Group Tours:
The Panda Experience
Tibetan Adventure
The Historical Orient
Legendary Yangtze Cruise
China Explorer
China Delights
The Hidden Villages
China in a Week
Golden Waterway Voyage
The Grand Emperor
Winter Special
Other Far East Destinations:
Japan
Nepal
Mongolia
Singapore & Malaysia

Tibetan Adventure

23 days with Taj Mahal extension from just £3,260 per person

Day 1 – London Heathrow to Beijing

Depart from London Heathrow airport for scheduled flight to Beijing. We can also arrange departures from your local airport.

Day 2 – Beijing

Arrive at Beijing Capital Airport and transfer to hotel in city centre.

Later this afternoon we visit the Temple of Heaven – the famous landmark of Beijing built in 1420 to accommodate the shrine of God of Heaven. Conclude today with a welcome dinner in a traditional Chinese restaurant – free flow of beer and soft drink. (L/D)

Day 3 – Beijing

Start our tour this morning with a visit to Tiananmen Square – the largest public square in the world. Walking through the Gate of Heavenly Peace (with late Chairman Mao’s huge portrait hanging over the gate), we enter the magnificent Forbidden City – which served as imperial palaces for 24 emperors since the 15th century. This massive palace compound never fails to impress.

In the afternoon the tour continues to the enchanting Summer Palace – the largest imperial garden in China. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake. (B/L)

Day 4 – Beijing

Today we travel outside the city to the Great Wall at Badaling. You will be given plenty of time to explore this magnificent monument and climb to the top.

Afternoon is spent visiting the Ming Tombs – 13 Ming Emperors were buried in the basin surrounded by Tiger and Dragon Mountains. The evening is time to relax with a traditional Peking duck banquet! (B/L/D)

Day 5 – Beijing to Xian

This morning we take a short flight to Xian – the ancient capital of the Middle Kingdom. Upon arrival the tour continues to the magnificent Terracotta Warriors and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Tonight we enjoy a spectacular Tang Dynasty dinner show. (B/L/D)

Day 6 – Xian to Chengdu

Today we visit the Ancient City Wall and the Great Mosque in Xian’s Muslim quarter before flying to Chengdu. Upon arrival, visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Traditional teahouses flourish here as the centre of local gossip and entertainment. Step into a local teahouse to get a glimpse of Chengdu people’s daily life. (B/L)

Day 7 – Chengdu

Day trip to Leshan. Visit the Grand Buddha Statue – the largest stone Buddha sculpture in the world. We then take a boat to Wuyou Si Monastery, touring around the Luohan Hall.

After a sizzling Sichuan style dinner, we’ll enjoy the Chuan Opera performance and be dazzled by the spectacular changing-mask technique.  (B/L/D)  

Day 8 – Chengdu to Lhasa

Enjoy a relaxing morning. Those who feel particularly energetic can follow your tour manager to visit a lively local market.

Flight to Lhasa in the afternoon. Transfer to 4* Lhasa Hotel. It’s important to take plenty of rest on the first day to get used to the high altitude. Dinner in hotel. (B/D)

Day 9 – Lhasa

Today we visit the Potala Palace, built in the 7th century, this used to be the winter palace of Dalai Lama. This afternoon we visit Norbulingka – Dalai Lama’s summer palace.

In the evening enjoy a Tibetan style dinner in a family restaurant – our friendly hostess will invite us to taste the homemade barley beer – it’s considered offensive to turn it down. (B/L/D)

Day 10 – Lhasa

We start our tour today with a trip outside the city to Sera Monastery – one of the three largest Gelupa monasteries. Afternoon return to the city to visit Jokhang Temple and the colourful Barkhor Market. (B/L/D)

Day 11 – Lhasa to Gyantze

Travel by coach to Gyantze. On the way we’ll visit the stunning Yamdrok Yumtso Lake. Upon arrival, tour to the Palkhor Temple. Stay overnight in 3* Gyantze Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 12 – Gyantze to Shigatze

We continue our journey this morning to the second largest city in Tibet – Shigatze, and visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery. Stay overnight in 3* Shigatze Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 13 – Shigatze to Dingri

We continue our journey today to Dingri, and visit the Sakya Monastery on the way. This monastery is a ‘must see’ for visitors to Tibet, divided into the Northern Monastery and Southern Monastery by the Drum River. Stay overnight in Dingri. (B/L/D)

Day 14 – Dingri / Mt Everest Base Camp

Today we drive to the Mt Everest Base Camp and visit the Rongbuk Monastery, the sacred threshold to Mt Everest with the most dramatic views in the world, a power place through which all seeking the highest peak via the North Face must pass. Return to Dingri later. (B/L/D)

Day 15 – Dingri to Zhangmu

Today we drive to Zhangmu at the border of Tibet and Nepal. Benefiting from its geographic feature, this small town has become the major trading post between Tibet and Nepal. The unusual climate here gives Zhangmu warm and humid weather all year round, creating some beautiful and stunning scenery. (B/L/D)

Day 16 – Zhangmu to Kodari to Kathmandu, Nepal

Say farewell to our Tibetan guide and driver. We walk across the Friendship Bridge to enter Nepal and are greeted by our Nepal guide and driver. Drive to Kathmandu. Check in to the 5* Annapurna Hotel or similar. (B/L)

Day 17 – Kathmandu

Today we tour to Swayambhu Nath Stupa – one of the most ancient stupa in Nepal. Take a leisurely walk in Kathmandu, the city blessed with beauty and harmony, perfectly set in the green valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. (B/L)

Day 18 – Kathmandu

Excursion to the Pashupati Nath Temple – the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal. Later visit the ancient city – Patan, a city full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 19 – Kathmandu to London Heathrow via Delhi

Optional early morning flight over Mt Everest and Himalayas in light aircraft for unforgettable views and pictures (cost £120 per person). Transfer to airport for flight back to London via Delhi. (B)

Day 20 – London Heathrow

Arrive in London. End of itinerary.

Delhi & Taj Mahal Extension:

Day 19 – Kathmandu to Delhi

Transfer to airport for flight to Delhi. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the 5* Metropolitan Hotel Nikko or similar. (B)

Day 20 – Delhi

This morning we visit the Red Fort, a fort constructed between 1638-1648 by the Shah. We then continue to Jama Masjid, the Great Mosque of Old Delhi, which is then followed by a rickshaw ride to Chandri Chowk, the main street of Old Delhi to Raj Ghat, which is the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.

In the afternoon we tour New Delhi, visiting Qutuab Minar and the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun. Finally today we drive past India Gate (War Memeorial), President’s House (which was once the Viceroy’s Palace), Parliament House and Secretarial Buildings. (B)

Day 21 – Delhi/Taj Mahal

Early morning transfer to New Delhi railway Station to board the Shatabdi Express train to Agra. Breakfast will be served onboard the train. Upon arrival we will visit Fatehpur Sikri, a city built by Emperor Akbar but later abandoned due to scarcity of water. We will have the opportunity this morning to see the graceful buildings within the city including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Christi and Panch Mahal.

This afternoon we visit the world famous Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife who died during childbirth. We will also have time to visit Agra Fort which was constructed on the banks of the Yamuna River .

Evening transfer to Agra Railway Station to board the Shatabdi Express back to Delhi. Dinner will be served onboard the train, and upon arrival you will be transferred back to your hotel. (B/D)

Day 22 – Delhi to London Heathrow

Full day free for independent activities. Late evening transfer to airport for flight to London Heathrow. (B)

Day 23 – London Heathrow

Arrive in London. End of itinerary.

20 Days Package Price from just £2,890 per person (Single supplement £420)

23 Days Package Price from just £3,260 per person (Single supplement £540)

Price includes:

• International flight London – Beijing / Kathmandu – London via Delhi
• Hotel accommodation (on twin share basis)
• Meals as described (B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner)
• Daily supply of bottled water
• Fully escorted tours with English speaking guides
• Delhi / Agra / Delhi Shatabdi Express train tickets (Delhi extension only)
• All domestic flights
• All airport taxes and service charges
• Monument entrance fee for Delhi extension only

Price excludes:

• Travel insurance (can be arranged, please ask for details)
• Tips to guides and drivers
• Chinese visa
• Indian visa

More information on Holidays and Travel from China to Tibet.

Tibetan Adventure Departure – Return Dates:

Date (depart – return)	Price	*with Delhi extension
07 – 26 / 29* May 2011	£2,890 per person	£3,260 per person
17 Sep – 06 / 09* Oct 2011	£2,950 per person	£3,320 per person
08 – 27 / 30* Oct 2011	£2,950 per person	£3,320 per person