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Epic Dreams
From $7,594 - 29 Days, Fully Inclusive from selected Australian cities
IN 2003 WENDY WU TOURS WAS PROUD TO HAVE ESCORTED THE FIRST GROUP IN THE WORLD TO VENTURE INTO THESE REMOTEST OF REGIONS.
Embark on a journey through parts of China rarely visited by tourists. This programme encompasses China’s southwest region, across spectacular terrain, largely untouched by modern infrastructure. You will find this tour quite fascinating and the rewards immeasurable. 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, Mt. Everest. What a wonderful end to what can only be described as a journey of a lifetime!
DAY 1: AUSTRALIA TO GUANGZHOU
Fly with China Southern Airlines to Guangzhou for an overnight stay.
DAY 2: GUANGZHOU TO URUMQI
Today you will fly to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Autonomous Region.
DAY 3: URUMQI TO KASHGAR
Fly to Kashgar this morning, an ancient market town and once the flourishing centre of the Silk Road trading route.
DAYS 4-5: KASHGAR
Sightseeing today includes visits to the Abakh Hoja Tomb and the Id Kah Mosque. Explore the old alleys that intertwine around Id Kah Square. Enjoy an excursion to Lake Karakul tomorrow, where the crystal clear water reflects rich colours of turquoise and azure blue.
DAY 6: KASHGAR
Discover the world’s largest Sunday Bazaar today 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 YECHENG
Continue your journey to Yecheng passing through Yengisar, 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 dates back to the 15th Century.
DAYS 8-10: YECHENG TO ALI COUNTY - TIBET HIGHWAY
Spend 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. About 270km from Yecheng, K2 is visible across the Pakistan border. Accommodation for the next 10 nights (until New Tingri) ranges mostly from truck stop lodgings to simple hostels.
DAY 11: ALI COUNTY
The town of Shiquanhe emerges like a bizarre mirage and brings you back to civilisation. Stay overnight where you will have the opportunity to restock your supplies.
DAYS 12-13: ALI COUNTY TO ZANDA
You will leave Ali County for Zanda and explore Tholing and Tsaparang, the ruined former capitals of the 900AD Guge Kingdom.
DAYS 14-15: ZANDA TO TAQING
From Zanda you will travel along a broad river valley. After climbing 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 holiest destinations in the world for travellers and pilgrims alike. Upon arrival you will tour the area of Taqing.
DAY 16: TAQING TO PARYANG
Today you will drive from Taqing to Paryang, where panoramic views of distant mountains and yak herders’ camps can be seen.
DAY 17: PARYANG TO SAGA
This morning you will leave Paryang and travel to Saga, passing through the old village of Zhongba along the way.
DAY 18: SAGA TO OLD TINGRI
Rise early this morning and continue your journey to Old Tingri where you will stay overnight.
DAY 19: OLD TINGRI TO MT. EVEREST
Arrive at Mt. Everest today, where you will visit the base camp and gaze at the stunning north face of the world’s tallest peak at 8,848m. There will be plenty of opportunities for photographs (weather permitting).
DAY 20: MT. EVEREST TO NEW TINGRI
This morning you will visit Rongbuk Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Later, continue your journey to New Tingri for an overnight stay.
DAY 21: NEW TINGRI TO SHIGATSE
Travel to Shigatse and explore the cobblestone lanes.
DAY 22: SHIGATSE
Today you will see Tashilhunpo Monastery, the former residence of the Panchen Lama.
DAY 23: SHIGATSE TO GYANTSE
Travel to the smaller town of Gyantse today visiting the unique Pelkor Monastery. Later this afternoon you will travel to the largest shrine in Tibet, the Gyantse Kumbum. You will also view the magnificent ruins of the Old Fort.
DAYS 24-26: GYANTSE TO LHASA
Continue your journey to Lhasa. During your time here you will visit the ‘Crown Jewel of Tibet’, the Potala Palace. The palace is an architectural wonder, which towers over the entire city and consists of thousands of rooms filled with intricate shrines and frescoes. Stroll around Barkhor Square; visit the 7th-century Jokhang Temple, the Drepung and Sera monasteries and Norbulingka, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lama.
DAY 27: LHASA TO CHENGDU
Fly to Chengdu where you will enjoy a visit to the Panda Research Centre to see these delightful animals being reared in surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. As your farewell dinner this evening you will feast on traditional Sichuan cuisine.
DAY 28: DEPART CHENGDU
Today you will be transferred to Chengdu airport to board your flight to Guangzhou, where you will connect with your overnight flight to Australia.
DAY 29: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA
Arrive home this morning.
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