Epic Dreams

WENDY WU TOURS IS PROUD TO HAVE ESCORTED THE FIRST GROUP IN THE WORLD, VENTURING INTO THESE REMOTEST OF REGIONS IN 2002.

There are some parts of China that are almost never visited by tourists, but for those prepared to embark on a truly adventurous journey through these areas, the rewards are immeasurable, spectacular scenery, groups of ethnic minorities, vast open expanses and no intrusion from technology so that the night sky is ablaze with stars. Our Epic Dreams journey takes us to one such area, from the dusty town of Yecheng on the rim of the Taklimakan Desert, south to the very edge of China and across the Aksai Chin Plateau, a largely uninhabited and unmapped area bordering Tibet. We travel south and east along the highest vehicular road in the world, through some of the most barren, rarely visited and starkly beautiful landscape in the world. We continue all the way along the Himalaya Range, making a stop at the Everest Base Camp, passing through Shigatse and Gyantse on our way to Lhasa, capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Our journey concludes in the lush landscape of Sichuan Province where we visit the endangered pandas at the Chengdu Panda Reserve.

TOUR ITINERARY

DAYS 1-2: SOUTH AFRICA TO GUANGZHOU

Fly overnight with Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong to Guangzhou for an overnight stay.

DAY 3: GUANGZHOU TO URUMQI

Today we fly to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Autonomous Region.

DAY 4: URUMQI TO KASHGAR

This morning we fly to Kashgar, an ancient market town and once the flourishing centre of the Silk Road trading route.

DAYS 5-6: KASHGAR

Sightseeing today includes visits to the Abakh Hoja Tomb and the Id Kah Mosque. We also explore the old alleys that intertwine around Id Kah Square. Enjoy an excursion to Lake Karakul tomorrow; the crystal clear water reflects rich colours of turquoise and azure blue.

DAY 7: KASHGAR

Explore the world’s largest Sunday Bazaar. We also visit the livestock market, where huge crowds of people, donkey carts, horse carriages and animals gather at this bargain extravaganza.

DAY 8: KASHGAR TO YECHENG

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

DAYS 9-11: YECHENG TO ALI COUNTY - TIBET HIGHWAY

Spend the next three days travelling to Ali County by 4WD as we begin our ascent of the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, the highest road in the world. About 270km from Yecheng, K2 is visible across the Pakistan border. Accommodation for the next 10 nights (until New Tingri) ranges mostly from truck stop lodgings to simple hostels.

DAY 12: ALI COUNTY

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

DAYS 13-14: ALI COUNTY TO ZANDA

We leave Ali County for Zanda and explore Tholing and Tsaparang, the ruined former capitals of the Guge Kingdom (900 AD).

DAYS 15-16: ZANDA TO TAQING

From Zanda we travel along a broad river valley and after climbing over a gentle rise scattered with prayer flags left by pilgrims, we get our first view of the holy mountain of Kailash. We explore the majestic mountain and Lake Manasarovar, two of the most remote and holiest destinations in the world for travellers and pilgrims alike. Upon arrival we explore the area of Taqing.

DAY 17: TAQING TO PARYANG

Today we drive from Taqing to Paryang, where panoramic views can be seen of distant mountains and yak herders’ camps.

DAY 18: PARYANG TO SAGA

This morning we leave Paryang and travel to Saga passing through the old village of Zhongba along the way.

DAY 19: SAGA TO OLD TINGRI

We rise early this morning and continue our journey to Old Tingri where we will stay overnight.

DAY 20: OLD TINGRI TO MT. EVEREST

Today we arrive at Mt. Everest, where we visit the base camp and gaze at the stunning north face of the world’s tallest peak at 8,848m.

DAY 21: MT. EVEREST TO NEW TINGRI

We return to the base camp this morning and explore this magical area. There will be plenty of opportunities for photographs, weather permitting. Later we continue our journey to New Tingri for an overnight stay.

DAY 22: NEW TINGRI TO SHIGATSE

Travel to Shigatse and explore the busy cobbled lanes.

DAY 23: SHIGATSE

Today we visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional residence of the Panchen Lama.

DAY 24: SHIGATSE TO GYANTSE

We travel to the smaller town of Gyantse today to visit the unique Pelkor Monastery. Later this afternoon we visit the Gyantse Kumbum, the largest shrine in Tibet. We also visit the magnificent ruins of the Old Fort.

DAYS 25-27: GYANTSE TO LHASA

We continue our journey to Lhasa. During our time here we visit the ‘Crown Jewel of Tibet’ - Potala Palace. The palace is an architectural wonder which towers over the entire city, with thousands of rooms filled with intricate shrines and frescoes. We stroll around the Barkhor Square; visit the 7th Century Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery and Norbulingka, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lama.

DAY 28: LHASA TO CHENGDU

Fly to Chengdu where we enjoy a visit to the Panda Research Centre to see these delightful animals being reared in surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. As our farewell dinner celebration this evening we enjoy a banquet of traditional Sichuan cuisine.

DAY 29: DEPART CHENGDU

Today we board our flight to Guangzhou, where we will connect with our overnight flight to South Africa.  

DAY 30: ARRIVE SOUTH AFRICA

Arrive home this morning.

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Images from Epic Dreams