STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

Yunnan & Tibet ’S WESTERN FRONTIER

September 1 to 20, 2014

a program of the stanford alumni association many Chinese will tell you (and some will dispute) that James Hilton’s mythical utopia, “Shangri-La”, is located in the northern corner of . This seminar provides an opportunity to decide for yourself while exploring some of China’s most spectacular and diverse regions. As you travel southwest from Shanghai to Yunnan and then ever higher to Lhasa, Gyangtse and Shigatse, you’ll meet many of China’s ethnic minorities, some of which are in danger of fading away. You will experience the rich complexity of Buddhism and culture in Tibet, as well as confront the competing claims of Chinese authorities and Tibetan exiles. Along the way, enjoy the stark beauty of this remote land, from rugged mountains to scenic lakes, glaciers and the heartland of the Tibetan Plateau. Join us on this most thrilling and extraordinary adventure!

BRETT S. ThOmPSON, ’83, DIRECTOR, STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY Highlights DISCOVER diversity in MARVEL at Tiger Leap- VIEW the Himalayas as we Dali, one of the most colorful ing Gorge, hewn over the fly to Lhasa, where we tour cities in Yunnan Province, millennia by the Yangtze the iconic Potala Palace, visit which is home to some River, flowing hundreds of the huge Jokhang Temple 25 of China’s 56 officially feet below the gorge’s rim. and explore the Barkhor designated ethnic groups. Market.

Potala Palace, lHaSa, tibet Beijing

Lanzhou

Tanggula Pass C HINA Shanghai TIBET Shigatse Lhasa NEPAL ngtze Riv er Gyangtse Zhongdian Ya

INDIA Lijiang Dali BANGLADESH T

BURMA Bay of VIETNAM O i c Bengal LAOS P a c i f

ThURSDAY, SEPTEmBER 4 of the Naxi Autonomous SHaNGHai / Dali Prefecture. Named a UNESCO Itinerary Depart Shanghai via Kunming World Heritage site in 1997, this morning and fly to Yunnan 7,872-foot-high Lijiang boasts mONDAY & TUESDAY, Province in southwestern China SEPTEmBER 1 & 2 a charming old town district DePaRt U.S. / bordering Burma, Laos and made up of cobblestone streets, SHaNGHai, cHiNa Vietnam. Arrive in Dali, capital canals and stone bridges dating Depart on flights to Shanghai, of the Dali Bai Autonomous from the Ming Dynasty. crossing the international date Region, in the late afternoon. GUANFANG hOTEL (B,L,D) line in flight. Upon arrival on Dali sits at 6,232 feet between Tuesday, transfer to our luxury the 12,000-foot-high Cangshan SUNDAY, SEPTEmBER 7 hotel, situated on the banks mountain range and . liJiaNG of the Huang Pu River and LINDEN CENTRE (B,L,D) Begin our exploration of Lijiang overlooking the historic Bund with visits to the Black Dragon waterfront lined with Victoran FRIDAY, SEPTEmBER 5 Pool, the Naxi Cultural Museum, and art deco buildings from the Dali the Mu mansion, the Nature Arrive at the Bai villages of European colonial era of the late Conservancy and Lijiang’s town Xizhou and Zhoucheng to view 19th and early 20th centuries. square. After lunch, ascend by their traditional houses and hYATT ON ThE BUND cable car to Spruce Meadow on explore the lively local market. the Yunshan Plateau from where WEDNESDAY, SEPTEmBER 3 In the afternoon visit the multi- we can view towering mountains SHaNGHai roofed San Ta Pagodas, a Dali with age-old glaciers tucked in The bustling metropolis and landmark and among south- their creases. GUANFANG hOTEL seaport of Shanghai is China’s west China’s oldest structures. (B,L,D) most vibrant city and home to Explore Dali’s ancient historic some 18 million people. This quarter by foot; its quaint stone mONDAY, SEPTEmBER 8 morning enjoy a walking tour of houses and narrow streets liJiaNG the classical Yu Gardens located offer a rare look into the China After visiting the Yu Feng in Shanghai’s old town area. of centuries past. LINDEN CENTRE Temple, continue to Ngulukou After lunch, head to People’s (B,L,D) Village to view the former Square and view the city’s home of the eccentric Austrian- dramatic new civic center. Then SATURDAY, SEPTEmBER 6 American naturalist, Joseph visit the Shanghai Museum with Dali / liJiaNG Rock. Enjoy a free afternoon This morning enjoy a scenic cultural relics and classical art of independent exploration boat ride on Erhai Lake, treasures spanning more than and this evening take in a catching sight of the fishing 5,000 years. This evening, join performance of traditional junks that ply these broad, fellow travelers for a welcome Naxi music and dance. shallow waters. Then explore reception and a performance by GUANFANG hOTEL (B,L,D) a Bai fishing village. This after- the Shanghai Acrobatics Troupe. noon drive to Lijiang, capital hYATT ON ThE BUND (B,L) Shanghai

TAIWAN n e a O c mU maNSioN, liJiaNG

TUESDAY, SEPTEmBER 9 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEmBER 10 ThURSDAY, SEPTEmBER 11 liJiaNG / ZHoNGDiaN ZHoNGDiaN ZHoNGDiaN / lHaSa Head north this morning through Located on a high plain, Zhong- Fly over some of the most forbid- picturesque countryside toward dian is home to the Tibetans of ding and remote mountain terri- the Tibetan plateau, enjoying the Kham region, noted for their tory in the world to Lhasa, capital views of Jade Dragon Snow fierce character and superb of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Mountain and stopping at Stone horsemanship. This morning with an elevation of about 13,000 Drum Village, Tiger Leaping tour the spectacular Ganden feet. This afternoon visit the Tibet Gorge and other points of inter- Sumsanling Monastery where Museum, which offers extensive est along the upper reaches more than 800 monks live and displays of Tibetan scrolls and of the great Yangtze River. practice. In the afternoon walk the gold seal of the fifth Dalai Late today arrive at the town around Shudu Lake through Lama. ShANGRI-LA hOTEL (B,L,D) of Zhongdian at an altitude of the wildflower meadows where 10,000 feet; its county was yaks and horses graze among FRIDAY, SEPTEmBER 12 renamed Shangri-La in 2001. the rhododendrons. lHaSa SONGTSAm RETREAT (B,L,D) SONGTSAm RETREAT (B,L,D) Begin exploring this Tibetan “Holy City” at its hallmark structure: the immense Potala Palace. Thirteen stories high and purportedly comprised of more than 1,000 rooms, the Potala contains the Dalai Lama’s former residences, immense tombs, numerous prayer halls and storage areas. This afternoon, visit the heart of Lhasa and its most important pilgrimage site, the Jokhang Temple, founded in 642 and now a World Heritage site. Explore the Barkhor, a vibrant and exotic market/bazaar that surrounds the Jokhang Temple. ShANGRI-LA hOTEL (B,L,D)

SATURDAY, SEPTEmBER 13 lHaSa Another full day in Lhasa allows us the opportunity to visit the great liJiaNG SHaNGHai

Drepung Monastery, where ap- TUESDAY, SEPTEmBER 16 ThURSDAY, SEPTEmBER 18 proximately 800 monks reside. SHiGatSe / lHaSa lHaSa / beiJiNG Continue to Sera Monastery in Formerly the political center of Fly from Lhasa to Beijing via the afternoon to watch the lively the Tsang region, Shigatse is Chengdu, the capital of Sich- debating sessions also the spiritual home of the uan Province, and arrive in and conclude our day at the Panchen Lama, second only to Beijing, China’s burgeoning Norbulingka Summer Palace. the Dali Lama in the hierarchy of capital city, late this after- ShANGRI-LA hOTEL (B,L,D) the Gelugpa “Yellow Hat” sect, noon. Alternatively, those the largest and most influential of participants who have opted to SUNDAY, SEPTEmBER 14 Tibetan Buddhist denominations. take the train will disembark in lHaSa / GYaNGtSe Explore the impressive complex Lanzhou and transfer to a local Embark today by coach for of temples, prayer halls and restaurant for lunch. Enjoy an an overland drive crossing the residences at the Tashilumpo afternoon excursion to the Gansu Ganba-la Pass en route to a Monastery, where the great Provincial Museum, then transfer picnic lunch at 86-foot-tall Maitreiya Buddha to the airport for an evening flight tucked amongst the mountains figure sits covered with over 600 to Beijing. GRAND hYATT hOTEL of the Tibetan Plateau. Today’s pounds of pure gold, gems and (B,L,) stunning drive affords many precious stones. Return to Lhasa dramatic views of the harsh this afternoon, traveling overland FRIDAY, SEPTEmBER 19 mountain landscape, studded on the Friendship Highway beiJiNG with alpine lakes and immense through the awe-inspiring Today enjoy a tour of Beijing’s melting glaciers. GYANGTSE hOTEL Tibetan landscape. most famous landmarks: (B,L,D) ShANGRI-LA hOTEL (B,L,D) the ancient Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace mONDAY, SEPTEmBER 15 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEmBER 17 complex; Tiananmen Square; GYaNGtSe / SHiGatSe lHaSa and the Lama Temple of Tibetan Visit Pelkor Chode Monastery, Revisit the Barkhor Market Buddhism, formerly an imperial which includes the Kumbun area today and take advantage residence. This evening, join Chorten complex, one of Tibet’s of an entire free afternoon to fellow travelers for a farewell great pilgrimage sites. Kumbun explore one of the world’s most reception and dinner at our Chorten houses 108 chapels, enigmatic and ancient cities. hotel. GRAND hYATT hOTEL (B,L,D) each of which is elaborately Alternatively, those participants decorated with historic frescoes. who have opted to take the SATURDAY, SEPTEmBER 20 View the dzong, or fortress, in train from Lhasa to Lanzhou beiJiNG / U.S. Gyangtse, which sits on a hilltop (details will be sent to confirmed Transfer this morning to Beijing’s surrounded by spectacular participants) will transfer this acclaimed new international landscapes. A scenic two-hour morning to the train station. airport terminal for our outbound drive brings us to Shigatse late ShANGRI-LA hOTEL (B,L,D) flights. Cross the international this afternoon. ShIGATSE hOTEL date line en route and arrive (B,L,D) home the same day. (B) Trip Information DatEs not InCluDED Temperatures will range from the mid- September 1 to 20, 2014 (20 days) International and U.S. domestic airfare 30s (˚F) to the low 70s, with low levels Passport fees Immunization costs of humidity in Tibet and higher levels sIzE Meals and beverages other than those of humidity in Shanghai and Yunnan Limited to 34 participants specified as included Transfers and Province. The itinerary involves spending baggage handling for those not arriv- time at high altitudes, which reach a Cost* ing or departing on recommended flight maximum of 16,000 feet, including $9,995 per person, double occupancy itinerary Trip-cancellation/interruption sustained stays at 13,000 feet while $11,845 per person, single occupancy and baggage insurance Excess- in Lhasa. Daily excursions involve one *Association nonmembers add $200 per person baggage charges Personal items such to three miles of walking, including InCluDED as internet access, telephone and fax negotiating stairs, high thresholds and 18 nights of best-available hotel calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup cobbled paths without handrails. Many accommodations 18 breakfasts, services days have long coach rides (of up to 6 17 lunches and 15 dinners Welcome hours) over very rough terrain. aIR aRRangEmEnts and farewell cocktail receptions International and U.S. domestic airfare is Accommodations are the best-available Bottled water on excursions Gratuities not included in the program cost. Round- at each destination. It is important to to porters, guides and drivers for all trip, economy-class airfare on United note that China’s tourism infrastructure group activities Domestic flights within Airlines from San Francisco to Shanghai is at times basic and is not to be China All tours and excursions as with return from Beijing is approximately compared with western standards. described in the itinerary Chinese visa $1,200 as of January 2014 and is subject Accommodations in Shanghai, Lijiang, fees Transfers and baggage handling to change without notice. The recom- Zhongdian and Lhasa are four- and for participants on program arrival and mended flight itinerary will be sent by our five-star properties, and the hotels in departure days Optional train ride designated agent. Dali, Gyangtse and Shigatse are three- from Lhasa to Lanzhou Minimal medi- star properties. Acceptance of the cal, accident and evacuation insurance WHat to EXPECt unexpected is part of the excitement Educational program with lecture series We consider this program to be of traveling in China, and we ask that and pre-departure materials, including fast-paced and strenuous. Participants you be prepared for changes or delays recommended reading list, a selected must be physically fit, active and in in scheduled activities. We welcome book, map and travel information Ser- good health. While we do not do any travelers 15 years of age and older on vices of our professional tour manager to serious trekking, this program is at times this program. assist you throughout the program physically demanding and very busy. Terms & Conditions Deposit & Final Payment we receive your deposit. The product the program. We cannot accept any A $1,000-per-person deposit is offered in this brochure includes responsibility for losses or additional required to hold space for this special benefits if you postmark your expenses due to delay or changes program. Complete and return the insurance payment within a specified in air or other services, sickness, attached reservation form or place window: 15 days of the date listed weather, strike, war, quarantine, force your deposit online. Final payment on the confirmation letter for the majeure or other causes beyond our is due 120 days prior to departure. Waiver of Pre-existing Conditions and control. All such losses or expenses As a condition of participation, all coverage for Financial Insolvency; 21 will have to be borne by the passenger confirmed participants are required to days for the Cancel for Any Reason as tour rates provide arrangements sign a Release of Liability benefit. only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations Cancellations & Refunds Eligibility to this published itinerary as may Deposits and any payments are We encourage membership in the be deemed necessary. The right is refundable, less a $500-per-person Alumni Association as the program reserved to cancel any program prior cancellation fee, until 120 days prior cost for nonmembers is $200 more to departure in which case the entire to departure. After that date, refunds than the members’ price. Parents payment will be refunded without can be made only if the program is and their children under 21 may further obligation on our part. The sold out and your place(s) can be travel on one membership. For right is also reserved to decline to resold, in which case a $1,000-per- more information or to purchase accept or retain any person as a person cancellation fee will apply. amembership, visit alumni.stanford. member of the program. No refund will We recommend trip-cancellation edu/goto/membership or call (650) be made for an unused portion of any insurance; applications will be sent 725-0692. tour unless arrangements are made to you. in sufficient time to avoid penalties. Responsibility Baggage is carried at the owner’s Insurance The Stanford Alumni Association, risk entirely. The airlines concerned Stanford Travel/Study provides all Stanford University and our operators are not to be held responsible for travelers who are U.S. or Canadian act only as agents for the passenger any act, omission or event during the citizens with minimal medical, with respect to transportation and time that passengers are not onboard accident and evacuation coverage exercise every care possible in their plane or conveyance. Neither under our group-travel insurance doing so. However, we can assume the Alumni Association, Stanford policy. Our group policy is intended no liability for injury, damage, loss, University nor our operators accept to provide minimal levels of protection accident, delay or irregularity in liability for any carrier’s cancellation while you are traveling on this connection with the service of any penalty incurred by the purchase of program. We strongly recommend automobile, motorcoach, launch or a nonrefundable ticket in connection that you subscribe to optional any other conveyance used in carrying with the tour. Program price is based baggage and trip-cancellation out this program or for the acts or on rates in effect in January 2014 and insurance. A brochure offering such defaults of any company or person is subject to change without notice to insurance will be mailed with your engaged in conveying the passenger reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, confirmation about one week after or in carrying out the arrangements of tariffs or fuel charges.

California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50

TeL (650) 725-1093 FaX (650) 725-8675 emaiL [email protected] © COPYRIGHT 2014 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S. Faculty Leader Larry DiamonD, ’73, ma ’78, PHD ’80, has been interested in Tibet since he was a boy and read the novel, Lost Horizon. A scholar of comparative political and economic development with an emphasis on Asia and Africa, he has had a growing interest in China since spending the academic year at the Academia Sinica in Taiwan, in 1997–98. He has written a number of essays and articles on political development in Taiwan and mainland China, and has also edited several books pondering their future. Diamond has lectured at a number of institutions in China, including Peking University, Zhejiang University and the Central Party School in Beijing. — Senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and at the “Larry Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies — Directs the Center for Democracy, Development, Diamond’s and the Rule of Law — Peter E. Haas Faculty Co-Director of the Haas Center enthusiasm for Public Service and also professor by courtesy of political science and sociology — Founding co-editor of the Journal of Democracy for discovery — Senior consultant to the International Forum for Democratic Studies of the National Endowment for Democracy was a big — Author of The Spirit of Democracy: The Struggle to Build Free Societies Throughout the World (Times Books, 2008) plus.” — Named “Teacher of the Year” by the Associated Students of Stanford, 2007 StEPhEN SPItz, ’79 VIEtNam, LaOS aNd — Recipient of the Dinkelspiel Award for Distinctive CambOdIa, 2012 Contributions to Undergraduate Education

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“This is one of the most memorable of the 15 Stanford Travel/Study trips we’ve taken, in more ways than we can easily describe.” harVEy GUrmaN, yUNNaN aNd tIbEt, 2009

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY