The story of Shangri-la is probably quite well known, based on the iconic 1930's novel penned by James Hilton, called Lost Horizon. In the story, a disparate group of people find themselves stranded in a fictional sanctuary called Shangri-la. It is here that the lead character finds inner peace, love and a sense of purpose in this most mysterious of utopias, whose inhabitants are permanently happy and enjoy unheard-of longevity.