STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

Yunnan and Tibet ’s western frontier

September 1 to 20, 2016

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

Brett S. Thompson, ’83, Director, Stanford Travel/Study Highlights DISCOVER the extraor- MARVEL at Tiger VIEW the Himalayas dinary diversity of colorful Leaping Gorge, hewn as we fly to Lhasa, where Dali in Yunnan Province, over the millennia by the we tour the iconic Potala home to some 25 of China’s River that flows Palace, visit Jokhang 56 officially designated hundreds of feet below Temple and explore the ethnic groups. the gorge’s rim. Barkhor Market.

Potala Palace, LHASA Faculty Leader

DEBRA SATZ, the Marta Sutton Weeks Professor of Ethics in Society and professor of philosophy, is the senior associate dean for the humanities and arts at Stanford. She earned a doctorate in philosophy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and joined the faculty at Stanford in 1988. A widely published author, she conducts research on the ethical limits of markets, the place of equality in a just society and human rights. In 2004, Satz received the Walter J. Gores Award, Stanford’s highest teaching honor. Professor Satz has “We come away traveled to China to give talks to academic audiences on such issues as China’s increasing role in our globalizing from our trip to world and the compatibility of non-western values and China with strong human rights. Given her long-standing interests in such impressions and matters as national sovereignty and multiculturalism she valuable insights is “extremely excited to visit Tibet, which raises issues of national self-determination and ethnic and religious into this critically conflict in a particularly pointed way.” During our program important country.” she will provide a mix of historical lectures about the

Scott Kilner, ’74, region and lectures on contemporary problems and Along the Silk possibilities. Road, 2015

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY

Sign up online: alumni.stanford.edu/trip?tibet2016 OR BY PHONE: (650) 725-1093 Beijing

Lanzhou Tanggula Pass C HINA Shanghai TIBET Shigatse Lhasa r angtze Riv e Gyantse Zhongdian Y Lijiang Dali BANGLADESH TAIWAN

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

for a welcome reception and a TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Itinerary performance by the Shanghai DALI / LIJIANG Acrobatics Troupe. HYATT ON THE This morning enjoy a scenic THURSDAY & FRIDAY, BUND (B,L) boat ride on , catch- SEPTEMBER 1 & 2 ing sight of the fishing junks that DEPART U.S. / SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 ply these broad, shallow waters. SHANGHAI, CHINA SHANGHAI / DALI Then explore a Bai fishing vil- Depart on flights to Shanghai, Depart Shanghai this morning lage. This afternoon drive to crossing the international date for Kunming from where we Lijiang, capital of the Naxi line in flight. Upon arrival on fly to Yunnan Province, which Autonomous Prefecture. Named Friday, transfer to our luxury shares borders with Burma, a UNESCO World Heritage site hotel, situated on the banks Laos and Vietnam in south- in 1997, 7,872-foot-high Lijiang of the Huangpu River and western China. We arrive in boasts a charming old town overlooking the historic Bund Dali, capital of the Dali Bai district made up of cobble- waterfront lined with Victorian Autonomous Region, in the stone streets, canals and stone and art deco buildings from the late afternoon. At an elevation bridges dating from the Ming European colonial era of the late of 6,232 feet, Dali sits tucked Dynasty. HYATT HOTEL (B,L,D) 19th and early 20th centuries. between the 12,000-foot-high HYATT ON THE BUND Cangshan mountain range and WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Erhai Lake. LINDEN CENTRE (B,L,D) LIJIANG SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 SHANGHAI Begin our exploration of Lijiang The bustling metropolis and MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 with visits to the Black Dragon DALI seaport of Shanghai is China’s Pool, the Naxi Cultural Museum, Early today visit the Bai villages most vibrant city and home to the Mu mansion and Lijiang’s of Xizhou and Zhoucheng to some 18 million people. This town square. After lunch, view their traditional houses morning enjoy a walking tour ascend by cable car to Spruce and explore their lively local of the classical Yu Gardens Meadow on the Yunshan markets. In the afternoon located in Shanghai’s old town Plateau from where we can stop at the multi-roofed San area. After lunch, head to view towering mountains with Ta Pagodas, a Dali landmark People’s Square and view the age-old glaciers tucked in their and among ’s city’s dramatic new civic center. creases. HYATT HOTEL (B,L,D) oldest structures. Explore Dali’s Then visit the Shanghai Mu- ancient historic quarter by foot; seum with its cultural relics and THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 its quaint stone houses and LIJIANG classical art treasures spanning narrow streets offer a rare look Visit Ngulukou Village to more than 5,000 years. This into the China of centuries past. view the former home of the evening, join fellow travelers LINDEN CENTRE (B,L,D) eccentric Austrian-American Beijing

Lanzhou Tanggula Pass C HINA Shanghai TIBET Shigatse Lhasa r NEPAL angtze Riv e Gyantse Zhongdian Y INDIA Lijiang Dali BANGLADESH TAIWAN

a n BURMA e Bay of VIETNAM O c f i c Bengal LAOS P a c i San ta pagodas, dali

naturalist, Joseph Rock. Enjoy SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 about 13,000 feet. This after- a free afternoon of independent ZHONGDIAN noon visit the Tibet Museum, exploration and this evening Set on a high plain, Zhong- which displays an extensive take in a performance of dian is home to the Tibetans collection of Tibetan scrolls and traditional Naxi music and of the Kham region of Yun- the gold seal of the fifth Dalai dance. HYATT HOTEL (B,L,D) nan Province, noted for their Lama. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL (B,L,D) fierce character and superb FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 horsemanship. This morning MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 LIJIANG / ZHONGDIAN tour the spectacular Ganden LHASA Head north this morning Sumsanling Monastery where Continue our exploration of through picturesque more than 800 monks live and this Tibetan “Holy City” at its countryside on our way to the practice. In the afternoon walk hallmark structure: the im- Tibetan plateau, enjoying views around Shudu Lake, crossing mense Potala Palace. Thirteen of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain wildflower meadows where stories high and purportedly and stopping at Stone Drum yaks and horses graze among comprised of more than 1,000 Village, Tiger Leaping Gorge the rhododendrons. SONGTSAM rooms, the palace contains the and other points of interest RETREAT (B,L,D) Dalai Lama’s former residences, along the upper reaches of the immense tombs, numerous great Yangtze River. Late today SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 prayer halls and storage areas. arrive at the town of Zhongdian ZHONGDIAN / LHASA This afternoon, visit the heart of at an altitude of 10,000 feet; its Fly over some of the most for- Lhasa and its most important county was renamed Shangri- bidding and remote mountain pilgrimage site, the Jokhang La in 2001. SONGTSAM territory in the world to Lhasa, Temple, founded in 642 and RETREAT (B,L,D) capital of the Tibet Autonomous now a World Heritage site. Region, with an elevation of Explore the Barkhor, a vibrant and exotic market/bazaar that surrounds the Jokhang Temple. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 LHASA Another full day in Lhasa allows us the opportunity to visit the great Drepung Monastery, where approximately 800 monks reside. Continue to Sera Monastery in the maitreiya buddha, shigatse Shanghai

prayer flags, tibet LIJIANG

afternoon to watch the monks’ Dali Lama in the hierarchy SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 lively debating sessions and of the Gelugpa “Yellow Hat” LANZHOU / conclude our day at the sect, the largest and most disembark train / Norbulingka Summer Palace. influential of Tibetan Buddhist BEIJING SHANGRI-LA HOTEL (B,L,D) denominations. Explore the Travel through , the larg- impressive complex of temples, est city on the Tibetan Plateau, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 prayer halls and residences then disembark in Lanzhou. LHASA / GYANTSE at the Tashilumpo Monastery, Enjoy lunch at a local restau- Embark on an overland drive where the 86-foot-tall Maitreiya rant and visit the Gansu Pro- this morning, crossing the Buddha figure sits covered with vincial Museum. This evening Ganba-la Pass en route to a over 600 pounds of pure gold, fly from Lanzhou to Beijing. picnic lunch at gems and precious stones. Transfer to our hotel and check tucked amongst the mountains Return to Lhasa by train this in. GRAND HYATT HOTEL (B,L) of the Tibetan Plateau. Today’s evening. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL (B,L,D) stunning drive affords many MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 BEIJING dramatic views of the harsh FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Today enjoy a tour of Beijing’s mountain landscape, studded LHASA with alpine lakes and immense Revisit the Barkhor Market most famous landmarks: the melting glaciers, as we make area today and take advantage ancient Forbidden City, the our way to our hotel in Gyantse. of an entire free afternoon to world’s largest palace com- GYANTSE HOTEL (B,L,D) explore one of the world’s most plex; Tiananmen Square; and enigmatic and ancient cities. the Lama Temple of Tibetan THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 SHANGRI-LA HOTEL (B,L,D) Buddhism, formerly an imperial GYANTSE / SHIGATSE residence. This evening, join / LHASA SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 fellow travelers for a farewell Begin the day in Gyantse LHASA / reception and dinner at our with a visit to Pelkor Chode EMBARK TRAIN hotel. GRAND HYATT HOTEL (B,L,D) Monastery, which includes the Early this morning, board the Kumbun Chorten complex, Lhasa–Beijing train for an TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 one of Tibet’s great pilgrimage overnight ride to Lanzhou. BEIJING / U.S. sites. Kumbum Chorten Crest the Tanggula Pass and Transfer this morning to houses 108 chapels, each of journey across the awe-inspir- Beijing’s acclaimed interna- which is elaborately decorated ing Tibetan Plateau through tional airport terminal for our with historic frescoes. A scenic Tibet and provinces. outbound flights. Cross the drive brings us to Shigatse, the LHASA-BEIJING TRAIN (B,L,D) international date line en route spiritual home of the Panchen and arrive in the U.S. the same Lama, second only to the day. (B) Trip Information Dates Services of our professional tour good health. While we do not do any September 1 to 20, 2016 (20 days) manager to assist you throughout serious trekking, this program includes the program hikes at high altitudes and is otherwise Size physically demanding at times and 34 participants (single accommoda- Not Included often very busy. The itinerary involves tions limited—please call for availability) International and U.S. domestic airfare spending time at high altitudes, which Passport fees Immunization costs reach a maximum of 16,000 feet, Cost* Meals and beverages other than including sustained stays at 13,000 feet $9,995 per person, double occupancy those specified as included Transfers while in Lhasa. Daily excursions involve $11,845 per person, single occupancy and baggage handling for those not one to three miles of walking, including *Association nonmembers add $300 per person arriving or departing on program negotiating stairs, high thresholds and arrival and departure days Trip- cobbled paths without handrails. Many Included cancellation/interruption and baggage days have long coach rides of up to 6 17 nights of best-available hotel insurance Excess-baggage charges hours over very rough terrain. accommodations, 1 night aboard Personal items such as internet train from Lhasa to Lanzhou access, telephone and fax calls, laundry Accommodations are the best-available 18 breakfasts, 17 lunches and 15 and gratuities for nongroup services at each destination. It is important to dinners Welcome and farewell note that China’s tourism infrastructure cocktail receptions Gratuities to air arrangements is at times basic and is not to be guides, drivers and train crew for all International and U.S. domestic airfare compared with western standards. group activities Domestic flights and is not included in the program cost. Accommodations in Shanghai, Lijiang, train travel within China All tours and Round-trip, economy-class airfare on Zhongdian and Lhasa are four- and five- excursions as described in the itinerary United Airlines from San Francisco to star properties, and the hotels in Dali Chinese visa fees Transfers and Shanghai with return from Beijing is and Gyantse are three-star properties. baggage handling on program arrival approximately $2,280 as of November Acceptance of the unexpected is part and departure days Minimal medical, 2015 and is subject to change. of the excitement of traveling in China, accident and evacuation insurance and we ask that you be prepared Educational program with lecture series What to Expect for changes or delays in scheduled and pre-departure materials, including We consider this program to be fast- activities. We welcome travelers 15 recommended reading list, a selected paced and strenuous. Participants years of age and older on this program. book, map and travel information must be physically fit, active and in Terms & Conditions Deposit & Final Payment offered includes special benefits weather, strike, war, quarantine, A $1,000-per-person deposit is if you purchase your policy within force majeure or other causes required to hold your space. Sign 14 days of written confirmation of beyond our control. All such losses up online at alumni.stanford.edu/ your participation on the trip. or expenses will have to be borne by trip?tibet2016 or call the Travel/ the passenger as tour rates provide Study office at (650) 725-1093. Eligibility arrangements only for the time stated. Final payment is due 120 days We encourage membership in the We reserve the right to make such prior to departure. As a condition Alumni Association as the program alterations to this published itinerary of participation, all confirmed cost for nonmembers is $300 more as may be deemed necessary. participants are required to sign than the members’ price. Families and The right is reserved to cancel any a Release of Liability. trip companions may travel on one program prior to departure in which membership. For more information case the entire payment will be Cancellations & Refunds or to purchase a membership, visit refunded without further obligation Deposits and any payments are alumni.stanford/goto/membership on our part. The right is also reserved refundable, less a $500-per-person or call (650) 725-0692. to decline to accept or retain any cancellation fee, until 120 days prior person as a member of the program. to departure. After that date, refunds Responsibility No refund will be made for an can be made only if the program is The Stanford Alumni Association, unused portion of any tour unless sold out and your place(s) can be Stanford University and our operators arrangements are made in sufficient resold, in which case a $1,000-per- act only as agents for the passenger time to avoid penalties. Baggage is person cancellation fee will apply. with respect to transportation and carried at the owner’s risk entirely. exercise every care possible in The airlines concerned are not to be Insurance doing so. However, we can assume held responsible for any act, omission Stanford Travel/Study provides no liability for injury, damage, loss, or event during the time that passen- all travelers who are U.S. or accident, delay or irregularity in gers are not onboard their plane Canadian citizens with minimal connection with the service of any or conveyance. Neither the Alumni medical, accident and evacuation automobile, motorcoach, launch or Association, Stanford University nor coverage under our group-travel any other conveyance used in carry- our operators accept liability for any insurance policy. Our group policy ing out this program or for the acts carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred is intended to provide minimal levels or defaults of any company or person by the purchase of a nonrefundable of protection while you are traveling engaged in conveying the passenger ticket in connection with the tour. on this program. You may choose to or in carrying out the arrangements of Program price is based on rates subscribe to optional trip-cancellation the program. We cannot accept any in effect in November 2015 and is and baggage insurance. Information responsibility for losses or additional subject to change without notice to will be provided to travelers with their expenses due to delay or changes reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, welcome materials. The product in air or other services, sickness, tariffs or fuel charges.

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“Planning and execution were outstanding. Staff were tuned in to all nuances and could not have been better.” Monte Bricker, JD ’63, Yunnan and Tibet, 2014

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY