THE TRAVEL COMPANY TT-03 HIGHLIGHTS “We regard each and every trip we organise as a trip of a lifetime.” ▶ JUST A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US

CONTENTS

3 ..... Trip overview & map 4 ..... Day by day itinerary 14 ... Trip inclusions & exclusions 16 ... Destinations guides 21 ... Recommended reading 22 ... Essential information

ABOUT US

Established as one of the UK’s leading, independent and family owned China tour specialists our focus is on private and tailor made trips rather than the usual mass tourism of group tours which dominate the market. Our emphasis is very much on creating the right trip for you and we work closely with you in order to achieve this. We regard China as a trip of lifetime and use our experience and knowledge to achieve this for you.

ALL TOURS ARE FINANCIALLY PROTECTED

We are members of ABTA (Y1699) and our tours are ATOL protected (license 10287) giving you full peace of mind when booking with us both for monies paid to us as well as the code of conduct and high standards we are both delighted to and required to uphold.

THECHINATRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK | Email: [email protected]

UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 2 ▶ STARTING : TIBET TOUR TT-03 TIBET HIGHLIGHTS LHASA ● ● ● EVEREST ● NAMTSO LAKE

Dear Sir / Madam, Please find full details of this itinerary in this dossier. If you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to contact me. Best regards, The China Travel Company Team. NAMTSO SHIGATSE ✪ LHASA ✪✪ THE CHINA TRAVEL COMPANY EVEREST ✪ ✪ GYANTSE ■ www.thechinatravelcompany.co.uk ■ [email protected] ☎ +44 (0)20 8816 8399 ■ ABTA member Y1699 ■ ATOL License 10287

THIS TOUR IN BRIEF 9 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS TOUR AVAILABLE APRIL TO DECEMBER

Drive engineering marvel of the Friendship highway from LHASA with sights such as the PRICE GUIDANCE* Potala Palace and Temple all the way up to EVEREST BASE CAMP via GYANTSE & UK £ 1,730 per person SHIGATSE and it’s superb view of the world’s THE PRICE IS BASED ON 2 PEOPLE TRAVELLING. PLEASE highest peak. On your return trip to Lhasa you REMEMBER THIS IS A PRIVATE (NOT A GROUP) TOUR. travel via the beautiful NAMTSO LAKE - a little YOUR PERSONALISED TRIP GUIDEBOOK visited highlight of Tibet. *Prices vary by date, availability and the number of This tour comes with our Plenty of opportunity to stop along route for people in your party. Please contact us for a firm exclusive 150+ page book. photography and to meet the warm and friendly quote. Tibetan people.

THECHINATRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK | Email: [email protected]

UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 3

3 ▶ YOUR TIBET TOUR TT-03 TIBET HIGHLIGHTS - DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1 OVERNIGHT ARRIVAL LHASA KYICHU HOTEL ✭ ✭ ✭ Well located in the Old City with much of interest in ARRIVAL IN TIBET’S CAPITAL OF LHASA WITH A TRANSFER TO YOUR the area. Hotel is designed in the traditional HOTEL & FREE TIME Tibetan style and has a pleasant garden.

Arrival in Lhasa with a warm welcome from your guide and driver who will transfer you to the hotel. Lhasa, at a quite manageable altitude of 3,650 meters (12,000 feet), is a unique city and a real highlight. The setting, history, architecture, people and contrasts all make for a very special travel experience. Free time to relax and adjust to the altitude or start exploring the city.

MEALS INCLUDED: None Today.

TOP TIP: Take it easy this first day in Lhasa allowing yourself to slowly acclimatize to the altitude. Keep hydrated and avoid coffee and alcohol.

OUR EXCLUSIVE TRIP GUIDEBOOK Tap in to our in-depth knowledge of China with your copy of our exclusive guidebook personalised to your trip. These books range from 200 to 400+ pages depending on your trip and are packed full of tips about the country, what to take, currency, destination guides Photos for guidance only & not necessarily the room booked and much more. The perfect way to ADDRESS: 149 Beijing East Road, Chengguan, Lhasa prepare for and get the most out of your China experience with us!

THECHINATRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK | Email: [email protected]

UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 4

4 ▶ YOUR TIBET TOUR TT-03 TIBET HIGHLIGHTS - DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 2 OVERNIGHT LHASA KYICHU HOTEL ✭ ✭ ✭ Well located in the Old City with much of interest in DREPUNG , RESIDENCE, SACRED JOKHANG the area. Hotel is designed in the traditional TEMPLE & KORA Tibetan style and has a pleasant garden.

Today first head 5 km out of Lhasa to , the largest in Tibet located on Gambo Utse mountain. Founded in 1416, it was the principal seat of learning for the Gelugpa school and at its height was thought to contain up to 10,000 monks (now there are 300). About 10 minutes walk from Drepung is Nechung Chok which was the residence of the State Oracle of Tibet. This small monastery was also evocatively known as the ”Demon Fortress of the Oracle King.”

After lunch (own arrangement) visit the Jokhang Temple constructed in 642 AD and considered the most sacred and important temple in all Tibet. It is located at one end of Barkhor Square, a fascinating meeting point for pilgrims from all over the region making for an intense atmosphere infused with incense and devotion. Surrounding the temple is the Barkhor Kora, a 1 km circular walk for pilgrims and locals as well as a fascinating market selling all the goods a pilgrim might need on their travels.

MEALS INCLUDED: Hotel Breakfast.

Photos for guidance only & not necessarily the room booked ADDRESS: 149 Beijing East Road, Chengguan, Lhasa

THECHINATRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK | Email: [email protected]

UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 5

5 ▶ YOUR TIBET TOUR TT-03 TIBET HIGHLIGHTS - DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 3 OVERNIGHT LHASA KYICHU HOTEL ✭ ✭ ✭ Well located in the Old City with much of interest in THE TRULY SPECTACULAR POTALA PALACE & ANCIENT SERA the area. Hotel is designed in the traditional MONASTERY Tibetan style and has a pleasant garden.

Today you visit one of the architectural highlights of China - if not the world - the vast Potala Palace, former residence of Dalai . Building started in 1645 and has been added to over the centuries. It is 13 stories high and contains over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues. You will see some of the meeting rooms as well as the extraordinary chapels with their vast gold and jewel encrusted shrines to previous Dalai Lamas - the chapel of the 5th Dalai has a stupa coated in 3,727kg of gold and 18,680 precious stones. The Potala dominates Lhasa and the views from the palace stretch out across the city to the surrounding mountains.

Continue to , spread over 28 acres at the base of Pubuchok mountain and built in 1419. The highlights are the great assembly hall and some of the colleges located within the complex with their wealth of architectural features and shrines.

MEALS INCLUDED: Hotel Breakfast.

Photos for guidance only & not necessarily the room booked ADDRESS: 149 Beijing East Road, Chengguan, Lhasa

THECHINATRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK | Email: [email protected]

UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 6

6 ▶ YOUR TIBET TOUR TT-03 TIBET HIGHLIGHTS - DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 4 OVERNIGHT LHASA TO SHIGATSE TASHI CHOTEN HOTEL ✭ ✭ ✭ About the best available option in Shigatse and KAMBALA PASS, BEAUTIFUL YAMDROK LAKE, NORJING GLACIER & has some local character in its design and rooms. PALCHO MONASTERY Good location and helpful staff.

Travel on to Gyantse, 230km south of Lhasa crossing the 4,780 meter (15,680 foot) Kambala pass festooned with colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Enjoy the spectacular views before descending to the Yamdrok lake and its dramatic backdrop of snow capped mountains. Follow the lakeshore before heading back into the mountains passing the Norjing Gangsang Glacier. Arrival in Gyantse at 3,977 meters (13,050 feet) and Tibet’s third largest city visiting the Palcho (or Pelkhor Choede in Tibetan) Monastery. The complex dates back to the 9th century with the most famous structure being the , a 32 meter high 9 floored shrine which contains 108 unique chapels and is the largest in Tibet. It is further 100 km drive to Shigatse at 3,840 meters (12,600 feet) which we reach late afternoon.

MEALS INCLUDED: Hotel Breakfast.

Photos for guidance only & not necessarily the room booked ADDRESS: No.2 Xueqiang Road, Shigatse.

THECHINATRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK | Email: [email protected]

UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 7

7 ▶ YOUR TIBET TOUR TT-03 TIBET HIGHLIGHTS - DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 5 OVERNIGHT SHIGATSE TO SHEKAR QOMOLANGMA HOTEL ✭ ✭ ✭ Heading south of Shigatse this area is remote and TASHILHUNPO & BEFORE JOURNEYING DEEPER so don’t expect much from the accommodation INTO TIBET with this hotel being the best available.

Start today by visiting the Tashilhunpo Monastery founded in 1447 by the first and the traditional seat of the “Tashi” or . The monastery is fascinating as is the walk you can do around the Kora which stretches up the hillside behind the monastery offering good views of the complex and Shigatse itself. Drive on 127 km to , the seat of the Sakyapa school of Tibetan . This monastery’s architecture is very different to others in Tibet as it is Mongolian in design dating back to 1268. Drive deeper into Tibet stopping when you wish before reaching the remote town of Shekar (New ). Try to get a good night’s rest in preparation for Everest Base Camp tomorrow.

MEALS INCLUDED: Hotel Breakfast.

Photos for guidance only & not necessarily the room booked ADDRESS: 6 Everest East Road, Shekar

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UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 8

8 ▶ YOUR TIBET TOUR TT-03 TIBET HIGHLIGHTS - DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 6 OVERNIGHT ROMBUK MONASTERY OR TENT SHEKAR TO EVEREST BASE CAMP You come here for the amazing view of Everest rather than comfort. We prefer the tents over the THE SUPERB GYAWU PASS VIEW OF THE HIGH HIMALAYAS & DRIVE TO guesthouse but either way keep expectations low! EVEREST BASE CAMP

Depart Shekar stopping at the Gyawu pass for a breathtaking panoramic view of the highest peaks of the Himalaya. Drive on to Rombuk Monastery and the gateway to Everest. From Rombuk the hike to Everest Base Camp (5,200m / 17,000 feet) takes 2 hours although there is often a national park bus in service if you do not want to walk. The sunset on Everest is sublime as well as the mountain under a star or moonlit night - pray to the mountain Gods for no clouds! Rough and ready high altitude night at either Rombuk Monastery or up at Base Camp itself where there is seasonal tented accommodation run by local nomads (approximately May to October).

MEALS INCLUDED: Hotel Breakfast.

Photos for guidance only & not necessarily the room booked ADDRESS: Mount Everest!

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UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 9

9 ▶ YOUR TIBET TOUR TT-03 TIBET HIGHLIGHTS - DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 7 OVERNIGHT EVEREST BASE CAMP TO SHIGATSE TASHI CHOTEN HOTEL ✭ ✭ ✭ About the best available option in Shigatse and SUNRISE AT EVEREST BASE CAMP WITH TIME TO EXPLORE THE AREA ON has some local character in its design and rooms. FOOT Good location and helpful staff.

Despite the inevitable cold it is well worth trying to get up just before dawn to catch the sunrise on Everest. The morning is spent exploring the area around camp before heading back to Shigatse to overnight. There should be plenty of time to stop for photographs along the way.

MEALS INCLUDED: Hotel Breakfast.

Photos for guidance only & not necessarily the room booked ADDRESS: No.2 Xueqiang Road, Shigatse.

THECHINATRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK | Email: [email protected]

UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 10

10 ▶ YOUR TIBET TOUR TT-03 TIBET HIGHLIGHTS - DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 8 OVERNIGHT SHIGATSE TO NAMTSO LAKE LOCALLY RUN GUESTHOUSE There is a choice of the Holy Lake Guesthouse DRIVING THROUGH REMOTE TIBET TO THE STUNNING NAMTSO LAKE close to the lake shore or to head back into Damshung for a better but still basic guesthouse. Continue your drive through a remote part of Tibet to the stunning Namtso Lake with its dramatic backdrop of the Nyainqêntanglha mountain range. Free time to explore the lakeshore area and revel in the beauty of the landscape here.

MEALS INCLUDED: Hotel Breakfast.

NOTE: Tonight you have the choice of staying at the Holy lake guest house close to the lake which doesn’t have rooms with a shower or private toilet or stay in Damshung where we can use a more comfortable guesthouse which does have basic rooms with private bathroom. You can decide which place once at Namsto itself.

Photos for guidance only & not necessarily the room booked

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UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 11

11 ▶ YOUR TIBET TOUR TT-03 TIBET HIGHLIGHTS - DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 9 OVERNIGHT NAMTSO LAKE TO LHASA KYICHU HOTEL ✭ ✭ ✭ Well located in the Old City with much of interest in THE DRIVE BACK TO LHASA AND ITS MODERN DAY COMFORTS! the area. Hotel is designed in the traditional Tibetan style and has a pleasant garden. This morning visit the Yangpachen Hot Springs before continuing with a leisurely drive back to Lhasa stopping for photos as and when you wish. Early afternoon arrival in Lhasa with free time to walk around the old town, souvenir shop, visit more temples or just relax in one of the many rooftop cafes around Barkhor Square or at your hotel.

MEALS INCLUDED: Hotel Breakfast.

Photos for guidance only & not necessarily the room booked ADDRESS: 149 Beijing East Road, Chengguan, Lhasa

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UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 12

12 ▶ YOUR TIBET TOUR TT-03 TIBET HIGHLIGHTS - DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 10 DEPART LHASA A SAD FAREWELL TO THIS EXTRAORDINARY & UNIQUE CITY

Free time until a transfer to your onward transport out of Lhasa. We believe, like so many, you will have come under Tibet’s magical spell!

MEALS INCLUDED: Hotel Breakfast. Vicky & Simon White

PLEASE NOTE: An altitude of over 5,200 meters (17,000 feet) is reached on this trip. Whilst the vast majority of people experience little more than shortness of “Thank you so much for what breath there is a very small risk of more severe complications such as acute you did, not just booking the mountain sickness (AMS). Note that level of fitness and age are no indication as to trip, but in your advice and whether you are more susceptible or not to AMS. Click here for more information. guidance in the preparation phases. Everything we did and saw exceeded our expectations. It was without doubt the highlight of our 3 month 10 country tour. Not only would we recommend you, we will use you again."

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UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 13

13 ▶ LIST OF INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS FOR THIS TOUR

︎ ︎ INTERNATIONAL PLANE TICKETS: Tickets for flights the start and finish of the above trip TAILORING

✈ International flight tickets are NOT included in this itinerary. We CAN arrange these for you.

OTHER TRANSPORT: Between destinations and other than plane or train

✓ Transport in Tibet - your own vehicle with driver and guide (lodging and food for the guide and driver is included in the price).

ACCOMMODATION: Let us know if you have your own hotel preferences or wish to upgrade Please remember that as this is a private tour we can tailor this trip to ✓ 3 nights Lhasa - Kyichu Gu 3* (deluxe room with breakfast) meet your requirements ✓ 1 night Shigatse - Shigatse Hotel 3* (best available) (standard room with breakfast) ✓ 1 night Shekar - Qomolangma Hotel 3* (best available) (standard room with breakfast) ✓ 1 night Rombuk - Monastery Guesthouse or seasonal tented accommodation (can be chosen HOTELS locally) ✓ 1 night Shigatse - Tashi Choten Hotel 3* (standard room with breakfast) ✓ 1 night Namsto Lake - Holy Lake Guesthouse or a Guesthouse in Damshung (can be chosen locally) ✓ 1 night Lhasa - Kyichu Gu 3* (deluxe room with breakfast)

TRANSFERS: Private with driver and an English speaking guide (except where stated)

Lhasa - Airport or Train Station to Hotel ✓ If you would like to ✓ Lhasa - Hotel to Airport or Train Station explore additional hotels ✓ Lhasa to Everest and back again - All transfers as per itinerary options please CLICK HERE TOURS: All our tours include entrance fees and use professional, licensed guides and let us know of any changes you wish to ✓ Lhasa - Full day private tour to Drepung Monastery, Nechung residence, the Jokhang temple and make Kora and Barkhor Square.

THECHINATRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK | Email: [email protected]

UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 14 ▶ LIST OF INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS FOR THIS TOUR

✓ Lhasa - Full day private tour to the Potala Palace and Sera Monastery. ✓ Lhasa to Everest and back again - all tours and sights as described in the itinerary. GUIDEBOOK

OTHER INCLUSIONS: Also included in this trip

✓ Meals - As indicated in the itinerary. ✓ Tibet Travel Permit needed to travel in this province. ✓ Back up oxygen cylinder outside of Lhasa in case of altitude issues (extremely rare this ever needs to be used!) ✓ Support - Emergency numbers and contacts for each destination. ✓ Guidebook - Our exclusive Trip Guidebook personalised to your trip. ✓ Financial Peace of Mind - All monies paid to us are legally protected under UK law. This tour comes with ✘ NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR our exclusive 200+ page trip guidebook customized to your trip! ✘ International Airfare to / from the start / finish of your trip - we can book these flights on request. ✘ The Chinese visa - we can advise and partner with VisaCentral. ✘ Travel insurance to cover any medical treatment - we recommend Citybond Suretravel. PROTECTION ✘ Discretionary gratuities to drivers and guides. ✘ Laundry and bar bills, photographic charges in some monasteries, additional costs due to unforeseen expenses that may arise due to the factors beyond our control like personal illness, weather, landslides, etc...

✓

All our tours come with the guarantee and peace of mind of full protection of any monies paid to us

THECHINATRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK | Email: [email protected]

UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 15 ▶ YOUR DESTINATION PROFILES LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PLACES THIS TRIP VISITS

LHASA 拉萨 TIBET’S EXTRAORDINARY & UNIQUE CAPITAL CITY ✪

Lhasa is an astonishing city and a must see in China if you have time to visit the spiritual land of Tibet. The setting, the history, architecture and the contrasts all make a trip here well worth the time and small discomfort of altitude. The highlight of the city is undoubtedly the Potala Palace, one of the world’s most extraordinary buildings. There are also many other temples and monasteries both in the city itself and nearby making a trip here unmissable.

WE SAY: “A destination hard to describe and totally unique.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF LHASA "Our Guide in Tibet, Ala, was ★ The extraordinary POTALA PALACE and Tibet’s most amazing building excellent. Knowledgeable, flexible, ★ JOKHANG TEMPLE is Tibet’s most sacred and a spiritual experience helpful. If he didn't know an answer ★ Lhasa’s fascinating central BARKHOR SQUARE & KORA that surrounds it he didn't guess- he found out. The ★ Base of the Gelupa DREPUNG MONASTERY once had 10,000 monks temples in and around Lhasa, and ★ outside the city and a lovely day trip elsewhere were amazing. Of course, Potala Palace was beyond Averages J F M A M J J A S O N D superlatives. The Sera temple - Max temp °C 7 9 13 16 20 23 23 21 20 17 12 8 seeing the debates with their sound Min temp °C -9 -6 -2 2 6 10 10 10 8 2 -4 -8 effects was a highlight.” Rainfall mm 1 1 3 6 28 71 117 121 69 9 2 1 Richard Casten

THECHINATRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK | Email: [email protected]

UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 16 ▶ YOUR DESTINATION PROFILES LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PLACES THIS TRIP VISITS

GYANTSE 江孜镇 RUGGED STOP ON THE WAY TO EVEREST ✪

Gyantse is Tibet's fourth largest city sitting at 3,977m and has traditionally guarded the southern approaches to the Tsangpo Valley and Lhasa. Extensively ransacked by the British in 1904 and the Chinese in 1954 and 1959, life is back to relative normality these days and being on the Friendship Highway from Lhasa to the city attracts many travellers who come to see the Gyantse Kumbum, the largest Chorton in Tibet and the spectacularly located fort.

WE SAY: “Climb up to the fortress for its stunning views over the city.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF GYANTSE “The Guides were excellent. Very ★ The PELKOR CHOEDE monastery is the largest in Gyantse ★ Stunning GYANTSE KUMBUM the largest of its kind in the world intelligent and informative. We were ★ The impressive fortress that dominates the town quite sad to say goodbye to them, especially to Mr Nigma in Tibet. The trip was a revelation. I have even bought a guitar made in China on Averages J F M A M J J A S O N D return which is also amazing!” Max temp °C 7 9 12 16 20 22 21 20 19 16 11 8

Min temp °C -12 -9 -5 0 4 8 9 9 6 -1 -8 -12

Rainfall mm 1 1 6 6 23 76 155 142 55 3 1 0 Jonathan and Susan Crowther

THECHINATRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK | Email: [email protected]

UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 17 ▶ YOUR DESTINATION PROFILES LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PLACES THIS TRIP VISITS

SHIGATSE 日喀则 HOME TO SOME SUPERB MONASTERIES ✪

Shigatse is Tibet's second largest city and almost always an overnight stop on trips outside of Lhasa, 250 km away. Originally known as Samdruptse it has always been an important trading and administrative centre in Tibet as well as the traditional home of the Panchen Lama. It is his base, the huge and sprawling Tashilhunpo Monastery, that is the chief attraction and particularly the kora walk into the hills behind it.

WE SAY: “Less touristed than Lhasa but with almost as much to see.”

“Our guide in Tibet, Dolma was sent HIGHLIGHTS OF SHIGATSE straight from heaven!!!! A rare gem, ★ The enormous TASHILHUNPO MONASTERY traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas with an impressive Kora walk we could not have tailor-made a ★ The OLD TOWN MARKET for photos and souvenirs more delightful, funny, tough, and ★ The ruins of the SHIGATSE FORTRESS intelligent guide had we been given the opportunity. Always going above and beyond ANY expectation, she Averages J F M A M J J A S O N D gave 200% every single moment of Max temp °C 7 9 12 16 20 22 21 20 19 16 11 8 our trip with EVERYTHING.” Min temp °C -12 -9 -5 0 4 8 9 9 6 -1 -8 -12

Rainfall mm 1 1 6 6 23 77 155 142 55 3 1 1 Annie Thiessen

THECHINATRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK | Email: [email protected]

UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 18 ▶ YOUR DESTINATION PROFILES LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PLACES THIS TRIP VISITS

MOUNT EVEREST 珠穆朗玛峰 WHY? “BECAUSE IT IS THERE” OF COURSE! ✪

The journey to Everest Base Camp is certainly half the adventure, it being several days from Lhasa through the spectacular scenery of the Tibetan plateau. However, the journey's end does not disappoint with the best views of the world's highest mountain (weather permitting!) The tourist base camp (you can’t visit the climbers base camp without climbing permits) is a highlight. Conditions are tough up here even at the best time of year but the memories you take back will last a lifetime.

WE SAY: “More accessible and better views than on the Nepalese side.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOUNT EVEREST ★ Cloud permitting there is only one real draw of course, MOUNT EVEREST “We returned this morning from our itself. This is a place to sit and contemplate the majesty of the scenery but you trip! We had a great time! Our may also see Yak herders and their animals and climbing groups. The moving memorials to climbers who didn't make it off the mountain are poignant Tibetan guide and driver were reminders of what awaits the few who venture beyond base camp. The AMAZING! Norbu’s knowledge level SUNRISE & SUNSET are very special. was incredible! Dorche our driver was fantastic!!!! The trip was Averages J F M A M J J A S O N D smooth and well planned, THANKS!” Max temp °C 4 4 7 10 15 17 16 16 17 12 7 4

Min temp °C -17 -15 -12 -5 0 5 8 6 2 -7 -12 -15

Rainfall mm 22 28 60 82 122 130 108 106 118 74 48 32 Joni Wiggins

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UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 19 ▶ YOUR DESTINATION PROFILES LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PLACES THIS TRIP VISITS

NAMTSO LAKE 纳木错 REMOTE & RUGGED LAKE SETTING ✪

Namtso Lake is a mountain lake on the border between Damxung County of Lhasa Prefecture and Baingoin County of Nagqu Prefecture. The lake lies at an altitude of 4,718 meters and is the largest in Tibet. Namtso lake is a worthwhile overnight adventure trip from either Lhasa or Shigatse although be warned that accommodation options are not the most plush. However, we think it is the rugged and remoteness of Namtso that is the attraction!

WE SAY: “Perfect place to get away from it all in wide open spaces.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF NAMTSO LAKE "The trip was spectacular, ★ The LAKE is considered the most beautiful of Tibet's mountain lakes with particularly the train trip from Lhasa the backdrop being particularly attractive. Namtso is over 1,000 meters higher to Shanghai. Nyima was our fantastic than Lhasa so you need to acclimatize a few days in Lhasa before continuing on to the lake as you need to stay overnight here - it is too far to be visited as a guide in Tibet. Very knowledgeable, day trip from Lhasa. especially about Buddhism and very friendly. Thank you very much for all your work, extremely professional Averages J F M A M J J A S O N D and diligent. I would recommend you Max temp °C 7 9 12 16 19 22 22 21 20 16 11 8 without hesitation to others." Min temp °C -10 -7 -3 1 5 9 10 9 7 1 -5 -9

Rainfall mm 0 0 0 1 5 9 14 15 10 2 0 0 Simon Llewellyn

THECHINATRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK | Email: [email protected]

UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 20 ▶ CHINA READING LIST OUR FAVOURITES TO GET YOU IN THE MOOD FOR YOUR TRIP TO CHINA

RIVER TOWN - PETER HESSLER WILD SWANS - JUNG CHANG Set in the remote town of Fuling in the Yangtze River Valley 20th Century history told through the the story of three this best selling book charts the experiences of the author as generations of the same family. There are few books on a Peace Corps volunteer at a time when China was China which bring the history to life and feel so personal with embarking on the immense changes of reform and opening such ease and readability. Although it is very much focused up. Hessler’s experiences make for a superb read and when on the story of one family the impression is that millions of you realise that the changes he sees were replicated across families in China had the same experience. Real insight into the country a real understanding of this period is possible. a China that has only recently vanished.

MAO: THE UNKNOWN STORY - JUNG CHANG CHINA ROAD - ROB GIFFORD Another offering from Jung Chang, this is an in-depth study Running 3,000 miles from the eat-coast boomtown of into the life of Chairman Mao. Well researched and based on Shanghai to the border of Kazakhstan in the north-west, interviews with those who knew and dealt with him. The book Route 312 - China's 'Route 66' - is a road that Rob Gifford doesn’t flinch from exposing the brutality of Mao but is also has always wanted to travel. Gifford's journey and his desire charts his rise to power and the methods he employed to to get to the heart of this country make China Road an maintain it once he took over China in 1949. A shocking but outstanding and funny travel narrative - part pilgrimage, part essential read. reportage - which illuminates a country on the move.

GOOD WOMEN OF CHINA - XINRAN RED DUST - MA JIAN Mongolia was pretty much closed to foreign travel until the A travel book set over the authors three years of journeying late 1980s. Becker was one of the first to explore the country through remote parts of China in the 1980s which was partly in detail starting his journey in Khubilai’s Khans old an escape from the surveillance and disapproval of his life by Mongolian city of Beijing and following a route deep into the authorities in Beijing. Ma Jian sets off to discover himself Mongolia. All this at a fascinating time of real change as the yet uncovers the endless contradictions China throws up country made the wrench from a planned communist system from stunning landscapes and kindness to brutality and to free market capitalism and fledgling democracy. overdevelopment. One of the best travel books on China. WOLF TOTEM - JIANG RONG RED CHINA BLUES - JAN WONG This is a compelling story set during the An excellent book that covers the authors experiences in about a Beijing intellectual who volunteers to live in a remote China in the 1970s when she moved there from Canada as a and idyllic area of Inner Mongolia. His simple life here is supporter of Mao’s Cultural Revolution. The book charts a shattered as people swarm into the region upsetting the period that few have written about from a foreign perspective natural balance and pushing the wolves that typified the and charts here initial enthusiasm for Mao until her eventual resilience of life on the frontier and provide useful lessons on disillusionment with hi policies as the damage they caused China’s development impact on the environment. became apparent. Well written and full of anecdote.

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UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 21 ▶ ESSENTIAL CHINA INFORMATION, TIPS & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOK? WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CHINA?

We suggest a minimum of 3 months but most people book further It is generally considered that the April May and September October ahead than that to take advantage of competitive international flight periods off the best weather and best chance of clear skies. This doesn’t pricing which tends to be cheaper the further in advance you book. For stop many people visiting in the summer months or winter though. some of the smaller and popular boutique style hotels in China you will China is so big that it has something for any time of the year. often need to book at least 6 months in advance to ensure availability. DO YOU OFFER GROUP TOURS IN CHINA? WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I BOOK? Very rarely will we offer group tours (the exception are the Li River and On completing our booking forms we will make all the necessary Yangtze Cruises as these are by their very nature group trips). Group reservations and confirm availability with you and issue an invoice for tours (even small group tours) have quite a bad reputation in China for the deposit payment (or full payment if it is less than 60 days before wasting your precious time on what we call "shopportunities" (unwanted your trip start date). About 1 month before your trip starts we send you shopping stops) making private tours a far better option. our Trip Guidebook which covers all the information you need to know about your trip including emergency contact numbers and hotel details. DO I NEED A VISA?

WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT TERMS & CONDITIONS? Almost all nationalities including US, UK, Australian, Canadian and European citizens. Click here to see more information on the visas. On receipt of a booking confirmation from us we require a deposit payment of £ 250 per person plus any international airfares. 60 days IS MY MONEY PROTECTED IF I BOOK WITH YOU? before departure we require the balance to be settled. You can read our full booking terms and conditions by clicking here. We accept credit Yes, all trips booked with us have financial protection through our ATOL card payment (subject to a 2% surcharge) and debit card as well as license (10287) or insurance we have to cover non-flight bookings. We bank transfers and UK £ Sterling Cheques. are also members of ABTA (Y1699) and abide by their code of conduct.

WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I BRING? HOW MUCH SPENDING MONEY DO I NEED?

This is dependent on the time of year. In the summer it is hot almost With a full touring program, hotels, transport and transfers booked everywhere so light and well ventilated summer clothing is essential as through us you won't need that much spending money. We generally well as protection from the sun - sunglasses and a hat. Autumn and advise a minimum of £20 a day per person to cover drinks, and an spring can be a bit unpredictable but if the weather is good it will be the evening meal if that isn't included. You can, of course, spend much same as you would wear on a good summers day in the UK. Winters more with top restaurants having close to international pricing. Then are cold and layers of warm clothing are the way to go. China is not so there are souvenirs and shopping to consider! formal for dress although respect should be shown in temples.

THECHINATRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK | Email: [email protected]

UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 22 ▶ ESSENTIAL CHINA INFORMATION, TIPS & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS CHINA SAFE? MEDICAL ADVICE & VACCINATIONS

China is one of the safest countries to visit and in many respects safer Our trips are designed for anybody with a reasonable standard of for tourists than Western European or North American destinations. fitness. Where we believe there are special requirements this is Crime against foreigners is very rare and providing common sense is mentioned in the trip information. We can cater for clients with used you should not have any problems. Of course, keep an eye on disabilities and adapt trips accordingly and we can also cater for your pockets and bags in crowds. different dietary requirements if informed at the time of booking.There are no specific vaccinations required to enter China but you are advised WHAT CURRENCY SHOULD I BRING? to contact your local travel clinic or doctor as there may be requirements in certain cases that are dependent on your own medical history. A good Euros, US Dollars and UK Pounds are all accepted for exchange in resource to check requirements is NHS Fit For Travel. China although avoid Travellers Cheques as these are hard to exchange. Most people will make use of ATMs which are easy to find DO YOU SELL TRAVEL INSURANCE? and increasingly, you can obtain Chinese yuan before your trip in airports or Post Offices and currency exchange booths. More details on As a booking condition we require all clients taking our trips to have Chinese money and costs can be found by clicking here. their own insurance against all possible medical costs whilst abroad. We recommend Citybond Suretravel travel insurance which you can get a CAN YOU BOOK INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS ? quote for by clicking here. Note that we get a small commission on each policy taken out. Yes, as we hold an ATOL license (number 10287) we are permitted by the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK to book flights on behalf of our PLUGS, ELECTRICITY, INTERNET & WIFI clients. We are a British Airways preferred operator but also book with other airlines to get the best deals and routes for our clients. Voltage in Mainland China is 220V, 50 Hz. A variety of electrical outlets can be found in China and can accept the standard Type A and common ARE YOUR TRIPS SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN Type I plugs as well as Type C plugs. Most hotels will have WiFi in public areas and paid internet in rooms. China can be a rewarding experience for children. We can advise in more detail what we feel would be the most suitable options depending IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD BE ASKING? on the ages of your children and your particular circumstances. We also offer family specific trips you can view here. For pricing purposes Almost certainly! We fully expect you will have many more questions anyone 12 years and over at the time of the end of their trips with us is and we are here to answer them so please do not hesitate to contact us considered an adult. as, after all, that is what we are here for!

THECHINATRAVELCOMPANY.CO.UK | Email: [email protected]

UK ☎: +44 (0) 20 8816 8399 | Part of HeadsEast Ltd - UK business registration: 6717612 23