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Epic DreamsFrom $8,239 - 29 Days - Fully Inclusive From AustraliaWENDY WU TOURS IS PROUD TO HAVE ESCORTED THE FIRST GROUP IN THE WORLD, TO VENTURE INTO THESE REMOTEST OF REGIONS IN 2002. There are some parts of China that are almost never visited by tourists, but for those prepared to embark on a truly adventurous journey through these areas, the rewards are immeasurable! Spectacular scenery, groups of ethnic minorities, vast open expanses and no intrusion from technology so that the night sky is ablaze with stars. Our Epic Dreams journey takes us to one such area, 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 and unmapped area bordering Tibet. We travel south and east along the highest vehicular road in the world, through some of the most barren, rarely visited and starkly beautiful landscape in the world. We continue all the way along the Himalaya Range, making a stop at the Everest Base Camp, passing through Shigatse and Gyantse on our way to Lhasa, capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Our journey concludes in the lush landscape of Sichuan Province where we visit the endangered pandas at the Chengdu Panda Research Centre. TOUR ITINERARYDay 1: Sydney to GuangzhouFly to Guangzhou with China Southern Airlines for an overnight stay. Day 2: Guangzhou to UrumqiToday we fly to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Autonomous Region for an overnight stay. Days 3-6: KashgarFly to Kashgar and enjoy an excursion to Lake Karakul. Over the next 3 days we visit the Abakh Hoja Tomb, Id Kah Mosque, the Sunday Bazaar and the animal market. Day 7: Kashgar to YechengWe continue our journey to Yecheng passing through the towns of Yengisar, where the traditional Uyghur dagger is made and Yarkand, a name that still resonates with Silk Road romance. We arrive at Yecheng where we visit the markets around the Jama Mosque, which dates back to the 15th Century. Days 8-10: Xinjiang - Tibet HighwaySpend the next 3 days travelling to Ali County by 4WD, as we begin our ascent of the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, the highest road in the world. About 270km from Yecheng, K2 is visible across the Pakistan border. Accommodation for the next 10 days (until New Tingri) ranges mostly from truck stop lodgings to simple hostels. Day 11: Ali CountyThe town of Shiquanhe emerges like a bizarre mirage and brings us back to civilization. Stay overnight for a rest and the opportunity to restock our supplies. Days 12-13: ZandaWe leave Ali for Zanda, where we will spend the next 2 nights. Explore Tholing and Tsaparang, the ruined former capitals of the Guge Kingdom (900AD). Days 14-15: Zanda to Taqing (Mt. Kailash)From Zanda we travel along a broad river valley and after climbing over a gentle rise, scattered with prayer flags left by pilgrims, we get our first view of the holy mountain of Kailash. We explore the majestic mountain and Lake Manasarovar, 2 of the most remote and holiest destinations in the world, for travellers and pilgrims alike. Upon arrival we explore the area of Taqing over the next 2 days. Days 16-17: Taqing to Saga via ParyangToday we drive from Taqing to Paryang, where panoramic views can be seen of distant mountains and yak herders’ camps. The next morning we leave Paryang and travel to Saga passing through the old village of Zhongba along the way. Days 18-19: Saga to Mt. Everest via Old TingriWe rise early and drive to Old Tingri. The following day we arrive at Mt. Everest, where we visit the base camp and gaze at the stunning north face of the world’s tallest peak, Mt. Everest (8848m). Day 20: Mt. Everest to New TingriReturn to the Base Camp and explore this magical area. There will be plenty of opportunities for photographs, weather permitting. Later we continue to New Tingri for an overnight stay. Day 21: New Tingri to ShigatseTravel to Shigatse and explore the busy cobbled lanes. Day 22: ShigatseWe visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. Day 23: Shigatse to GyantseToday we travel to Gyantse to visit the unique Pelkor Monastery, Gyantse Kumbum and the ruins of the Old Fort. Days 24-26: LhasaWe continue our journey to Lhasa. During our time here we visit the Potala Palace, an architectural wonder which towers over an entire city, with thousands of rooms filled with intricate shrines and frescoes. We also visit Barkhor Square, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery and Norbulingka, the former Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama. Day 27: Lhasa to ChengduFly to Chengdu where we visit the Panda Research Centre. Enjoy a Sichuan Banquet as our farewell dinner. Day 28: Depart ChengduWe board our flight to Guangzhou, where we will connect with our international flight back to Australia. Day 29: Arrive SydneyArrive home this morning. |
Price Guide
Important Note: Above prices include Fuel surcharges and tipping of $269 (correct as at 22 December 2009 and subject to change). Please note the Tipping amount of USD104 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. Travel Info
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