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Tour Date: 21 April 2012 - 10 May 2012
Tour Cost ($AUD): $7,997.00
For those with limited time we present our new low cost tour, the Himalayan Adventure. We begin in the Chinese capital of Beijing for three nights before boarding the unique oxygenated train for the historic journey to the capital of one of the world's most mysterious countries, Tibet. Here we journey into the very heart of the Himalaya as far as Rongbuk, the Everest base supply camp on the remote north face. From here we head to neighbouring Nepal, another fantastic Himalayan kingdom.
21/04/2012 Australia - Singapore
Dawn on the north face of Everest
Depart from your chosen Australian airport for the Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore.
On arrival we connect with our flight to Beijing.
22/04/2012 Singapore - Beijing (LD)
The Forbidden City
Arrive Beijing 07.20
After completing customs and immigration formalities we transfer to our hotel.
Yong An Hotel
No 5A North Road
Beijing
Ph: 0011-86-10-65011188
Fx: 65015634
This afternoon we visit the extraordinary Forbidden City, the world's largest ancient palace structure. Covering an astonishing 72 hectares and containing no fewer than 9,999 rooms, this incredible complex was built between 1407 and 1420 by an estimated one million labourers. Until 1924 it was the Imperial Palace for China's emperors, and in 1987 it was World Heritage listed by UNESCO. A visit here is never to be forgotten. In the evening we attend a performance of the world-famous Beijing acrobats.
23/04/2012 Beijing (BLD)
The Great Wall of China
A very special day's sightseeing today. After breakfast we drive out of Beijing and head for the incredible Great Wall of China. We visit the beautiful section at Mutianyu, which is far less touristy than many other parts accessible from the capital.
Built more than 2,000 years ago under the orders of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huamgdi, it remains one of the largest construction projects of all time and stretches an incredible 6,400 km. We have plenty of time to stroll on the ramparts and fully take in this Wonder of the World. Returning to Beijing, we attend a stunning traditional Chinese folk show while dining on Peking Roast Duck.
24/04/2012 Beijing (BLD)
2008 Olympic Stadium, Beijing
Today is an exciting one as we have the chance to inspect the incredible Olympic Stadium. Known as the 'Birds Nest', this extraordinary arena can accommodate 91,000 spectators. The structure is an engineering masterpiece and is also regarded as a 'green phenomenon', due to its rainwater collection system and translucent roof that provides essential sunlight for the grass below.
25/04/2012 Beijing - Lhasa (BLD)
The streets of old Beijing
Today is our last in Beijing and we spend much of it in the fascinating old part of the city, known as the Hutong. We explore the area by cycle rickshaw and have lunch in the home of a typical Chinese family. Later, we have time to shop for bargains at the famous Silk Markets. Dinner is on the 28th floor of our hotel in the Starshine revolving restaurant for spectacular night views of Beijing.
Depart Beijing Train 27 21.30
After dinner we transfer to the railway station for our thrilling journey to the Tibetan Plateau. The oxygenated 'Himalayan Express' is the first to link China and Tibet and the 4,000-km journey will certainly be one to remember!
26/04/2012 Onboard the Himalayan Express
Train 27, the Himalayan Express
The world's highest railway was completed at the end of 2005 and the first scheduled journey commenced in July 2006. Built largely on permafrost, four-fifths of the track is laid at an altitude of over 4,000m with the highest, between Qinghai and Lhasa, reaching 5,072m. There are some incredible views as we head towards Lhasa.
27/04/2012 Arrive Lhasa (D)
Adding an engine to climb up to the Tibetan Plateau
Early morning we arrive in Golmud where two enormous locomotives are attached to the front of the train to haul us up to the Himalayan Plateau and on to Lhasa. Treeless plains give way to snow-capped mountains and we pass by the world's highest lake and through the world's highest tunnel as our incredible journey continues. Finally, in the evening the Express pulls into the Tibetan capital at the conclusion of its epic trip. On arrival we transfer to the Thankga hotel in the heart of the old city.
Arrive Lhasa 18.30
Thankga Hotel
38 Yutuo Road
Lhasa 85000, Tibet
Ph: 0011-86-891-6367288
Fx: 6367299
28/04/2012 Lhasa (BLD)
The Potala Palace
Above the banks of the Lhasa River, at an altitude of 3,760m and surrounded by beautiful landscapes, lies the mysterious city of Lhasa. It is dominated by the extraordinary architectural wonder, the Potala Palace. Lhasa, which in Tibetan means 'Land of the Gods', has a population of 400,000, of which 87% are Tibetan. Its history dates back 1,300 years and we start our tour with a visit to Moburi Mountain and the Potala Palace. Often referred to as 'the bright pearl in the roof of the world', the palace is the traditional winter home of the Dalai Lama.
It stands 117m tall, has over 1,000 rooms and the palace walls are more than three metres thick. After lunch we visit the old city of Lhasa. The fascinating marketplace is often referred to as 'the window of Tibet', as it showcases Tibetan customs and culture.
29/04/2012 Lhasa (BLD)
Dalai Lama's summer residence at Norbulinka
Today we visit beautiful Norbulinka Park. From the mid-18th century each successive Dalai Lama used the park and palace as a summer residence. All religious and political affairs were carried out here and in 1994 UNESCO granted it World Heritage status. In the afternoon we visit the Lhasa Hospital of Tibetan Medicine where we learn about the use of herbs, plants and root vegetables in this ancient science.
30/04/2012 Lhasa (BLD)
Prayer wheels in old Lhasa
After breakfast we continue to explore this fascinating city. One of today's highlights is a visit to the extraordinary Sera Monastery. The complex was called Sera (meaning 'wild rose' in Tibetan) because the hillside behind it was once covered in wild roses.
As a part of their study, lamas here must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique and provide an amazing spectacle. Debates are conducted by the lamas every day, beginning at 3am. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
01/05/2012 Lhasa - Gyangtse (BLD)
At the Kambala Pass overlooking Yamdruk Lake
After breakfast we leave Lhasa and drive 280 km through magnificent countryside to the ancient city of Gyangtse. En-route we picnic by the turquoise waters of Yamdruk Lake and in the afternoon, pass the 5000m Kanola Glacier, before reaching Gyangtse early evening.
Gyangtse Hotel
8 Yingxiong Road
Gyangtse
Ph: 0011-86-892-8172222
Fx: 8172220
02/05/2012 Gyangtse - Shigatse (BLD)
Pecho Monastery
The ancient walled town of Gyangtse is set in a pretty and fertile valley. This morning we visit the Kunbon Stupa and Pecho Monastery, which embraces all sects of Buddhism in Tibet. We then drive 90 km to Tibet's second-largest city, Shigatse. Meaning 'fertile land', Shigatse is more than 600 years old and sits at the confluence of the Yarlong Tsangpo and Nyangchu rivers. It is the traditional seat of the Punchen Lama and is an important stop for pilgrims travelling between Lhasa and western Tibet.
Shigatse Hotel
13 Shanghai Road
Shigatse
Ph: 0011-86-892-8822550
Fx: 8821900
03/05/2012 Shigatse - Tingri (BLD)
Prayer flags on the Tibetan Plateau
After breakfast we drive along the Friendship Highway to the remote town of Tingri. En-route we visit the Sakya Monastery, which resembles a castle in typical Yuan Dynasty style. It contains over 10,000 volumes of Tibetan books on astronomy, medicine, calligraphy and history. This is another day of fantastic scenery as we travel to within sight of Mount Everest and we make many scenic stops before the sun begins to set behind her northern face.
Chomalungma Hotel
Balba Township
Tingri, Tibet
Ph: 001186-892-8262221
Fx: 8262223
04/05/2012 Tingri - Everest Rongbuk Base Camp - Tingri (BLD)
Peter Renouf at Everest Base Camp
After breakfast we drive 100 km to Everest Rongbuk Base Camp. The mountain stands before us, soaring 8,848m into the heavens. There are few sights on earth that challenge the imagination in quite the same way. In the afternoon we visit Rongbuk, which was once the largest monastic centre in the region. It is a settlement that all mountaineers must pass through when attempting the treacherous north face of Everest.
05/05/2012 Tingri - Zhangmu (BLD)
Tibetan women at Zhangmu
This morning we leave Tingri and drive across the high Tibetan Plateau to the trade-post town of Nylam. We then continue to Zhangmu, the border town. En-route we visit the Milarepa Cave where Milarepa, Tibet's greatest yogi of the 11th century, meditated.
Zhangmu Hotel
2 China - Nepal Road
Zhangmu, Tibet
Ph: 0011-86-892-8742221
Fx: 8742220
06/05/2012 Zhangmu - Kathmandu (BLD)
Office manager Nia Carras at the Friendship Bridge
An early morning start today as we descend to the Friendship Bridge that divides Tibet and Nepal. After clearing Chinese border formalities, we walk across the bridge to the Nepalese border town of Kodari from where it is a short drive to the capital, Kathmandu.
Vaishali Hotel
Po Box 206
Thamel, Kathmandu
Ph: 0011-977-1-4413968
Fx: 414510
07/05/2012 Kathmandu (BLD)
Hindu temple, Kathmandu
The fertile Kathmandu valley lies at an altitude of 1,200-1,500m. Although small in size, no fewer than seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites are to be found within the valley. These architectural wonders are monuments to Nepal's past prosperity and artistry, which essentially make the whole area a living museum. This morning we take a leisurely tour of Kathmandu and the afternoon is free to continue exploring this extraordinary city.
08/05/2012 Kathmandu (BLD)
Boudhanath Stupa from the air
Today is extremely special as we immerse ourselves in Nepalese culture, meeting the Kathmandu locals and attending an extraordinary festival.
09/05/2012 Kathmandu - Singapore (B)
Late morning we transfer to the airport for our flight home via Singapore.
Depart Kathmandu Silk Air MI 411, 13.00
Arrive Singapore 20.15
On arrival in Singapore we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian city.
10/05/2012 Singapore - Australia
We arrive back in Australia today.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Energetic
APRIL 2012 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: AUD $7,997.00
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1,397
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* All flights between Australia & China/Nepal & Australia
* All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
* All accommodation (twin-share)
* All ground transportation and transfers
* All meals as specified
* All local guides
* Travel Directors tour escort
* All entrance fees in specified sightseeing
* All visas and courier fees
* All tips and gratuities
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance
* Personal expenses
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final tour costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 at the time of booking.
All escorted tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
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