Epic DreamsFrom ZAR58 370 - 30 Days, Fully Inclusive From JohannesburgWENDY WU TOURS IS PROUD TO HAVE ESCORTED THE FIRST GROUP IN THE WORLD, VENTURING INTO THESE REMOTEST OF REGIONS IN 2002. There are some parts of China that are almost never visited by tourists, but for those prepared to embark on a truly adventurous journey through these areas, the rewards are immeasurable, spectacular scenery, groups of ethnic minorities, vast open expanses and no intrusion from technology so that the night sky is ablaze with stars. Our Epic Dreams journey takes us to one such area, from the dusty town of Yecheng on the rim of the Taklimakan Desert, south to the very edge of China and across the Aksai Chin Plateau, a largely uninhabited and unmapped area bordering Tibet. We travel south and east along the highest vehicular road in the world, through some of the most barren, rarely visited and starkly beautiful landscape in the world. We continue all the way along the Himalaya Range, making a stop at the Everest Base Camp, passing through Shigatse and Gyantse on our way to Lhasa, capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Our journey concludes in the lush landscape of Sichuan Province where we visit the endangered pandas at the Chengdu Panda Reserve. TOUR ITINERARYDay 1-2: Johannesburg to Guangzhou Day 3: Guangzhou to Urumqi
Travel to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Autonomous Region and transfer to our hotel for one night. The following day we will spend an enjoyable day cruising on divine Heaven Lake and visit a friendly headsman's family. Day 4-7: Urumqi to Kashgar
Today we fly to Kashgar, an ancient market town once the flourishing centre of the Silk Road and now the dream destination of desert travelers. Upon arrival we will be transferred to our hotel for a four night stay. During the next few days we will take a delightful excursion to Lake Karakul, one of the most scenic spots on the Karakoram Highway and visit the various sites including the Abakh Hoja Tomb, the Id Kah Mosque and the fascinating Sunday Bazaar. Day 8: Kashgar to Yecheng
We continue our journey to Yecheng and pass through the towns of Yengisar, synonymous with knife production and Yarkand, whose name still resonates with the Silk Road romance. We arrive at the Uygur town of Yecheng where we will visit the Jama Mosque, which dates back to the 15th Century. Stay overnight at a local hotel. Day 9-11: Yecheng to Ali
Spend the next three days traveling to Ali by four wheel drive, as we begin our ascent of the Xinjiang/Tibet Highway, the highest road in the world. About 270k from Yecheng, K2 is visible across the Pakistan border. Day 12: Ali
The town of Ali emerges like a bizarre mirage and brings us back to civilization. Stay overnight at a local hotel for a rest and the opportunity to refill our supplies. Day 13-14: Ali to Zanda
We leave Ali for Zanda for a 2 night stay in a local guest house. Explore Tholing and Tsaparang, the ruined former capitals of the Guge Kingdom (900AD). Day 15: Mount Kailash
From Zanda we travel along a broad river valley and after climbing over a gentle rise, scattered with prayer flags left by pilgrims, we get our first view of the holy mountain of 'Kailash' , Tibet's 'Jewel of the Snow'. We will explore this majestic mountain and Lake Manasarovar, two of the most remote destinations in the world, Kailash being the site of a 53km Buddhist pilgrimage. We spend the night in a guesthouse. Day 16: Mount Kailash to Paryang
We drive from Mount Kailash to Paryang, where panoramic views can be seen of distant mountains and yak herders' camps. We spend the night at a local guest house. Day 17-18: Paryang to Saga
This morning we leave Paryang for the town of Saga, a drive of approximately 5 hours. 110km from Paryang, we pass through the small village of Zhongba and settle for the night in Saga, in a local guesthouse. Day 19-20: Saga to Old Tingri and on to Mount Everest
We rise early as we depart on our drive to the township of Tingri, where we will stay overnight. On the following day we arrive at what will be one of the greatest highlights of the tour - Mount Everest Base Camp, where we will have the opportunity to gaze at the stunning north face of the world's tallest peak, Mt Everest (8848m). Day 21: Mount Everest to Tingri
Travel to the Mount Everest Base Camp and take some time to explore this magical area. There will be plenty of opportunities for photographs, weather permitting. Take a photo at the base camp marker, mingle with those making an attempt to the summit, post a letter from the highest mail box in the world, or take a walk to the Rhongpu Glacier. Later we drive to Tingri, a huddle of Tibetan homes overlooking a sweeping plain bordered by the Himalayas. Day 22-23: Tingri to Shigatse
We leave Tingri for Shigatse, the second largest town in Tibet. Here we visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas. Enjoy the pleasure of exploring the busy cobbled lanes, which meander around the ancient buildings. Stay for two nights. Day 24: Shigaste to Gyantse
Today we travel to Gyantse where we will explore the sights of this small town including the mystical Gyantse Kumbum, the largest chorten in Tibet. Day 25-27: Gyantse to Lhasa
We arrive in Lhasa, a highlight of our tour. During the next three days we tour the 'Crown Jewel of Tibet', the Potala Palace, an architectural wonder, towering over an entire mountain, with thousands of rooms filled with intricate shrines and frescoes. We also visit Barkhor Square, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Temple and Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas. Day 28: Lhasa to Chengdu
Today we leave Lhasa for Chengdu where we will have an overnight stay and enjoy a sumptuous Sichuan Banquet as our farewell dinner. Day 29-30: Chengdu /South Africa
Transfer to Chengdu airport for your flight back to Johannesburg. Arrive home the next day.
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