37 The Caucasus

Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

Khor Virap Monastery and Mt. Ararat

Situated between Russia in the north and Iran and Highway to the Caucasus Mountains. Everywhere we turn Turkey in the southwest, lies the region best known as we see evidence of Georgian pride and religion in their the Caucasus. Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia were all majestic churches. former Soviet Republics, each with their own rich and unique history, language and culture. Crossing into Armenia we stop at Lake Sevan, one of the highest fresh-water lakes in the world. We will use We begin our journey in Baku, Azerbaijan, one of the the capital, Yerevan as our base to explore the Armenian first oil cities of the world. Natural gas vents led rise to countryside as we visit cave monasteries, churches and the religion of Zoroastrianism and their fire temples, pilgrimage sites, with holy Mt. Ararat our constant which still burn bright today. We will explore the nearby companion. We also visit the 7,500 year old astrological Ashberon Peninsula and marvel at 6000-year old site of Karahunj (3,500 yrs older than Stonehenge), and petroglyphs. the ancient cave dwellings of Khndzoresk. Continuing into the mountains we enter Georgia and The Caucasus is famous for its hospitality, sumptuous get our first taste of their famed wines in the Kakheti foods, fine wines and stunning mountain scenery. Join us region. Later continue to the beautiful capital of Tbilisi. on this fascinating journey into a lesser-known region of Heading north we travel the famed Georgian Military the world.

38 Karahunj - Armenia’s Stonehenge - 5500 B.C.

Activity Level: 2-3 georgia pass gudauri Fact File georgia telavi gori • 20 days akhaltsikhe • Maximum 16 travelers tbilisi • Start in Baku, Azerbaijan and finish vardzia in Yerevan, Armenia haghpat • All meals included armenia sheki shemakha Highlights sevan baku • Explore the medieval town of Baku yerevan khor virap azerbaijan • Visit Zoroastrian Fire Temples and noravank 6000-year old Stone and Iron Age khndzoresk petroglyphs karahunj goris • Visit the wine region of Georgia tatev • Travel along the famed Georgian Military Highway to the Caucasus Daily Itinerary Departure Dates & Prices Mountains Day 1: Arrive in Baku May 16 – Jun 04, 2017 - $6895 USD • Visit Tbilisi and sample Georgian Day 2: Baku - Old Town, Shirvan Shah’s Sep 12 – Oct 01, 2017 - $6895 USD foods Palace May 15 – Jun 03, 2018 - $6895 USD • Explore the cave-monastery of Day 3: Absheron Peninsula & Gobustan Sep 11 – Sep 30, 2018 - $6895 USD Vardzia Khor Virap Monastery Day 4: Baku to Shemakha, Lahij and Sheki Comfort Level and Mt. Ararat • See Lake Sevan in Armenia Day 5: Sheki Some rough roads, long drives. • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Day 6: Sheki to Telavi, Georgia Sites of Geghard and Echmiadzin Day 7: Telavi to Davit Gareja to Tbilisi Accommodations • Wander the streets of Yerevan and Tbilisi Day 8: Comfortable accommodations with private gaze at the vista of Mt. Ararat Day 9: Tbilisi to Gudauri bathrooms. Shared facilities at guesthouse Day 10: Georgia Pass - Gudauri in Georgia for one night. Day 11: To Akhaltsikhe via Gori Day 12: Day Trip to Vardzia Day 13: Akhaltsikhe to Tbilisi Day 14: To Haghpat, Lake Sevan, Armenia Day 15: To Sevan Monastery/Selim Pass/Karahunj/Tatev/Goris Day 16: To Khndzoresk/Noravank/ Areni/Khor Virap/Yerevan Day 17: To Geghard/Garni/Yerevan Day 18: Yerevan Day 19: Trip to Echmiadzin Day 20: Depart Yerevan

Garni - Roman Temple of the Sun

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 39 Encounter the magic of Sri Lanka - the island elephant orphanage, search for leopards on game nation formerly known as Ceylon that is once safaris, and listen to the delightful sounds from again open to visitors. Coastlines give way to a cool the exotic birds along our nature walks. Sri Lanka’s and rugged mountainous interior. Magnificent natural heritage is sure to impress. Our adventure archaeological sites, ancient kingdoms and forests also maximizes interaction with local people. teeming with wildlife - Sri Lanka promises an Visit tea plantations, craft villages, spice markets adventure packed with diversity, wildlife and and local schools. The people of Sri Lanka are culture. welcoming, vibrant and eager to show you their way of life. ElderTreks’ program to Sri Lanka has been designed to highlight the natural and cultural Come a little closer - the air is fragrant with the wonders of this exotic island nation. Explore the scent of jasmine and temple flowers. Mysterious national parks, archaeological sites, cascading and exotic Sri Lanka awaits you! waterfalls and lush tropical jungles. Visit an

40 Activity Level: 3 Highlights Fact File • Visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage sri • Discover Polonnaruwa - the medieval lanka • 17 days capital of Sri Lanka • Maximum 16 travelers • Explore Dambulla Cave Temple - an anuradhapura • Start and finish in Colombo, Sri important site of Buddhist pilgrimage Lanka habarana • Optional water-rafting on Kelani river sigiriya dambulla polonnaruwa • Explore Horton Plains and Yala hunnas falls National Parks negombo kandy kelani • Search for leopards, elephants, river nuwara eliya colombo sloth bears, mugger crocodiles, ella yala horton national barking deer, wild buffalos, jackals, plains park bear monkeys, brown-headed gulls, cormorants, herons, flamingos and galle other wildlife Daily Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Departure Dates & Prices Negombo Oct 30 – Nov 15, 2017 - $5495 USD Day 2: Boat Ride Through the Dutch Oct 30 – Nov 15, 2018 - $5495 USD Canal, City Tour of Negombo Comfort Level Day 3: Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, Some long drives. Habarana Day 4: Anuradhapura, Sigiriya Accommodations Day 5: Sigiryiya - Polonnaruwa Comfortable hotels with private bath- Day 6: Dambulla Cave Temple, to rooms. Elkaduwa Day 7: Simpson Trail Hike Day 8: Kandy Day 9: Optional White-Water Rafting, Drive to Nuwara Eliya Hill Station Day 10: Horton Plains National Park Day 11: Nuwara Eliya - Ella Days 12-13: Yala National Park Day 14: East Coast Recovery Drive to Galle Day 15: Madhu River Excursion - Colombo Day 16: Colombo Day 17: Depart Colombo

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 41 Few countries can match the splendor of India, temple complex, then journey to Orchha for a an ancient culture imbued with exotic traditions. local home experience. We board the train to Agra, A beautiful land of world-class sites, both natural home of the Taj Mahal - one of the most sublime and man-made, awaits you. From the plains to the structures ever built. We visit the Bharatpur Bird rugged Himalayas, India is one of the world’s great Sanctuary, and journey to Ranthambore National travel destinations. Our program highlights the Park, one of India’s most important tiger reserves. famous sites of the north as well as lesser-known, The highlight for many participants of November but equally fascinating sites such as Ranthambore departures is the Pushkar Camel Festival, one of National Park. India’s greatest events. Watch as men gather to In New Delhi, we tour India’s regal capital, then trade, ride and race camels within a carnival-like travel to Varanasi to witness the rituals of bathing, setting. It is truly a spectacle not to be missed! prayer and funerals on the Holy Ganges River as Throw in the color of Jaipur and Udaipur in they have been performed for thousands of years. Rajasthan for a truly wonderful adventure. In Khajuraho, we visit the exquisitely carved

42 Activity Level: 2 Day 6: Orchha, Local Home Experience new delhi Fact File Day 7: Amermahal Palace, Train • 21 land days to Agra jaipurbharatpur • Maximum 16 travelers Day 8: Agra - Taj Mahal, Agra pushkar agra • Start and finish in New Delhi Fort and Itmad-Ud-Daulah • All meals included Tomb jodhpur • Includes 3 internal flights ranthambore varanasi Day 9: Bharatpur Bird n.p. Highlights Sanctuary udaipur khajuraho • Explore Rajasthan’s highlights Day 10: Ranthambhore india • Discover Ranthambore National National Park Park Day 11: Ranthambhore • Explore Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary National Park, Safaris Pushkar Camel Festival (fall dates) • Visit the Taj Mahal, Khajuraho and Day 12: To Jaipur Every year, we visit the Pushkar Camel Fatehpur Sikri Day 13: Jaipur - Amber Palace Fort, Festival to see the oasis town of Pushkar • Experience the sunrise on the Holy Astronomical Observatory & City Palace Ganges River in Varanasi blossom into a world-class spectacle of Day 14: To Pushkar • Discover Pushkar, Camel Safari buyers, sellers and over 50,000 camels. Pushkar Sites or Camel Festival • Visit 8 UNESCO World Heritage Day 15: Held for five days and culminating on Sites Day 16: To Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort the auspicious Purnima (full moon of the Day 17: Villages of Bisnois, Ranakpur Hindu month of Kartik), the Pushkar Daily Itinerary Jain Temple, to Kumbhalgarh Camel Fair is one of India’s greatest Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi Day 18: Udaipur - Khumbal Garh Fort festivals. Day 2: City Tour of New & Old Delhi and Culture Show Day 3: To Varanasi, Evening Day 19: Udaipur - City Palace, Sunset Ceremony on the Ganges Cruise New Delhi - Cultural Day 4: Varanasi, Sunrise on the Holy Day 20: Ganges River, Visit Sarnath Experience Day 21: Depart New Delhi Day 5: Khajuraho Departure Dates & Prices Taj Mahal Feb 06 - Feb 26 , 2017 - $6995 USD * Oct 16 - Nov 05 , 2017 - $6995 USD Jan 30 - Feb 19 , 2018 - $6995 USD * Nov 01 - Nov 21, 2018 - $6995 USD *Features Pushkar Camel Festival Comfort Level Some rough/dusty roads and long drives. Accommodations Comfortable hotels with private bathrooms.

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 43 Lions & Tigers of india

This may be the grandest wildlife adventure Our itinerary includes visits to three national anywhere for those who are lovers of the BIG parks in search of a myriad of wildlife including CATS - lions, tigers, and leopards! the Royal Bengal Tiger. Seeing a tiger in the wild must certainly rank as a true wildlife highlight for India is not typically known for having lions, even the most seasoned traveler. We also search as they are normally associated with an African for a third big cat, near the area of Bera - the safari. Lions at one time roamed from southern leopard. We challenge anyone to find a wildlife Africa all the way to India. That band no longer safari where you can find lions, tigers, and exists and today lions typically roam only south leopards! of the Sahara in south and east Africa. There is however a small pocket in northwestern India Our adventure also includes New Delhi, where lions still roam in the wild. This remote Mumbai, Udaipur, Jawai Dam, and the famous and seldom-visited region features Gir National Ramtek Temples. Park where we will search for the rare Asian Lion.

44 Exploratory Trip

Activity Level: 2 Day 15: Saber Mati, new delhi Sabarmati Ashram Fact File Day 16: To Sasan Gir, • 20 land days Gir National Park, india • Maximum 16 travelers Lion Safaris • Start in New Delhi, finish in Day 17: Lion Safaris Mumbai Day 18: Fly to udaipur • All meals included Mumbai, Indian Gate khajuraho • Includes 3 internal flights Day 19: Mumbai jawai dam Sites, Chatrapati ahamdabad bandhavgarh n.p. Highlights Shivaji Terminus kanha • Search for tigers in Bandavgarh, Day 20: Depart gir n.p nagpur Kanha, and Tadoba National Parks Mumbai diu tadoba • Search for lions in Gir National Park mumbai • Search for leopards near Bera Departure • Explore the sites of New Delhi, Dates & Prices Accommodations Ahmadabad, and Mumbai Nov 29 - Dec 18, 2017 - $5995 USD We always stay in comfortable • Visit the famous Ramtek Temples Feb 21 - Mar 12, 2018 - $5995 USD accommodations — hotels all Daily Itinerary Nov 21 - Dec 10, 2018 - $5995 USD have private bath or shower. Comfort Level Accommodations have been chosen on Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi the basis of location, atmosphere, and Day 2: City Tour of New & Old Delhi Some rough/dusty roads and long drives. local charm. Day 3: Fly to Khajjuraho Day 4: Bandavgarh National Park, Tiger Safari Day 5: Tiger Safaris Day 6: To Kanha National Park Day 7: Kahna National Park, Tiger Safari Day 8: To Tadoba National Park Day 9: Jeep Safaris in search of Royal Bengal Tiger Day 10: To Nagpur, Ramtek Temples Day 11: Fly to Udaipur Day 12: Jawai Dam, Rabari Village Life Day 13: Leopard Wildlife Safari Day 14: To Ahmadabad, Rooftop Dinner

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 45 Mountains & monasteries of northern india

Experience a more remote, serene and spiritual India! See over a series of dramatic mountain passes stopping in the towns snowcapped Himalayan peaks as you traverse the world’s of Jispa and Serchu before arriving into Leh, the most important highest pass. Visit the holy Sikh ‘Golden Temple’. Savor the local town in the Ladakh region. Nestled in a valley of the Indus River culture of a home-stay in a beautiful Himalayan valley and feel and surrounded by snow-covered fringes of the Himalayas, enlightened as you encounter Tibetan Buddhist monks, culture, Leh has a distinct character that transports us back in time. A monasteries and chants that echo through the mountains and major trading point where caravans came in from the distant valleys. lands of Yarkand, Kashgar, Tibet, Kashmir and northern India, We begin in Delhi, the capital of India, before taking a the market once bustled with activity. Today, Leh is a center of fast train to Amritsar where we visit the Golden Temple. The Tibeto-Buddhist culture and has only been open to travelers since Golden Temple glitters with gold and marble and is one of the 1974. holiest Sikh shrines. Afterwards we drive up into the foothills We travel over the spectacular Khardung La Pass at 18,274 of the Himalayas stopping at the 6th century town of Chamba. ft (5,570 m) as we drive to Alchi to see the beautifully preserved Experience a 3-night home-stay in the Panj-La Valley, our base of 900-year-old paintings. We have plenty of time to explore the exploration and tranquility. colorful temples and gompas of the area, which reflect the culture Set against the backdrop of mountains, we visit Dharamsala. of Tibet and are home to many ancient manuscripts, images of Perched on the high slopes of the upper reaches of Kangra Valley, Buddha, icons, thangkas and stupas. We fly back to Delhi for it is synonymous with the Tibetan government in exile and the a last day of sightseeing or shopping in the old and new cities home of Tibetan leader, His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. We drive before concluding this truly great adventure.

46 Features the colorful Hemis Festival

Activity Level: 2 Daily Itinerary indus river Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi LEH Fact File Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing, Train to ALCHI • 21 land days Amristar sarchu • Maximum 16 travelers Day 3: Amritsar, Golden Temple chamba • Start and finish in Delhi Day 4: Dalhousie jispa • All meals included dalhousie Day 5: Chiminu Village - Himalayan naggar • Includes 1 internal flight Home-Stay DHARAMSALA/ Day 6: Himalayan Home-Stay - Trekking McLeod Ganj Highlights Options • Sightseeing of Delhi Day 7: Himalayan Home-Stay - amritsar INDIA • Enjoy Ladakh and the Himalayas Cooking Class • Visit Shey, Thikse and Hemis Day 8: To Dharamsala Monasteries Day 9: Dalai Lama’s Monastery, • See the 900-year-old murals of Alchi Dharamsala • Travel over the world’s highest pass Day 10: To Naggar; Naggar Castle DELHI • Experience a local home-stay in the Day 11: Naggar foothills of the Himalayas Day 12: Over the Rohtang Pass to Day 17: To Nubra Valley Over the • Travel to Dharamsala, home of the Jispa Khardung La Pass (Highest Driveable Tibetan Government in exile Day 13: Sarchu Pass in the World) • Visit the Dalai Lama monasteries Day 14: To Leh Day 18: To Alchi • Visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar Day 15: Sites of Leh Day 19: Return to Leh; Lamayuru • Attend the colorful Hemis Festival Day 16: Hemis Festival in Leh Monastery, Basgo Castle in Leh Day 20: Fly Back to Delhi Day 21: Depart Delhi Departure Dates & Prices Jun 20 - Jul 10, 2017 - $4995 USD *Jun 09 - Jun 30, 2018 - $5395 USD * 2018 follows a 22 day itinerary. Comfort Level 8 days over 9,000 feet. Some rough, dusty roads and long drives. Accommodations Comfortable hotels/guesthouses with private bathroom facilities. Home-stay with basic accommodation in Himachal Pradesh (single accommodation may not be available). 1 night mobile tented camp stay in Sarchu with limited electricity and heating.

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 47 Nepal Boudhanath Temple

Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Annapurna, Lhotse Kathmandu’s smaller, more intimate sister city, - these names have captured the imagination Patan, and walk through the ancient streets of of adventurers for over a century. Nepal may the restored capital of Bhaktapur. Visit Lumbini, be known for having the planet’s highest peaks the birthplace of Buddha and enjoy a relaxing yet but it also is graced with beautiful terraced exciting day of rafting on the Seti River. hillsides, raging rivers, and vibrant green lowland On our mountain flight, fly next to the majestic jungles. These extraordinary natural features are Himalayas, and enjoy a breathtaking view of complemented by the gracious welcome of the Mount Everest at over 29,000 feet. In Royal people of this Himalayan kingdom. Chitwan National Park, go on safari by day and Our adventure highlights the cultural and relax by night in the comfort of our charming natural features of Nepal. Marvel at Durbar Square jungle lodge. In Pokhara, view the famed Fishtail with its 1000-year old wooden buildings and take Peak, Machapuchare and enjoy moderate hikes in the burning ghats at Pashupatinath. Explore surrounded by surreal and magical scenery.

48 Includes Spectacular Everest flight

Activity Level: 2-4* Daily Itinerary ANNAPURNA Fact File Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu tibet Day 2: Everest Flight, Monkey MT. EVEREST • 18 land days POKHARA/ BANDIPUR Temple dhampus NUWAKOT • Maximum 16 travelers Day 3: Fly to Lumbini KATHMANDU • Start and finish in Kathmandu CHITWAN dhamalgaon • All meals included Day 4: Lumbini - Birthplace of N. P. BHAKTAPUR • Includes 2 internal flights Buddha Days 5-6: Chitwan National Park LUMBINI NEPAL Highlights Days 7-8: Pokhara india • Visit the ancient sites of Day 9: Dhampus, Fishtail Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur Mountain Views • Enjoy your elephant safari in Day 10: Bandipur Departure Dates & Price Chitwan searching for rhinos, tigers Day 11: Exploring Bandipur and other wildlife Oct 12 – Oct 29, 2017 - $4995 USD • Enjoy spectacular Himalayan views Day 12: Dhamalgaon Oct 04 – Oct 21, 2018 - $4995 USD on your Everest flight Day 13: Seti River Comfort Level • Visit Lumbini, birthplace of Day 14: River Rafting on Seti River; Buddha Drive to Nuwakot Some rough roads, long drives. 2 hikes (1 is optional) up to 4 hours including some • Explore the sites of Pokhara Day 15: Local School Visit Nuwakot steep uphill/downhill on rough terrain. • Hike in the Annapurna Range Day 16: Bhaktapur Day 17: Exploring Bhaktapur Accommodations Day 18: Depart Bhaktapur Comfortable hotels/guesthouses with private washrooms. Single supplement rooms may not be available for 1 night in Dhampus due to remote and unique style of accommodation. Permanent tented camp 1 night with shared facilities. Basic accommodations for 2 nights.

* Please Note: This trip has an activity level rating no higher than a 2 for 16 of the 18 days. However, it can be considered a 4 based on only 2 days of more challenging hiking. The hike on Day 12 is optional, where hiking can be up to 3 to 4 hours including up to 45 minutes of uphill/ downhill hiking on uneven and sometimes steep terrain. The second hike on Day 13 is mandatory. The hike to the Seti River can be 3 to 4 hours, with a mandatory 45 minute downhill hike on challenging terrain.

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 49 Prayer flags flutter on wind-swept passes, snow-capped the Barkhor. Himalayan peaks touch cobalt skies, plains of green barley and The journey continues to Gyantse and Shigatse, via the yellow canola shoulder treeless brown slopes and mountain 14,600-foot Karo La Pass, overlooking Yamdrok Lake far below. monasteries echo the chants of monks. The sights and sounds In Gyantse, the Khumbum Stupa is open for the curious who of Tibet are fantastic and, for many, magnetic. want to view its 1,000 Buddhas. Kathmandu is our rendezvous point, where we spend a day In Shigatse, we wander through the buildings of Tashilhunpo touring before taking a spectacular Himalayan flight to Lhasa, Monastery and observe the beautiful paintings and funerary the capital of Tibet. To help us acclimatize, we leisurely explore pagodas of former Panchen Lamas. We continue our overland Tsedang and the burial site of the ancient kings. journey to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest in the world. From here, Mount Everest, or as the Tibetans call it, Qomolangma On our way to Lhasa, we visit Tibet’s first monastery, Samye, “Mother of the Earth” is a formidable and magnificent sight. At on the shore of the braided channels of the Yarlung Tsampo, the 29,035 ft (8, 850 m) Mount Everest is the highest mountain in world’s highest river. In Lhasa, we see the towering 1,000-room the world. Potala, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama. We visit the religious sanctuaries of Sera, Drepung and the Jokhang, Tibet’s Leaving the plateau, we descend through the Himalayas. The most religious structure. In the streets of Lhasa, we can walk land becomes greener as we head into the Kathmandu Valley, with Tibetan pilgrims around one of the holiest paths in Tibet, concluding one of the world’s great overland journeys.

50 Includes Everest Basecamp mt. kailash

Activity Level: 2 Daily Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, tibet Fact File Nepal shigatse nepal lhatse • 17 land days Day 2: Kathmandu - Old City lhasa • Maximum 16 travelers tingri Day 3: Fly to Lhasa - Jokhang • Start and finish in Kathmandu, kathmandu tsedang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar gyantse Nepal zhangmu rongbuk • All meals included Day 4: Lhasa - Drepung and • Includes 1 internal flight Sera Monasteris mt. everest Day 5: Lhasa - Potala, Dragon Highlights Pool, Chagpori Hill Departure Dates & Prices • Explore Kathmandu, Nepal Day 6: Lhasa - Norbulinka Oct 09 - Oct 25, 2017 - $5995 USD • Explore the Jokhang Temple, Day 7: Tsedang - Yambu Lakang Fort, Oct 12 - Oct 28, 2018 - $6195 USD Drepung Monastery and Potala Samye Monastery Palace in Lhasa Day 8: To Gyantse via Kamba La and Comfort Level • View Mount Everest at Base Camp Karo La Pass • Meet Tibetan pilgrims and monks High Elevation - 10 days over 9,000 feet. Day 9: Palcho Monastery, Khumbum • Traverse the Tibetan Plateau and Some rough/dusty roads and long drives. Stupa, to Shigatse the Himalayas Temperatures can be cold at night at high • See the sites of Gyantse and Day 10: Shigatse Sites altitude. Shigatse Day 11: Xegar, Base of Mount Everest Accommodations • Visit (hike or drive) to Everest Base Day 12: Rongbuk Monastery - In the Comfortable hotels with private bathrooms. 1 Camp Shadow of Mt. Everest night in communal Tibetan Yurt tents at Everest Day 13: Mt. Everest Base Camp Hike Base Camp & 1 night in very basic guesthouse (driving option), Return to Xegar with non-western shared bathrooms. NOTE: Day 14: To Shigatse accommodations outside major cities can be Day 15: Continue to Lhasa quite basic compared to general western stan- Day 16: Exploring Ancient Bhaktapur & dards. We encourage bringing a sleeping sheet Patan and travel pillow. Day 17: Depart Kathmandu

Potala Palace

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 51 Land of the Peaceful Dragon - if ever there was peaks. Experience a rare opportunity to mingle with a an intriguing description of a country, this must be traditional Himalayan community, considered by many it. A land of friendly, devout Buddhists, mountain to be the last Shangri-La. monasteries and snow-capped 22,000-foot peaks, We travel to Bhutan along winding mountain roads. Bhutan and its neighbors, Darjeeling and Sikkim, are We visit Thimphu, the nation’s capital, and wander the cultural explorer’s Philosopher’s Stone. through markets, Buddhist temples and monasteries. Our trip begins with a short flight to Bagdogra, We journey to Wangdi and visit the famous Punakha India. From here, we drive to the former hill station of Dzong via the Duchola Pass, with its stunning views of Darjeeling, famous for its tea plantations, temperate the Himalayas. climate and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Add a visit to Paro, where one can hike to Taktsang Views of Kanchenjunga (the world’s third highest Monastery and encounter Bhutan’s gentle and gracious mountain) and a visit to a tea factory feature people. It’s the perfect recipe for a magical itinerary prominently during our days in Darjeeling. set against the mystical backdrop of the majestic In Sikkim, a kingdom formerly closed to tourists, Himalayas. Our spring departure includes the colorful be awe-inspired by spectacular views of mountain Paro festival with parades, dances and ceremonies.

52 Mt. Kanchenjunga - world’s 3rd highest

Paro or Thimphu Festival Included

Activity Level: 2 Daily Itinerary gangtok Day 1: Arrive in Calcutta, India 1 5 4 Fact File kalimpong 3 Day 2: Calcutta - Kalighat Kali Temple darjeeling 2 • 21 land days Day 3: Fly to Bagdogra, India - Tea bagdogra bhutan • Maximum 16 travelers Factory phuentsholing • Start and finish in Calcutta, India Day 4: Darjeeling - Mt. Kanchenjunga 1 - thimphu india 2 - paro • All meals included Day 5: Darjeeling - Mountaineering 3 - wangdi calcutta 4 - bumthang • Includes 2 internal flights Institute 5 - trongsa Day 6: Gangtok, Sikkim Highlights Day 7: Gangtok Sites & Institute of Day 17: Bumthang - Wangdi • In India, explore Darjeeling Hill Tibetology Day 18: Wangdi - Paro Stations Day 8: Rumtek Monastery, to Kalimpong • In Bhutan, visit Thimpu, Paro and Day 9: Phuentsholing, Bhutan † Spring/Paro Festival Departures Wangdi Day 10: Spectacular Drive to Thimphu Day 11: Sites of Thimphu Day 12: To Wangdi via Dochula Pass, • Travel to Taktsang and Rumtek ∆ Fall/Thimphu Festival Departures Punakha Dzong Monasteries and Punakha Dzong Day 11: Thimphu Festival Day 13: To Bumthang • See Mount Kanchenjunga, the Day 12: Thimphu Day 14: Bumthang - Jakar Dzong, world’s 3rd highest mountain Day 13: To Punakha via Dochula Pass, Jambey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang • Visit the Kingdom of Sikkim Punakha Dzong Day 15: Trongsa Day 14: Punakha to Trongsa Day 16: Thimpu via Dochula Pass Day 15: To Bumthang Day 17: To Paro Day 16: Bumthang - Jakar Dzong, Day 18: Paro Festival Jambey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang Day 19: Hike to Taktsang Monastery Day 20: Fly to Calcutta, Farewell Dinner Day 21: Depart Calcutta Departure Dates & Prices ∆ Sep 21 – Oct 11, 2017 - $6995 USD †* Mar 18 – Apr 07, 2018 - $7195 USD ∆* Oct 02 – Oct 22, 2018 - $7195 USD * Dates may change due to Festivals. Comfort Level Elevation: 3 times we drive over mountain passes just over 3000m/10000ft. Some rough/windy roads and long drives. Temperatures can be cold at night at high altitude so warm clothing is necessary. Accommodations Comfortable hotels with private bathrooms.

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 53 Ancient Merv

The Stans of Central Asia - for thousands of years, these Bazaar. Visit Istarafshan, one of the oldest cities in Tajikistan lands were sought after and conquered by some of the world’s with 2,500 years of history. greatest leaders from Alexander, Attila, Genghis Khan, Visit the historic cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara Tamerlane, Babur, Cyrus, and Darius of ancient Persia. Today and Khiva in Uzbekistan, evoking images of caravans it is the world’s greatest adventure seekers who are drawn to traveling across deserts and over mountains linking the these exotic lands of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, worlds of East and West. These open-air museums are Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Lands filled with harsh deserts, beautifully preserved Silk Road wonders filled with mosques, towering snow-capped peaks, ancient cities and fortresses tombs, monuments and bazaars. with exotic cultures. Crossing the border into Turkmenistan we will camp In Kyrgyzstan explore Lake Issyk-Kul and hike in stunning in the Karakum Desert overlooking a giant gas crater, one mountains. Explore Bishkek, the capital city and visit the of the most unusual sights in the world. Explore Bronze ancient stone gods, which still remain a mystery. In Osh, visit Age Margush (2,500 - 1,500 B.C.) and Merv, a collection of one of the biggest bazaars in Central Asia and Sulaiman-Too 5 ancient cities that moved over the centuries as the river Sacred Mountain (UNESCO). changed its course. Our journey leads us to Ashgabat, the Enjoy the stunning scenery of Tajikistan. In Khujand, splendid capital of Turkmenistan built predominantly of we visit the Citadel, Mausoleum, Madrassah, Mosque and white marble.

54 Khiva

[\YRTLUIHZOP `HUNPRHSH JHU`VUZ

Activity Level: 2 • Explore the ancient cities of Margush, Day 18: Khiva Merv and Nissa Day 19: To Konya Urgench & Darwaza Fact File • Marvel at the giant gas crater of Day 20: To Ashgabat • 27 land days Darwaza in the middle of the Karakum Day 21: Ashgabat, Archaeological Site of • Maximum 16 travelers Desert Nissa • Start in Almaty, Kazakhstan and • Enjoy one of Asia’s largest bazaars Day 22: To Mary and Ancient Merv finish in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan • Visit remote regions with stunning Day 23: Margush - Bronze Age of • All meals included mountains and valleys Civilizations, to Ashgabat • Includes 5 internal flights Day 24: Ashgabat Surroundings, to Daily Itinerary Turkmenbashi and Awassa Highlights Day 1: Arrive in Almaty Day 25: Canyons of Yangikala • Experience Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Day 2: Almaty Day 26: To Ashgabat Tajik, Turkmen and Russian Day 3: To Chong Kemin Valley, Day 27: Departure from Ashgabat, cultures Kyrgyzstan Turkmenistan • Walk through the Silk Road cities of Day 4: Chong Kemin Valley Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva Day 5: Chong Kemin Valley to Lake Departure Dates & Prices Issyk-Kul May 15 - Jun 10, 2017 - $8695 USD Day 6: To Karakol Sep 18 - Oct 14, 2017 - $8695 USD Day 7: To Bishkek May 15 - Jun 10, 2018 - $8695 USD Day 8: Day Trip to Al Archa Park Sep 18 - Oct 14, 2018 - $8695 USD Day 9: To Osh, Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain Comfort Level Day 10: To Khujand, Tajikistan Some rough roads, long drives. Day 11: To Istarafshan Day 12: To Tashkent, Uzbekistan Accommodations Day 13: Tashkent, to Samarkand Comfortable accommodations with private Day 14: Samarkand bathrooms. 1 night basic accommodation Day 15: To Bukhara (camping) with basic, tented facilities at Day 16: Bukhara giant gas crater of Darwaza. Day 17: To Khiva

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 55 The Silk Road China

The ancient Silk Road was a route that connected Monastery, home to the yellow-sect Tibetans. We Imperial Rome with China. For centuries, it was the explore the seldom-visited western portion of the main exchange between East and West, a conduit for Great Wall in Jiayuguan to witness the extent of religion and philosophy as well as goods and ideas. It Chinese efforts to protect their empire. was a place of great ancient cities as well as religious The great Taklamakan Desert may have instilled and spiritual centers of faith. Extending 4,000 miles fear in the hearts of intrepid travelers of the past (6,437 kilometers), the heart of the great Silk Road was but we will enter this vast desert for a camel safari, China. stopping at a number of oasis towns. We conclude our Our adventure to a seldom-visited part of the adventure on the border of the great Pamir Mountain forbidden kingdom starts in the old imperial capital Range before visiting the Uighur town of Kashgar and of Xian, the terminus of the Silk Road. Terra Cotta the famed Sunday Market before ending our tour in Warriors are a testimony to once powerful ancient Urumqi. armies. Evidence of the spread of Buddhism can be Join us as we explore the stunning landscapes, seen in the stunning carved grottos in Bingling (a ancient sites and fascinating cultures on our Chinese UNESCO World Heritage Site) as well as at Labrang Silk Road adventure.

56 Yellow Hat sect Tibetans of Labrong Monastery

Activity Level: 3 \Y\TXP Fact File 7VWH`HU [\YWHU R\JOL RVYSH • 23 land days • Maximum 16 travelers QPH`\N\HU RHZONHY • Start in Xian and finish in Urumqi K\UO\HUN • Includes an overnight train journey (soft sleeper compartment, 4 persons OV[HU SHUaOV\ per cabin), two domestic flights *OPUH • All meals included _PHOL Highlights _PHU • Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian Day 10: Ancient City of Yargul, to Day 21: Kashgar’s Ancient Sunday • 5th century Buddhist temples at Bin- Korla Market gling (UNESCO) Day 11: To Kuche, City Sites Day 22: Urumqi, Heavenly Lake • Labrang Monastery and the Yellow Hat Day 12: Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Day 23: Depart Urumqi sect Tibetans Tianshan Great Canyon Departure Dates & Prices • Jaiyuguan and the western end of the Day 13: To Hotan Great Wall of China Day 14: Desert Trekking with Bactrian May 08 – May 30, 2017 - $6195 USD • The Magao Grottos (UNESCO) of Camels Sep 04 – Sep 26, 2017 - $6195 USD Dunhuang Day 15: Sunrise Over the Dunes, to May 07 – May 29, 2018 - $6195 USD • Oasis town of Turpan and the 1st cen- Hotan Sep 03 – Sep 25, 2018 - $6195 USD tury ancient city of Gaochang Day 16: Hotan Sites, to Yarkand Comfort Level • Camel safari in the Taklamakan Desert Day 17: Ancient Capital of Yarkand, to • The famed Sunday Market in Kashgar Kashgar Some long drives. • Travel along the Karakoram Highway Day 18: Tashkurgan, Tajik Villages and Accommodations and visit the Khujerab Pass Nomadic Herdsman We stay in comfortable accommodations, Khunjerab Pass - Highest Daily Itinerary Day 19: both hotels and guesthouses, with private International Border in the World, to bathrooms. The only exceptions are an Day 1: Arrive in Xian Karakul Lake overnight train ride and one night camping in Day 2: Terra-Cotta Warriors of Xian Day 20: Karakul Lake, to Kashgar the Taklamakan Desert. Day 3: Xian Sites, Fly to Lanzhou Day 4: To Bingling Grottos (UNESCO), to Xiahe Day 5: Labrang Monastery (Tibetan) Day 6: Train to Jiayuguan. Western Great Wall, Wei-Jin Ancient Tombs Day 7: To Dunhuang, Ten-Thousand- Buddha Gorge Day 8: Mogao Grottoes, Train to Turpan Day 9: Ancient City of Idikut, Visit & Lunch With a Local Uighur Community

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 57 China - 5,000 years of history. That alone is enough his journey to the afterworld. A stunning display of to draw most people to the Middle Kingdom. Our Classic craftsmanship, each soldier and horse are unique. Route to China travels through eastern China, showing See the famous Buddhist caves at Dazu and embark you China’s major cultural and natural sites. on a cruise through the spectacular Three Gorges for We start in Beijing, one of the world’s great cities, a stunning display of massive rock faces forged by the where large squares and monuments grace grand mighty Yangtze River. boulevards. We explore Beijing’s hutongs (alleys), We take a high speed train to the fascinating city of to experience daily life in this ancient city. Imagine Shanghai before flying to Guilin to discover the sublime walking through a grand imperial monument such as landscape, regarded by the Chinese as the most beautiful the Forbidden City - truly a city within a city. Enjoy site in China. Limestone peaks are in contrast to the excursions to the impressive The Great Wall (UNESCO), serenity of surrounding rice paddies - simply spectacular! Ming Tombs and Confusious Temple. We finish our journey through Classic China with the In Xian, one of the ancient capitals of China, we cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong, to enjoy its splendid encounter the great wonder of the Terra Cotta Warriors, sites. an Emperor’s funerary army built to protect him on

58 Combines with Yunnan (China). Daily Itinerary great wall BEIJING Activity Level: 2 Day 1: Arrive in Beijing china Day 2: Forbidden City, Beijing Fact File Opera XIAN • 17 land days Day 3: The Great Wall of China, Ming Tombs YANGTSE shanghai • Maximum 16 travelers RIVER Beijing, Fly to Xian • Start in Beijing, finish in Hong Kong Day 4: Xian, Terra Cotta CHONGQING WUHAN • All meals included Day 5: Warriors DAZU • Includes 4 internal flights Day 6: Xian, Fly to Chongqing • Includes train journey to Shanghai Day 7: To Dazu, Buddhist Caves, GUILIN Board Yangtze River Cruise HONG Highlights KONG • Walk on the Great Wall Day 8: Yangtze River Cruise • 6 UNESCO sites Day 9: Yangtze River Cruise, • Discover the Forbidden City Shennong Stream Departure Dates & Prices • Cosmopolitan city of Shanghai Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang Sep 08 – Sep 24, 2017 - $4995 USD • See the Terra Cotta Warriors Three Gorges Dam Tour, to Wuhan Sep 10 – Sep 26, 2018 - $5195 USD • Cruise the Yangtze Rivers Three Day 11: Wuhan - Train to Shanghai Gorges and visit the dam Comfort Level Day 12: Shanghai • View the art in the Buddhist Caves at Some long drives. Dazu Day 13: Guilin • Travel by boat on the Li River, Guilin Day 14: Guilin, Li River Cruise, Accommodations • View Hong Kong from Victoria Peak Yangshuo Comfortable, well-located Day 15: Fly to Hong Kong accommodations with private bathrooms Day 16: Hong Kong - Victoria Peak throughout. Includes 3 nights on a Day 17: Depart Hong Kong Yangtze River cruise ship.

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 59 Black Dragon Pool, Lijang

In the 13th century, Marco Polo wrote of Kunming and city wall that once protected inhabitants from invaders. In Yunnan: “The capital city named Yachi is very great and the background, the Cangshan Mountains rise to snowy noble. In it are found merchants and artisans with a mixed heights. We cruise on beautiful Erhai Lake before traveling population of idolaters, Nestorian Christians, and Saracens to the town of Lijiang and walking along footpaths over or Mohametans. The land is fertile in rice and wheat...” ancient canals and alongside merchant shops. Yunnan’s diversity of natural wonders includes We make our way to higher altitude as we begin our Himalayan peaks, fertile valleys, tropical rainforests, journey to Shangri-La (formerly called Zhongdian) and tranquil lakes, nature reserves and thundering rivers. Deqen. We encounter locals in their traditional villages, The snow-capped mountains and glaciers feed two of the plowing fields with yaks in this truly rugged, spectacular world’s great rivers, the Mekong and the Yangtse. Culturally, and seldom-visited Shangri-La. We also travel to Tacheng the area is a veritable cornucopia of 24 colorful and exotic Nature Reserve in search of the very rare Yunnan Golden ethnic groups including Yi, Lisu, Bai, Naxi, and Li. Monkey. Starting in Kunming, we visit the Western Hills and a Finally, we board a plane to Chengdu in Sichuan temple carved out of the mountainside. In the town of Dali, province, where we conclude our trip with a visit to the we explore ancient streets surrounded by remnants of the UNESCO Panda Breeding Sanctuary.

60 Includes Tibetan plateau, Tacheng ‘Golden Monkey’ Reserve & UNESCO Panda Breeding Sancturary

Combines with Classic China. Day 4: Dali, Lake Erhai, Three Pagodas */,5.+< Activity Level: 2 Day 5: Dali, Boat Cruise on Lake +Ì8Ì5 Fact File Erhai Day 6: To Shaxi • 16 land days • Maximum 16 travelers Day 7: To Shangri-La :OHUNYPSH ;HJOLUN 3010(5. • Start in Kunming, finish in Chengdu Day 8: To Tacheng Nature Reserve UW • All meals included Day 9: Search for Golden Monkeys, :OH_P • Includes 1 domestic flight to Deqen Via the Baimang Pass `HUN[ZL ,9/(0 +(30 YP]LY Highlights Day 10: Mingyomg Glacier, Feilai 3(2, Temple • Visit ancient Dali and Lijiang • See the Stone Forest Day 11: Explore the Himalayan • View the Upper Yangtse and Mekong Region, Return to Shangri-La 2<5405. • Explore Lijiang - a UNESCO World Day 12: To Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Heritage Site Gorge Departure Dates & Prices • Boat ride on Lake Erhai Day 13: Lijiang - Yufeng Temple, • Visit the UNESCO Panda Breeding Traditional Naxi Village Apr 27 – May 12, 2017 - $3995 USD Sep 24 – Oct 09, 2017 - $3995 USD Sanctuary Lijiang - Black Dragon Pool, Fly Day 14: Apr 24 – May 09, 2018 - $3995 USD to Chengdu Daily Itinerary Sep 26 – Oct 11, 2018 - $3995 USD Day 15: UNESCO Panda Breeding Day 1: Arrive in Kunming, China Sanctuary; Chengdu City Tour Comfort Level Day 2: Stone Forest and Kunming Day 16: Depart Chengdu 6 days over 9,000 feet. Some rough/dusty, windy Day 3: Western Hills and Kunming roads and long drives. Accommodations Comfortable hotels with private bathroom facilities.

Golden Monkey

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 61 Grasslands extend to a horizon of cobalt-blue skies, In Yol Valley National Park, we experience a unique pastel-hued rocks color the Gobi Desert and fast- environment that includes 200 species of birds and flowing rivers cut deep canyons in arid steppes in this 600 species of vegetation. remote Asian nation land-locked between China and We stay on the beautiful shores of Lake Hovsgol. Russia. The people, descendants of Genghis Khan, are Surrounded by mountains and forests, it contains three an eclectic mix of rugged nomads, Buddhist monks, percent of the earth’s fresh water. In central Mongolia farmers and merchants. For the truly adventurous, we visit Gorkhi-Terelj and Bogd National Parks. In Mongolia holds the promise of an exotic culture rarely Karakoram we discover the ruins of the ancient capital visited by travelers. of the Mongols, and in Ulaanbaatar we walk through Starting in Ulaanbaatar, the tour uses the capital former royal palaces and visit the national museum. as a hub to visit the Gobi Desert, Lake Hovsgol and The highlight for many is the famous Naadam central Mongolia. In the Gobi, we visit the Flaming Festival. Full of ceremony, pomp and festive Cliffs, a world-class dinosaur site with remains so Mongolians, this event features the “Three Sports plentiful that dinosaur eggshells can still be found on of Men” - archery, wrestling and horse racing. Our the surface. Mongolian odyssey concludes in Ulaanbaatar.

62 Includes The Nadaam Festival

Activity Level: 2 Ceremony Day 12: Naadam Festival - Fact File Closing Ceremony • 17 land days Day 13: Fly to Gobi Desert - Yol Karakoram • Maximum 16 travelers Valley N.P. ULAANBAATAR • Start & finish in Ulaanbaatar Day 14: Hongor Els - Singing • All meals included Sand Dunes • Includes 4 internal flights Day 15: Flaming Cliffs - Highlights Cemetery of Dinosaurs • Feel the competitive excitement of Day 16: Return to the Naadam Festival Ulaanbaatar, Bogd Khan Palace beijing • Enjoy beautiful Lake Hovsgol and the Comfort Level stunning Mongolian landscape Day 17: Depart Ulaanbaatar Some rough/dusty roads and long drives. • Explore Flaming Cliffs Dinosaur site Flexibility is key due to changing internal Departure Dates & Prices airline schedules. • Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery Jul 01 – Jul 17, 2017 - $6495 USD • Enjoy meeting welcoming Jul 01 – Jul 17, 2018 - $6495 USD Accommodations Mongolians Please note: Itinerary sequence and Comfortable hotel in Ulaanbaatar • Experience life in 13th century’s dates are subject to change due to with private bathrooms. Eight nights Mongolia festival times, train and internal flight accommodation in gers (Mongolian circular • View the world’s tallest equestrian schedules, but all activities in this tents) with shared bathroom facilities in a statue itinerary will be included. separate building. Daily Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar Day 2: Hogno Han Day 3: To Karakoram - Ancient Capital of the Mongols Day 4: Przewalski Wild Horses, Return to Ulaanbaatar Day 5: Genghis Khan’s 13th Century Park Day 6: Terelj National Park, Ulaanbaatar Day 7: Fly to Muron, Lake Hovsgol Day 8: Lake Hovsgol - Hiking, Boat Ride Day 9: Lake Hovsgol - Horseback and Yak Cart Riding (optional) Day 10: To Ulaanbaatar — Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts Day 11: Naadam Festival - Competition &

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 63 Thailand & Cambodia

We invite you to discover two of Southeast Asia’s Ancient cooking class. Kingdoms - Thailand and Cambodia. From the Land of Siam Fly to Cambodia’s chaotic but fascinating capital, Phnom to the Kingdom of the Khmers, these countries will fascinate Phen, situated on the banks of the Mekong River. Visit opulent you and leave you with a sense of astonishment. Visit ancient palaces and temples, but also bear witness to the country’s recent temples, hike through tropical jungles, and meet warm, gracious tragic history under the brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge. Travel people. to Cambodia’s enlightened period as we explore Angkor, the Explore Bangkok’s impressive Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn, largest religious monument ever built, covering an area of 200 and Wat Pho with its Reclining Buddha and enjoy traditional acres with its towers, terraces and causeways. Prepare to leave Thai dance. Visit the floating market and the River Kwai, with its the outside world behind...travel through the world of Hindu infamous bridge. Stay in comfortable, floating bungalows on the mythology and arrive at the doorstep of the gods. The Khmer river, set against a backdrop of jungle covered mountains. Empire reached its zenith of artistic expression and architecture Explore the ancient capital of Sukhothai by bicycle. Visit with the building of Angkor. Built in the 12th century and an elephant workcamp and have the opportunity to ride one abandoned in 1431, Angkor succumbed to the encroaching of these magnificent animals. The relaxing northern capital of jungle until the great temple complex was rediscovered in 1860 Chiang Mai will be our base for exploration. We offer a more by French botanist Henri Mahout. Angkor’s colossal size, detailed active trek to visit the hilltribes but also offer something less carvings, courtyards and avenues is nothing short of impressive active by road and river. Visit the delightful town of Mae Hong and overwhelming. Son, set amongst the beautiful mountain scenery of the far Our trip to ancient Thailand and Cambodia concludes with a northwest. You can also test your culinary skills during our Thai flight back to Bangkok for our farewell dinner and departure.

64 Includes Temples of Angkor

Activity Level: 2 cave, Hmong Microwave Village Fact File Day 14: Mae Hong Son - mae chiang sariang mai • 22 land days Longtail Boat to the Long • Maximum 16 travelers Neck Karen Hilltribe • Start and finish in Bangkok Day 15: Fly to Phnom sukhothai • All meals included Penh (via Chiang Mai & • Includes 4 internal flights Bangkok) Day 16: Phnom Penh - thailand Highlights Royal Palace, Killing Fields & • Visit the floating market Toul Sleng kanchan- Day 17: To Komphong aburi bangkok • Encounter remote Hilltribe villages angkor • Visit the bridge over the River Kwai Thom, Visit Pre-Angkor cambodia • See the Grand Palace and Temple of Temples komphong Dawn in Bangkok Day 18: Komphong Thom - thom Siem Reap (Angkor) • Explore ancient Sukhothai on bicycle Phnom • Explore the temples of Angkor, Day 19: Explore the Grand Penh including Bantai Srei Circuit of Angkor Wat • Visit the sites of Phnom Phen Day 20: Angkor - Chhuk Comfort Level Village, Hike to Prasat Banteay Ampil Some rough roads. Daily Itinerary Temple Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok Day 21: Angkor - The Citadel of Accommodations Bangkok - Grand Palace, Wat Women, Fly to Bangkok Day 2: Comfortable hotels/lodges with private Pra Keo, Canal Trip Day 22: Depart Bangkok bathrooms. Day 3: Bangkok - Flower Market, Jim Thompson’s House Departure Dates & Prices Day 4: Floating Market, to Feb 02 - Feb 23, 2017 - $5295 USD Kanchanaburi & the Bridge Over the Feb 01 - Feb 22, 2018 - $5295 USD River Kwai Day 5: Hike or Swim at Erawan Falls Day 6: To Sukhothai, Wat Mahadhat Day 7: Sukhothai - Ancient Temples of Classical Siam Day 8: To Lampang - Elephant Hospital, to Chiang Mai Day 9: To Chiang Mai - Elephant Work Camp, Orchid Nursery, Handicrafts, Kantoke Dinner Day 10: Chiang Mai - Thai Cooking Lessons, Wat Doi Suthep Day 11: Chiang Mai - Wat U Mong, Old City by Bicycle Taxi Day 12: To Mae Sariang, Obluang N. P., Mae Ngao N.P., Bamboo Rafting Day 13: To Mae Hong Son, Kaew Komol Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 65 Myanmar

Myanmar is a vibrant tapestry of culture, history the breathtaking countryside and traditional riverside and geography. A delightful blend of diverse ethnic villages during our 2-day Irrawaddy River journey groups, graceful Buddhist monasteries, ancient to Bagan. With over 2,600 ancient monuments in pagodas welcome travelers to this exotic country. Bagan, we visit the most impressive temples and Bordering Thailand, Laos, India and China, Myanmar pagodas, adorned with statues and mural paintings. (formerly known as Burma) is at the cultural Enjoy a vintage steam train to Mount Popa to view crossroads of Southeast Asia. Our extensive 20-day the shrine atop an extinct volcano and walk around itinerary has been designed to explore this country’s the historical hill station of Kalaw. On Inle Lake, extraordinary cultural and geographic treasures to the we travel by longtail boat to see one-legged rowers, fullest. floating gardens, lakeside markets, monasteries and Beginning in Yangon (Rangoon), we visit the the ancient ruins of In Thein Pagoda. In Kyaing Tong, opulent Shwedagon Pagoda, beautifully ensconced in on the Shan Plateau, we trek to the Hilltribe villages gold. Join pilgrims on their journey to Golden Rock of the Akha, Arn, Lahu, Palaung and Wa people. Temple. Explore the monasteries and historic sites of This is your invitation to a sublime country Mandalay before traveling back in time as we take in inhabited by some of the friendliest people on earth.

66 Now includes Golden Rock Temple

Activity Level: 3 Day 5: Inle Lake Day 6: One-Legged Rowers of Fact File myanmar Inle Lake mandalay • 20 land days Day 7: Fly to Mandalay irrawaddy kyaing • Maximum 16 travelers Day 8: Mandalay Sites river heho tong • Start and finish in Yangon Day 9: Mandalay - Former bagan • All meals included Royal Capitals and Monasteries • Includes 4 internal flights Days 10-11: Begin 2-day mount kalaw Irrawaddy River Cruise popa Highlights Day 12: Bagan • Visit the famed Shwedagon Pagoda Day 13: Ancient Sites & Temples and Golden Rock Temple of Bagan • Meet ethnic ‘Hilltribe’ minorities Day 14: Mount Popa Golden Rock • See the skillful leg rowers of Inle Day 15: Fly to Kyaing Tong Temple Lake Day 16: Hill Tribes of Kyaing • Visit ancient Bagan and its 2600 Tong monuments Day 17: Fly to Yangon yangon • 2-day journey down the Irrawaddy Day 18: To Golden Rock River Day 19: Return to Yangon, city • Sunset on Mandalay Hill sites • Explore the world’s biggest book Day 20: Depart Yangon Comfort Level Daily Itinerary Departure Dates & Prices Some rough roads and long drives. Day 1: Arrive in Yangon Jan 06 - Jan 25, 2017 - $4995 USD Accommodations Day 2: Yangon Sites - Shwedagon Feb 03 - Feb 22, 2017 - $4995 USD Comfortable hotels with private Pagoda Nov 04 - Nov 23, 2017 - $4995 USD bathrooms. 2 nights basic Day 3: Fly to Kalaw Dec 02 - Dec 21, 2017 - $4995 USD accommodation in Kyaing Tong. 2 nights Day 4: The Hill Station of Kalaw Jan 06 - Jan 25, 2018 - $5195 USD on a boat on the Irrawaddy River with Feb 03 - Feb 22, 2018 - $5195 USD private bathrooms. Mar 03 - Mar 22, 2018 - $5195 USD Nov 04 - Nov 23, 2018 - $5195 USD Dec 02 - Dec 21, 2018 - $5195 USD

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 67 The culture and traditions of Laos are the least traverse the remote mountains to Sam Nua. Explore the changed among Southeast Asian countries and make it fascinating caves of Vienxay, used as the headquarters of a mecca for those searching for a truly exotic adventure. the Pathet Lao Revolutionary Movement during a virtual Here, you will find ancient temples, exquisite scenery, an secret war. We visit the Plain of Jars (UNESCO) and eventful history and exotic cuisine, all within the warm ponder the great mystery of the thousands of 2,500-year- embrace of a welcoming people. old stone jars. We begin in Bangkok, Thailand, then fly north to We fly to the nation’s capital, Vientiane to enjoy Chiang Rai and continue to the Golden Triangle before the eclectic mix of Lao, Thai, Vietnamese, French and entering Laos. A two-day Mekong River journey takes us American influences before flying south to Pakse where to remote Hilltribe villages and mountainous jungles. We we embark on a 3day/2nt Mekong River journey aboard arrive in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site a traditional and elegant Mekong teak barge. Traveling with some of the most beautiful and exotic temples in south along the Mekong, we visit the majestic Khmer Asia. temple site of Wat Phou, built 200 years before Angkor Our northern circuit continues to Pak Ou Cave Wat and the natural beauty of Khong Island. Our (Buddha Cave) enroute to Nong Khiew. Enjoy a day adventure concludes with a flight back to Bangkok. trip to a beautiful, ‘weaving’ Hilltribe village before we

68 Wat Phou

Activity Level: 2 Daily Itinerary ban xang khong golden sam nuea Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand triangle pac beng nong Fact File Fly to Chiang Rai, Golden khiew Day 2: chiang • 21 land days Triangle rai plain of luang jars • Maximum 16 travelers Day 3: Enter Laos, Mae Kong Boat prabang • Start & finish in Bangkok Journey to Pac Beng • All meals included Day 4: Remote Mae Kong to Luang vientiane • Includes 4 internal flights Prabang mekong Day 5: Luang Prabang river Highlights Day 6: Luang Prabang, Kuang Sy • Enjoy a 3day/2nt Mekong River Waterfall, K’hmu Villages journey aboard a traditional and Day 7: Luang Prabang, Elephant Village elegant Mekong teak barge Sanctuary pakse • Explore the ancient Plain of Jars Day 8: Bhudda Cave, to Nong Khiaw wat pho Boat Journey Through (UNESCO) Day 9: bangkok Mountains and Villages khong • See the Majestic temples and sites island of Luang Prabang (UNESCO) Day 10: Northern Heritage Route to Sam Neua • Visit the Cave City of Viengxay optional) Day 11: Viengxay Caves, Sam Neua • Encounters with Hilltribe villages Day 15: Vientiane sites Day 16: Fly to Pakse • Explore 10th century Khmer Ruins Day 12: To Plain of Jars (Phonsavan) Day 17: Start 3 day Mekong River Cruise, of Wat Phou Day 13: Plain of Jars (UNESCO) Pre-Angkorian Ruins of Wat Phou Day 14: UXO and Organic Silk Farm (MAG Day 18: To Khong Island, Fishing Village, French Railway & Waterfall Plain of Jars Day 19: Pakse, Farewell Dinner Day 20: Pakse, Fly to Bangkok Day 21: Departure Departure Dates & Prices Jan 05 - Jan 25, 2017 - $5195 USD Jan 05 - Jan 25, 2018 - $5695 USD Comfort Level Some rough/dusty roads and long drives. Accommodations Comfortable hotels/lodges with private bathrooms. Extensions Angkor Wat - 5 land days: Explore one of the world’s greatest religious monuments. Built in the 12th century at the height of the Khmer Empire. Price: from $995 USD Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 69 Halong Bay

Rice paddies tended by farmers in conical hats, a After stopping at China Beach, we travel over the two-thousand-mile coastline with sandy beaches and spectacular Hai Van Pass to Hue, the former ancient mountains covered in the vibrant greens of lush tropical capital modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. While vegetation. Welcome to Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia’s exploring Hue, we use cyclos (bicycle taxis) to visit the most beautiful countries. Citadel, Vietnam’s Forbidden City and the local Dong Bay We begin in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon). Explore the market. Continuing north, we visit the first national park famous Cu Chi tunnel complex and the Mekong Delta, in Vietnam, Cuc Phuong before driving to Moon Garden, where we enjoy a riverboat trip on the Tein River. We a unique and traditional oasis of Vietnamese temples & drive to Dalat, known as the “City of Flowers”. Visit a rural village life. silkworm workshop and see Dalat’s “Crazy House”, the Enjoy the sites of Hanoi, amidst shaded streets, former palace of the emperor Bao Dai. French colonial architecture and the surrounding lakes of Traveling north to Hoi An, we explore this restored the downtown core. In Halong Bay, enjoy 3d/2n aboard open-air museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site. our comfortable barge navigating the turquoise waters In My Son, we learn about the Cham people, also a amid spectacular, cliff-faced islands, enjoying incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. seafood feasts before returning to Hanoi for our farewell dinner.

70 Features 3d/2n boat trip on Halong Bay

Activity Level: 2 Day 7: Fly to Danang, To Hoi An moon garden Day 8: Hoi An (UNESCO) - By Foot and Fact File hanoi by Boat cuc phuong • 21 land days Day 9: My Son (UNESCO), Cham n.p. • Maximum 16 travelers Towers • Start in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Day 10: To Hue via China Beach, Ha Tinh finish in Hanoi Perfume River Tombs by Boat, Thien Mu • All meals included Pagoda by Cyclo • Includes 1 internal flight dong hoi Day 11: Ancient Capital of Hue vinh moc Highlights Day 12: To DMZ, Hien Luong Bridge, the dmz hue Vinh Moc Underground Villiage da nang • Visit the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, hoi an Day 13: Phong Nha Cave China Beach and the Hanoi Hilton my son • Discover My Son (UNESCO) and Day 14: To Cuc Phuong via Ho Chi ancient Cham temples Minh Road • Explore the Mekong Delta by boat Day 15: Cuc Phuong N.P, to Moon • Visit the Phong Nha Cave (UNESCO) Garden • Explore the old capital of Hue and Day 16: Moon Garden, Traditional stunning Hoi An (UNESCOs) Vietnamese Temples & Village Life dalat • 3d/2nt boat trip on Halong Bay Day 17: Hanoi Sites, Old Quarter by Cyclo mekong ho chi minh city Daily Itinerary Day 18: To Halong Bay - 3d/2n Boat delta (saigon) Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh Journey (Saigon) Day 19: The Turquoise Waters and Comfort Level Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels, Saigon Sights Limestone Islands of Halong Bay Some long drives and travel on Day 3: Mekong Delta Day 20: Halong Bay, To Hanoi traditional boats. Day 4: Floating Market, Return to Ho Day 21: Hanoi Accommodations Chi Minh Departure Dates & Prices Day 5: Scenic Drive to Dalat Comfortable hotel/lodges with private Feb 20 - Mar 12, 2017 - Day 6: Dalat Sites $4995 USD bathrooms. Features 2 nights on a boat Feb 20 - Mar 12, 2018 - $5195 USD on Halong Bay.

Cham ruins

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 71 Grand southeast asia Thailand, Cambodia, vietnam, laos & myanmar

Temples of Bagan JOPUH THUKHSH` ]PL[UHT Highlights IHNHU OHUVP • 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites OLOV 0USL SHVZ • Bangkok - Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn, 3HRL OHSVUNIH` Thailand S\HUN T`HUTHY WYHIHUN • Cooking Classes in Vietnam and Thailand JOPHUN THP • Rangoon - Shwedagon Temple, Myanmar O\L • Temples and Pagodas of Angkor Wat, `HUNVU KHUHUN TLRVUN OVPHU Luang Prabang, Mandalay & Bagan YP]LY • 2-day Mekong River journey, Laos [OHPSHUK • Spectacular Halong Bay, Vietnam • Remote Hilltribe villages IHUNRVR HUNRVY • See the famous one legged rowers on Inle ^H[ ZPLTYLHW Lake JHTIVKPH WOUVT Daily Itinerary WLUO ZHPNVU Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand OVJOPTPUO Day 2: Bangkok - Grand Palace, Reclining JOH\KVJ Buddha, Canal Journey Day 3: Fly to Siem Reap, Ancient Temples Activity Level: 2 of Angkor Fact File Day 4: Angkor Wat - (UNESCO) Day 5: Angkor - Banteay Srei, Fly to Phnom • 32 land days Penh • Maximum 16 travelers • Start in Bangkok, Thailand and Day 6: Phnom Penh Finish in Yangon, Myanmar Day 7: Boat Journey to Can Tho, Vietnam • All meals included Day 8: Mekong Delta Boat Journey, • Includes 8 flights Floating Market, Ho Chi Minh City

Halong Bay Bayon Temple - Angkor

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Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City, Accommodations Fly to Danang of Chiang Mai for Thai cooking lessons Comfortable hotels with private Day 10: Hoi An (UNESCO) and a visit to Doi Suthep overlooking bathrooms. the city. Day 11: Hoi An - Life on the River Day 12: To Hue (UNESCO) via China Beach, Fly to Mandalay and visit the most The land of a thousand smiles, ancient Imperial Forbidden City revered religious monuments in temples, five UNESCO World Heritage Myanmar as well as hand-woven silk Day 13: Perfume River Boat Trip - Royal Sites, exotic and welcoming cultures, and tapestry workshops. Bagan’s Tombs- Fly to Hanoi hilltribe villages, colorful markets and countryside is the perfect backdrop Day 14: Hanoi to Halong Bay (UNESCO) stunning scenery. ElderTreks’ Grand for its 2,600 ancient temples. Our Day 15: To Hanoi, Water Puppet Southeast Asia Adventure offers the adventure continues in Yangon, Performance best of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar with visits to the city’s main Day 16: Sites of Hanoi, Old Quarter Laos and Myanmar. attractions, including one of the most Day 17: Fly to Luang Prabang, Waterfall & Our journey begins in Bangkok. opulent temples in the world, the Hilltribes Marvel at the amazing Grand Palace Shwedagon Pagoda. Day 18: Luang Prabang Walking Tour complex and the Temple of Dawn We hope you can join ElderTreks’ (UNESCO) before taking a long-tail boat ride on adventure which visits Southeast Asia’s Day 19: Luang Prabang - Kuang Sy the back canals of the Chao Phrya greatest treasures - truly a journey of a Waterfall, K’hmu Villages River. lifetime. Day 20: Mekong River Journey, ‘Caves of a Fly to Siem Reap, gateway to the Thousand Buddhas’ fantastic ancient temples of Angkor. Day 21: Mekong River Journey to Thailand Visit the most impressive ruins: Bayon Temple, Banteay Srei, the “Citadel of Day 22: Golden Triangle to Chang Mai: Women”, Terrace of the Elephants, Elephant Camp Angkor Thom and much more. Enjoy Day 23: Wat Doi Suthep & Thai Cooking a performance of classical Cambodian Lessons dance. We fly to Phnom Penh to begin Day 24: Fly to Mandalay our river journey along the Mekong Day 25: Mandalay, Irrawaddy River Cruise into Vietnam. Day 26: Irrawaddy River Cruise In Vietnam, spend a relaxing day Day 27: Irrawaddy River Cruise, Arrival in meandering through the rivers and Bagan, Temple sites canals of the Mekong Delta. Visit the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels before Day 28: Ancient Temples seeing the highlights and energy of Day 29: Fly to Inle Lake Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Walk the Day 30: Indein Pagoda, Fly to Yangon streets of Hoi An - a “living museum” Day 31: Yangon Sites (UNESCO). Meander through tree- Day 32: Depart Yangon lined streets, past French colonial architecture and the old-quarter Departure Dates & Prices of Hanoi by cyclo and explore the thousands of limestone islands in the Jan 05 - Feb 05, 2017 - $9995 USD warm turquoise water of Halong Bay. Jan 05 - Feb 05, 2018 - $9995 USD Fly to Luang Prabang (UNESCO) and discover some of Southeast Asia’s most Comfort Level beautiful temples. Embark on a two- Some rough/dusty roads and long drives. day Mekong River journey into the Flexibility is key due to changing internal remote regions of northern Laos. airline schedules. We return to Thailand via the Golden Triangle and on to the northern city

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 73 The jungles of Borneo have evolved over 100 from the base of our comfortable lodge. We fly to million years. They are the oldest on earth and Sabah in the far north of Borneo, where we enjoy provide a unique opportunity to experience an ancient easy hikes at the base of Mt. Kinabalu, the highest ecosystem along with the tribal cultures that inhabit mountain in Southeast Asia. Mt. Kinabalu houses them. A rugged land of caves, peaks, rivers and celebrated biological diversity, including the rafflesia, forests, Borneo is an irresistible paradise for adventure the world’s largest flower. travelers. We visit the tropical islands of Gaya and Manukan. Beginning in the old colonial city of Kuching, we Traveling via Sandakan, we take a boat to Selingan head into the interior on our longboat adventure on Island to observe sea turtles come ashore nightly to lay the Lemanak River. Traveling upriver, we visit the tribal their eggs. Iban, who have lived in their communal longhouses in At the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, we arrive in the jungle for thousands of years. time for the orphan orangutans’ afternoon feeding. We continue our jungle experience by flying to The tour winds down on the tranquil Kinabatangan world-renowned Mulu National Park. Here, we explore River, where we go on a river safari in search of the world’s largest cave passage and oldest rainforests proboscis monkeys, hornbills and wild elephants.

74 Activity Level: 3 Day 6: Explore Colonial NH`H THU\RHU Kuching PZSHUKZ [\Y[SLPZ Fact File Day 7: To Mulu National RV[H ZHIHO • 18 land days Park RPUHIHS\ ZHUKHRHU • Maximum 16 travelers Day 8: Mulu N. P. - Lang ZLWPSVR T[ RPUHIH[HUNHUY • Start in Kuching, finish in Kota and Deer Caves TPYP RPUHIHS\ Kinabalu Day 9: Mulu National Park • All meals included - Moonmilk and Clearwater • Includes 6 internal flights Caves T\S\UW Day 10: To Kota Kinabalu Highlights Day 11: Islands of Gaya ZHYH^HR • Lemanak River safari and Manukan R\JOPUN SLTHUHRYP]LY • Tribal Iban culture & adventure Day 12: Kinabalu National • Mulu National Park and caves Park - Poring Hot Springs • Kinabalu National Park/hot spring Day 13: Kinabalu National Comfort Level • Rainforest canopy walk Park, Kundasang War Memorial Some rough roads and travel on traditional • Orangutan sanctuary Day 14: Fly to Sandakan, Boat to boats. • Kinabatangan River & wildlife Selingan ‘Turtle’ Island Day 15: Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary Accommodations Daily Itinerary Day 16: Kinabatangan River Wildlife Comfortable hotels/lodges with private Day 1: Arrive in Kuching Day 17: Gomantong Caves, to Sandakan washrooms. Features 2 nights in a Day 2: Sarawak Cultural Village Day 18: To Kota Kinabalu tribal longhouse with shared bathroom. Day 3: Lemanak River Safari Departure Dates & Prices Single accommodation not available in Day 4: Journey to Iban Culture longhouse. Day 5: River Safari Mar 12 – Mar 29, 2017 - $5395 USD Mar 12 – Mar 29, 2018 - $5495 USD

Selingan Iban “Turtle”Island elder

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The lush island of Sumatra, fifth largest in the world, is one Highlands in West Sumatra, home to one of the few of Indonesia’s most important islands and perhaps its most remaining matrilineal societies in the world and also known as beautiful. With its many tribes, cultures, wildlife reserves, the cultural heart of West Sumatra. jungles, rivers, spectacular waterfalls and crater lakes, the We fly south to Jakarta and cross the Sunda Strait by island is a joy for any traveler interested in natural beauty and speedboat to Krakatoa and Anak (“child of”) Krakatoa. The diverse cultures. It is a truly extraordinary destination with its famous 1883 massive eruption created a powerful tsunami remarkable wealth of sights and sounds, all set within some of and changed the earth’s climate for several years. Part of the the most beautiful landscapes to be seen anywhere. steep rim of Krakatoa remains and in 1927 the volcanic island, While in Sumatra, we travel south along the spine - the known today as Anak Krakatoa, emerged out of the collapsed rugged Bukit Barisan mountain range, exploring a number caldera. We land on Anak Krakatoa and climb to a spectacular of fantastic sights and cultures enroute. These include the viewpoint. We continue to Way Kampas National Park, which Orangutan Rehabilitation Center (“Bukit Lawang”) and the is home to Sumatran elephants, tigers and rhinos as well as a Elephants of Tangkaha, as well as spectacular Lake Toba and myriad of bird and other wildlife. We explore the park on foot, the Batak Highlands, where the proud Batak people migrated by jeep and by boat. We depart for Lampung for our last night from the Himalayan foothills of upper Burma and Thailand in Sumatra before flying to Jakarta for our homeward flights over 1,500 years ago. We continue south crossing the equator or to join our Java, Bali & Komodo adventure. while enjoying the dramatically terraced Minangkabau

76 New 20 Day Itinerary Including Krakatoa

Combines with Java & Bali. Day 6: Lake Toba Boat bukit malaysia Excursion lawang medan Activity Level: 3 Day 7: Lake Toba brastagi lake Day 8: Minangkabau toba padang Fact File sidempuan Highlands - Padang • 20 land days Sidenpuan equator • Maximum 16 travelers bukittinggi Day 9: Cross the Equator, padang • Start in Medan and finish in Jakarta to Bukittinggi • All meals included Day 10: Cultural sumatra Highlights West Sumatra and the Singgalang Walk • Visit an orangutan sanctuary Day 11: Bukittinggi and • Enjoy an elephant safari in Tangkaha way kampas • See the mountains, jungle and volca- the Minangkabau Culture lampung Day 12: Sianok Canyon, jakarta noes of Sumatra krakatoa • Hike through rural villages the Great Wall, Japanese carita • Learn about the Batak of Lake Toba Tunnels • Explore Bukittinggi and learn about Day 13: To Padan, Fly to Departure Dates & Price its matrilineal society Jakarta, drive to Carita Apr 11 - Apr 30, 2017 - $5195 USD • Journey to Krakatoa and climb ‘Child Day 14: Speedboat to Krakatoa, Hike to Jul 07 - Jul 26, 2017 - $5195 USD of’ Krakatoa Viewpoint, Drive to Lampung Oct 16 - Nov 04, 2017 - $5195 USD • Search for Sumatran elephants, Day 15: To Way Kampas National Park, Feb 01 - Feb 20, 2018 - $5295 USD tigers and rhinos in Way Kampas Night Walk Apr 05 - Apr 24, 2018 - $5295 USD Daily Itinerary Day 16: In Search of Sumatran Rhinos, Jul 07 - Jul 26, 2018 - $5295 USD Tigers & Elephants Oct 16 - Nov 04, 2018 - $5295 USD Day 1: Arrival in Medan Day 17: Jungle Boat Journey Day 2: Drive to Bukit Lawang Comfort Level Day 18: Lampung, Farewell Dinner Day 3: Orangutan Rehabilitation Some rough roads and long drives. Reserve & Elephants of Tangkaha Day 19: To Jakarta Accommodations Day 4: Jungle Hike, to Brastagi Day 20: Departure Comfortable, well-located accommodations with Day 5: Lake Toba - Samosir Island private bathrooms throughout. 3 nights in our remote Ecolodge in Way Kampas with ceiling fans but no air conditioning.

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 77 Java, Bali & Komodo

We begin on the famed island of Java, and start of Permuteran and Candidasa. While in Northern our tour in the historic capital of Yogyakarta, which Bali, you will have the opportunity to either is also the cultural and craft centre of Java. On a explore the fascinating yet seldom visited Bali series of day trips, we shall explore the unbelievable Barat National Park, (particularly good for those ruins of Borobudur - the world’s largest Buddhist interested in birdlife), or join a trip to Menjangan temple, which is renowned as the largest ancient Island, with its spectacular snorkeling and monument in the Southern Hemisphere. We will swimming. then depart Yogyakarta for our flight to Surabaya The pace slows down at Candidasa, as we take and head south to Mount Bromo where we will traditional fishing boats to a deserted beach with watch the magnificent sunrise on the volcano, with nothing but a white sand beach, and crystal blue an optional hike to the rim. water for swimming. For those with energy to We continue to the exotic island of Bali, where spare, helping the villagers drag the local fishing we will divide our time between the artistic and boats onto shore with their morning catch is cultural center of Ubud, and the beachside towns always appreciated.

78 Includes Overnight Boat Journey to Komodo and Rinca Island

surabaya borobudur prambanan mt. bromo menjangan is. yogyakarta java bali banyuwangi komodo is. labuan bajo ubud candidasa flores denpasar rinca is.

Combines with Sumatra. Largest Buddhist Temple Rinca Island by Overnight Boat Day 5: To Mt. Bromo Day 18: Komodo Island, Snorkeling, Activity Level: 2 Day 6: Volcanic Landscape of Mt. Return to Flores Bromo Day 19: Fly to Bali, Farewell Dinner Fact File Day 20: Departure Bromo Sunrise, to Bali • 20 land days Day 7: • Maximum 16 travelers Day 8: Bali Barat National Park & Departure Dates & Prices • All meals included Menjangan Island Apr 30 - May 19, 2017 - $5195 USD • Start in Yogyakarta and finish in Day 9: To Mt. Batur & Ubud Jul 26 - Aug 14, 2017 - $5195 USD Denpasar Day 10: Bali Bird Park Nov 04 - Nov 23, 2017 - $5195 USD • Includes 3 internal flights Day 11: Traditional Home & Dinner Feb 20 – Mar 11, 2018 - $5295 USD With a Local Balinese Family Apr 24 - May 13, 2018 - $5295 USD Highlights Jul 26 - Aug 14, 2018 - $5295 USD Day 12: Ubud - the Arts of Bali • Discover Borobudur temple Nov 04 - Nov 23, 2018 - $5295 USD • Wander through the temple complex Day 13: Ubud, Besakih Temple, to of Prambanan Candidasa Comfort Level • Sunrise hike to the crater of Mount Day 14: Candidasa: Tirtagganga & Pasir Some rough roads and long drives. Bromo Putih • Enjoy a 2 day boat journey to see Day 15: Candidasa, Fly to Flores Accommodations Komodo Dragons Day 16: Dance Ceremony of the Comfortable, well-located • Swim or snorkel at Menjangan Island Manggarai accommodations with private bathrooms Reef (scuba diving available; not Day 17: Komodo Dragon Adventure - to throughout. included) • Explore Ubud, the cultural center of Bali • Experience the arts, dance and cul- ture of Bali Daily Itinerary Day 1: Arrival Day 2: Ancient Hindu Temple of Prambanan Day 3: Yogyakarta - Artistic Heart of Java Day 4: Sunrise at Borobudur - World’s Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 79 Papua New Guinea is like no other place the Sepik River by wooden canoe and spend 3 on earth - culturally rich and geographically nights on Kiriwina Island (part of the Trobriand remote, with some of the most stunning Islands), where people live a traditional lifestyle. scenery anywhere. Throughout our journey, we encounter amazing From the rugged mountains to the coastal birdlife, lush flora, stunning scenery and some islands, this journey is an adventure of a of the most fascinating tribal people on earth. lifetime. We meet and learn about some of the Our August (Mt. Hagen festival) and tribal people of this land including the Asaro September (Goroka festival) departures both Mudmen, the Wahgi, the Simbu, the Kaguel, feature a two-day spectacular “singsing” - a the Melpa and the fascinating Trobriand traditional song and dance festival complete Islanders. Our adventure includes many village with traditional tribal clothing and body visits so that we can really meet the people decoration, where the tribes come from all over and experience their way of life. We explore Papua New Guinea.

80 Includes Singsing Festival

Day 13: Sepik River, Return to Activity Level: 2 or 3 QHN\HY ^L^HR Wewak WYLZLY]L Fact File Day 14: Depart Wewak, ZLWPR YP]LY • 21 land days Loloata Island T[ OHNLU THKHUN • Maximum 16 Travelers Day 15: Fly to Louisa Island, • Start and finish in Port Moresby Trobriand Islands NVYVRH • All meals included Day 16: Kiriwina Island, WHW\H OPNOSHUKZ • Includes 5 internal flights Trobriand Islands UL^ Highlights Day 17: Kaibola Village, N\PULH [YVIYPHUK • Encounter the Asaro Mudmen, the Trobriand Islands PZSHUKZ Wahgi, Simbu, Kaguel, Melpa and Day 18: Return to Port Moresby Trobriand Islanders tribes Day 19: Port Moresby City Tour WVY[ TVYLZI` • Mt. Hagen ‘singsing’ festival (Aug Day 20: Virirata National Park dep) Day 21: Depart Port Moresby • Goroka ‘singsing’ festival (Sep dep) and people of Papua New Guinea. In • Visit the remote Trobriand Islands Departure Dates & Prices order to do this, we visit a number of • 3-day Sepik River adventure by Aug 13 – Sep 02, 2017 - $11,995 USD local villages and we overnight in one wooden canoe Sep 13 – Oct 03, 2018 - $11,995 H\Z[YHSPHUSD village. There are overnight stays where Daily Itinerary Aug 16 – Sep 05, 2018 - $11,995 USD the accommodation is very basic; it can Price includes $1400 USD of domestic air. be dormitory style and have no fans/air Day 1: Arrive in Port Moresby Dates may change due to festivals. conditioning and very limited facilities. Day 2: Port Moresby to Mt. Hagen As much of the interior of the country Days 3-4: Mt. Hagen Cultural Show Comfort Level has no roads or impassable ones, we Day 5: Mt. Hagen and Kumul Lodge 2 days over 8,000 feet. Local roads can maximize our time by flying from Day 6: Mt. Hagen to Goroka be rough and wet. Travelers must be location to location and flight schedules flexible and prepared for day-to-day frequently change. While we endeavor to Day 7: Goroka Sites changes. Some areas are very primitive. do/see everything listed in the itinerary, Day 8: Goroka to Madang it is common for changes to occur to the Day 9: Madang Accommodations itinerary for things that are beyond our Day 10: Fly to Wewak On the Sepik river, we have 1 nt. in control. Traveler must be prepared for Day 11: To Sepik River basic dormitory accommodation changes to this program either before your (tribal longhouses) with limited Day 12: Sepik River Excursion journey starts or during the trip itself. bathing and toilet facilities. Trobriand Island accommodation is basic with private facilities. Up to 6 nights, single supplement not available.

Please Note: Papua New Guinea is one of the most culturally interesting places on earth, with many of its tribal people following a traditional life-style. This adventure has Hornbill been designed to experience the villages

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 81 Sailing In The Remote Marquesas islands

The lush, jagged volcanic islands of the Marquesas bark cloth. Very little has changed in these untouched are French Polynesia’s most spectacular island chain. islands. Visitors are rare but very welcome! You can imagine their raw beauty, the welcoming people and their mysterious stone tikis by reading the Aranui 5 adventures of Paul Gauguin, Herman Melville, Jack The Aranui 5 is a new, custom-built, dual- London, Robert Louis Stevenson and Thor Heyerdahl. purpose passenger/freighter. Designed to offer all Today, there is no better way to explore these of the comforts of a cruise liner, while operating as enchanting islands than by passenger/freighter. a supply ship, Aranui 5 is classified as a small vessel, Your days will be filled with adventure, as we accommodating approximately 254 passengers journey to the Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands. and 103 cabins. The ship features a restaurant, 2 Well-trained guides will take you hiking to ancient lounges, 2 conference rooms, 4 bars, an outdoor pool, archaeological sites. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, a boutique, a massage room and a gym. Passenger scuba diving and horseback riding. You’ll visit charming accommodations range from Premium exterior villages and see local artisans making intricately-carved staterooms, more than 90 percent with a private wooden bowls, war clubs and tapa — a traditional balcony, to Standard exterior staterooms.

82 Now Includes Bora Bora

Activity Level: 2 Hokatu) Day 10: Nuku Hiva (Taiohae) and MARQUESAS ARCHIPELAGO nuku hiva Fact File Ua Pou ua huka • 14 days Day 11: At Sea FRENCH ua pou • Start and finish in Papeete, Tahiti Day 12: Tuamotu Archipelago - POLYNESIA hiva oa • All meals on ship and land included Rangiroa • Guided excursions included Day 13: Society Islands - Bora TUAMOTU ARCHIPELAGO tahuata • Scuba diving, horseback riding, Bora deep sea fishing tours available at takapoto Day 14: Morning Arrival in rangiroa fatu hiva additional cost Papeete, Tahiti bora bora Highlights papeete • Scuba diving, horseback riding, Departure Dates helicopter tours available at Jan 10 - Jan 23, 17 tahiti additional cost Jan 28 - Feb 10, 17 • Visit volcanic amphitheater in Feb 16 - Mar 01, 17 2017 Prices Nuku Hiva Bay Mar 07 - Mar 20, 17 Stateroom from - $4678 USD • Visit grave site of Paul Gauguin on Mar 25 - Apr 17, 17 Deluxe cabin from - $5642 USD Hiva Oa Apr 13 - Apr 26, 17 Superior cabin from - $6107 USD May 02 - May 15, 17 • Visit Fatu Hiva, center of All cabins based on twin share with private May 20 - Jun 02, 17 Marquesian culture ­bathrooms. The price does not include Jun 08 - Jun 21, 17 - 10% off • Discover island of wild horses — Tourism Tax, Port/Cruise fees (approx Jun 27 - Jul 10, 17 Ua Huka $300), fuel surcharge and transfers. Jul 18 - Jul 31, 17 This trip is not exclusive to ElderTreks. Daily Itinerary Aug 05 - Aug 18, 17 Day 1: Arrive in Papeete, Tahiti Aug 24 - Sep 06, 17 Comfort Level Day 2: Tuamotu Archipelago — Sep 12 - Sep 25, 17 Seas can be rough. Shore landings (using Takapoto Sep 30 - Oct 13, 17 - 10% off traditional style whaleboats) required Day 3: At Sea Oct 19 - Nov 01, 17 Day 4: Arrival to the Marquesas Nov 07 - Nov 20, 17 Accommodations Archipelago, Island of Nuku Hiva; Nov 25 - Dec 08, 17 Travel aboard the upscale passenger & Traditional Marquesas Lunch in the Dec 14 - Dec 27, 17 cargo freighter, Aranui 5. Cabins range Village of Hatiheu Call for 2018 Dates. from standard staterooms to deluxe and Day 5: Ua Pou – Marquesas lunch * 10% discount for Standard Cabins only. a variety of suites with private facilities. Day 6: Tahuata (Vaitahu) and Hiva Oa (Atuona) Day 7: Fatu Hiva Day 8: Hiva Oa Day 9: Ua Huka (Vaipaee-Hane-

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com 83 auckland Day 4: Rotorua, Maori Feast Day 5: Rotorua, Huka Falls, to Taupo rotorua Tongaririo River Rafting, waitomo Day 6: Wellington lake taupo Day 7: Wellington Sites Day 8: Ferry to Picton, Nelson abel tasman n.p Day 9: Abel Tasman National Park - Kayak, Seals & Walking Tour punakaiki picton wellington Day 10: Golden Bay Day 11: Nelson kaikoura Day 12: Punakaiki franz josef Day 13: Franz Josef Glacier & Fox Glacier Kea bird fox glacier Day 14: Mountains, Lakes & Glaciers, to milford wanaka Wanaka sound queenstown Day 15: Queenstown Day 16: Te Anau, Milford Sound Activity Level: 3/4 Day 17: Queenstown - Shotover Jet Boat a jetboat ride and learn about the fascinating Ride Maori culture. Fact File Day 18: Depart Queenstown • 18 land days Departure Dates & Prices On the North Island, travel to Waitomo and • Maximum 16 travelers the fairytale glow-worm caves and explore Feb 01 – Feb 18, 2017 - $7995 USD • Start in Auckland, finish in Queenstown the Cave of the Spirit “Te Ana o te Atua”. Ex- $7995 USD • All meals included Feb 01 – Feb 18, 2018 - perience the boiling mud pools and geysers of Highlights Comfort Level Whakarewarewa, the origin of the Goddesses of Fire. We cover over sixty rapids as we go • Visit Waitomo glow-worm caves Some long drives. • Attend a Maori concert white-water rafting on the Tongaririo River! • Hike and kayak in Abel Tasman National Accommodations We cruise through the beautiful Marlborough Park Comfortable hotels/lodges with private Sounds to the South Island and continue to • Jetboat ride on the Shotover River bathrooms. • Travel to Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Abel Tasman National Park, where we spend Glacier time hiking and kayaking. We see Franz Josef • Cruise on Milford Sound Spectacular natural wonders, cosmopolitan Glacier and Fox Glacier before continuing on Daily Itinerary cities, friendly people, a comfortable climate... to Queenstown and a thrilling jet-boat ride all elements of the perfect travel destination - on the Shotover River. We marvel at spec- Day 1: Arrive in Auckland New Zealand. On this active trip, explore caves, tacular Milford Sound where we take a cruise Day 2: Auckland Sites geothermal areas and glaciers. Experience the Day 3: Waitomo & Ruakuri Caves, along the fjord to majestic Mitre Peak, before Rotorua thrill of white-water rafting, the exhilaration of concluding our adventure in Queenstown.

Kiwi

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