb local trekking into the snow capped mountains.
• Explore the real China within this area of greater Tibet whilst experiencing the luxury of Banyan Tree including the spa.
• Tibetan architecture and hospitality.
The Whole Story
At an altitude of 3,200 metres, Banyan Tree Ringha is the part of Tibet known, appropriately enough, as Shangri La. Unlike the rest of Tibet which can be quite barren, this is a heavily forested landscape of giant fir trees, silver ribbon rivers and snowcapped jagged peaks. Even Tibetans dream of visiting Shangri La.
Ringha is an extraordinary story which started with the purchase of 20 old traditional Tibetan farmhouses – with an average age of 30 years – and the subsequent deconstruction of each house supervised by the former owners, and the reconstruction of the same houses on an idyllic site by a river that snakes through a verdant mountainscape. At over 325 square metres per Tibetan House, this was not a small job.
There is no pool, but for the true outdoorsman there is a river just in front – apparently the only guest to wade in thus far was a very hearty Russian.
With a very large fireplace and a view of the surrounding wooded mountains, the bar is the perfect place to kick back after a day of trekking – very, very ‘A River Runs Through It’
There are two restaurants, but by far the most interesting one is an all red Tibetan affair that dominates the upper storey of a house dedicated purely to eating. The speciality is ‘hot pot’ cuisine; a cast iron pan with boiling chicken stock is placed on the table, in which guests cook their own selection of different raw foods, including of course cuts of yak meat … delicious.
The Rooms
Tibetan Lodge
All lodges are traditional Tibetan farmhouses that have been painstakingly re-built and feature intricate woodcarvings, fireplaces and wooden balconies that have valley or river views. Impressive pine pillars add enormous character to the two-bedroom lodge.
Tibetan Spa Suite
This lovely suite has its own private couple spa treatment room.
Tibetan Suite
The Tibetan Suites, each with their own private terrace, combine the cosy setting of a Tibetan cottage with contemporary colours and furnishings.
Ringha Lodge
Ringha Lodge was built as the private residence of a Tibetan villager, his family and his livestock; it was taken apart, reassembled in its present location and renovated to the highest specifications preserving its historic charm. It’s a personal hideaway that’s ideal for a family or group of four, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living area and courtyard.