Epic Dreams

WENDY 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 ITINERARY

Days 1-2: New Zealand to Guangzhou

Begin our Wendy Wu Tours group holiday to China. Travel overnight to Guangzhou with Singapore Airlines, where we will be greeted by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Guangzhou to Urumqi

Travel to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Autonomous Region and transfer to our hotel.

Days 4-7: 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 travellers. Upon arrival we will be transferred to our hotel for a 4 night stay. Take a delightful excursion to Lake Karakul, one of the most scenic spots on the Karakoram Highway and visit sites including the Abakh Hoja Tomb, the Id Kah Mosque, the fascinating Sunday Bazaar and animal market.

Day 8: Kashgar to Yecheng

We continue our journey to Yecheng and pass through the towns of Yengisar, where the traditional Uyghur dagger is made and Yarkand, a name that still resonates with Silk Road romance. We arrive at the Uyghur town of Yecheng where we will visit the markets around the Jama Mosque, which dates back to the 15th Century. Stay at a local hotel.

Days 9-11: Xinjiang - Tibet Highway

Spend the next 3 days travelling to Ali County by 4WD as we begin our ascent of the Xinjiang/Tibet Highway, the highest road in the world. About 270km from Yecheng, K2 is visible across the Pakistan border. Accommodation for the next 12 days (until New Tingri) ranges mostly from truck stop lodgings to simple hostels.

Day 12: Ali County

The town of Shiquanhe emerges like a bizarre mirage and brings us back to civilization. Stay overnight for a rest and the opportunity to refill our supplies.

Days 13-14: Zanda

We leave Ali for Zanda, where we will spend the next 2 nights. Explore Tholing and Tsaparang, the ruined former capitals of the Guge Kingdom (900AD).

Days 15-16: Mount Kailash to Taqing

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 also Lake Manasarovar, two of the most remote and holiest destinations in the world, for travellers and pilgrims alike. We spend 2 nights here.

Days 17-18: Paryang to Saga

We drive from Mount Kailash to Paryang, where panoramic views can be seen of distant mountains and yak herders’ camps. The next morning we leave Paryang for the town of Saga for an overnight stay. Along the way we pass through the old village of Zhongba.

Days 19-20: Old Tingri to Mount Everest

We rise early to start our drive to the township of Old Tingri, where we will stay tonight. The following day arrive at what will be one of the greatest highlights of the tour – Mt 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 New Tingri

Return to the Mt 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 view the Rhongpu Glacier. Later we drive to New Tingri, a huddle of Tibetan homes overlooking a sweeping plain bordered by the Himalayas.

Day 22: New Tingri to Shigatse

Leave New Tingri for Shigatse, the second largest town in Tibet, for a 2 night stay. Explore the busy cobbled lanes which meander around the ancient buildings.

Day 23: Shigatse

We visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lamas.

Day 24: Shigatse to Gyantse

Today we travel to the smaller town of Gyantse to visit the unique Pelkor Monastery and the famous Gyantse Kumbum, a unique shrine. We also explore the magnificent ruins of the Old Fort and stay overnight.

Days 25-27: Lhasa

Arrive in Lhasa, another highlight of our tour. Over the next 3 days we will see the Potala Palace, ‘the Crown Jewel of Tibet’ an architectural wonder which towers over an entire city, with thousands of rooms filled with intricate shrines and frescoes. We also visit Barkhor Square, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery and Norpulinka, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lamas.

Day 28: Lhasa to Chengdu

Today we leave Lhasa and fly to Chengdu where we visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these delightful animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their native habitat. Enjoy a Sichuan Banquet as our farewell dinner.

Day 29: Depart Chengdu

We board our flight to Guangzhou, where we will connect with our international flight to New Zealand.

Day 30: Arrive New Zealand 

Arrive home this morning.

Price Guide

Travel Info

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Inclusions

Exclusions

Images from Epic Dreams