TIBET & NEPAL FARM TOUR 20 Days Dep 16 Jun 2019

DAY 1 Sun 16 Jun FLY TO CHENGDU (-) Fly from your home port to Chengdu, China via Singapore, arriving late evening. On arrival be met by your guide and transferred to the hotel. Chengdu is centrally located in the western Sichuan Plain, renowned for its fertile land and agricultural wealth as well as its popular and tasty cuisine. There is something for everyone in this city that Marco Polo described as China’s Paris and you will find it both traditional and modern. Buddhist and Taoist Temples are full of heavy incense with chanting monks and vendors hawking everything from pirated software to chicken feet. People are everywhere as life happens on the streets, in the markets, alleyways, restaurants and roadside shops. Overnight: Chengdu

DAY 2 Mon 17 Jun CHENGDU (BLD) This morning drive to visit to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base – the best place to see pandas in China. Then drive to the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project which is over 2000 years old and now irrigates over 3 million hectares. It began in the 3rd century BC by the engineer Li Bing to divert the fast flowing Min River – the Yangtze’s biggest tributary – into irrigation canals. Before the advent of steel or explosives, thousands of laborers cut canals (using fire) through the mountains to irrigate the Chengdu Plains. Li Bing’s most brilliant idea was an annual maintenance system to remove silt build up – a system which has stood the test of time. Overnight: As Above

DAY 3 Tue 18 Jun CHENGDU – XINING (BLD) This morning fly to Xining, capital of Qinghai Province, situated on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau at 2200m (7,216 ft.) and retains little trace of the old walled town that once was the main tea and horse trading post between Tang in China and Tubo Kingdom in Tibet and the entrance to the Tibetan grassland. A good place for you to acclimatize your body to high altitude in coming days. Historically the city has been considered as very important as the first Dalai Lama’s teacher was born in the Kumbum monastery in 1357 which is only 30 km away from the city and the present Dalai Lama’s birth place is 60 km to the southeast of the city. The population in this small city today is Chinese, Tibetan, Mongolian, Muslim and Tu people. The province is known as “China’s Water Tower”, because three famous rivers Yangtze, Yellow and Mekong Rivers start from here. On arrival Xining airport, meet the guide and driver, and travel to Chengnan District where we visit the largest company in Yak

SMALL GROUP TOUR. MAXIMUM

16 PEOPLE

meat products of the province, and one of the top brands of the nation. See their production lines and meet their manager before checking in to the hotel. Overnight: Xining

DAY 4 Wed 19 Jun XINING – KOKONOR – XINING (BLD) Drive 150km to Kokonor Lake, the biggest inland saltwater lake in China covering an area of 4581 square km. Well known for thousands of years among nomadic people as being one of the best grazing area in China, stopping enroute to marvel at the lake views. Drive to its southern bank to visit the pasture land and nomadic people before returning to the hotel. Overnight: As Above

DAY 5 Thu 20 Jun XINING – LABRANG (BLD) After breakfast travel to Labrang through rolling grassland and visit the pasture and nomadic clan of Gyritse, to see their daily Tibetan way of life and talk with herdsman to learn about the grazing of yak and sheep. The area is also famous among Tibetans for producing the best lamb which we will try during our lunch in the grassland. Afterwards continue to Labrang for our two night stop. Overnight: Labrang

DAY 6 Fri 21 Jun LABRANG BLD) Labrang is the central area of Tibetan religion and nomadic culture in East Tibetan grassland. Here visit a yak dairy where their business includes dairy products, beverage production, processing and sales. Drive the short distance to Yak Ranch in the mountains to see yak milking and cheese production with lunch included at the ranch. Afterwards return to Labrang. Overnight: As Above

DAY 7 & 8 Sat 22 & Sun 23 Jun LABRANG – XINING – TRAIN TO LHASA (BLD) After breakfast drive back to Xining and after lunch visit the Tibetan Medical Museum to see the medical achievements made from those monasteries for thousands of years which are still used nowadays. Late afternoon departure on the train from Xining to Lhasa (sharing 1st Class 4-berth sleeper train compartments to sleep overnight). On the train journey the next morning enjoy the highland scenery along the world’s highest Qinghai-Tibet Railway to see the vast Gobi Desert with its huge, wild and, dry plantless iron-colored mountains with clean rivers and lakes looking like mirrors. Nestled on the lush tundra are countless different tiny highland flowers. See beautiful grasslands rimmed by snow-covered mountains, sprinkled with herds of yak and sheep

grazing. The highest point will be Tanggula mountain pass (Alt: 5200 m. =17,056 ft), where the Yangtze River originates. Continue to Lhasa (Alt: 3650m=11975ft) and on arrival be met and transferred to the hotel. Overnight: Lhasa

DAY 9 Mon 24 Jun LHASA SIGHTSEEING (BLD) Today visit the highest palace in the world, Potala Palace, which is the Dalai Lama's winter palace. It is located on the red hill, a good viewing point in Lhasa. This afternoon visit the renowned Jokhang Temple, built in 647, which is the earliest wood and masonry structure still existing in Tibet, providing one of the first sights of devout Tibetans. In the temple see the glistening Sakyamuni statue which is considered as Tibetan Buddhism's rarity and holds Tibet’s holiest shrine. Afterwards stroll through bustling Barkhor Street around Jokhang, a large free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties. Afterwards drive approximately 40 km to visit a green house to see vegetables growing on the plateau and talk with the local famers. Overnight: As Above

DAY 10 Tue 25 Jun LHASA – GYANGTSE (BLD) Today continue the journey further to the west and enroute appreciate the holy Lake of Yamdrok Yumtso and enjoy fantastic scenery along the world’s highest road to the historical city Gyantse (Alt: 4010m=13156ft ). Along the way see the Karola Glacier and visit Pelkhor monastery to see the famous Kumbum Pagoda. Time permitting enroute to Gyantse visit villages to see local Tibetan farmers reaping harvest. Overnight: Gyangtse

DAY 11 Wed 26 Jun GYANGTSE – SHIGATSE – LHASA (BLD) Today travel to Shigatse and enroute visit a local family and their harvest. The valley from Gyangtse to Shigatse is called Nyangchu and its biggest granary in Tibet. Enjoy lunch in Shigatse before driving back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River. Overnight: Lhasa

DAY 12 Thu 27 Jun LHASA – FLY TO KATHMANDU (BL) After a leisurely breakfast transfer to the airport to check in for your flight to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Upon arrival be met by your guide and transfer to the hotel where you will be briefed on your trip and check in. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure or a perhaps do an optional city tour. Overnight: Kathmandu

DAY 13 Fri 28 Jun KATHMANDU – FARM VISIT (BLD) Today we will visit a cattle farm. In Nepal there is no industry as such for large scale cattle farms therefore they are moderate in size and usually family run. On arrival spend time interacting with the farmer and after question

and answer time head to a nearby resort for lunch then travel back to

Kathmandu. Overnight: As Above

DAY 14 Sat 29 Jun KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING (BLD) Today visit Swayambhu, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Thamel. Swayambhu is the monastery on top a hill, west of Kathmandu city. It is also known as the Monkey Temple as there are many monkeys living in the north-west parts of the temple. This is a very holy site for the Buddhists and you can get a feeling of spiritualism and calmness with the colourful prayer flags fluttering in the winds. The Swayambhunath complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines & temples, some dating back to 5th century. Kathmandu Durbar Square, second oldest city of the valley called Basantapur, is also known as Hanuman Dhoka. Lying at the heart of the city, Basantapur square is also the ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty. H anuman Dhoka Palace Complex consists of a huge Royal Square imposing a tremendous variety of temples dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddess. Most of the buildings here date from 15th to 18th century and the entire Palace Complex here is named after a monkey god called Hanuman. You will see a huge stone statue of Hanuman painted red next to the main entrance of the palace. Continue through the old town of Ason and see the old market and where the locals buy vegetables continue on to Thamel, the touristic hub of the valley and end the day at one of the many restaurants for a fantastic dinner. Overnight: As Above

DAY 15 Sun 30 Jun KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING (BLD) This morning visit Pashupatinath temple built around the first century and is the "Mecca" for the Hindus especially during a festival called the Shiva Ratri (Shiva's night), where more than a million people gather in this temple to get the blessing from Lord Shiva, the god of destruction. The Bagmati river flows along the temple and is also a holy river going all the way to the "Ganges". Every Hindu wishes to be cremated by the Bagmati river hence you will see at least one cremation on any given day. Bhaktapur is the third largest city in the Kathmandu valley and was once the capital of Nepal during the great Malla Kingdom from the 12th to the 15th century. Bhaktapur is famous for its traditional art and architecture, pottery and weaving industries, rich local customs and culture. Here see the colourful open markets, women making clay-pots, weaving, and sun-drying crops & vegetable products. Overnight: As Above

DAY 16 Mon 01 Jul KATHMANDU – DRIVE TO CHITWAN (BLD) An early breakfast this morning and travel to Chitwan. Upon arrival enjoy lunch followed by the jungle activities as per the schedule of the day at the resort in Chitwan. A briefing will be done by one of the naturalists who will meet you at the resort. Overnight: Chitwan

DAY 17 Tue 02 Jul CHITWAN VISITS (BLD) Today visit the Elephant breeding centre in Sauraha to see the elephants with their babies. This centre was established to try to increase the population of the Asian elephant in the region through breeding. Continue towards the crocodile farm through the jungle on jeep ride. The crocodile hatching farm is located at Kasara in Chitwan National Park with the focus being conservation of endangered Gangetic crocodiles known as Gharials or Mugars. Eggs are hatched and babies raised before being released into surrounding rivers. Return to Kathmandu later in the day. Overnight: As Above

DAY 18 Wed 03 Jul CHITWAN – KATHMANDU (BLD)

After breakfast this morning travel back to Kathmandu, having lunch in a restaurant enroute. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest or explore on your own. Overnight: Kathmandu DAY 19 Thu 04 Jul KATHMANDU – FLY HOME (B)

After breakfast the day is free at leisure. Perhaps take an optional scenic flight over Mt Everest (weather permitting) for a cost of approx. AUD $365.00 per person. Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to do the scenic flight to confirm a seat. Late afternoon transfer to the airport to commence your flight home.

DAY 20 Fri 05 Jul ARRIVE HOME (-) Arrive home today, so ending a wonderful journey through Tibet & Nepal.

Tour Price $8,475.00 per person, twin share Tour subject to minimum passenger numbers being reached and cost is subject to airline fare/tax

increase and currency fluctuation

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT - $1,100.00

Non-refundable deposit to confirm booking: $1000.00 per person Balance required: 19 April 2019 Cancellation: In the event of cancellation levies will apply, see booking conditions for details

TOUR COST INCLUDES ; International economy airfares and pre-payable taxes Australia to Chengdu, Lhasa to Kathmandu

& Kathmandu to Australia. Internal airfares and overnight sleeper train (quad share) as per the itinerary. Meals as listed in the itinerary – B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner. Transport & transfers as per the itinerary with an experienced driver/s. Experienced local English speaking national tour guide. Accommodation on a twin share basis in 3½ - 4 star accommodation. Entries to farm/technical visits and sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary.

Travel Insurance – COMPULSORY to have in place prior to departure with a copy required to be provided to Vagabond Travel. For a quote or to purchase a travel insurance policy please enquire.

Visas – Vagabond Travel can assist, please enquire. Any item listed in the itinerary as optional. Beverages & meals not included in the itinerary. Cost of passport & medication if required. Gratuities/tips.

TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE;

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS; - Giant panda research base - Kokonor Lake, China - Lhasa sightseeing incl Potala Palace - Karola Glacier & Pelkhor monastery - Kathmandu sightseeing – 2 full days - Chitwan National Park & jungle jeep ride - Elephant breeding centre

FARM/TECHNICAL VISITS; - Dujiangyan Irrigation Project - Qinghai Kekexilli Food Products Group – yak meat - Yak & sheep herds – nomadic Gyritse clan - Greenhouse & vegetables growing on a plateau - Family run harvesting - Family owned cattle farm - Crocodile farm

Items of a personal nature (souvenirs, phone calls, laundry etc).

* This itinerary is subject to change and confirmed visits will be forwarded with your documentation

approximately 3 weeks prior to departure

FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT:

Vagabond Travel 475 Ballan Road, Moorabool VIC 3213

P: 03 5276 1288 M: 0402 054 512 E: vagabondtouring@gmail.com