The phrase "Shangri-La" most probably comes from the Tibetan, Shang - a district of Tsang, north of Tashilhunpo, "Mountain" equal to "Shang Mountain", Mountain Pass, which suggests that the area is accessed to, or is named by, "Shang Mountain Pass". However, it maybe that Hilton had heard of Shambhala - the Tibetan equivalent of Shangri-La, but could not remember its name.
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