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Epic DreamsFrom $7,634 - 28 Days, Fully Inclusive from selected Australian citiesIN 2003, WENDY WU TOURS WAS PROUD TO HAVE ESCORTED THE FIRST GROUP IN THE WORLD TO VENTURE INTO THESE MOST REMOTE REGIONS. Embark on a journey through parts of China rarely visited by tourists. This programme encompasses China and Tibet, across spectacular terrain, largely untouched by modern infrastructure. Your explorations will take you from the dusty town of Yecheng on the rim of the Taklimakan Desert, south to the very edge of China and across the Aksai Chin Plateau, a largely uninhabited area bordering Tibet. Travel along the highest vehicular road in the world; encounter views of distant mountains, old villages and yak herders’ camps. The highlight for some will be Mt. Everest Base Camp, where you can view the north face of the world’s highest peak. This tour can only be described as the journey of a lifetime! TOUR ITINERARYDAY 1: AUSTRALIA TO GUANGZHOUFly with China Southern Airlines to Guangzhou for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure. DAY 2: GUANGZHOU TO URUMQIFly to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Autonomous Region. DAY 3: URUMQI TO KASHGARThis morning fly to Kashgar, an ancient market town and once the flourishing centre of the Silk Road trading route from Xian through to Europe. DAYS 4-5: KASHGARSightseeing includes visits to the Abakh Hoja Tomb and the Id Kah Mosque. Explore the old alleys that intertwine around Id Kah Square. Tomorrow enjoy an excursion to Lake Karakul where the crystal clear water reflects rich colours of turquoise and azure. DAY 6: KASHGARThis morning discover the world’s largest Sunday Bazaar and see the livestock market where huge crowds of people, donkey carts, horse carriages and animals gather at this bargain extravaganza. DAY 7: KASHGAR TO YECHENGContinue your journey to Yecheng passing through Yensigar where the traditional Uyghur dagger is made, and Yarkand, a city that still resonates with Silk Road romance. Upon arrival at Yecheng you will visit the markets around the Jama Mosque which date back to the 15th Century. DAYS 8-10: YECHENG TO ALI COUNTY – TIBET HIGHWAYSpend the next three days travelling to Ali County by 4WD as you begin your ascent of the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, the highest road in the world. Approximately 270km from Yecheng, K2, the world’s second highest mountain, is visible across the Pakistan border. Accommodation for the next 9 nights (until New Tingri) ranges mostly from truck stop lodgings to simple hostels. DAY 11: ALI COUNTYThe town of Shiquanhe emerges from the landscape like a bizarre mirage and brings you back to civilisation. Stay overnight and restock your supplies. DAYS 12-13: ALI COUNTY TO ZANDALeave Ali County for Zanda and explore Tholing and Tsaparang, the ruined former capitals of the 900AD Guge Kingdom. DAYS 14-15: ZANDA TO TAQINGFrom Zanda you will travel along a broad river valley. After driving over a gentle rise scattered with prayer flags left by pilgrims, you will get your first view of the holy mountain of Kailash. Explore this majestic mountain as well as Lake Manasarovar, two of the most remote and holy destinations in the world for travellers and pilgrims alike. DAY 16: TAQING TO SAGADrive from Taqing to Saga where panoramic views of distant mountains and yak herders’ camps can be seen. Pass through the old village of Zhongba along the way. DAY 17: SAGA TO OLD TINGRIRise early this morning and continue your overland journey to Old Tingri. DAY 18: OLD TINGRI TO MT. EVEREST BASE CAMPArrive at Mt. Everest Base Camp and gaze at the world’s tallest peak at 8,848m. There will be plenty of opportunities for photographs of the site (weather permitting). DAY 19: MT. EVEREST BASE CAMP TO NEW TINGRIVisit Rongbuk Monastery, built in 1899. Its proximity to Mt. Everest makes it one of the highest monasteries in the world. Later, continue to New Tingri. DAY 20: NEW TINGRI TO SHIGATSETravel to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet and explore the cobblestone lanes. DAY 21: SHIGATSESee Tashilhunpo Monastery, the former residence of the Panchen Lama. Covering an area of 3,000sq m, the monastery was founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama. DAY 22: SHIGATSE TO GYANTSEThis morning travel to the smaller town of Gyantse and visit the unique Pelkor Monastery. Later this afternoon you will see the largest shrine in Tibet, the Gyantse Kumbum. You will also view the magnificent ruins of the Old Fort. DAYS 23-25: GYANTSE TO LHASAContinue your journey to Lhasa. Over the next three days you will visit the ‘Crown Jewel of Tibet’, the Potala Palace, which towers over the entire city and consists of hundreds of rooms filled with intricate shrines and frescoes. Stroll around Barkhor Square observing the many pilgrims. Visit the 7th-century Jokhang Temple, the Drepung and Sera monasteries and Norbulingka, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lama. DAY 26: LHASA TO CHENGDUFly to Chengdu where you will enjoy a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see these famous animals in an environment similar to their natural habitat. This evening you will feast on traditional Sichuan cuisine as your farewell dinner. DAY 27: DEPART CHENGDUThis morning is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Chengdu airport to board your overnight flight to Australia. DAY 28: ARRIVE AUSTRALIAArrive home today. Price guide
Important Note: Above prices include Fuel surcharges and tipping of $374 (correct as at Dec 2012 and subject to change). Please note the Tipping amount of USD109 is payable on arrival in China. Though status is regularly updated, availability above is indicative only, not live and hence does not guarantee that space is available on your selected tour when you or your agent calls Wendy Wu Tours to book. Booking early is the only way to ensure availability of your selected departure date. |
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