Liljan Bay Nielsen
Så er jeg på vej og jeg vil løbende så vidt, det er muligt, ligge lidt ind, så I alle kan følge med :-)
Her er lidt om turen fra rejsebureauet - godt nok på engelsk - så god fornøjelse:
Days 1-3 Beijing
Our journey commences in the Chinese capital, Beijing, one of the world's most impressive cities. There are no planned activities on day 1, except for the group meeting which will be held at 6:00pm.
On day 2 we venture out to the Great Wall at Mutianyu (approx. 2 hours each way). An incredible feat of engineering, the Wall stretches 6,000 km from the eastern coast all the way to the mountain ridges north of Beijing and beyond. Originally intended to keep out the Mongolian 'barbarians' of the north, the Wall ultimately failed in its purpose, but remains a poignant reminder of the power of past Chinese empires.
On the morning of day 3 we visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, accompanied by a local guide. Other sights that you might want to visit in your free time include the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and Yonghegong Tibetan Monastery (Lama Temple). Alternatively, you may just want to spend time shopping in the capital's many markets or get lost in the maze of hutongs (old alleyways) to catch a glimpse of Chinese everyday life. In the evenings, you have options to catch a performance of the Beijing Acrobats, Opera or Kung Fu.
Late in the afternoon of day 3 we board an overnight sleeper train to Xi'an (approx. 13 hours).
Days 4-5 Xi'an
Gateway to the Silk Road and the imperial centre of China for 2,000 years, Xi'an is now a lively, modern city and great fun to explore. The Great Mosque is a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and splurging in the evening food markets is a must! The centre of Xi'an is surrounded by an enormous city wall which can be walked or cycled for a small fee, and this is truly the best way to see the city.
Xi'an is also our base for visiting the amazing Terracotta Warriors. Discovered by a farmer digging a well in 1974, these soldiers have been buried for over 2,200 years and are all facing east in battle formation, complete with horses and chariots. What's more, no two soldiers are the same, and there are some 6,000 of them - a mind-boggling sight!
On day 5 we have a full free day to explore Xi'an before departing on an overnight train bound for Lanzhou (approx. 13 hours).
Day 6 Xiahe
Situated in the valley of the Yellow River, Lanzhou stretches for nearly 30 km along the banks of the river. From here, we transfer onto a local bus for a long journey through Linxia to the Tibetan town of Xiahe (approx. 5 hours).
A favourite Intrepid destination, Xiahe is home to the Labrang Monastery, second in size only to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. It is a stunning place where many Tibetans come on pilgrimage, dressed in colourful traditional attire. While here, you can join them on the prayer circuit, which forms a complete circle around the Labrang Monastery, then turn the prayer wheels. Xiahe is also a marvellous place to wander around for a great introduction to the Tibetan way of life.
In the afternoon of day 7 we take a private bus to the small town of Langmusi (approx. 5 hours).
Day 7-8 Langmusi
This tiny town, on the border of Sichuan and Gansu Provinces, takes us back in time with its colourful mix of nomads and Tibetan monks, and hardly a tourist in sight. It's a great place to experience Tibetan life and at about 3,500 m above sea level, it's also a welcome acclimatisation stop. While here, we tour a working monastery with our local guide and have the option of going horseriding or trekking around the surrounding countryside. Our accommodation is basic and the roads are rough, just the way Intrepid likes it!
Days 9-10 Homestay/Tibetan Grasslands
From Langmusi, we take a 5-hour drive to Thangkor taking in the Tibetan nomadic lifestyle, beautiful views and the first bend in the Yellow River. In this serene town, we have a homestay in very basic Tibetan-style accommodation, a great way to get an insight into rural local life!
On day 10 we spend a whole day visiting monasteries and observing Tibetan life on the fringe of the plateau. We also visit a Tibetan school for the chance to teach some English or just play with the kids. There's plenty of free time afterwards to relax in the peaceful surrounds, before our descent from the plateau to Wenchuan, where we stay the night.
Day 11 Chengdu
It's an early start today and 5 hours on a private bus brings us to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. The journey takes us through amazing scenery, with the chance to see various Tibetan ethnic groups in traditional dress. Chengdu, home of the spicy hot pot, is our departure point from China-proper into Tibet. If we arrive with time to spare, there is the option of seeing the famous Chengdu Panda Research and breeding centre.
Days 12-16 Lhasa
On day 12 we embark on a 1-hour drive to Chengdu Airport to board our flight to Gongkar Airport, 2 hours from Lhasa.
Colourful and historical, the holy city of Lhasa lies in a small valley 3,500 m above sea level. Lhasa rose to importance over 1,300 years ago, when attempts were made to unify Tibet. At this time, the grand temples of Ramoche and Jokhang were built to house the Buddha images and religious artefacts brought to Tibet as dowries from China and Nepal. The 1600s saw a second stage of renovation and development, which included construction of the Potala Palace. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, this massive structure dominates the landscape with grace and dignity, a true wonder of the architectural world.
During our time in the heart of Tibet, we visit the Potala Palace, the Jokhang, the huge university monasteries of Drepung and Sera as well as the Barkhor pilgrim circuit. There is also free time to explore other sights.
The Jokhang Temple is the spiritual heart of Tibet and also the most active. Pilgrims circle the temple endlessly day and night, some of them traversing the extremes of the country on foot just to come here to celebrate and express their faith.
The Barkhor, the holiest devotional circuit, circumnavigates the Jokhang and houses a market bazaar. Here, Buddha images, yak skulls with ruby eyes, woodcarvings, carpets and prayer wheels are bargained for and bought. Nearby, are the Drepung and Sera monasteries, once home to over 15,000 monks. Today, a few hundred remain, but afternoon debating sessions between the monks are still a must-see.
The Dalai Lama's Summer Palace at Norbulingka is a nice quiet place to escape the city streets. We have a total of 4 relaxing yet eye-opening days in Lhasa to explore and acclimatise to the high-altitude environment in preparation for our long travelling days ahead.
Day 17 Samye
Departing Lhasa early by 4WD, we travel by the Yarlung Tsampo River (known in India as the Brahmaputra) to Samye Monastery, an invaluable treasure in the minds and hearts of all Tibetans.
Founded in the year 770AD, under the guidance of the great Indian Tantric master Padmasambhava (who reputedly flew here from India using his Tantric powers), the monastery has withstood invasions, fires and the test of time to remain one of the most significant sites in Tibetan culture. As Tibet's oldest monastery and one of the most beautiful, it saw the ordination of the first Tibetan monks and also became a translation school unparalleled in Asian history.
The monastery is designed on the plan of the Odantapuri Temple in India (present-day Bihar) and mirrors the structure of the universe according to Buddhist cosmology. The main temple represents Mt Sumeru, the mythical mountain at the centre of the Universe. The four 'Ling' temples at the corners of the main temple represent the 4 continents which surround Mt Sumeru.
Accommodation in the monastery guesthouse is simple, but perfectly located within the monastery walls, right outside the main temple entrance.
Day 18 Gyantse
There is time to hear the monks' morning prayer ceremony before travelling back across the river. It is then a long, yet overwhelmingly spectacular drive to Gyantse. From the top of the Kamba Pass (4,794 m) the views of the Turquoise Lake, 'Yamdrok-Tso', are unforgettable. The road winds down towards it and we travel along its shores, stopping at the small town of Nangartse for lunch, before climbing again to the Karo La and the glaciers of Mt Nojin Kangtsang, reaching Gyantse in the late afternoon.
Gyantse, a small town that still retains a feel of 'old' Tibet, was once of major importance as a wool trading centre on the routes between India, Sikkim, Bhutan, Tibet and China. Its imposing hill fortress, Gyantse Dzong, dominates views of the town. It is also the site of Pelkor Chode Monastery, founded in 1418, which houses a room full of monumental golden Buddhas and other bodhisattvas which line the walls of the chapel.
We visit the fascinating Gyantse Kumbum on the morning of day 19.
The unique Gyantse Kumbum (meaning '100,000 images'), has been designed in layers as a 3-dimensional 'mandala', which is a model of the Buddhist universe. Its 5 storeys represent the 5 steps to enlightenment. Making the pilgrim circuit up the 15th century stupa is a dizzying phantasmagoria as you wind your way up and around increasingly narrow passages, stepping into an endless series of tiny chapels full of technicolour Buddhist images - red, green, orange, blue and then gold, only half-visible in the smoky dim light.
Days 19-21 Shigatse/Sakya
After visiting the fascinating Gyantse Kumbum, we leave Gyantse and follow the Nyang-chu Valley towards Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest town and the seat of the Panchen Lama, who ranks second to the Dalai Lama. The Panchen Lama is a reincarnation of Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light.
We spend the morning exploring the huge Tashilhunpo Monastery. Considered a second Potala Palace by many pilgrims, it is visited daily by hundreds of devotees, armed with yak butter to feed the lamps, who prostrate themselves around the stupas or walk up to the room that houses the 26 m-high, gold-plated statue of the future Buddha. Later, we can join the pilgrims on their evening kora (circumambulation) around the perimeter of the monastery.
There's free time afterwards so why not head over to the Shigatse Bazaar? Stalls, selling everything from slabs of yak butter to yak wool, prayer wheels and rosaries, line the streets and Tibetans vie with each other to win a sale. Be tempted by the antiques, jewellery and fur hats with elaborate gold brocade designs, or perhaps visit the carpet factory where hand-woven carpets are made to traditional designs.
From Shigatse we continue to Sakya, once the centre of political and religious power in Tibet. Many buildings featuring the town's unique architectural style suffered the ravages of the 1960s, when China invaded the country, but the well-fortified citadel still stands and much rebuilding and restoration is in progress.
Days 22-23 Everest National Park
A long but spectacular drive brings us to Rongphu - 5,000 m above sea level and a mere 8 km from Everest Base Camp - and the scenery is utterly breathtaking!
Rongphu Monastery is the highest monastery in the world, standing at a lofty 4,980 m and it certainly has one of the best views in the world! The monastery guesthouse offers very basic accommodation, but the views that surround us more than compensate - lie in bed and watch the moonlight illuminate the mountain tonight.
The monastery was first built in 1902 by the Nyingma Lama and originally housed more than 500 monks. Today, only about 50 monks and nuns remain, sharing the same prayer hall but with separate residences. The nuns are great fun and will be delighted to have you join their evening prayers.
The following morning we can take in the views of the famous mountain from Base Camp.
After lunch on day 23 we head off on an exhilarating drive along what is little more than a yak track to Tingri, and if time permits, the small town of Nyalam.
Day 24 Zhangmu
After an early morning start from either Tingri or Nylam, we stop at the meditation cave of the famous mystic, Milarepa. Between Nyalam and Zhangmu, the Tibetan Plateau abruptly ends. The colours change, there are a lot more trees and the humidity relatively skyrockets as the harsh mountain landscape transforms into green jungle valleys. Have your camera handy because this drive is full of photo opportunities!
Also known as Kasa, the border town of Zhangmu clings precariously to the cliff face, 10 km inland from the Friendship Bridge which soars across the Bhotekoshi River (Sun Kosi River). This small town has become a major trading post between Tibet and Nepal and the subtropical oceanic climate endows it with warm, humid weather as well as beautiful scenery throughout the year.
Days 25-26 Dhulikhel
Crossing the border at Zhangmu, we wind our way further down the valley to Dhulikhel. Situated at the foothills of the Panchkhal Valley, old Dhulikhel is a traditional Newari settlement studded with 4 to 5-storey brick mansions, built in a style that very closely resembles Victorian. However, they are distinguished by their exquisitely carved doors and windows, fine examples of Newari craftsmanship.
Arriving at Dhulikhel, you may wish to retire to your private balcony, with its panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, to contemplate the wonders of the past weeks. Alternatively, you can spend our full free day here hiking to nearby Newari settlements.
Days 27-28 Kathmandu
It's only a short drive to Kathmandu where we have the rest of the day to explore.
Kathmandu is an awesome mixture of legend and modern development, with a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Narrow lanes lead off to small squares and courtyards where ornate carved balconies overlook elaborate shrines and temples. Buzzing markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, where stalls and small hole-in-the-wall shops sell everything from bangles to Buddhas and beetroot. Having been a travellers' centre for many years, Kathmandu also has an international flavour with its bright lights and 'Coca Cola culture', especially in the central Thamel district.
Get up with the birds to climb to the Swayambhunath Temple. Situated on a hilltop, the instantly recognisable stupa with its Buddha eyes attracts a steady stream of pilgrims, and the views out over the valley are superb. Located in the heart of the Tibetan community, the highly sacred Bodhnath Stupa is the largest in Nepal and is also well worth a visit. The surrounding area is a maze of restaurants and workshops and you'll have ample time to explore, walking from the heart of the old city to Durbar Square, home to the palace of the Kumari Devi, considered to be a living goddess.
Our hotel is just a short walk from both Kathmandu's Durbar Square and from the busy shopping streets of Thamel, where we enjoy a final night's dinner together - a fitting end to our journey across 'the roof of the world'.
