Shangri-La

Drone and Phone set off to southwest China in search of the elusive Shangri-La. Taking a cue from links between the book Lost Horizon, and Joseph Rock’s travel stories published in National Geographic, we embark on an arduous quest. Could the mythical place be based on Muli in Sichuan?

Journey to Muli

In the first of a new series looking for Shangri-La, DJ, Jack and Simon set off from Lijiang on a two-day road trip to the start of an old Joseph Rock trail in Muli County, Sichuan Province. Follow them over the next five weeks as they trek up into the mountains on a search for the origins of Shangri-La.

To Zabala

DJ, Jack and Simon set off into the mountains in their search for Shangri-La on a long climb up to a 4,700 meter pass. Simon looks for wild animal tracks, Jack looses his water bottle and DJ takes a dip in the fountain of youth.

See the documentary they went to film at https://youtu.be/1t_XqAduOk0

Black Lake Pass

After crossing the Zabala Pass, Jack, Simon, and DJ find themselves in amongst the clouds as they slowly traverse boulder fields to find their way to Black Lake Pass in  Hengduan Mountains, Sichuan, China. Jack makes the best of the campsite, Simon finds a clue to Shangri-La, while DJ meets up with two unusual Drone and Phone fans.

Also, check out the documentary they went there to film at https://youtu.be/1t_XqAduOk0

3 Peaks, 3 Lakes

Five days into a search for Shangri-La in the Hengduan Mountains, Jack, DJ and Simon reach the one place you can see three holy mountain peaks. Camping by Snake Lake, Simon conducts a scientific experiment with the emergency oxygen supply, Jack twists his ankle, and DJ prepares to return to civilization.

Also, check out the documentary they went there to film at https://youtu.be/1t_XqAduOk0

Details of the guides can be found on our website at www.droneandphone.com. Five days into a search for Shangri-La in the Hengduan Mountains, Jack, DJ and Simon reach the one place you can see three holy mountain peaks. Camping by Snake Lake, Simon conducts a scientific experiment with the emergency oxygen supply, Jack twists his ankle, and DJ prepares to return to civilization.

Gongga Valley

DJ and Jack are almost finished with the Shangri-La adventure. Just enough time for a walk along the enchanting Gongga River. Watch them as they take one last walk before leaving the Hengduan Mountains.

Also check out the documentary they went there to film at https://youtu.be/1t_XqAduOk0

*Disclaimer: Drone and Phone activities are undertaken after completing a risk assessment and where necessary under the supervision of professional guides. This video is not to be considered as a guide. All outdoor activities are carried out at your own risk and we take no responsibility nor assume liability for your safety. We recommend using a professional guide for all outdoor activities that involve risk, or are beyond your current level of expertise.

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