Tour Overview
Hong Kong & Giant PandasYour odyssey begins amidst the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. Travelling into mainland China, you discover Guilin's peaceful countryside - a landscape of dramatic limestone sugarloaf peaks. Further north in Sichuan you'll encounter giant pandas at a conservation centre before walking the pilgrim trail on Mt. Emei, one of the four sacred mountains of Chinese Buddhism (3099m).
Three Gorges & Imperial CapitalsYou'll journey downstream on the Yangtse River through the spectacular Three Gorges, then fly to Xian and visit the legendary 2000 year old Terracotta Warriors. Finally in Beijing you can stroll in the famous Tiananmen Square and explore the Forbidden City - once home to Chinese emperors. You'll also make a trip to a lessvisited section of the Great Wall to end this journey of a lifetime.
Holy Mt. EmeiSince 1976 tourists have been able to join pilgrims who steadily make their way to Emei Shan's summit. Mt. Emei was one of the four holy mountains of the ancient Middle Kingdom. The pilgrimage route is dotted with monasteries and temples and there are fantastic views of the surrounding area.
Responsible TravelOur visit to see the pandas at Chengdu provides vital revenue for this project. Staying at the monastery on Mt. Emei provides animportant source of income for the monks. You may also have the opportunity to visit the Moon Bear Rescue Centre near Chengdu.Operated by Animals Asia, it provides a home for bears rescued from the cruel trade in bear bile extraction
Day 1Join trip Hong Kong
Day 2In Hong Kong; ride on the Star ferry
Day 3Overnight train to Guilin
Day 4/5Yangshuo; bike ride & optional activities
Day 6/7Fly to Chengdu; free day
Day 8Visit panda centre
Day 9/10Mt. Emei area; walk pilgrim trail
Day 11/13Bus to Chongqing; Three Gorges trip
Day 14Fly to Xian
Day 15/16Xian; Terracotta Warriors. Overnight train to Beijing
Day 17-19Beijing; Forbidden City, Great Wall
Day 20Trip ends Beijing
Prices
Date: Base Price24/03/2008: £1349
05/05/2008: £1329
26/05/2008: £1329
16/06/2008: £1329
30/06/2008: £1329
01/09/2008: £1349
22/09/2008: £1349
13/10/2008: £1349
30/03/2009: £1379
04/05/2009: £1379
25/05/2009: £1379
15/06/2009: £1379
29/06/2009: £1379
10/08/2009: £1409
21/09/2009: £1409
12/10/2009: £1379
Local payment: $200 USD
Single Room Option: £155, not available on boat, trains
or monastery
Insurance: £100
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy.
Prices may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable)
and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Trip Information
Trip EssentialsGraded gentle. Anyone in good health can take part, although there is some tough travelling. The Mt. Emei walk (optional) is graded moderate to strenuous. The Three Gorges boat is a simple Chinese vessel (not a cruise boat).
Transport & AccommodationLocal bus, domestic flights, train, boat, bicycle, on foot
Hotels & guesthouses (13nts), overnight trains (2nts -
sleeper berths), basic refuge (1nt), cabin on boat (3nts)
This trip is accommodation only; no meals included
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take malaria tablets?A course of anti-malaria tablets is recommended. As always, consult your doctor and avoid getting bitten where possible. Wear loose light-coloured clothing and use mosquito repellents containing the compound DEET on exposed areas of skin and on clothing.
Do I need a sleeping bag?No bedding is provided, although you may appreciate the comfort and hygiene of your own sheet sleeping bag (particularly for Emei Shan monastery and overnight trains).
Do I need to be fit?Anyone in good health should be able to take part in this trip. The Emei Shan trek is optional and is graded as moderate with strenuous sections, due to the number of steps to ascend/descend on an uneven and sometimes slippery surface.
Do I need walking boots?Yes but they dont need to be heavy-duty trekking boots. Lightweight trail boots will suffice.
Is it safe?China is one of the safest Asian countries to visit. Women do not experience the same degree of attention as in other parts of Asia. However you should travel wisely, keeping your valuables close to you at all times
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