Asia and South Pacific

Transcription

41
The Caucasus
Azerbaijan,
Georgia
& Armenia
Karahunj - Armenia’s
Stonehenge - 5500 B.C.
georgia pass
georgia
akhaltsikhe
gori
Situated between Russia in the north and Iran
and Turkey in the southwest lies the region best
known as the Caucasus. Azerbaijan, Georgia and
Armenia were all former Soviet Republics, each
with their own rich and unique history, language
and culture.
gudauri
telavi
tbilisi
vardzia
haghpat
armenia
sheki
sevan
yerevan
shemakha
baku
khor
virap
noravank
karahunj
tatev
azerbaijan
khndzoresk
goris
Daily Itinerary
Fact File
• 20 days
• Maximum 16 travelers
• Start in Baku, Azerbaijan and finish in
Yerevan, Armenia
• All meals included
Highlights
• Explore the medieval town of Baku
• Visit Zoroastrian Fire Temples and 6000year old Stone and Iron Age Petroglyphs
• Visit the wine region of Georgia
• Travel along the famed Georgian Military
Highway to the Caucusus Mountains
• Visit Tbilisi and sample Georgian foods
• Explore the cave-monastery of Vardzia
• See Lake Sevan in Armenia
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites
of Geghard and Echmiadzin
• Wander the streets of Yerevan and gaze
at the vista of Mt. Ararat
Day 1: Arrive in Baku
Day 2: Baku - Old Town, Shirvan Shah’s
Palace
Day 3: Absheron Peninsula & Gobustan
Day 4: To Shemakha, Lahij and Sheki
Day 5: Sheki
Day 6: Sheki to Telavi, Georgia
Day 7: Telavi to Davit Gareja to Tbilisi
Day 8: Tbilisi
Day 9: Tbilisi to Gudauri
Day 10: Georgia Pass - Gudauri
Day 11: To Akhaltsikhe via Gori
Day 12: Day Trip to Vardzia
Day 13: Akhaltsikhe to Tbilisi
Day 14: To Haghpat, Lake Sevan, Armenia
Day 15: To Sevan Monastery/Selim
Pass/Karahunj/Tatev/Goris
Day 16: To Khndzoresk/Noravank/
Areni/Khor Virap/Yerevan
Day 17: To Garni/Geghard/Yerevan
Day 18: Yerevan
Day 19: Trip to Echmiadzin
Day 20: Depart Yerevan
We begin our journey in Baku, Azerbaijan, one
of the first oil cities of the world. Natural gas
vents led rise to the religion of Zoroastrianism
and their fire temples, which still burn bright
today. We will explore the nearby Ashberon Peninsula and marvel at 6000 year old petroglyphs.
Continuing into the mountains we enter Georgia and get our first taste of their famed wines
in the Kakheti region. Later continue to the
beautiful capital of Tbilisi. Heading north we
travel the famed Georgian Military Highway to
the Caucasus Mountains. Everywhere we turn
we see evidence of Georgian pride and religion
in their majestic churches.
Crossing into Armenia we stop at Lake Sevan,
one of the highest fresh-water lakes in the
world. We will use the capital, Yerevan as our
base to explore the Armenian countryside as we
visit cave monasteries, churches and pilgrimage
sites, with holy Mt. Ararat our constant companion. We also visit the 7,500 year old astrological site of Karahunj, (3,500 yrs older than
Stonehenge) and the ancient cave dwellings of
Khndzoresk.
The Caucasus is famous for its hospitality,
sumptuous foods, fine wines and stunning
mountain scenery. Join us on this fascinating
journey into a lesser-known region of the world.
Departure Dates & Prices
May 17 – Jun 05, 2016 - $6895 USD
Sep 06 – Sep 25, 2016 - $6895 USD
May 16 – Jun 04, 2017 - $6995 USD
Sep 12 – Oct 01, 2017 - $6995 USD
Activity Level: 2/3
Comfort Level: Some rough roads,
long drives.
Accommodations
Comfortable accommodations with
private bathrooms. Shared facilities at
guesthouse in Georgia for one night.
Garni - Roman Temple of the Sun
Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com
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Khor Virap Monastery
and Mt. Ararat
43
SRI
LANKA
anuradhapura
habarana
sigiriya
dambulla
polonnaruwa
negombo
colombo
Kelani
River
galle
hunnas falls
kandy
nuwara eliya
yala
ella
horton
national
plains
park
Fact File
• 17 days
• Start and finish in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Highlights
• Visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
• Discover Polonnaruwa - the medieval
capital of Sri Lanka
• Explore Dambulla Cave Temple - an
important site of Buddhist pilgrimage
• Optional water-rafting on Kelani river
• Explore Horton Plains and Yala National
Parks
• Search for leopards, elephants, sloth
bears, mugger crocodiles, barking deer,
wild buffalos, jackals, bear monkeys,
brown-headed gulls, cormorants, herons,
flamingos and other wildlife
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to
Negombo
Day 2: Boat Ride Through the Dutch
Canal, City Tour of Negombo
Day 3: Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage,
Habarana
Day 4: Anuradhapura, Sigiriya
Day 5: Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa
Day 6: Dambulla Cave Temple, to
Elkaduwa
Day 7: Simpson Trail Hike
Day 8: Kandy
Day 9: Optional White-Water Rafting,
Drive to Nuwara Eliya Hill Station
Day 10: Horton Plains National Park
Day 11: Nuwara Eliya - Ella
Days 12-13: Yala National Park
Day 14: East Coast Recovery Drive to Galle
Day 15: Madhu River Excursion - Colombo
Day 16: Colombo
Day 17: Depart Colombo
Oct 31 – Nov 16, 2016 - $5495 USD
Oct 30 – Nov 15, 2017 - $5495 USD
Activity Level: 3
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Comfort Level: Some long drives.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotels with private bathrooms.
Encounter the magic of Sri Lanka - the
island nation formerly known as Ceylon
is once again open to visitors. Coastlines
give way to a cool and rugged mountainous
interior. Magnificent archaeological sites,
ancient kingdoms and forests teeming with
wildlife - Sri Lanka promises an adventure
packed with diversity, wildlife and culture.
ElderTreks’ program to Sri Lanka has
been designed to highlight the natural
and cultural wonders of this exotic island
nation. Explore the national parks,
archaeological sites, cascading waterfalls
and lush tropical jungles. Visit an elephant
orphanage, search for leopards on game
safaris and listen to the delightful sounds
from the exotic birds along our nature
walks. Sri Lanka’s natural heritage is sure
to impress. Our adventure also maximizes
interaction with local people. Visit tea
plantations, craft villages, spice markets
and local schools. The people of Sri Lanka
are welcoming, vibrant and eager to show
you their way of life.
Come a little closer - the air is fragrant
with the scent of jasmine and temple
flowers. Mysterious and exotic Sri Lanka
awaits you!
new delhi
jaipurbharatpur
pushkar
agra
jodhpur
ranthambore varanasi
n.p. khajuraho
udaipur
india
Fact File
• 21 land days
• Start and finish in New Delhi
• Includes 3 internal flights
Highlights
• Explore Rajasthan’s highlights
• Search for tigers in Ranthambore N.P.
• Explore Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
• Visit the Taj Mahal, Khajuraho and
Fatehpur Sikri
• Experience the sunrise on the Holy
Ganges River in Varanasi
• Discover Pushkar, Camel Safari
• Visit 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi
Day 2: City Tour of New & Old Delhi
Day 3: To Varanasi, Evening Ceremony
on the Ganges
Day 4: Varanasi, Sunrise on the Holy
Ganges River, Visit Sarnath
Day 5: Khajuraho
Day 6: Orchha, Local Home Experience
Day 7: Amermahal Palace, Train to Agra
Day 8: Agra - Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and
Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb
Day 9: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Day 10: Ranthambhore National Park
Day 11: Ranthambhore National Park,
Safaris
Day 12: To Jaipur
Day 13: Jaipur - Amber Palace Fort,
Astronomical Observatory & City Palace
Day 14: To Pushkar
Day 15: Pushkar Sites or Camel Festival
Day 16: To Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort
Day 17: Villages of Bisnois, Ranakpur
Jain Temple, to Kumbhalgarh
Day 18: Udaipur - Khumbal Garh Fort
and Culture Show
Day 19: Udaipur - City Palace, Sunset Cruise
Day 20: New Delhi - Cultural Experience
Day 21: Depart New Delhi
* Oct 27 - Nov 16, 2016 - $7195 USD
Feb 06 - Feb 26 , 2017 - $7395 USD
* Oct 16 - Nov 05, 2017 - $7395 USD
*Features Pushkar Camel Festival
In New Delhi, we tour India’s regal capital,
then travel to Varanasi to witness the rituals
of bathing, prayer and funerals on the Holy
Ganges River as they have been performed
for thousands of years.
In Khajuraho, we visit the exquisitely carved
temple complex, then journey to Orchha for
a local home experience. We board the train
to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal - one of the
most sublime structures ever built. We visit
the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, and journey to
Ranthambore National Park, one of India’s
most important tiger reserves.
The highlight for many participants of
November departures is the Pushkar Camel
Festival, one of India’s greatest events.
Watch as men gather to trade, ride and race
camels within a carnival-like setting. It is
truly a spectacle not to be missed! Throw in
the color of Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan
for a truly wonderful adventure.
Pushkar Camel Festival (fall dates)
Every year, we visit the Pushkar Camel
Festival to see the oasis town of Pushkar
blossom into a world-class spectacle of
buyers, sellers and over 50,000 camels.
Held for five days and culminating on the
auspicious Purnima (full moon of the Hindu
month of Kartik), the Pushkar Camel Fair is
one of India’s greatest festivals.
Activity Level: 2
Comfort Level: Some rough/dusty
roads and long drives.
Taj Mahal
Accommodations
Few countries can match the splendor
of India, an ancient culture imbued with
exotic traditions. A beautiful land of worldclass sites, both natural and man-made,
awaits you. From the plains to the rugged
Himalayas, India is one of the world’s great
travel destinations. Our program highlights
the famous sites of the north as well as
lesser-known, but equally fascinating sites
such as Ranthambore National Park.
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47
48
Tribes &
Temples
of india
• 21 land days
• Start in Bhubaneshwar, finish in Cochin
• Includes 1 internal flight
Kondh Tribe, To Chandoori Sai
Day 8: Onukadelli Market and Paraja &
Gaddava Tribes
Day 9: To Vishakhapatnam
Day 10: Fly to Chenni, Drive to Mahabali
Puram
Day 11: Shore & Varaha Cave Temples
(UNESCO)
Day 12: Pondicherry - Sri Aurobindo
Ashram
Day 13: Thanjavur - Brihadeewarar Temple
Day 14: Tiruchirapalli - Sri
Ranganathaswamy Temple; To Madurai
Day 15: Meenakshi Temple
Day 16: To Thekkady
Day 17: Periyar: Boat Journey and Spice
Garden
Day 18: Kumarakom
Day 19: Backwaters cruise, Kochi (Cochin)
Day 20: Sites of Cochin; Synagogue, Dutch
Palace & St. Francis Church
Day 21: Depart Kochi (Cochin)
Highlights
bhubaneshwar
muniguda
puri
chandoori gopalpur
sai
vishakhapatnam
INDIA
indian
ocean
chennai
(madras)
mahabalipuram
pondicherry
thanjavur
cochin
madurai
kumarakom periyar n.p.
Fact File
• Visit a Gaddava village
• Visit the Onukadelli Market to see the
Paraja and Gaddava Tribes
• Visit the Chatikona Market to see the
Dongria Kondh Tribe
• Explore Brihadiswara, Sun, Shore &
Varaha Cave Temples
• Visit the ancient city of Madurai and
Meenakshi Temple
• Enjoy the famous Kathakali dances
• Cruise the backwaters of Kerala
Daily Itinerary
Nov 17 - Dec 07, 2016 - $7295 USD
Nov 09 - Nov 29, 2017 - $7395 USD
Activity Level: 2
Accommodations
where we visit the Sun Temple in Konark.
Our experience in Orissa province focuses
on remote tribal villages (and markets)
including the tribal Bonda, Gaddava,
Dongria Kondh, and Mali. These original
inhabitants of India are a true highlight of
India that most never see.
From Chennai to Madurai, visit numerous
UNESCO sites, including the Shore Temple
(7th century) and the Brihadiswara Temple,
with its massive granite dome. We also
visit ‘Descent of the Ganges’ (UNESCO),
the Five Rathas, the Shore, Brihadeewarar,
Sri Ranganathaswamy and Meenakshi
Temples.
Periyar National Park offers wildlife viewing
by boat as we look for, barking deer, wild
pigs, wild dogs, flying squirrels, bird life
and sloth bears.
To truly experience life in the backwaters of
Kerala, one must cruise through the canals,
villages and rice fields by boats.
Our journey concludes with travelling
through tea, coconut and rubber
plantations that dot the lush, green
countryside around Cochin, where we
also take in a performance of the famous
Kathakali dancers.
Combines with Classic India.
Comfortable hotels with private
bathrooms except for 4 nights in
triple share while in Muniguda and
Chandoori Sai with shared bathrooms
and basic accommodations. No single
accommodation available for Days
5,6,7,8.
Day 1: Arrival in Bhubaneshwar
Marvel at ancient temples dedicated to
Day 2: Bhubaneshwar - Temples & Tribal
Hindu gods and goddesses. Visit national
Museum
parks and cruise backwater canals.
Day 3: Sun Temple (UNESCO); Puri by
Experience fascinating tribal cultures of
Rickshaw
Eastern India. Explore southern India’s
Day 4: Explore Chilika Lake
vast cultural heritage, from British, French
Day 5: Journey to Tribal India
and Jewish influences, to the ancient
capitals of the Chola and Pallava Kings.
Day 6: Muniguda, New Hope NGO
Community
Our journey begins in Bhubaneshwar,
Day 7: Chatikona Market & Dongria
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Mountains &
monasteries
of northern
india
Features the colourful
Hemis Festival
indus
river
LEH
ALCHI
sarchu
chamba
dalhousie
DHARAMSALA/
McLeod Ganj
amritsar
jispa
naggar
INDIA
DELHI
Fact File
• 21 land days
• Start and finish in Delhi
Highlights
• Sightseeing of Delhi
• Enjoy Ladakh and the the Himalayas
• Visit Shey, Thikse and Hemis
Monasteries
• See the 900-year-old murals of Alchi
• Travel over the world’s highest pass
• Experience a local home-stay in the
foothills of the Himalayas
• Travel to Dharamsala, home of the
Tibetan Government in exile
• Visit the Dalai Lama monasteries
• Visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar
• Attend the colourful Hemis Festival in
Leh
The Golden Temple
50
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi
Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing, Train to Amristar
Day 3: Amritsar, Golden Temple
Day 4: Dalhousie
Day 5: Chiminu Village - Himalayan Home Stay
Day 6: Himalayan Home Stay, trekking options
Day 7: Himalayan Home Stay, cooking class
Day 8: To Dharamsala
Day 9: Dalai Lama’s Monastery, Dharamsala
Day 10: To Naggar; Naggar Castle
Day 11: Naggar
Day 12: Over the Rohtang pass to Jispa
Day 13: Sarchu
Day 14: To Leh
Day 15: Sites of Leh
Day 16: Hemis Festival in Leh
Day 17: To Nubra Valley over the Khardung
La pass (highest motorable pass in the world)
Day 18: To Alchi
Day 19: Return to Leh; Lamayuru Monastery,
Basgo Castle
Day 20: Fly back to Delhi
Day 21: Depart Delhi
Jun 30 - Jul 20, 2016 Jun 20 - Jul 10, 2017 -
$5295 USD
$5395 USD
Activity Level: 2
Comfort Level: 8 days over 9,000 feet. Some
rough, dusty roads and long drives.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotels/guesthouses with private
bathroom facilities. Homestay with basic
accommodation in Himachal Pradesh (single
accommodation may not be available). 1
night mobile tented camp stay in Sarchu with
limited electricity and heating.
Experience a more remote, serene and
spiritual India! See snowcapped Himalayan
peaks as you traverse the world’s highest pass.
Visit the holy Sikh ‘Golden Temple’. Savour
the local culture of a home stay in a beautiful
Himalayan valley and feel enlightened as you
encounter Tibetan Buddhist monks, culture,
monasteries and chants that echo through
the mountains and valleys.
We begin in Delhi, the capital of India, before
taking a fast train to Amritsar where we
visit the Golden Temple. The Golden Temple
glitters with gold and marble and is one of the
holiest Sikh shrines. Afterwards we drive up
into the foothills of the Himalayas stopping at
the 6th century town of Chamba. Experience
a 3-night home stay in the Panj- La Valley, our
base of exploration and tranquility.
Set against the backdrop of mountains, we
visit Dharamsala. Perched on the high slopes
of the upper reaches of Kangra Valley, it is
synonymous with the Tibetan government
in exile and the home of Tibetan leader, His
Holiness, the Dalai Lama. We drive over a
series of dramatic mountain passes stopping
in the towns of Jispa and Serchu before
arriving into Leh, the most important town in
the Ladakh region. Nestled in a valley of the
Indus River and surrounded by snow-covered
fringes of the Himalayas, Leh has a distinct
character that transports us back in time. A
major trading point where caravans came in
from the distant lands of Yarkand, Kashgar,
Tibet, Kashmir and northern India, the
market once bustled with activity. Today, Leh
is a center of Tibeto-Buddhist culture and has
only been open to travelers since 1974.
We travel over the spectacular Khardung
La Pass at 18,274 ft (5,570 m) as we drive
to Alchi to see the beautifully- preserved
900-year-old paintings. We have plenty of
time to explore the colorful temples and
gompas of the area, which reflect the culture
of Tibet and are home to many ancient
manuscripts, images of Buddha, icons,
thangkas and stupas. We fly back to Delhi for
a last day of sightseeing or shopping in the
old and new cities before concluding this truly
great adventure.
52
Nepal
Includes Spectacular
Everest flight
ANNAPURNA
POKHARA/
dhampus
tibet
BANDIPUR
NUWAKOT
CHITWAN dhamalgaon
N. P.
LUMBINI
india
MT. EVEREST
KATHMANDU
BHAKTAPUR
NEPAL
Fact File
• 18 land days
• Start and Finish in Kathmandu
Highlights
• Visit the ancient sites of Kathmandu,
Patan and Bhaktapur
• Enjoy your elephant safari in Chitwan
searching for rhinos, tigers and other
wildlife
• Enjoy spectacular Himalayan views on
your Everest Flight
• Visit Lumbini, birthplace of Buddha
• Explore the sites of Pokhara
• Hike in the Annapurna Range
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu
Day 2: Everest Flight, Explore Bhaktapur
& Patan
Day 3: Fly to Lumbini
Day 4: Lumbini - Birth place of Buddha
Days 5-6: Chitwan National Park
Days 7-8: Pokhara
Day 9: Dhampus, Fishtail Mountain
views
Day 10: Bandipur
Day 11: Exploring Bandipur
Day 12: Dhamalgaon
Day 13: Seti River
Day 14: River Rafting on Seti River;
drive to Nuwakot
Days 15: Local school visit in Nuwakot
Day 16: Kathmandu
Day 17: Exloring Kathmandu
Day 18: Depart Kathmandu
Departure Dates & Price
Oct 04 – Oct 21, 2016 - $4995 USD
Apr 07 – Apr 24, 2017 - $4995 USD
Oct 04 – Oct 21, 2017 - $4995 USD
Activity Level: 2/4
Comfort Level: Some rough roads,
long drives. 2 hikes (1 is optional) up
to 4 hours including some steep uphill/
downhill on rough terrain.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotels/guesthouses with
private washrooms. Single Supplement
rooms may not be available for 1 night
in Dhampus due to remote and unique
style of accommodation. Permanent
Tented camp 1 night with shared
facilities. Basic accommodations for 2
nights.
Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Annapurna, Lhotse
- these names have captured the imagination
of adventurers for over a century. Nepal may be
known for having the planet’s highest peaks but
it also is graced with beautiful terraced hillsides,
raging rivers, and vibrant green lowland jungles.
These extraordinary natural features are
complemented by the gracious welcome of the
people of this Himalayan kingdom.
Our adventure highlights the cultural and
natural features of Nepal. Marvel at Durbar
Square with its 1000-year old wooden buildings
and take in the burning ghats at Pashupatinath.
Explore Kathmandu’s smaller, more intimate
sister city, Patan, and walk through the ancient
streets of the restored capital of Bhaktapur. Visit
Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha and enjoy a
relaxing yet exciting day of rafting on the Seti
River.
On our mountain flight, fly next to the majestic
Himalayas, and enjoy a breathtaking view of
Mount Everest at over 29,000 feet. In Royal
Chitwan National Park, go on safari by day and
relax by night in the comfort of our charming
jungle lodge. In Pokhara, view the famed Fishtail
Peak, Machapuchare and enjoy moderate hikes
surrounded by surreal and magical scenery.
Please Note: This trip has an activity level
rating no higher than a 2 for 16 of the 18 days.
However, it can be considered a 4 based on only
2 days of more challenging hiking. 1 hike is
optional, where hiking can be up to 3 to 4 hours
including up to 45 minutes of uphill/downhill
hiking on uneven and sometimes steep terrain.
A second hike is mandatory for anyone who
wants to do the white water rafting (rafting level
2 or 3). Hiking to the Seti River can be 3 to 4
hours with a mandatory 45 minutes of downhill
hike on challenging terrain.
53
ElderTreks group at Everest Base Camp
54
Includes
Everest
Basecamp
mt. kailash
tibet
nepal
shigatse
lhatse lhasa
tingri
kathmandu
tsedang
gyantse
rongbuk
zhangmu
mt. everest
Day 14: To Zhangmu
Day 15: Through the Himalayas to
Kathmandu
Day 16: Exploring ancient Bhaktapur &
Patan
Day 17: Depart Kathmandu
Fact File
• 17 land days
• Start and finish in Kathmandu, Nepal
Highlights
• Explore Kathmandu, Nepal
• Explore the Jokhang Temple, Drepung
Monastery and Potala Palace in Lhasa
• View Mount Everest at Base Camp
• Meet Tibetan pilgrims and monks
• Traverse the Tibetan Plateau and the
Himalayas
• See the sites of Gyantse and Shigatse
• Visit (hike or drive) to Everest Base
Camp
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal
Day 2: Kathmandu - Old City
Day 3: Fly to Lhasa - Jokhang Temple,
Barkhor Bazaar
Day 4: Lhasa - Drepung and Sera Monasteris
Day 5: Lhasa - Potala, Dragon Pool,
Chagpori Hill
Day 6: Lhasa - Norbulinka
Day 7: Tsedang - Yambu Lakang Fort,
Samye Monastery
Day 8: To Gyantse via Kamba La and Karo
La Pass
Day 9: Palcho Monastery, Khumbum Stupa,
to Shigatse
Day 10: Shigatse Sites
Day 11: Xegar; base of Mount Everest
Day 12: Rongbuk Monastery - in the
Shadow of Mt. Everest
Day 13: Mt. Everest Base Camp Hike
(driving option)
Oct 03 - Oct 19, 2016 May 12 - May 28, 2017 Oct 09 - Oct 25, 2017 -
$5995 USD
$6195 USD
$6195 USD
Activity Level: 2
Comfort Level: High Elevation - 10
days over 9,000 feet. Some rough/dusty
roads and long drives. Temperatures can
be cold at night at high altitude.
Accommodations
1 night in communal Tibetan Yurt Tents at
Everest Base Camp & 1 night in very basic
guesthouse with non western shared bathrooms.
NOTE: accommodations outside major cities
can be quite basic compared to general Western
standards. We encourage bringing a sleeping
sheet and travel pillow.
Prayer flags flutter on wind-swept passes,
snow-capped Himalayan peaks touch
cobalt skies, plains of green barley and
yellow canola shoulder treeless brown
slopes and mountain monasteries echo
the chants of monks. The sights and
sounds of Tibet are fantastic and, for
many, magnetic.
Kathmandu is our rendezvous point,
where we spend a day touring before
taking a spectacular Himalayan flight
to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. To help us
acclimatize, we leisurely explore Tsedang
and the burial site of the ancient kings.
On our way to Lhasa, we visit Tibet’s first
monastery, Samye, on the shore of the
braided channels of the Yarlung Tsampo,
the world’s highest river. In Lhasa, we
see the towering 1,000-room Potala, the
former winter palace of the Dalai Lama.
We visit the religious sanctuaries of Sera,
Drepung and the Jokhang, Tibet’s most
religious structure. In the streets of Lhasa,
we can walk with Tibetan pilgrims around
one of the holiest paths in Tibet, the
Barkhor.
The journey continues to Gyantse and
Shigatse, via the 14,600-foot Karo La Pass,
overlooking Yamdrok Lake far below. In
Gyantse, the Khumbum Stupa is open for
the curious who want to view its 1,000
Buddhas.
In Shigatse, we wander through the
buildings of Tashilhunpo Monastery
and observe the beautiful paintings and
funerary pagodas of former Panchen
Lamas. We continue our overland journey
to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest in
the world. From here, Mount Everest,
or as the Tibetans call it, Qomolangma
“Mother of the Earth” is a formidable and
magnificent sight. At 29,035 ft (8, 850 m)
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in
the world.
Leaving the plateau, we descend through
the Himalayas. The land becomes greener
as we head into the Kathmandu Valley,
concluding one of the world’s great
overland journeys.
Potala Palace
55
Paro or Thimphu
Festival Included
gangtok 1 5 4
3
kalimpong
2
darjeeling
bhutan
bagdogra
phuentsholing
1 - thimphu
india
2 - paro
3 - wangdi
calcutta
4 - bumthang
5 - trongsa
Fact File
• 21 land days
• Starts and ends in Calcutta
Highlights
• In India, explore Darjeeling Hill Stations
• Ceremonies, Dances and Parades of Paro
or Thimphu Festivals
• Explore Bumthang, Tamshing Lhakhang
• Travel to Taktsang and Punakha Dzong
• Visit the Kingdom of Sikkim and the
Rumtek Monastery
• See Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s
3rd highest mountain
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Calcutta, India
Day 2: Calcutta - Kalighat Kali Temple
Day 3: Fly to Bagdogra, India - Tea Factory
Day 4: Darjeeling - Mt. Kanchenjunga
Day 5: Darjeeling - Mountaineering Institute
Day 6: Gangtok, Sikkim
Day 7: Gangtok - Institute of Tibetology
Day 8: Rumtek Monastery - Kalimpong, India
Day 9: Phuentsholing, Bhutan
Day 10: Spectacular drive to Thimphu
∆ Fall/Thimphu Festival Departures
Day 11: Thimphu Festival
Day 12: Thimphu
Day 13: To Punakha via Dochula Pass,
Punakha Dzong
Day 14: Punakha to Trongsa
Day 15: To Bumthang
Day 16: Bumthang - Jakar Dzong, Jambey
Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang
Day 17: Bumthang - Wangdi
Day 18: Wangdi - Paro
† Spring/Paro Festival Departures
Day 11: Sites of Thimphu
Day 12: To Wangdi via Dochula Pass,
Punakha Dzong
Day 13: To Bumthang
Day 14: Bumthang - Jakar Dzong, Jambey
Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang
Day 15: Trongsa
Day 16: Thimpu via Dochula Pass
Day 17: To Paro
Day 18: Paro Festival
Day 19: Hike to Taktsang Monastery
Day 20: Fly to Calcutta, Farewell Dinner
Day 21: Depart Calcutta
† Mar 06 – Mar 26, 2016 - $7195 USD
∆ Oct 02 – Oct 22, 2016 - $7195 USD
†* Mar 18 – Apr 07, 2017 - $7395 USD
∆* Sep 13 – Oct 03, 2017 - $7395 USD
* Dates may change due to Festivals.
Mt. Kanchenjunga - world’s 3rd highest
Activity Level: 2
Comfort Level: Elevation: 3 times
we drive over mountain passes just over
3000m/10000ft. Some rough/windy roads
and long drives. Temperatures can be cold
at night at high altitude so warm clothing
is necessary.
Accommodations
Land of the Peaceful Dragon - if ever there
was an intriguing description of a country,
this must be it. A land of friendly, devout
Buddhists, mountain monasteries and snowcapped 22,000-foot peaks, Bhutan and its
neighbors, Darjeeling and Sikkim, are the cultural explorer’s Philosopher’s Stone.
Our trip begins with a short flight to
Bagdogra, India. From here, we drive to the
former hill station of Darjeeling, famous for
its tea plantations, temperate climate and the
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Views
of Kanchenjunga (the world’s third highest
mountain) and a visit to a tea factory feature
prominently during our days in Darjeeling.
In Sikkim, a kingdom formerly closed to tourists, be awe-inspired by spectacular views of
mountain peaks. Experience a rare opportunity to mix with a traditional Himalayan
community, considered by many to be the last
Shangri-La.
We travel to Bhutan along winding mountain
roads. We visit Thimphu, the nation’s capital,
and wander through markets, Buddhist temples and monasteries. We journey to Wangdi
and visit the famous Punakha Dzong via the
Duchola Pass, with its stunning views of the
Himalayas.
Add a visit to Paro, where one can hike to
Taktsang Monastery and encounter Bhutan’s
gentle and gracious people. It’s the perfect
receipe for a magical itinerary set against the
mystical backdrop of the majestic Himalayas.
Our spring departure includes the colourful
Paro festival with parades, dances and ceremonies while our fall departure features the similarly enchanting Thimphu festival.
56
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Fact File
• 27 land days
• Start in Almaty, Kazakhstan and finish in
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Highlights
• Experience Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Tajik,
Turkmen and Russian cultures
• Walk through the Silk Road cities of
Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva
• Explore the ancient cities of Margush,
Merv and Nissa
• Marvel at the giant gas crater of Darwaza
in the middle of the Karakum Desert
• Enjoy one of Asia’s largest bazaars
• Visit remote regions with stunning
mountains and valleys
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Almaty
Day 2: Almaty
Day 3: To Chong Kemin Valley
Day 4: Chong Kemin Valley to Lake Issyk-Kul
Day 5: To Karakol
Day 6: Lake Issyk-Kul to Bishkek
Day 7: Day Trip to Al Archa Park
Day 8: To Osh
Day 9: Osh, Sulaiman Too Sacred Mountain
Day 10: To Khujand, Tajikistan
Day 11: To Istarafshan
Day 12: To Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Day 13: Tashkent, To Samarkand
Day 14: Samarkand
Day 15: To Bukhara
Day 16: Bukhara
Day 17: Bukhara, Train to Khiva
Day 18: Khiva
Day 19: To Konya Urgench & Darwaza
Day 20: To Ashgabat via Damla and Erbent
desert settlements
Day 21: Ashgabat, Archaeological Site of Nissa
Day 22: Fly to Mary and ancient Merv
Day 23: Margush - Bronze Age of Civilizations,
Fly to Ashgabat
Day 24: Ashgabat surroundings, Fly to
Turkmenbashi and Awassa
Day 25: Day trip to the canyons of Yangikala
Day 26: Fly to Ashgabat
Day 27: Departure from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Sep 19 - Oct 15, 2016 - $8495 USD
May 15 - Jun 10, 2017 - $8695 USD
Sep 18 - Oct 14, 2017 - $8695 USD
Activity Level: 2
Comfort Level: Some rough roads, long drives.
Accommodations
Comfortable accommodations with private bathrooms. 1 night basic accommodation (camping)
with basic, tented facilities at giant gas crater of
Darwaza. Quad accommodation on the train. No
single accommodation available on the train.
The Stans of Central Asia- for thousands
of years, these lands were sought after
and conquered by some of the world’s
greatest leaders from Alexander, Attila,
Genghis Khan, Tamerlane, Babur, Cyrus
and Darius of ancient Persia. Today it is
the world’s greatest adventure seekers
who are drawn to these exotic lands of
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan,
Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Lands filled
with harsh deserts, towering snow capped
peaks, ancient cities and fortresses with
exotic cultures.
In Kyrgyzstan explore Lake Issyk-Kul
and hike in stunning mountains. Explore
Bishkek, the capital city and visit the
ancient stone gods, which still remain a
mystery. In Osh, visit one of the biggest
bazaars in Central Asia and Sulaiman-Too
Sacred Mountain (UNESCO).
Enjoy the stunning scenery of Tajikistan.
In Khujand, we visit the Citadel,
Mausoleum, Madrassah, Mosque and
Bazaar. Visit Istarafshan, one of the oldest cities in Tajikistan with 2,500 years of
history.
Visit the historic cities of Tashkent,
Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva in
Uzbekistan, evoking images of caravans
travelling across deserts and over mountains linking the worlds of East and West.
These open-air museums are beautifully preserved Silk Road wonders filled
with mosques, tombs, monuments and
bazaars.
Crossing the border into Turkmenistan
we will camp in the Karakum Desert
overlooking a giant gas crater, one of the
most unusual sights in the world. Explore
Bronze Age Margush (2,500 - 1,500 B.C.)
and Merv, a collection of 5 ancient
cities that moved over the centuries as
the river changed its course. Our journey
leads us to Ashgabat, the splendid capital
of Turkmenistan built predominantly of
white marble, where we bid farewll to this
incredible journey!
58
Khiva
Samarkand
Taklamakan safari on
Bactrian camels
60
The Silk Road
China
Yellow Hat sect Tibetans of
Labrong Monastery
\Y\TXP
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Fact File
• 23 land days
• Start in Xian and finish in Urumqi
• Includes two overnight train journeys (soft
sleeper compartment) two domestic flights
Highlights
• Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian
• 5th century Buddhist temples at Bingling
(UNESCO)
• Labrang Monastery and the Yellow Hat
sect Tibetans
• Jaiyuguan and the Western end of the
Great Wall of China
• The Magao Grottos (UNESCO) of Dunhuang
• Oasis town of Turpan and the 1st century
ancient city of Gaochang
• Camel safari in the Taklamakan Desert
• The famed Sunday Market in Kashgar
• Travel along the Karakoram Highway and
visit the Khujerab Pass
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Xian
Day 2: Terra-Cotta Warriors of Xian
Day 3: Xian sites, fly to Lanzhou
Day 4: To Bingling Grottos (UNESCO), to
Xiahe
Day 5: Labrang Monastery (Tibetan),
train to Jiayuguan
Day 6: Western Great Wall, Wei-Jin
ancient tombs
Day 7: To Dunhuang, Ten-ThousandBuddha Gorge
Day 8: Mogao Grottoes, Train to Turpan
_PHU
Day 9: Ancient city of Idikut, Visit & lunch
with a local Uighur community
Day 10: Ancient City of Yargul, to Korla
Day 11: To Kuche, city sites
Day 12: Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves,
Tianshan Great Canyon
Day 13: To Hotan
Day 14: Desert trekking with Bactrian
Camels
Day 15: Sunrise over the Dunes, to Hotan
Day 16: Hotan Sites, to Yarkand
Day 17: Ancient Capital of Yarkand, to
Kashgar
Day 18: Tashkurgan, Tajik Villages and
Nomadic Herdsman
Day 19: Khunjerab Pass-Highest
International Border in the World, to
Karakul Lake
Day 20: Karakul Lake, to Kashgar
Day 21: Kashgar’s Ancient Sunday Market
Day 22: Urumqi, Heavenly Lake
Day 23: Back Home
May 09 – May 31, 2016 Sep 05 – Sep 27, 2016 May 08 – May 30, 2017 Sep 04 – Sep 26, 2017 -
The ancient Silk Road was a route that
connected Imperial Rome with China. For
centuries, it was the main exchange between
east and west, a conduit for religion and philosophy as well as goods and ideas. It was a
place of great ancient cities as well as religious
and spiritual centers of faith. Extending
4,000 miles (6,437 kilometers), the heart of
the great Silk Road was China.
Our adventure to a seldom-visited part of the
forbidden kingdom starts in the old imperial
capital of Xian, the terminus of the Silk Road.
Terra Cotta warriors are a testimony to once
powerful ancient armies. Evidence of the
spread of Buddhism can be seen in the stunning carved grottos in Bingling (a UNESCO
World Heritage site) as well as at Labrang
Monastery, home to the yellow-sect Tibetans.
We explore the ‘seldom-visited’ western portion of the Great Wall in Jiayuguan to witness
the extent of Chinese efforts to protect their
empire.
The great Taklamakan desert may have instilled fear in the hearts of intrepid travelers
of the past but we will enter this vast desert
for a camel safari, stopping at a number of oasis towns. We conclude our adventure on the
border of the great Pamir Mountain Range
before visiting the Uighur town of Kashgar
and the Famed Sunday Market before ending
our tour in Urumqi.
Join us as we explore the stunning landscapes, ancient sites and fascinating cultures
on our Chinese Silk Road adventure.
$5995 USD
$5995 USD
$6195 USD
$6195 USD
Activity Level: 3
Comfort Level: Some long drives
Accommodations
We stay in good accommodations — both
hotels and guesthouses, with private
bathroom facilities. The only exceptions
are overnight train rides (2) and one night
camping in the Taklamakan Desert.
Uighur men
of Kashgar
61
62
china
great wall
BEIJING
XIAN
YANGTSE
RIVER
shanghai
CHONGQING WUHAN
DAZU
GUILIN
HONG
KONG
Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang
Three Gorges Dam Tour, To Wuhan
Day 11: Wuhan - Train to Shanghai
Day 12: Shanghai
Day 13: Guilin
Day 14: Guilin, Li River Cruise, Yangshuo
Day 15: Fly to Hong Kong
Day 16: Hong Kong - Victoria Peak
Day 17: Depart Hong Kong
Sep 02 – Sep 18, 2016 Sep 08 – Sep 24, 2017 -
Fact File
• 17 land days
• Start in Beijing, finish in Hong Kong
• Includes train journey to Shanghai
Highlights
• Walk on the Great Wall
• 6 UNESCO sites
• Discover the Forbidden City
• Cosmopolitan city of Shanghai
• See the Terra Cotta Warriors
• Cruise the Yangtze Rivers Three Gorges
and visit the dam
• View the art in the Buddhist Caves at
Dazu
• Travel by boat on the Li River, Guilin
• View Hong Kong from Victoria Peak
$4995 USD
$4995 USD
Activity Level: 2
Accommodations
Comfortable, well-located accommodations
with private bathrooms throughout.
Includes 3 nights on a Yangtze River cruise
ship.
China - 5,000 years of history. That alone is
enough to draw most people to the Middle
Kingdom.
Imagine walking through a grand imperial
monument such as the Forbidden City - truly
a city within a city. In Xian, see the famed
Terra Cotta Warriors, each unique face
sculpted to last for eternity. Float down the
Yangtze River through the spectacular Three
Gorges and in Guilin, see karst limestone
peaks surrounded by rice paddies and the
Li River. Our Classic Route to China travels
through eastern China, showing you China’s
major cultural and natural sites.
We start in Beijing, one of the world’s great
cities, where large squares and monuments
grace grand boulevards. We explore Beijing’s
hutong’s (alleys), to experience daily life in this
ancient city.
In Xian, one of the ancient capitals of China,
we encounter the great wonder of the Terra
Cotta Warriors, an Emperor’s funerary
army built to protect him on his journey
to the afterworld. A stunning display of
craftsmanship, each soldier and horse are
unique. See the famous Buddhist caves at
Dazu and embark on a cruise through the
Three Gorges for a stunning display of massive
rock faces forged by the mighty Yangtze River.
We take a high speed train Shanghai, then fly
to Guilin to discover the sublime landscape,
regarded by the Chinese as the most beautiful
site in China. Limestone peaks are in contrast
to the serenity of surrounding rice paddies simply spectacular!
We finish our journey through Classic China
with the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong, to
enjoy its splendid sites.
Combines with Yunnan (China).
Terra Cotta Warriors
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Beijing
Day 2: Forbidden City, Beijing Opera
Day 3: The Great Wall of China, Ming
Tombs
Day 4: Beijing, fly to Xian
Day 5: Xian, Terra Cotta Warriors
Day 6: Xian, fly to Chongqing
Day 7: To Dazu, Buddhist Caves, Board
Yangtze River Cruise
Day 8: Yangtze River Cruise
Day 9: Yangtze River Cruise, Shennong
Stream
63
Includes
Tibetan plateau, Tacheng
‘Golden Monkey’
Reserve & UNESCO Panda
Breeding Sancturary
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Fact File
• 16 land days
• Start in Kunming, finish in Chengdu
• Includes 1 domestic flight
Highlights
• Visit ancient Dali and Lijiang
• See the Stone Forest
• View the Upper Yangtse and Mekong
• Explore Lijiang - a UNESCO World Heritage
Site
• Boat ride on Lake Erhai
• Travel to the Tibetan Plateau
• Visit the UNESCO Panda Breeding
Sanctuary
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kunming, China
Day 2: Stone Forest and Kunming
Day 3: Western Hills and Kunming
Day 4: Dali, Lake Erhai, Three Pagodas
Day 5: Dali, Boat Cruise on Lake Erhai
Day 6: To Shaxi
Day 7: To Shangri-La
Day 8: To Tacheng Nature Reserve
Day 9: Search for Golden Monkeys, To
Deqen via the Baimang Pass
Day 10: Mingyomg Glacier, Feilai Temple
Day 11: Explore the Tibetan-Himalayan
Region, return to Shangri-La
Day 12: To Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Day 13: Lijiang - Yufeng Temple,
Traditional Naxi Village
Day 14: Lijiang - Black Dragon Pool, fly to
Chengdu
Day 15: UNESCO Panda Breeding
Sanctuary; Chengdu City Tour
Day 16: Depart Chengdu
Apr 27 – May 12, 2016 Sep 18 – Oct 03, 2016 Apr 27 – May 12, 2017 Sep 24 – Oct 09, 2017 -
$3995 USD
$3995 USD
$3995 USD
$3995 USD
Activity Level: 2
Comfort Level: 6 days over 9,000 feet.
Some rough/dusty, windy roads and long drives.
Accommodations
bathroom facilities.
In the 13th century, Marco Polo wrote of Kunming and Yunnan: “The capital city named Yachi
is very great and noble. In it are found merchants
and artisans with a mixed population of idolaters,
Nestorian Christians, and Saracens or Mohametans. The land is fertile in rice and wheat...”
Yunnan’s diversity of natural wonders includes Himalayan peaks, fertile valleys, tropical rainforests,
tranquil lakes, nature reserves and thundering
rivers. The snow-capped mountains and glaciers
feed two of the world’s great rivers, the Mekong
and the Yangtse. Culturally, the area is a veritable
cornucopia of 24 colorful and exotic ethnic groups
including Yi, Lisu, Bai, Naxi, Li and Tibetan.
Starting in Kunming, we visit the Western Hills
and a temple carved out of the mountainside.
In the town of Dali, we explore ancient streets
surrounded by remnants of the city wall that
once protected inhabitants from invaders. In the
background, the Cangshan Mountains rise to
snowy heights. We cruise on beautiful Erhai Lake
before traveling to the town of Lijiang and walking
along footpaths over ancient canals and alongside
merchant shops.
We make our way to higher altitude as we begin
our journey to Shangri-La (formerly called
Zhongdian) and Deqen on the Tibetan Plateau.
We encounter Tibetans in their traditional villages, plowing fields with yaks in this truly rugged,
spectacular and seldom-visited Shangri-La. We
also travel to Tacheng Nature Reserve in search of
the very rare Yunnan Golden Monkey.
Finally, we board a plane to Chengdu in Sichuan
province, where we conclude our trip with a visit
to the UNESCO Panda Breeding Sanctuary.
Combines with Classic China.
Golden Monkey
64
Black Dragon Pool, Lijang
65
Naadam Festival
Includes The
Nadaam Festival
Karakoram
ULAANBAATAR
Day 12: Naadam - Closing Ceremony
Day 13: Fly to Gobi Desert - Yol Valley N.P.
Day 14: Hongor Els - Singing Sand Dunes
Day 15: Hongor Els - Singing Sand Dunes
Day 16: Return to Ulaanbaatar, Bogd
Khan Palace
Day 17: Depart Ulaanbaatar
Fact File
beijing
• 17 land days
• Start & finish in Ulaanbaatar
Highlights
• Feel the competitive excitement of the
Naadam Festival
• Enjoy beautiful Lake Hovsgol and the
stunning Mongolian landscape
• Explore Flaming Cliffs Dinosaur Site
• Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery
• Enjoy meeting welcoming Mongolians
• Experience life in 13th century’s
Mongolia
• View the world’s tallest equestrian
statue
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Day 2: Hogno Han
Day 3: To Karakoram - Ancient Capital of
the Mongols
Day 4: Przewalski Wild Horses, Return to
Ulaanbaatar
Day 5: Genghis Khan’s 13th Century ParkTerelj National Park
Day 6: To Ulaanbaatar
Day 7: Fly to Muron, Lake Hovsgol
Day 8: Lake Hovsgol - Hiking, boat ride
Day 9: Lake Hovsgol - Horseback and Yak
Cart Riding (optional)
Day 10: To Ulaanbaatar — Zanabazar
Museum of Fine Arts
Day 11: Naadam Festival - Competition &
Ceremony
Jul 01 – Jul 17, 2016 - $6695 USD
Jul 01 – Jul 17, 2017 - $6895 USD
Please note: Itinerary sequence and dates
are subject to change due to festival times,
train and internal flight schedules, but all
activities in this itinerary will be included.
Activity Level: 2
roads and long drives. Flexibility is key due
to changing internal airline schedules.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotel in Ulaanbaatar with private
bathrooms. Some basic accommodation in gers
(Mongolian circular tents) with shared facilities.
Singles not guaranteed in gers..
Grasslands extend to a horizon of cobalt-blue
skies, pastel-hued rocks color the Gobi Desert
and fast-flowing rivers cut deep canyons
in arid steppes in this remote Asian nation
land-locked between China and Russia. The
people, descendants of Genghis Khan, are an
eclectic mix of rugged nomads, Buddhist
monks, farmers and merchants. For the
truly adventurous, Mongolia holds the
promise of an exotic culture rarely visited
by travelers.
Starting in Ulaanbaatar, the tour uses the
capital as a hub to visit the Gobi Desert,
Lake Hovsgol and central Mongolia. In
the Gobi, we visit the Flaming Cliffs, a
world-class dinosaur site with remains so
plentiful that dinosaur eggshells can still
be found on the surface.
In Yol Valley National Park, we experience
a unique environment that includes
200 species of birds and 600 species of
vegetation.
We stay on the beautiful shores of Lake
Hovsgol. Surrounded by mountains and
forests, it contains three percent of the
earth’s fresh water. In central Mongolia,
we visit Gorkhi-Terelj and Bogd National
Parks. In Karakoram, we discover the
ruins of the ancient capital of the Mongols
and in Ulaanbaatar, we walk through
former royal palaces and visit the national
museum.
The highlight for many is the famous
Naadam Festival. Full of ceremony, pomp
and festive Mongolians, this event features
the “Three Sports of Men” - archery,
wrestling and horse racing. Our Mongolian
odyssey concludes in Ulaanbaatar.
67
Angkor Wat
68
Thailand
& Cambodia
Includes
Temples of Angkor
chiang
mae
mai
sariang
sukhothai
thailand
kanchanaburi
bangkok
angkor
cambodia
komphong
thom
Phnom
Penh
Fact File
• 22 land days
• Start and finish in Bangkok
Highlights
• Visit the floating market
• Encounter remote Hilltribe villages
• Visit the bridge over the River Kwai
• See the Grand Palace and Temple of
Dawn in Bangkok
• Explore ancient Sukhothai on bicycle
• Explore the temples of Angkor, including
Bantai Srei
• Visit the sites of Phnom Phen
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok
Day 2: Bangkok - Grand Palace, Wat Pra
Keo, Canal Trip
Day 3: Bangkok - Flower Market, Jim
Thompson’s House
Day 4: Floating Market, To Kanchanaburi
& the Bridge Over the River Kwai
Day 5: Hike or Swim at Erawan Falls
Day 6: To Sukhothai, Wat Mahadhat
Day 7: Sukhothai - Ancient Temples of
Classical Siam
Day 8: To Lampang - Elephant Hospital,
To Chiang Mai
Day 9: To Chiang Mai - Elephant Work
Camp, Orchid Nursery, Handicrafts,
Kantoke Dinner
Day 10: Chiang Mai - Thai Cooking
Lessons, Wat Doi Suthep
Day 11: Chiang Mai - Wat U Mong, Old City
by bicycle taxi
Day 12: To Mae Sariang, Obluang N. P., Mae
Ngao N.P., Bamboo Rafting
Day 13: To Mae Hong Son, Kaew Komol cave,
Hmong village
Day 14: Mae Hong Son - Longtail Boat to the
Long Neck Karen Hilltribe
Day 15: Fly to Phnom Penh (via Chiang Mai
& Bangkok)
Day 16: Phnom Penh - Royal Palace, Killing
Fields & Toul Sleng
Day 17: To Komphong Thom, Visit Pre-Angkor
Temples
Day 18: Komphong Thom - Siem Reap (Angkor)
Day 19: Explore the Grand Circuit of Angkor
Wat
Day 20: Angkor - Chhuk Village, Hike to
Prasat Banteay Ampil Temple
Day 21: Angkor - The Citadel of Women, fly
to Bangkok
Day 22: Depart Bangkok
Feb 02 - Feb 23, 2017 -
$5295 USD
Activity Level: 2
Comfort Level: Some rough roads.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotels/lodges with private bathrooms.
We invite you to discover two of Southeast
Asia’s Ancient Kingdom’s - Thailand and Cambodia. From the Land of Siam to the Kingdom
of the Khmers, these countries will fascinate
you and leave you with a sense of astonishment. Visit ancient temples, hike through tropical jungles and meet warm, gracious people.
Explore Bangkok’s impressive Grand Palace,
Temple of Dawn and Wat Pho with its Reclining
Buddha and enjoy traditional Thai dance. Visit
the floating market and the River Kwai, with its
infamous bridge. Stay on comfortable, floating
bungalows on the river, set against a backdrop
of jungle covered mountains.
Explore the ancient capital of Sukhothai by
bicycle. Visit an elephant workcamp and have
the opportunity to ride one of these magnificent animals . The relaxing northern
capital of Chiang Mai will be our base
for exploration. We offer a more active
trek to visit the hilltribes but also offer
something less active by road and river, as
well as the delightful town of Mae Hong
Son, set amongst the beautiful mountain
scenery of the far northwest. You can also
test your culinary skills during our Thai
cooking class.
Fly to Cambodia’s chaotic but fascinating capital, Phnom Phen, situated on the
banks of the Mekong River. Visit opulent
palaces and temples but also bear witness to the countries recent tragic history
under the brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge.
Travel to Cambodia’s enlightened period
as we explore Angkor, the largest religious
monument ever built, covering an area
of 200 acres with its towers, terraces and
causeways. Prepare to leave the outside
world behind...travel through the world
of Hindu mythology and arrive at the
doorstep of the gods. The Khmer Empire
reached its zenith of artistic expression
and architecture with the building of Angkor. Built in the 12th century and abandoned in 1431, Angkor succumbed to the
encroaching jungle until the great temple
complex was rediscovered in 1860 by
French botanist Henri Mahout. Angkor’s
colossal size, detailed carvings, courtyards
and avenues is nothing short of impressive and overwhelming.
Our trip to ancient Thailand and Cambodia concludes with a flight back to Bangkok for our farewell dinner and departure.
69
Myanmar
Now includes
Golden Rock Temple
Daily Itinerary
myanmar
mandalay
irrawaddy
river
bagan
heho
mount kalaw
popa
kyaing
tong
Golden Rock
Temple
yangon
Fact File
• 18 land days
• Start and finish in Yangon
Highlights
• Visit the famed Shwedagon Pagoda
and Golden Rock Temple
• Meet ethnic ‘Hilltribe’ minorities
• See the skillful leg rowers of Inle Lake
• Visit ancient Bagan and its 2600
monuments
• 3-day journey down the Irrawaddy
River
• Sunset on Mandalay Hill
Day 1: Arrive in Yangon
Day 2: Yangon Sites - Shwedagon Pagoda
Day 3: Fly To Kalaw
Day 4: The Hill Station of Kalaw
Day 5: Inle Lake
Day 6: One Leg Rowers of Inle Lake
Day 7: Fly to Kyaing Tong
Day 8: Hill Tribes of Kyaing Tong
Day 9: Mandalay
Day 10: Former Royal Capitals and
Monasteries
Days 11-12: Begin 3-day Irrawaddy River
Cruise
Day 13: To Bagan (UNESCO)
Day 14: Ancient sites & temples of Bagan
Day 15: Mount Popa
Day 16: Fly To Yangon, Golden Rock
Day 17: Return to Yangon, Scott’s Market,
Farewell Dinner
Day 18: Depart Yangon
Jan 07 - Jan 24, 2016 - $4995 USD
Feb 04 - Feb 21, 2016 - $4995 USD
Mar 03 - Mar 20, 2016 - $4995 USD
*Nov 04 - Nov 23, 2016 - $4995 USD
*Dec 02 - Dec 21, 2016 - $4995 USD
*Jan 06 - Jan 25, 2017 - $4995 USD
*Feb 03 - Feb 22, 2017 - $4995 USD
*Mar 03 - Mar 20, 2017 -$4995 USD
*Follows new 20 day itinerary. Contact us
or check our website for details.
Activity Level: 3
Comfort Level: Some rough roads
and long drives.
Please note: Itinerary may run in reverse
due to flight and boat schedule.
Accommodations
2 nights basic accommodation in Kyaing
Tong. 2 nights on the Irrawaddy Princess II,
with private bathrooms.
Myanmar is a vibrant tapestry of culture, history
and geography. A delightful blend of diverse
ethnic groups, graceful Buddhist monasteries,
ancient pagodas welcome travelers to this exotic
country. Bordering Thailand, Laos, India and
China, Myanmar (previously known as Burma)
is at the cultural crossroads of Southeast Asia.
Our extensive itinerary has been designed to
explore this country’s extraordinary cultural and
geographic treasures to the fullest.
Beginning in Yangon, we visit the opulent
Shwedagon Pagoda, beautifully ensconced
in gold. Travel back in time as we take in the
breathtaking countryside and traditional
riverside villages during our 3-day Irrawaddy
River journey.
In Bagan, we explore extensive archeological
treasures, ancient pagodas, temples adorned
with statues and mural paintings (there are over
2,600 monuments!). At Mount Popa, discover a
shrine atop an extinct volcano and walk around
the historical hill station of Kalaw. On Inle Lake,
we travel by longtail boat to floating gardens,
lakeside markets, monasteries and the ancient
ruins of In Thein Pagoda. In Kyaing Tong, on the
Shan Plateau, we trek to the hilltribe villages of
the Akha, Arn, Lahu, Palaung and Wa people.
This is your invitation to a sublime country
inhabited by some of the friendliest people on
earth.
70
Bagan
New Itinerary
golden
triangle
chiang
rai
Wat Phou
ban xang
khong
pac beng nong
khiew
luang
prabang
sam nuea
plain of
jars
vientiane
mekong
river
pakse
wat pho
bangkok
khong
island
Fact File
• 21 land days
• Start & finish in Bangkok
Highlights
• Explore the ancient Plain of Jars
(UNESCO)
• See the Majestic temples and sites of
Luang Prabang (UNESCO)
• The Mekong River & Khong Island
• Visit the Cave City of Viengxay
• Encounters with Hilltribe villages
• Explore 10th century Khmer Ruins of
Wat Phou
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand
Day 2: Fly to Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle
Plain of Jars
Day 3: Enter Laos, Mekong boat journey
to Pakbeng
Day 4: Remote Mekong to Luang
Prabang, Buddha Cave
Day 5: Luang Prabang
Day 6: Luang Prabang, Kuang Sy
Waterfall, K’hmu Villages
Day 7: Luang Prabang, Elephant Village
Sanctuary
Day 8: Luang Prabang to Nong Khiew
Day 9: Boat journey to weaving village
Day 10: Northern Heritage Route to Sam
Neua
Day 11: Viengxay Caves, Sam Neua sites
Day 12: To Plain of Jars (Phonsavan)
Day 13: Plain of Jars (UNESCO)
Day 14: UXO and Organic Silk Farm (MAG
optional)
Day 15: Fly to Vientiane
Day 16: Fly to Pakse
Day 17: Mekong River, Pre-Angkorian
Ruins of Wat Phou
Day 18: Boat journey - Oum Muong, &
Local villages
Day 19: Khong Island, French Railway Pakse
Day 20: Pakse, Fly to Bangkok
Day 21: Departure
Jan 08 - Jan 28, 2016 - $4995 USD
Jan 05 - Jan 25, 2017 - $5195 USD
Activity Level: 2
roads and long drives.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotels/lodges with private
bathrooms.
The culture and traditions of Laos are
the least changed among Southeast Asian
countries and make it a mecca for those
searching for a truly exotic adventure.
Here, you will find ancient temples, exquisite scenery, an eventful history and exotic
cuisine, all within the warm embrace of a
welcoming people.
We begin in Bangkok, Thailand, fly north
to Chiang Rai and continue to the Golden
Triangle before entering Laos. A two-day
Mekong River journey takes us to remote
hill tribe villages and mountainous jungles.
We arrive in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site with some of the most
beautiful and exotic temples in Asia.
Our northern circuit continues to Pak
Ou Cave (Buddha Cave) enroute to Nong
Khiew. Enjoy a day trip to a beautiful,
‘weaving’ hill tribe village before we traverse the remote mountains to Sam Nua.
Explore the fascinating caves of Vienxay,
used as the headquarters of the Pathet
Lao Revolutionary Movement during a virtual secret war. We visit the Plain of Jars
(UINESCO) and ponder the great mystery
of the thousands of 2,500-year-old stone
jars.
We fly to the nation’s capital, Vientiane
to enjoy the eclectic mix of Lao, Thai,
Vietnamese, French and American influences before flying south to Pakse where
we embark on a 3day/2nt Mekong River
journey aboard a traditional and elegant
Mekong teak barge. Traveling south along
the Mekong, we visit the majestic Khmer
temple site of Wat Phou, built 200 years
before Angkor Wat and the natural beauty
of Khong Island. Our adventure concludes
with a flight back to Bangkok.
Extensions
Angkor Wat - 5 land days: Explore one of
the world’s greatest religious monuments.
Built in the 12th century at the height of
the Khmer Empire.
Price: from
$995 USD
72
Buddha Cave
73
Halong Bay
74
Features 3d/2n boat trip
on Halong Bay
hanoi
moon garden
cuc phuong
n.p.
Daily Itinerary
Ha Tinh
dong hoi
the dmz
vinh moc
hue
da nang
hoi an
my son
dalat
mekong
delta
• Explore the old capital of Hue and
stunning Hoi An (UNESCOs)
• 3d/2nt boat trip on Halong Bay
ho chi minh city
(saigon)
Fact File
• 21 land days
• Start in Saigon, finish in Hanoi
Highlights
• Visit the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels,
China Beach and the Hanoi Hilton
• Discover My Son (UNESCO) and ancient
Cham temples
• Explore the Mekong Delta by boat
• Visit the Phong Nha Cave (UNESCO)
Cham ruins
Day 1: Arrive in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh)
Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels, Saigon Sights
Day 3: Mekong Delta
Day 4: Floating Market, return to Saigon
Day 5: Scenic drive to Dalat
Day 6: Dalat Sites
Day 7: Fly to Danang, To Hoi An
Day 8: Hoi An (UNESCO) - by foot and
by boat
Day 9: My Son (UNESCO), Cham Towers
Day 10: To Hue via China Beach,
Perfume River Tombs by boat, Thien Mu
Pagoda by cyclo
Day 11: Ancient Capital of Hue
Day 12: To DMZ, Hien Luong Bridge,
Vinh Moc underground village
Day 13: Phong Nha Cave
Day 14: To Cuc Phuong via Ho Chi Minh
Road
Day 15: Cuc Phuong N.P, to Moon
Garden
Day 16: Moon Garden, Traditional
Vietnamese Temples & Village Life
Day 17: Hanoi Sites, Old Quarter by
cyclo
Day 18: To Halong Bay - 3d/2n Boat
Journey
Day 19: The Turquoise Waters and
Limestone Islands of Halong Bay
Day 20: Halong Bay, To Hanoi
Day 21: Hanoi
Rice paddies tended by farmers in conical hats, a
two-thousand-mile coastline with sandy beaches
and mountains covered in the vibrant greens of
lush tropical vegetation. Welcome to Vietnam, one
of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful countries.
We begin in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh). Explore the
famous Cu Chi tunnel complex and the Mekong
Delta, where we enjoy a riverboat trip on the
Tein River. We drive to Dalat, known as the “City
of Flowers”. Visit a silkworm workshop and see
Dalat’s “Crazy House”, the former palace of the
emperor Bao Dai.
Traveling north to Hoi An, we explore this restored
open-air museum and UNESCO World Heritage
Site. In My Son, we learn about the Cham people,
also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After stopping at China Beach, we travel over
the spectacular Hai Van Pass to Hue, the former
ancient capital modeled after the Forbidden City in
Beijing. While exploring Hue, we use cyclos (bicycle
taxis) to visit the Citadel, Vietnam’s Forbidden City
and the local Dong Bay market. Continuing north,
we visit the first national park in Vietnam, Cuc
Phuong before driving to Moon Garden, a unique
and traditional oasis of Vietnamese temples &
rural village life.
Enjoy the sites of Hanoi, amidst shaded streets,
French colonial architecture and the surrounding
lakes of the downtown core. In Halong Bay, enjoy
3d/2n aboard our comfortable barge navigating
the turquoise waters amid spectacular, cliff-faced
islands, enjoying incredible seafood feasts before
returning to Hanoi for our farewell dinner.
Feb 20 - Mar 11, 2016 - $5395 USD
Nov 06 - Nov 26, 2016 - $5395 USD
Feb 20 - Mar 12, 2017 - $5395 USD
Activity Level: 2
Comfort Level: Some long drives
and travel on traditional boats.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotel/lodges with private
bathrooms. Features 2 nights on a boat
on Halong Bay.
75
Grand
southeast asia
Thailand, Cambodia,vietnam,
laos & myanmar
Temples of Bagan
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• 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Bangkok - Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn,
Thailand
• Cooking Classes in Vietnam and Thailand
• Rangoon - Shwedagon Temple, Myanmar
• Temples and Pagodas of Angkor Wat,
Luang Prabang, Mandalay & Bagan
• 2-day Mekong River journey, Laos
• Spectacular Halong Bay, Vietnam
• Remote hilltribe villages
• See the famous one legged rowers on Inle
Lake
Daily Itinerary
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Fact File
• 32 land days
• Start in Bangkok, Thailand and
Finish in Yangon, Myanmar
• Includes 8 flights
Halong Bay
Highlights
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand
Day 2: Bangkok - Grand Palace, Reclining
Buddha, Canal Journey
Day 3: Fly to Siem Reap, Ancient Temples
of Angkor
Day 4: Angkor Wat - (UNESCO)
Day 5: Angkor - Banteay Srei, Fly to Phnom
Penh
Day 6: Phnom Penh
Day 7: Boat Journey to Can Tho, Vietnam
Bayon Temple - Angkor
76
Day 8: Mekong Delta Boat Journey,
Floating Market, Ho Chi Minh City
Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City,
Fly to Danang
Day 10: Hoi An (UNESCO)
Day 11: Hoi An - Life on the River
Day 12: To Hue (UNESCO) via China Beach,
Imperial Forbidden City
Day 13: Perfume River Boat Trip - Royal
Tombs- Fly to Hanoi
Day 14: Hanoi to Halong Bay (UNESCO)
Day 15: To Hanoi, Water Puppet
Performance
Day 16: Sites of Hanoi, Old Quarter
Day 17: Fly to Luang Prabang, Waterfall &
Hilltribes
Day 18: Luang Prabang Walking Tour
(UNESCO)
Day 19: Luang Prabang - Kuang Sy
Waterfall, K’hmu Villages
Day 20: Mekong River Journey, ‘Caves of a
Thousand Buddhas’
Day 21: Mekong River Journey to Thailand
Day 22: Golden Triangle to Chang Mai:
Elephant Camp
Day 23: Wat Doi Suthep & Thai Cooking
Lessons
Day 24: Fly to Mandalay
Day 25: Mandalay, Irrawaddy River Cruise
Day 26: Irrawaddy River Cruise
Day 27: Irrawaddy River Cruise, Arrival in
Bagan, Temple sites
Day 28: Ancient Temples
Day 29: Fly to Inle Lake
Day 30: Indein Pagoda, Fly to Yangon
Day 31: Yangon Sites
Day 32: Depart Yangon
*Jan 05 - Feb 05, 2016 Jan 05 - Feb 05, 2017 -
$9995 USD
$9995 USD
*2016 departure is also 32 days in length, yet
follows a slightly different itinerary.
Activity Level: 2
roads and long drives. Flexibility is key due
to changing internal airline schedules.
Accommodations
bathrooms.
The land of a thousand smiles, ancient
temples, five UNESCO World Heritage
Sites, exotic and welcoming cultures,
hilltribe villages, colorful markets and
stunning scenery. ElderTreks’ Grand
Southeast Asia Adventure offers the
best of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam,
Laos and Myanmar.
Our journey begins in Bangkok.
Marvel at the amazing Grand Palace
complex and the Temple of Dawn
before taking a long-tail boat ride on
the back canals of the Chao Phrya
River.
Fly to Siem Reap, gateway to the
fantastic ancient temples of Angkor.
Visit the most impressive ruins: Bayon
Temple, Banteay Srei, the “Citadel of
Women”, Terrace of the Elephants,
Angkor Thom and much more. Enjoy
a performance of classical Cambodian
dance. We fly to Phnom Penh to begin
our river journey along the Mekong
into Vietnam.
two-day Mekong River journey into the
remote regions of northern Laos.
We return to Thailand via the Golden
Triangle and on to the northern city of
Chiang Mai for Thai cooking lessons
and a visit to Doi Suthep overlooking
the city.
Fly to Mandalay and visit the most
revered religious monuments in
Myanmar as well as hand-woven silk
and tapestry workshops. Bagan’s
countryside is the perfect backdrop
for its 2,600 ancient temples. Our
adventure continues in Yangon,
Myanmar with visits to the city’s main
attractions, including one of the most
opulent temples in the world, the
Shwedagon Pagoda.
We hope you can join ElderTreks’
adventure which visits Southeast Asia’s
greatest treasures - truly a journey of a
lifetime.
In Vietnam, spend a relaxing day
meandering through the rivers and
canals of the Mekong Delta. Visit
the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels before
seeing the highlights and energy of
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Walk the
streets of Hoi An - a “living museum”
(UNESCO). Meander through treelined streets, past French colonial
architecture and the old-quarter
of Hanoi by cyclo and explore the
thousands of limestone islands in the
warm turquoise water of Halong Bay.
Fly to Luang Prabang (UNESCO) and
discover some of Southeast Asia’s
most beautiful temples. Embark on a
77
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Fact File
• 18 land days
• Start in Kuching, finish in Kota Kinabalu
Highlights
• Lemanak River safari
• Tribal Iban Culture & Adventure
• Mulu National Park and Caves
• Kinabalu National Park / Hot Spring
• Rainforest Canopy Walk
• Orangutan sanctuary
• Kinabatangan River & Wildlife
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kuching
Day 2: Sarawak Cultural Village
Day 3: Lemanak River Safari
Day 4: Journey to Iban Culture
Day 5: River Safari
Day 6: Explore Colonial Kuching
Selingan
“Turtle”Island
Day 7: To Mulu National Park
Day 8: Mulu N. P. - Lang and Deer Caves
Day 9: Mulu National Park - Moonmilk and
Clearwater Caves
Day 10: To Kota Kinabalu
Day 11: Islands of Gaya and Manukan
Day 12: Kinabalu National Park - Poring
Hot Springs
Day 13: Kinabalu National Park, Kundasang
War Memorial
Day 14: Fly to Sandakan, Boat to Selingan
‘Turtle’ Island
Day 15: Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary
Day 16: Kinabatangan River Wildlife
Day 17: Gomantong caves, to Sandakan
Day 18: To Kota Kinabalu
Mar 12 – Mar 29, 2017 - $5395 USD
Nov 01 – Nov 18, 2017 - $5395 USD
Activity Level: 3
Comfort Level: Some rough roads and
travel on traditional boats.
Accommodations
washrooms. Features 2 nights in a tribal
longhouse with shared bathroom. Single
accommodation not available in longhouse.
The jungles of Borneo have evolved over 100
million years. They are the oldest on earth and
provide a unique opportunity to experience
an ancient ecosystem along with the tribal
cultures that inhabit them. A rugged land of
caves, peaks, rivers and forests, Borneo is an
irresistible paradise for adventure travelers.
Beginning in the old colonial city of Kuching,
we head into the interior on our longboat
adventure on the Lemanak River. Traveling
upriver, we visit the tribal Iban, who have
lived in their communal longhouses in the
jungle for thousands of years.
We continue our jungle experience by flying
to world-renowned Mulu National Park.
Here, we explore the world’s largest cave
passage and oldest rainforests from the base
of our comfortable lodge. We fly to Sabah in
the far north of Borneo, where we enjoy easy
hikes at the base of Mt. Kinabalu, the highest
mountain in Southeast Asia. Mt. Kinabalu
houses celebrated biological diversity,
including the rafflesia, the world’s largest
flower.
We visit the tropical islands of Gaya and
Manukan. Traveling via Sandakan, we take a
boat to Selingan Island to observe sea turtles
come ashore nightly to lay their eggs.
At the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, we
arrive in time for the orphan orangutans’
afternoon feeding. The tour winds down on
the tranquil Kinabatangan River, where we
go on a river safari in search of proboscis
monkeys, hornbills and wild elephants.
Iban
elder
78
79
New 20 Day Itinerary
Including Krakatoa
Day 8:
Minangkabau
medan
Highlands - Padang
brastagi
Sidenpuan
lake
Day 9: Bukittinggi
padang
toba
sidempuan
Day 10: Cultural
equator
West Sumatra and
bukittinggi
the Singgalang Walk
padang
Day 11:
Bukittinggi and
sumatra
the Minangkabau
Culture
Day 12: Sianok
Canyon, the Great
Wall, Japanese
way kampas
Tunnels
lampung
jakarta
Day 13: To Padan,
krakatoa
fly to Jakarta, drive
carita
to Carita, overnight
Day 14: Speedboat
to Krakatoa, hike to viewpoint, drive to
Fact File
Lampung
• 20 land days
Day 15: To Way Kampas National Park,
Night Walk
• Start in Medan and finish in Jakarta
Day 16: In Search of Sumatran Rhinos,
Tigers & Elephants
Day 17: Jungle Boat Journey
Highlights
Day 18: Lampung, Farewell Dinner
• Visit an Orangutan sanctuary
Day 19: To Jakarta
• Enjoy an elephant safari in Tangkaha
Day 20: Departure
• See the mountains, jungle and volcanoes
of Sumatra
Departure Dates & Price
• Hike through rural villages
Apr 01 - Apr 20, 2016 - $4995 USD
• Learn about the Batak of Lake Toba
Jul 01 - Jul 20, 2016 - $4995 USD
• Explore Bukittinggi and learn about it’s
Oct 16 - Nov 04, 2016 - $4995 USD
matrilineal society
Feb 09 - Feb 28, 2017 - $5195 USD
• Journey to Krakatoa and climb ‘Child of’
Apr 11 - Apr 30, 2017 - $5195 USD
Krakatoa
Jul 07 - Jul 26, 2017 - $5195 USD
• Search for Sumatran elephants, tigers
Oct 16 - Nov 04, 2017 - $5195 USD
and rhinos in Way Kampas
bukit
lawang
malaysia
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Medan
Day 2: Drive to Bukit Lawang
Day 3: Orangutan Rehabilitation Reserve
& Elephants of Tangkaha
Day 4: Jungle Hike. To Brastagi
Day 5: Lake Toba - Samosir Island
Day 6: Lake Toba
Day 7: Lake Toba Boat Excursion
80
Activity Level: 3
and long drives.
Accommodations
Comfortable, well-located
accommodations with private
bathrooms throughout. 3 nights in our
remote Ecolodge in Way Kampas with
ceiling fans but no air conditioning.
The lush island of Sumatra, fifth largest in the world, is
one of Indonesia’s most important islands and perhaps
its most beautiful. With its many tribes, cultures,
wildlife reserves, jungles, rivers, spectacular waterfalls
and crater lakes, the island is a joy for any traveller
interested in natural beauty and diverse cultures. It is
a truly extraordinary destination with its remarkable
wealth of sights, sounds and smells, all set within some
of the most beautiful landscapes to be seen anywhere.
While in Sumatra, we travel south along the spine,
the rugged Bukit Barisan mountain range, exploring
a number of fantastic sights and cultures enroute.
These include the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
(“Bukit Lawang”) and Elephants of Tangkaha, as well as
spectacular Lake Toba and the Batak Highlands, where
the proud Batak people migrated from the Himalayan
foothills of upper Burma and Thailand over 1,500
years ago. We continue south crossing the equator
while enjoying the dramatically terraced Minangkabau
Highlands in West Sumatra, home to one of the few
remaining matrilineal societies in the world and the
cultural heart of West Sumatra.
We fly south to Jakarta as we cross the Sunda strait by
speedboat to Krakatoa and Anak (child of...) Krakatoa.
The famous 1883 massive eruption created a powerful
tsunamis and changed the earths climate for several
years. Part of the steep rim of Krakatoa remains and
in 1927, out of the collapsed caldera, emerged the
volcanic island know today as Anak Krakatoa. We
land on Anak Krakatoa and climb to a spectacular
viewpoint. We continue to Way Kampas Nat’l Park,
which is home to Sumatran elephants, tigers and
rhinos as well as a myriad of birdlife and other wildlife.
We explore the park on foot, by jeep and by boat. We
depart for Lampung for our last night in Sumatra
before flying to Jakarta for your homeward flights or
to join our Java, Bali & Komodo adventure.
Combines with Java & Bali.
Sumatran Rhino
81
82
Java & Bali
New 20 Day Itinerary
Including Komodo Island
surabaya
borobudur
mt.
prambanan
bromo
menjangan is.
yogyakarta java
bali
banyuwangi
candidasa
ubud
denpasar
Fact File
• 20 land days
• Start in Yogyakarta and finish in Denpasar
Highlights
• Discover Borobudur temple
• Wander through the temple complex of
Prambanan
• Sunrise hike to the crater of Mount Bromo
• Enjoy a 2 day boat journey to see Komodo
Dragons
• Swim or snorkel at Menjangan Island Reef
(scuba diving available; not included)
• Explore Ubud, the cultural center of Bali
• Experience the arts, dance and culture of
Bali
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Ancient Hindu Temple of
Prambanan
Day 3: Yogyakarta - Artistic Heart of Java
Day 4: Sunrise at Borobudur - World’s
largest Buddhist Temple
Day 5: To Mt. Bromo
Day 6: Volcanic Landscape of Mt. Bromo
Day 7: Bromo Sunrise, to Bali
Day 8: Bali Barat National Park &
Menjangan Island
Day 9: To Mt. Batur & Ubud
Day 10: Bali Bird Park
Day 11: Traditional Home & Dinner with a
local Balinese Family
Day 12: Ubud - the Arts of Bali
Day 13: Ubud, Besakih Temple, to
Candidasa
Day 14: Candidasa: Tirtagganga & Pasir
Putih
Day 15: Candidasa, fly to Flores
Day 16: Dance Ceremony of the
Manggaraia
Day 17: Komodo Dragon Adventure to Rinca Island by overnight boat
Day 18: Komodo Island, snorkeling,
return to Flores
Day 19: Fly to Bali, Farewell Dinner
Day 20: Departure
Apr 20 – May 09, 2016 Jul 20 – Aug 08, 2016 Nov 04 – Nov 23, 2016 Feb 28 - Mar 19, 2017 Apr 30 - May 19, 2017 Jul 26 - Aug 14, 2017 Nov 04 - Nov 23, 2017 -
$4995 USD
$4995 USD
$4995 USD
$5195 USD
$5195 USD
$5195 USD
$5195 USD
Activity Level: 2
and long drives.
Komodo Dragon
komodo is. labuan bajo
flores
rinca is.
Accommodations
Comfortable, well-located accommodations
with private bathrooms throughout.
We begin on the famed island of Java,
and start our tour in the historic capital of
Yogyakarta, which is also the cultural and
craft centre of Java. On a series of day trips,
we shall explore the unbelievable ruins of
Borobudur - the world’s largest Buddhist
temple, and the equally impressive Hindu
Temple of Prambanan. At Mount Bromo we
will watch the magnificent sunrise on the
volcano, with an optional hike to the rim.
We continue to the exotic island of Bali,
where we will divide our time between the
artistic and cultural center of Ubud, and
the beachside towns of Permuteran and
Candidasa. While in Northern Bali, we
will have the opportunity to either visit
the fascinating yet seldom visited Bali
Barat National Park, (particularly good for
those interested in birdlife), or join a trip
to Menjangan Island, with its spectacular
snorkeling and swimming.
The pace slows down at Candidasa, as we
take traditional fishing boats to a white sand
beach with crystal blue water for swimming.
Fly to Flores for a cultural experience with a
Manggaraia village followed by a 2 day boat
journey to Rinca and Komodo islands to see
the famed Komodo Dragon, which can grow
up to 12 ft long, making it the world’s largest
lizard. We return to Bali for our farewell
dinner and to reflect on an exotic journey of
a lifetime!
Combines with Sumatra.
83
Singsing Festival
84
Includes
Singsing Festival
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Aug 18 – Sep 07, 2016 - $11,995 USD
Sep 13 – Oct 03, 2016 - $11,995 USD
Aug 10 – Aug 30, 2017 - $11,995 USD
Price includes $1400 USD of domestic air.
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[YVIYPHUK
PZSHUKZ
WVY[
TVYLZI`
Fact File
• 21 land days
• Maximum
16 Travelers
H\Z[YHSPH
• Start and finish in Port Moresby
Highlights
• Encounter the Asaro Mudmen, the
Wahgi, Simbu, Kaguel, Melpa and
Trobriand Islanders tribes
• “Singsing” cultural event at Mt. Hagen or
Goroka
• Visit the remote Trobriand Islands
• 3-day Sepik River tour by wooden canoe
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Port Moresby
Day 2: Port Moresby to Mt. Hagen
Days 3-4: Mt. Hagen Cultural Show
Day 5: Mt. Hagen and Kumul Lodge
Day 6: Mt. Hagen to Goroka
Day 7: Goroka
Day 8: Goroka to Madang
Day 9: Madang
Day 10: Fly to Wewak
Day 11: To Sepik River
Day 12: Sepik River Excursion
Day 13: Sepik River, Return to Wewak
Day 14: To Port Moresby
Day 15: Fly to Louisa, Kiriwina Island,
Trobriand Islands
Day 16: Kiriwina Island, Trobriand Isles
Day 17: Kaibola Village, Trobriand Islands
Day 18: Return to Port Moresby
Day 19: Port Moresby City Tour
Day 20: Virirata National Park
Day 21: Depart Port Moresby
Activity Level: 2 or 3
Comfort Level: 2 days over 8,000
feet. Local roads can be rough and wet.
Travelers must be flexible and prepared
for day-to-day changes. Some areas are
very primitive.
Accommodations
On Sepik adventure, basic dormitory
accommodation (bush longhouses) with
limited bathing and toilet facilities.
Trobriand Island accommodation, basic
with private facilities. Up to 6 nights
single supplement not available.
Papua New Guinea is like no other place on
earth - culturally rich and geographically
remote, with some of the most stunning
scenery anywhere.
From the rugged mountains to the coastal
islands, this journey is an adventure of a
lifetime. We meet and learn about some
of the tribal people of this land including
the Asaro Mudmen, the Wahgi, the Simbu,
the Kaguel, the Melpa and the fascinating
Trobriand Islanders. Our adventure includes
many village visits so that we can really meet
the people and experience their way of life.
We explore the Sepik River by wooden canoe
and spend 3 nights on Kiriwina Island (part
of the Trobriand Islands), where people live a
traditional lifestyle.
Our August departure features the Mt.
Hagen Singsing, where the tribes come from
all over Papua New Guinea for a two-day
spectacular “singsing” - a traditional song
and dance festival complete with traditional
tribal clothing and body decoration. Our
September departures feature the Garoka
singsing festival. Throughout our journey,
we encounter amazing birdlife, lush flora,
stunning scenery and some of the most
fascinating tribal people on earth.
Please Note:
Papua New Guinea is one of the most
culturally interesting places on earth,
with many of its tribal people following a
traditional life-style. This adventure has
been designed to experience the villages and
people of Papua New Guinea. In order to do
this, we visit a number of local villages and we
overnight in one village. There are overnight
stays where the accommodation is very basic;
it can be dormitory style and have no fans/
air conditioning and very limited facilities. As
much of the interior of the country has no
roads or impassable ones, we maximize our
time by flying from location to location and
flight schedules frequently change. While we
endeavor to do/see everything listed in the
itinerary, nothing in Papua New Guinea goes
as planned, so travelers must be prepared for
changes to this program as we travel.
Hornbill
85
Sailing In The Remote
Marquesas islands
Now Includes
Bora Bora
MARQUESAS ARCHIPELAGO
nuku hiva
FRENCH
POLYNESIA
ua huka
ua pou
TUAMOTU
ARCHIPELAGO
rangiroa
hiva oa
tahuata
takapoto
fatu hiva
bora bora
papeete
tahiti
Fact File
• 14 days
• Start and finish in Papeete, Tahiti
• All meals on ship and land included
• Guided excursions included
• Scuba diving, horseback riding, deep sea
fishing tours available at additional cost
Highlights
• Scuba diving, horseback riding,
helicopter tours available at additional
cost
• Visit volcanic amphitheater in Nuku
Hiva Bay
• Visit grave site of Paul Gauguin on Hiva
Oa
• Visit Fatu Hiva, center of Marquesian
culture
• Discover island of wild horses — Ua
Huka
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Papeete, Tahiti
Day 2: Tuamotu Archipelago — Takapoto
Day 3: At Sea
Day 4: Arrival to the Marquesas
Archipelago, Island of Nuku Hiva;
Traditional Marquesas lunch in the village
of Hatiheu
86
Day 5: Ua Pou – Marquesas lunch
Day 6: Tahuata (Vaitahu) and Hiva Oa (Atuona)
Day 7: Fatu Hiva
Day 8: Hiva Oa
Day 9: Ua Huka (Vaipaee-Hane-Hokatu)
Day 10: Nuku Hiva (Taiohae) and Ua Pou
Day 11: At Sea
Day 12: Tuamotu Archipelago - Rangiroa
Day 13: Society Islands - Bora Bora
Day 14: Morning arrival in Papeete, Tahiti
Departure Dates
Jan 16 - Jan 29, 16
Feb 06 - Feb 19, 16
Feb 27 - Mar 11, 16
Mar 19 - Apr 01, 16
Apr 09 - Apr 22, 16
Apr 30 - May 13, 16
May 21 - Jun 03, 16
Jun 11 - Jun 24, 16 - 10% off
Jul 02 - Jul 15, 16
Jul 23 - Aug 05, 16
Aug 13 - Aug 26, 16
*Sep 03 - Sep 16, 16 - 10% off
Sep 24 - Oct 07, 16
Oct 15 - Oct 28, 16
Nov 05 - Nov 18, 16
Nov 26 - Dec 09, 16
Dec 17 - Dec 30, 16
Call for 2017 Dates.
* 10% discount for Standard Cabins only.
2016 Prices
Stateroom
from - $4678 USD
Deluxe cabin from - $5373 USD
Superior cabin from - $5655 USD
All cabins based on twin share with private
bathrooms. The price does not include Tourism
Tax, Port/Cruise fees (approx $300), fuel
surcharge and transfers.
This trip is not exclusive to ElderTreks.
Comfort Level: Seas can be rough. Shore
landings (using traditional style whaleboats)
required
Accommodations
Travel aboard the upscale passenger & cargo
freighter, Aranui 5. Cabins range from
standard staterooms to deluxe and a variety
of suites with private facilities.
The lush, jagged volcanic islands of the Marquesas
are French Polynesia’s most spectacular island chain.
You can imagine their raw beauty, the welcoming
people and their mysterious stone tikis by reading the
adventures of Paul Gauguin, Herman Melville, Jack
London, Robert Louis Stevenson and Thor Heyerdahl.
Today, there is no better way to explore these
enchanting islands than by passenger/freighter.
Your days will be filled with adventure, as we journey
to the Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands. Well-trained
guides will take you hiking to ancient archaeological
sites. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and
horseback riding. You’ll visit charming villages and
see local artisans making intricately-carved wooden
bowls, war clubs and tapa — a traditional bark cloth.
Very little has changed in these untouched islands.
Visitors are rare but very welcome!
Aranui 5
The Aranui 5 is a new, custom-built, dual-purpose
passenger/freighter. Designed to offer all of the
comforts of a cruise liner, while operating as a
supply ship, Aranui 5 is classified as a small vessel,
accommodating approximately 254 passengers
and 103 cabins. The ship features a restaurant, 2
lounges, 2 conference rooms, 4 bars, an outdoor
pool, a boutique, a massage room and a gym.
Passenger accommodations range from Premium
exterior staterooms, more than 90 percent with a
private balcony, to Standard exterior staterooms.
87
auckland
waitomo
rotorua
lake
taupo
abel tasman
n.p
punakaiki
picton
wellington
kaikoura
franz
josef
fox
glacier
milford wanaka
sound
queenstown
Fact File
• 18 land days
• Start in Auckland, finish in Queenstown
Highlights
• Visit Waitomo glow-worm caves
• Attend a Maori concert
• Hike and kayak in Abel Tasman National
Park
• Jetboat ride on the Shotover River
• Travel to Franz Josef Glacier and Fox
Glacier
• Cruise on Milford Sound
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Day 2: Auckland Sites
Day 3: Waitomo & Ruakuri Caves,
Rotorua
Abel Tasman
Day 4: Rotorua, Maori Feast
Day 5: Rotorua, Huka Falls, to Taupo
Day 6: Tongaririo River Rafting,
Wellington
Day 7: Wellington Sites
Day 8: Ferry to Picton, Nelson
Day 9: Abel Tasman National Park Kayak, Seals & Walking Tour
Day 10: Golden Bay
Day 11: Nelson
Day 12: Punakaiki
Day 13: Franz Josef Glacier & Fox
Glacier
Day 14: Mountains, Lakes & Glaciers, to
Wanaka
Day 15: Queenstown
Day 16: Te Anau, Milford Sound
Day 17: Queenstown - Shotover Jet Boat
Ride
Day 18: Depart Queenstown
Feb 01 – Feb 18, 2016 Feb 01 – Feb 18, 2017 -
$7995 USD
$7995 USD
Activity Level: 3/4
Accommodations
bathrooms.
Spectacular natural wonders, cosmopolitan cities, friendly people, a comfortable
climate... all elements of the perfect travel
destination - New Zealand. On this active
trip, explore caves, geothermal areas and
Kea bird
glaciers. Experience the thrill of white-water
rafting, the exhilaration of a jetboat ride and
learn about the fascinating Maori culture.
On the North Island, travel to Waitomo and
the fairytale glow-worm caves and explore
the Cave of the Spirit “Te Ana o te Atua”. Experience the boiling mud pools and geysers of
Whakarewarewa, the origin of the Goddesses
of Fire. We cover over sixty rapids as we go
white-water rafting on the Tongaririo River!
We cruise through the beautiful Marlborough
Sounds to the South Island and continue to
Abel Tasman National Park, where we spend
time hiking and kayaking. We see Franz Josef
Glacier and Fox Glacier before continuing on
to Queenstown and a thrilling jet-boat ride
on the Shotover River. We marvel at spectacular Milford Sound where we take a cruise
along the fjord to majestic Mitre Peak, before
concluding our adventure in Queenstown.
Kiwi
88

Asia and South Pacific

Transcription

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