Patrick Druet: A Hotel Manager in Shangri-La

Captivated by Tibetan Culture

In Patrick’s eyes, Shangri-La is a desirable place to live, but three years ago, in 2014, he left his hotel and went back to school to major in hotel management. He studied how to make Western-style food, among other things. He also visited many big cities where people were always in a rush, and were troubled by air pollution, food safety problems, and terrible traffic. Patrick found this environment very unhealthy, and a year later chose to return to Shangri-La where he feels more relaxed.

By now Patrick has a greater knowledge of Tibetan culture, which even manifests itself in his clothes. At our interview he wore a Tibetan style vest. Patrick said he has lots of work to do every day but in his free time goes hiking in the mountains. He also loves local culture, including Tibetan Buddhism. Sometimes he goes to turn prayer wheels, like local Buddhists.

“Tibetan culture and Himalayan culture are totally different from that of modern cities,” Patrick said. “This is a quiet and peaceful place where every comer feels like a fallen leaf finally returning to its roots.”

Patrick will move to Lhasa some time in 2017 to manage a new hotel under the Songtsam Lodges. “I want my new hotel to embody local culture as thoroughly as possible, to provide a totally different experience from standardized international hotels,” Patrick said.

The Songtsam Linka Retreat, which Patrick now manages, has a two-month winter break every year. He uses this time to visit his family and friends back home in Perigord, in the south of France. Speaking of his future plans, Patrick said: “Lhasa is situated at a higher altitude than Shangri-La. Perhaps in two years’ time I will not be able to work at high altitude; and that might be the time to go back to France.”