Himalayan Express
China tour information
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| Great Wall of China | Terracotta Warriors | Pandas | Buddhist Site | Beautiful Scenery | Temples & Palaces | UNESCO World Heritage | Cultural Show | Shopping |
Ride Across the Roof of the World
20 days from £2890
Explore the mystical land of Tibet to discover fabulous palaces, holy monasteries and sacred temples. The highlight of this visit to the Roof of the World is the rail journey across the stark and dramatic Qinghai Plateau. We complete our tour with the famous sights of Xian and Beijing.
This tour reaches a maximum altitude of 5,000m on the Tibet Railway.
Days 1-2 : UK – Chengdu
Fly overnight via Hong Kong to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. This area is renowned for its lush landscapes.
Day 3 : Chengdu
Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these adorable animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. We also explore a local bamboo park. Enjoy a delicious Sichuan meal in the evening.
Day 4 : Chengdu – Lhasa
Fly to Lhasa, the spiritual home of Tibet. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to allow for acclimatisation.
Day 5 : Lhasa
Sightseeing today includes a stroll around the Barkhor circuit where traditional dress, market stalls selling religious trinkets and the sound of chanted prayers create the atmosphere of a medieval carnival. We also visit the 7th century Jokhang Temple, which is the most sacred in Tibet and the Sera Monastery, which has about 600 monks in residence.
Day 6 : Lhasa
Explore the ‘crown jewel’ of Tibet – the Potala Palace. The palace is an architectural wonder that towers over the city with thousands of rooms filled with treasures such as intricate shrines and beautiful frescoes. The dominance of the Potala Palace over the Lhasa skyline reflects the Dalai Lama's former position as the centre of the Tibetan faith and politics. We also visit Norbulingka, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lama, containing several palaces and chapels.
Day 7 : Lhasa
Explore the Drepung and Ganden Monasteries, situated in the hills surrounding Lhasa. Drepung was the residence of the Dalai Lama before it was moved to the Potala Palace and fortunately the monastery was unscathed after the Cultural Revolution. We also visit a local Tibetan Primary School (if time permits). Enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner and dance performance in the evening.
Day 8 : Lhasa – Gyantse
Travel to the smaller town of Gyantse and visit the famous Gyantse Kumbum, the largest shrine in Tibet.
Day 9 : Gyantse – Shigatse
Travel to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. Visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional residence of the Panchen Lama.
Day 10 : Shigatse – Lhasa
Return to Lhasa via Yandrok Lake for our final night in Tibet.
Days 11-12 : Lhasa – Tibet Railway – Xining
Transfer to the railway station and journey across the Tibetan Plateau. The train is the first to link Tibet with the rest of China and the highest rail link in the world. We will travel through dramatic landscapes as our train crosses the Kunlun and Tangula Mountains. We arrive in Xining the following morning and visit the Ta’er Temple – a famous Tibetan Monastery.
Day 13 : Xining – Xian
Visit an Ethnic village before boarding the overnight train to the former ancient capital of Xian.
Days 14-15 : Xian
Arrive in Xian in the morning and visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening we will enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. The next day, visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors, followed by a walk along the Ancient City Wall.
Day 16 : Xian – Beijing
Visit the renowned Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. We also stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets before boarding the overnight train to Beijing, China's capital city.
Day 17 : Beijing
Arrive in Beijing in the morning and tour the exquisite Summer Palace. Our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.
Days 18-19 : Beijing
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. We also visit the unique Temple of Heaven. The next day, walk on the Great Wall to appreciate the history of China’s most iconic attraction. We enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.
Day 20 : Beijing – UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day.
Dates and Prices
| Depart UK | Arrive UK | Price pp from | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Sep 2010 | 27 Sep 2010 | £2,890 | |
| 22 Sep 2010 | 11 Oct 2010 | £2,890 | |
| 11 May 2011 | 30 May 2011 | £2,890 | |
| 21 Sep 2011 | 10 Oct 2011 | £2,990 |
Tour departs Wednesday and returns Monday
- Prices are fully inclusive from the UK and based on London Heathrow departures
- Regional connections to London Heathrow are available at a supplement
- World Traveller Plus supplement from £680pp
- Other flight upgrades available on request
- Land only from £2,490pp (Chengdu - Beijing)
- Single supplement from £420 (no supplement if you are willing to share)
- Tipping payable locally US$74pp
Hainan Island - 6D/5N
Day 1: Arrive Sanya
Transfer from Sanya Airport to the five-star Crowne Plaza Hotel at Yalong Bay. Hainan Island is located off the southern coast of China and lying at a similar latitude to Hawaii. The island enjoys a year-round tropical climate with an average temperature of between 22-26 ºC.(B)
Days 2-5: Sanya
Spend the next four days at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities, stroll along the beautiful beach or further explore Hainan Island. Visit the Tropical Wildlife Park which is home to the 'Macaque' monkey, experience the many watersports on offer such as snorkelling, water-skiing and parasailing or play a round of golf. All activities are optional and paid locally. (B)
Day 6: Depart Sanya
Transfer from your hotel to Sanya Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Information:
Crowne Plaza Hotel at Yalong Bay
With its beachfront location, this tropical delight has all modern amenities. Facilities at the hotel include Café Trio with its open concept kitchens and poolside setting serving Chinese, Japanese and Italian cuisine, a Thai restaurant and a Seafood restaurant. The Havana Bar features tapas, exotic cocktails and live music. There is also a pool bar and a lobby lounge. Other facilities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, Tea Tree Spa with sauna and jacuzzi and a gift shop. The hotel boasts 463 comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, satellite TV with DVD player, tea/coffee making facilities, mini-bar, hairdryer and a safe deposit box.
Price from £ 410.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £390
Sole passenger price from £800
Includes: accommodation, local transportation and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong Extension - 4D/3N
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.
Day 2: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 3: Hong Kong
Enjoy the day at leisure to further explore Hong Kong. (B)
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International 3*+ star from £260pp
Park Hotel 4* from £290pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon 4*+ from £390pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford 5* from £390pp
Price from £ 260.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £420
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, entrance fees, guides and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong & Lantau Island - 4D/3N
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from Hong Kong Airport to your hotel.
Day 2: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 3: Lantau Island
Travel by ferry across the Victoria Harbour to Silvermine Bay and visit beautiful Cheung Sha beach. This is followed by Tai O Fishing Village, where many homes are built on stilts. Then travel to Ngong Ping Plateau to see the Giant Buddha and explore Po Lin Monastery where you will enjoy a vegetarian lunch. Later, visit the culturally themed Ngong Ping Village before ending the day with a spectacular ride aboard the Skyrail cable car. (B,L) If the cable car is cancelled due to poor weather or any other reason, alternative transportation will be arranged.
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer from your hotel to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International 3* from £350pp
Park Hotel 4* from £380pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon 4*+ from £480pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford 5* from £480pp
Price from £ 350.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £510
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, entrance feels, guides and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong & Macau - 4D/3N
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.
Day 2: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 3: Macau
Transfer to the port for a hydrofoil ride across the Pearl River Estuary to Macau. Visit the sights of this former Portuguese colony including the ruins of the St. Paul Church, Ama Temple and Macau Museum (closed Mondays). There will also be the opportunity to visit one of the local casinos for which Macau is famous (minimum age 18). Return by hydrofoil to Hong Kong. (B,L)
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International 3* from £370pp
Park Hotel 4* from £400pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon 4*+ from £500pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford 5* from £500pp
Price from £ 370.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £530
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, guides, entrance fees and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong Shopping - 4D/3N
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.
Days 2-3: Hong Kong
Enjoy a two day shopping tour (5 hours per day) including Chinese Dim Sum lunches at local restaurants. During the two days, visit the Horizon Plaza, Aberdeen Fishing Market, Porcelain and Jewellery factories, Stanley Market, Jade Market and the Ladies’ Market. (B,L)
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International 3* from £390pp
Park Hotel 4* from £420pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon 4*+ from £520pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford 5* from £520pp
Price from £ 390.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £550
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, entrance fees, guides and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
This document is designed to be read in conjunction with the other pre-departure information provided by Wendy Wu Tours including the tour itinerary as described in our brochure and/or website. It aims to provide a straightforward description of the physical activities involved in sightseeing or travelling during the tour.
If there are any particular challenges, from the length of time spent on your feet, the length of drives and flights, to the standard of remote accommodation for our more adventurous tours; they will be explained here.
All passengers must read this document to ensure the itinerary is suitable for their interests and physical capabilities. This is not your final itinerary and therefore does not mention all the sites visited. The order of sightseeing is subject to change.
| Himalayan Express Tour Dossier |
