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Kazakhstan and Tibet Adventure Tour
Tour code: Almaty01
Duration: 18 days
Route: Urumqi, Almaty, Urumqi, Xining, Lhasa, Chengdu, Guilin, Hong Kong
Attractions: Zenkov Cathedral, Kok-Tobe, Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, Barkhor Street, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple
Itinerary:
Day 1 Urumqi (L)
Today's Activities:
Drive about 2 Hours to the Heavenly Lake for our visiting. Free time at the International Grand Bazaar at night.
Urumqi Urumqi is situated on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains, it is most famous for being the furthest city in the world from the ocean. Urumqi(Wulumuqi) means "A beautiful Pasture Land" in ancient Mongolian used by the Junggar tribe. 2000 years ago……
Heavenly Lake Driving about 2 Hours to the Heavenly Lake, This pristine lake is situated at a refreshing height of 1,980m and is surrounded by jagged snow-covered peaks, forests of pine trees and green meadows. The lake surface of Tianchi Lake is over 1900 m above……
[ Today's Optional ] International Grand Bazaar: In Urumqi, a bazaar is more than just a place to buy things. It offers locals a place to enjoy the flavour of a festival, to have a rest and to meet with friends. People barter goods, exchange information, and even gossip at the bazaar market.
Day 2 Urumqi,Turpan (B,L)
Today's Activities:
Drive 90 minutes to Turpan. Explore mysterious attractions & culture in Turpan.
Turpan Turpan has long been the centre of a fertile oasis (with water provided by karez) and an important trade centre. It was historically located along the Silk Road's northern route, at which time it was adjacent to the kingdoms of Korla and Karashahr to……
Flaming Mountain Flaming Mountains are situated in the north of Turpan Basin. It were made famous in Chinese literature by the classic novel Journey to the West. The story is about the monk Xuan Zang and his followers who traveled west in search of the Buddhist sutra……
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves Bezeklik Thousand-Buddha Caves is situated at the north bank of Muzat River in Turpan, a collection of retreats once inhabited by Buddhist monks, as well as the imperial monasteries for local emperor during the Gaochang Kingdom and Tang Dynasty.
[ Today's Optional ] Grape Valley: The small paradise, a thick maze of vines and grape trellises, is located at the foot of the Flaming Mountain, there are more than 10 kinds of grapes in the area.
Day 3 Turpan (B,L)
Today's Activities:
In the morning, we tour the ancient city of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto) near Turpan. We return to Turpan and ride on donkeys before wandering the lively Turpan city weekend bazaar. The Turpan city bazaar is famous for its handicrafts which attract tourists from all over Xinjiang. Later today we will drive to Urumqi.
Emin Minaret It is designed in a simple Afghani style and was built in 1777 AD by a local ruler in order to show the impressive memories of his father's contribution to Qing government.
Karez well These underground channels rate as one of ancient China's greatest public works projects as the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. The city of Turpan owes its existence to these vital wells and channels, some of which were constructed over 2000 years ago……
Ancient City of Jiaohe The Ancient City of Jiaohe is situated at Yar Town, 13 km west of Turpan City. It was first the capital of the State of South Cheshi, which was one of the 36 kingdoms in the Western Region.
Day 4 Urumqi/Almaty (B,L)
Today's Activities:
Take flight to Almaty, the Southern capital of Kazakhstan.
Meeting and greeting at Almaty International airport. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.
Day 5 Almaty (B,L)
Today's Activities:
Breakfast at the hotel. Almaty Grand Tour (6 hours):
The tour starts with sightseeing in central part of Almaty. You will know more about history and development of the South capital of Kazakhstan and see its major attractions. You will visit a popular place for townpeople - the Green Bazaar, where it is impossible to refrain from shopping. It is the great chance to experience an atmosphere of the real Central Asian market, its colors, smells and crowds. There you can obtain famous Asian sweets, but don't forget to bargain...
Then the tour will continue in one of the oldest Almaty park – Panfilov Park, where you will see one of the unique wooden building in the world – Zenkov Cathedral and also visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, dedicated to the memory of the fighters who died for freedom and independence of the country.
After the park you will continue to explore sport, cultural and business areas of the city. You will go to the Medeo Gorge, where the highest mountain skating rink in the world is located, as well as the dam, protecting the city from dangerous mudflow.
Next destination is the Kok-Tobe hill where the tallest TV tower in the world is located (if to count from the sea level) and where you will go by the picturesque winding mountain road. In the national restaurant of Kok-Tobe park you will have opportunity to try traditional dishes of Kazakh cuisine sitting inside the real Kazakh yurt. After the lunch you can stroll along the winding paths of the Kok-Tobe park, admire the magnificient panorama of the city from the special observation deck and visit the shop of national souvenirs. The tour ends with the short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway.
Day 6 Almaty/Urumqi/Xining(B,L)
Today's Activities:
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit to the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Later today you will fly to Urumqi. Change flight to Xining. There is no direct flight Urumqi/Lhasa today, and the most convenient way is fly to Xining.
Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is one of the oldest and largest museums not only in Kazakhstan, but also in the entire Central Asian region. Today the Museum collection includes about three hundred thousand monuments of material and spiritual culture, which include clothing, carpet and felt products, items of jewelry and fine art, porcelain and ceramics, photos. Among the exhibits there are such unique items as gold products of Saka period.Central Asian region.
Day 7 Xining/Lhasa(B)
Today's Activities:
Be met at Lhasa airport by our English-speaking tour guide & transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure to acclimatize yourself to the high latituder.
Lhasa has an elevation of 3650 meters and sits at the center of the Tibet Plateau. It has a history of more than 1300 years. It towers as a huge magnet attracting those who want to explore its culture. Entry into Lhasa allows each traveler the chanc……
[ Today's Optional ] Ramoche Monastery: it is one of the key cultural relic protection sites in Lhasa, located on the north of Barkhor Street, in the area with a local market and many traditional style Tibetan style civilian houses.
Day 8 Lhasa (B,L)
Today's Activities:
Explore the famous attractions in downtown Lhasa today.
The Barkhor Street The Barkhor Street is Lhasa's inner pilgrim circuit shaped roughly like an octagon that runs around the Jokhang. The circuit is lined with markets, shops, stalls and street vendors providing every conceivable item a Tibetan could need. The best plac……
The Jokhang Temple The Jokhang Temple is the spiritual centre of Tibet - a destination for millions of Tibetan pilgrims. The oldest part of the temple dates back to the 7th century AD - being one of the two temples built by King Songsten Gampo.
The Potala Palace The Potala Palace is a landmark of Lhasa and Lama Buddism. It is a 13 storey and 1000 rooms' palace and once winter residence of the Dalai Lama. The construction of the present structure began during the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama in 1645.
[ Today's Optional ] Tibetan Family Visit: Every Tibetan family has been either directly or indirectly affected by the Chinese, Indian and Nepal culture. Family life is one of the most interesting attractions during your stay in Tibet. Common Tibetan people welcome you to their homes, greet you in their traditional way and entertain you with their typical food.
Day 9 Lhasa (B,L)
Today's Activities:
Today's visit is a type of exploring the ancient Tibetan culture, should not be missed in Lhasa.
The Tibet Museum The Tibet Museum, located in the southeastern corner of Norbu Lingka, Lhasa, is the first of its kind in Tibet to be provided with the latest in equipment and facilities. The Tibet Museum was completed and opened in October 1999.
Norbulingka The Norbulingka Park: Norbulingka means "Jeweled Garden". It was constructed as a summer palace for the Dalai Lama at the very beginning and later served as the whole governmental administration.
The Sera Monastery The Sera Monastery lies on the northern edge of Lhasa at the base of Tatipu Hill. 'Sera' means 'merciful hail' denoting its rivalry with the 'Rice Heap' (Drepong) since hail destroys rice. Sera was smaller than Drepong with about 7,000 monks but was ……
[ Today's Optional ] Lhasa Carpet Factory: Lhasa Carpet Factory is a factory south of Yanhe Dong Lu near the University of Tibet in Lhasa the capital of Tibet. It produces traditional Tibetan rugs. The highland of Tibet is the actual home of the oriental carpets. By visiting Carpet Factory you will have a general idea of how carpets are produced.
Day 10 Lhasa,Gyantse,Shigatse (B,L)
Today's Activities:
Drive to Shigstse, via from Yamdrok Tso to Gyantse (about 380km, 6 hours), have a picnic at the Yamdork Lake. Then drive to visit Kumbum Stupa & Pelkor Chode Monastery in Gyantse. Later transferred to Shigatse (about 90km, about 1 hours). Stay overnight in Shigatse.
Yamdroktso Lake Yamdroktso Lake (4408 m), where you will enjoy the vista of its pincer-shaped expanse of turquoise water, with the mysterious Mt. Donang Sangwari (5,340m) on the peninsula beyond, and the snow peaks of Nojin Gangzang (7,191m) in the distance.
Dzong Fort The Dzong Fort is localed on Dzong Hill, in the center of Gyantse. It was the office of the former local governmet of Gyantse. Dzong government of the feudal serf system is still well kept, giving visitors a better understanding of the serf system ……
Pelkor Chode Monastery & the Kumbum Stupa Palkhor Monastery was founded in 1418. It houses both Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Kumbum Stupa, the world famous 9-storey 100,000-Buddha Pagoda with 9 floors, 108 doors and 77 rooms. Each room contains a different statue of Buddha and the wall fre……
[ Today's Optional ] Karola Glacier: Go all the way up to climb up the top of the Gangba-La pass, stop at Yamdroktso Lake, suddenly you will meet Karola Glacier face to face. The Karola Glacier is quite close to the road, a breathtaking view of the Karola Glacier is an unforgetable experience.
Day 11 Shigatse,Lhasa (B,L)
Today's Activities:
Morning visit the Tashilungpo Monastery. Later drive back to Lhasa (about 280km, 3.5 hours). Check into the hotel. Free time for the last evening in Tibet.
Tashilhunpo Monastery Tashilhunpo Monastery, the home of the Panchen Lama, is located on the hillside overlooking Shigatse northwest of the town. Tashilhunpo Monastery for the most part escaped the ravages of the Cultural Revolution and its chapels contain countless statu……
[ Today's Optional ] Tibetan Opera Performance: The Tibetan people are good at singing and dancing. Tibetan opera is called "Ajilamu" in Tibetan which means "sister fairy maiden". It is a kind of public square opera, which has play, vocal music, separate roles, accompanying band and special masks and clothes, and its main form is song and dance.
Day 12 Lhasa/Chengdu/Guilin(B)
Today's Activities:
Morning is at your leisure till transferred to Lhasa airport for your flight to Chengdu. Change flight to Guilin.
Upon arrival at the Guilin airport, pickup by our English speaking tour guide and drive to hotel. Free time for the rest of the day.
Guilin Situated in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the scenery of Guilin has been called the finest under heaven. Must-do attractions and activities in Guilin are: Li River Cruise, Impression Liu Sanjie Life Show, Longsheng Rice Terraces……
[ Today's Optional ] Zhengyang Pedestrian Street: Every evening, thousands of locals and travelers will rush into the Guilin Zhengyang Buxing (pedestrian) Street for shopping, entertainment and dining. The dazzling lights from various shops, the bubbling people, the multifarious goods justify this stree's reputation as "Shopping Heaven in Guilin".
Day 13 Guilin,Sanjiang (B,L)
Today's Activities:
3 hours drive to visit Longji Rice Terraces. Walk around the summit of the mountain for two hours to enjoy the magnificent view of large areas of rice terraces, meet local Yao and Zhuang families in the village. If you can not walk for a long time, the local sedan chair is available at an extra cost. After lunch in local village, drive 1 hour to Sanjiang, an area of Dong minority ethnics. Stay overnight near Chengyang Dong Villages.
Longji Rice Terrace Longji Rice Terraces, located in Longsheng County about 2 hours from Guilin, are built into the hillsides, nearby Pingan village. The terraces look like great chains or ribbons as they wind from the foot to the top of the hill...
Chengyang Wind & Rain Bridge Chengyang Roof Covered Bridge: One of the most beautiful & well protected shelter bridges in China,constructed in 1911,finished in 1925. The bridge is 64.4 meters long, 3.4 meters wide, 10.6 meters high, with beautiful shelters construction on it. It……
[ Today's Optional ] Huangluo Yao Longhair Village: Huangluo Yao village is located at the foot of a mountain with a beautiful river zig-zagging around Longsheng rice terrace. It was known for the long hairs of Yao ethnic women. They use a long cloth to twist the hair into a knot, go down to the river to wash their hair in summer time.
Day 14 Guilin,Sanjiang (B,L,D)
Today's Activities:
Free time to walk around the Chengyang Dong villages. Later today, drive 3 hours back to Guilin. Take the famous evening cruise on the ancient moat surrounding Downtown Guilin.
Evening cruise on Li River and surrounding lakes You will enjoy the evening cruise through Li River, Fir lake, Banyan Lake and Peach River, which was part of the ancient moat surrounding Guilin.
Chengyang Dong Villages Chengyang is 20 km north of Sanjiang, is becoming a popular tourist destination with backpackers. It is a region traditionally inhabited by the Dong people, bordering Guizhou to the northwest and Hunan to the northeast.
Drum Towers The most distinctive feature on the landscape of the land of Dong Ethnic villages is its beautiful drum tower. A drum tower is a pagoda shaped multi-leveled wooden structure built without nails or bolts, yet can withstand decades of inclement weather……
[ Today's Optional ] Cormorant Bird catching fish: In Guilin and Yangshuo, cormorant fishing is an interesting night program on Li River. Cormorant is a kind of large and conspicuous waterbird, it has an almost primitive appearance with its long neck making it appear almost reptilian. Cormorants are supreme fishers, we can often see them standing with their wings held out to dry.
Day 15 Guilin (B,L)
Today's Activities:
The highlight today is the Li River Cruise. The total cruise journey is around 30 Kilometers and takes 4 hours. Free time in Yangshuo.
West Street West Street is all flanked by small shops and vendor's stands selling all kinds of souvenirs and snacks. Chinese and the young Western bicyclists and backpackers are seen hanging out everywhere. Parties after parties till midnight.
Li River Cruise The 83-km-long waterway from Guilin to Yangshuo is the masterpiece of Li River, decorated with rolling hills, steep cliffs, fantastic caves, leisurely boats and lined bamboos. A poem says: "The river is a green silk ribbon, and the hills are jade hai……
[ Today's Optional ] Impression Sanjie Liu: Impression Sanjie Liu is a major production with a cast of 500 singers, dancers, bamboo boats and cormorants bids. However, the stand out performer is definitely the background scenery. The lighting of the karst peaks is truly amazing and was our highlight.
Day 16 Guilin (B,L)
Today's Activities:
Morning cycle along trails to see rice paddies, farm house, green limestone hills and countryside. Bike ride is very popular in Yangshuo. Visit Moon Hill on the way. If you do not like bike ride, we will drive to visit these attractions. Later today you will be transferred to airport for your flight to Hong Kong. Pikup from Hong Kong airport and transfer to your hotel in Hong Kong.
Moon Hill About an hour bicycle ride southeast of Yangshuo, is Moon Hill (Yueliang Shan). The fantastic views from the top have made this hill one of Yangshuo's best attractions!
Yulong River Yulong River is a small tribute of Li River, winds through rice planting fields, farm house, fishing bonds and thousands of limestone peaks. Many small dams have been built on Yulong River, still can see some relics of these ancient dams, which are u……
Bike ride in Yangshuo Sinoway Travel runs a Bike Club in Yangshuo and Guilin. Dozens of mountain bikes in good conditions are available for rent for our clients only. You might pickup our bikes in Guilin, or Yangshuo. We have some great bike rides that are available to y……
[ Today's Optional ] Bamboo Rafting on Yulong River: Cycle to Hongqi Dock, take bamboo rafting for 1 hour on Yulong River through limestone mountains and trails. The excellent composition of water, ancient bridges and mountains along this waterway is one of the favorite choices of photographers and artists coming to the area.
Day 17 Hong Kong (B)
Today's Activities:
Take half day Hong Kong island tour: Victoria Peak, Aberdeen, Repulse Bay. Lunch is on your own.
Repulse Bay Primarily an exclusive residential area, Repulse Bay has a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere. The wide beach is popular with residents and great for sandy strolls. It features statues of Kwun Yum and Tin Hau, both protectors of fishermen.
Victoria Peak High above Hong Kong Island on the 'back of the Dragon', Victoria Peak is Hong Kong's premier visitor attraction, providing magnificent harbour and city views.
Aberdeen Harbour Aberdeen Harbour is home to hundreds of people living on fishing junks. Their traditional lifestyle is dramatically juxtaposed against a modern high-rise community that spreads up the nearby hillsides. In the evenings, the thousands of twinkling ligh……
[ Today's Optional ] Star Ferry: Star Ferry came into existence around 1898 and since then its ferries have been shuttling busily between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. A crossing of Victoria Harbour on a Star Ferry has been named by the National Geographic of Traveler as one of the "fifty places of a lifetime". It offers a memorable and scenic boat trip across one of the most-photographed harbours in the world.
Day 18 Hong Kong/Depart (B)
Today's Activities:
Free time. Own transfer to Hong Kong airport. No service today.
Shopping in Hong Kong (free time) Shopping in Hong Kong is a dream every ardent shopper looks to fulfil. The contours of Hong Kong shopping are continuously expanding. Hong Kong shopping malls are always bustling with ardent shopaholics, who find every object of their imagination in ……
[ Today's Optional ] Causeway Bay: Causeway Bay in Hong Kong, known for its shopping extravaganza, hosts large number of Japanese department stores, boutiques and entertainment spots. Electronics and camera shops abound in the region. The place boasts of shopping spots like Windsor House and Times Square.