agra - eldertreks for five days and culminating on the auspicious purnima (full moon of the hindu...

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com

Fact File• 18 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start and finish in New Delhi• All meals included• Includes 3 internal flights

highlights

• Travel by train to Agra• Search for tigers in Ranthambore

National Park• Explore Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary• Visit the Taj Mahal, Khajuraho and

Fatehpur Sikri• Experience the sunrise on the

Holy Ganges River in Varanasi• Explore the sights of Rajasthan• Experience the Pushkar Camel Festival

(fall departures)

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in New DelhiDay 2: New and Old Delhi city sights — Red Fort, Gandhi’s tombDay 3: Fly to Varanasi, SarnathDay 4: Varanasi, sunrise on the Holy Ganges River, fly to KhajurahoDay 5: Khajuraho, train ride to AgraDay 6: Agra — Taj Mahal, Agra FortDay 7: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, to Jaipur Day 8: Jaipur city sights — Amber Fort, Palace of the WindsDays 9-10: Ranthambore National Park — jeep safaris Day 11: To PushkarDay 12: Pushkar (Camel Festival)

program highlights the famous sites of the north as well as lesser-known, but equally fascinating sites.

In New Delhi, we tour India’s regal capital, then travel to Varanasi to witness the rituals of bathing, prayer and funerals on the Holy Ganges River as they have been performed for thousands of years.

In Khajuraho, we visit the exquisitely carved temple complex, then board the train to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal — one of the most sublime structures ever built. We visit the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and journey to Ranthambore National Park, one of India’s most important tiger reserves.

Throw in the color of Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan for a truly wonderful adventure.

Pushkar Camel Festival (fall departures)

Every year, we visit the Pushkar Camel Festival to see the oasis town of Pushkar blossom into a world-class spectacle of buyers, sellers and over 50,000 camels. Held for five days and culminating on the auspicious Purnima (full moon of the Hindu month of Kartik), the Pushkar Camel Fair is one of India’s greatest festivals. For combo trips, see page 124-125.

new delhi

jaipuragra

udaipur

pushkar

khajurahovaranasiranthamboren.p.

jodhpur

india

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Taj Mahal

Day 13: To Jodhpur — Mandore Garden, Jodhpur Fort, Royal PalacesDay 14: Bisnois village safari tourDay 15: To Udaipur, Jain TempleDay 16: Udaipur city sights — Sahelion Ki-Bari, Jagdish TempleDay 17: Fly to New DelhiDay 18: Depart New Delhi

Departure Dates & Prices Jan 18 - Feb 04, 2011 - * Oct 29 - Nov 15, 2011 - Jan 19 - Feb 05 , 2012 - *Features Pushkar Camel Festival

Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Some rough/dusty roads and long drives.

AccommodationsComfortable hotels with private bathrooms.

Few countries can match the splendor of India, an ancient culture imbued with exotic traditions. A beautiful land of world-class sites, both natural and man-made, awaits you. From the plains to the rugged Himalayas, India is one of the world’s great travel destinations. Our

£3995 £4095 £4095

Taj Mahal

Fact File• 17 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start in Chennai and finish in

Trivandrum• All meals included

highlights

• Tour the Brahadeeswara Temple• Visit the ancient city of Madurai and

Meenakshi Temple• Game viewing in Periyar National Park• Enjoy a famous Kathakali dance• Cruise the back waters of Cochin• Enjoy the houseboat adventure• Visit “Land’s End” — Cape Comorin

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Chennai (Madras)Day 2: Chennai city sites — Fort St. GeorgeDay 3: Chennai, to Pondicherry via MahabalipuramDay 4: Thanjavur (Tanjore) — the Brahadeeswara TempleDay 5: Tiruchirappalli city sites, to MaduraiDay 6: Madurai city sites — Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi MuseumDays 7-8: Periyar National Park, Periyar tribal village, to MunnarDay 9: Munnar city sites, to Cochin (Kochi)Day 10: Cochin city sites and the back waters of CochinDay 11: Houseboat adventureDays 12-13: KumarakomDay 14: Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) city sitesDay 15: Cape Comorin Day 16: Kovalam BeachDay 17: To Trivandrum, departure

Departure Dates & PricesFeb 04 - Feb 20, 2011 - Feb 05 - Feb 21, 2012 -

Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Some long drives.

AccommodationsComfortable hotels with private bathrooms. Features 1 night on a houseboat with private bathrooms and 2 nights at recreated traditional cottages with private bathrooms.

Marvel at ancient temples dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses. Visit national parks, tea factories and cruise backwater canals. Explore southern India’s vast cultural heritage, from British, French, Portuguese and Jewish influences, to the ancient capitals of the Chola and Pallava Kings.

Our journey begins in Chennai (Madras), where we visit the Fort Museum housing relics of a by-gone era. We visit several World Heritage sites, including the Shore Temple, constructed around the 7th century and the Brahadeeswara Temple, with its massive granite dome.

Periyar National Park provides wildlife viewing by boat and foot as we look for tigers, leopards, barking deer, wild pigs, wild dogs, flying squirrels and sloth bears. Tea, coffee, coconut and rubber plantations dot the lush, green countryside around Cochin, where we also take in a performance of the famous Kathakali dancers.

An overnight houseboat adventure is the perfect way to explore the small canals, villages and rice fields of the backwaters. Enjoy a rest at our lake resort, where you can fish or explore the 14-acre Bird Sanctuary, before we continue on to Trivandrum. We visit the majestic old Padmanabhapuram Palace with its many amazing architectural features.

Our journey concludes with a full day trip to the “Land’s End” of the Indian sub-continent at Cape Comorin, where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

For combo trips, see page 124-125.

chennai(madras)

pondicherry

thanjavur

mahabalipuram

cochinkumarakom

munnar

madurai

alleppeytrivandrum

kovalamkanniyakumari

capecomorin

periyar n.p.

tiruchirappalli

indianocean

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£3995 £4095


Fact File• 18 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start and finish in Delhi• All meals included• Includes 3 internal flights

highlights • See the sites of Old and New Delhi• Explore Leh in the Ladakh region• Visit Shey, Thikse and Hemis Monasteries• See the 900-year-old murals of Alchi• Travel over the world’s highest pass —

the Khardung La Pass• Explore the Nubra Valley• Travel to Dharamsala, home of the

Tibetan Government in exile• Visit the Dalai Lama monasteries• Visit the Golden Temple

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in DelhiDay 2: Old and New Delhi sitesDay 3: Fly to Leh, LadakhDay 4: Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Leh monasteriesDay 5: Ladakh sitesDay 6: Nubra Valley via the Khardung La PassDay 7: Return to Leh, Diskit GompaDay 8: To Alchi, Monastery visitDay 9: Alchi temples, Basgo Castle, LehDay 10: Fly to Delhi, Bahai Temple, Red Fort Sound & Light Show Day 11: National Museum, overnight train to Dharamsala Days 12-14: Dharamsala, Dalai Lama monasteries, Buddhist meditation, Domaling Nunnery, Masroor TempleDay 15: To Amritsar, Golden Temple at nightDay 16: Golden Temple, Akal Takhat, DurglanaDay 17: Fly to DelhiDay 18: Depart Delhi

Departure Dates & PricesJul 07 - Jul 24, 2011 - Jun 26 - Jul 13, 2012 -

Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: 8 days over 9,000 feet. Some rough, dusty roads and long drives.

AccommodationsComfortable hotels/guesthouses with private bathrooms. Some basic accommodation in Ladakh. 1 overnight train journey with shared bathrooms.

Northern India is a wonderful destination for adventurers interested in exploring the mountains, culture, history and spirituality of this fascinating region. We begin in Delhi, the capital of India, before flying up to Leh, the most important town in the Ladakh region. Nestled in the valley of the Indus River and surrounded by snow-covered fringes of the Himalayas, Leh has a distinct character that transports us back in time. A major trading point where caravans came in from the distant lands of Yarkand, Kashgar, Tibet, Kashmir as well as other regions of northern India, the market once bustled with activity. Today, Leh is a center of Tibeto-Buddhist culture and has only been open to travelers since 1974. While exploring the region, we’ll have many opportunities to visit local villages and learn about their way of life and dedication to their religion. We visit the gompas of the area, which are home to many ancient manuscripts, images of Buddha, icons, thangkas and stupas. We travel to Alchi to see the beautifully-preserved 900-year-old paintings and drive over the spectacular Khardung La Pass at 18,274 ft (5,570 m), the world’s highest.We return to Delhi and travel to Dharamsala by train. Set against the backdrop of the dramatic Dhauladhar Mountains, Dharamsala is perched on the high slopes in the upper reaches of Kangra Valley. Dharamsala is synonymous with the Tibetan government in exile and the home of Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama. We have plenty of time to explore the colorful temples and gompas of the area, which reflect the culture of Tibet. We have also arranged for a Buddhist meditation class in order to learn first-hand about this ancient religion. We visit the impressive Golden Temple as well as the markets and sites of Amritsar. We return to Delhi for further sightseeing in the old and new cities before concluding this truly great adventure.

alchi

amritsarINDIA

indusrivernumbravalley

lehladakh range

karakoramrangekhardung la

pass

delhi

DHARAMSALA

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The Golden Temple

£2995 £3095


Fact File• 24 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start in Islamabad, Pakistan and finish in

Tashkent, Uzbekistan• All meals included• Includes 2 internal flights

highlights • Experience Uyghur, Tajik, Kyrgyz, Uzbek,

Russian, Pakistani and Chinese cultures• Walk through the Silk Road cities of

Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva• Cross the Khunjerab and Torugart Passes• See the Himalayas, Karakorams, Hindu

Kush and Pamir Mountain ranges

• Visit the 2,000 year old Kashgar market• See the Hunza Valley & Skardu

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Islamabad, PakistanDay 2: To Besham, the Karakoram HighwayDay 3: To Gilgit, first century petroglyphsDay 4: Skardu to ShigarDay 5: Shigar, village and bazaarDay 6: Shigar to Shangrila, hike to viewpointDay 7: To Karimabad in the Hunza ValleyDay 8: Hunza Valley, Eagle’s NestDay 9: Hunza, Baltit Fort; to GulmitDay 10: To Tashkurgan, China via Khunjerab PassDay 11: To Kashgar, Kara-Kul Lake, Pamir Mountain giantsDays 12-13: Kashgar market, Id Kah MosqueDay 14: To Naryn, KyrgyzstanDay 15: Lake Issyk-KulDay 16: To Bishkek via Altan MountainsDay 17: Fly to Tashkent, UzbekistanDay 18: Fly to Urgench, KhivaDay 19: To Bukhara via the Kyzylkum DesertDay 20: Monuments of BukharaDay 21: To Samarkand, 10,000 years of historyDay 22: Samarkand — Registan Square, Ulughbek’s Observatory, the Mosque of Bibi KhanymDay 23: To Tashkent — Navoi Opera BalletDay 24: Depart Tashkent

Departure Dates & PricesAug 31 - Sep 23, 2011 - Apr 28 - May 21, 2012 -

Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: 6 days over 8,000 ft including a drive over a 16,000-ft border crossing. Some rough roads, long drives.

AccommodationsComfortable accommodations with private bathrooms. Basic accommodation in Besham, Pakistan, Tashkurgan, China and Naryn, Kyrgyzstan.

Kashgar, Samarkand and Khiva – ancient Silk Road cities that evoke images of exotic caravans traveling across deserts and over mountains, linking the worlds of east and west.

For over 1,000 years, it was the legendary Silk Road that provided adventurers and traders with a route from the mystique and wealth of China to the developing countries of Europe. ElderTreks’ Silk Road journey explores the old trading routes of northern Pakistan, northwestern China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

We spend our first week in the mountains of northern Pakistan, including the beautiful Hunza Valley. Explore the Himalayas, Hindu Kush, Pamirs and Karakorams mountains, along the Karakoram Highway over the world’s highest paved border crossing – the Khunjerab Pass – into China. In Kashgar, visit the ancient market, where 100,000 Uyghurs gather to trade.

Crossing the mountainous beauty of Kyrgyzstan, we arrive in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, our transfer point to the historic city of Khiva – an open-air museum of central Asian architecture. In Bukhara and Samarkand, two of the best preserved Silk Road wonders, we see mosques, tombs and monuments that provide a majestic ending to this Silk Road journey.

The words of Alexander the Great, spoken more than 2,000 years ago, still ring true: “Everything I have heard about the beauty of Samarkand is true – except that it is even more beautiful than I could have imagined.”

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important Note: Due to the volatile and changing nature of certain parts of this trip, ElderTreks will use it's discretion regarding the safety of running a trip. If we feel it is not safe for our travelers and tour leader, we will not run it.

£5095 £5095

“No you don’t have to cross this bridge if you take our Silk Road trip… promise”

Call for our detailed itinerary: North America 1-800-741-7956 • UK 0808-234-1714 • www.eldertreks.com48

Fact File• 25 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start in Almaty, Kazakhstan and finish in

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan• All meals included• Includes 4 internal flights

highlights • Experience Kazakh, Tajik, Kyrgyz, Uzbek,

Russian and Turkmen cultures• Walk through the Silk Road cities of

Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva• Explore the ancient cities of Margush,

Merv & Nissa• See the Pamir and Tian Shan Mountains• Hike amongst 150 million-year-old

dinosaur footprints• Visit the famed Sunday Bazaar in Ashgabat

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrival in Almaty, KazakhstanDay 2: Almaty sitesDay 3: Almaty /Lake Issyk-Kul, KyrgyzstanDay 4: Lake Issyk-Kul, Preshevalsky MuseumDay 5: Lake Issyk-Kul to BishkekDay 6: Bishkek sitesDay 7: Daytrip to Alarcha National ParkDay 8: Fly to Tashkent, UzbekistanDay 9: Tashkent to SamarkandDay 10: Samarkand sitesDay 11: To Penjikent, Tajikistan, SamarkandDay 12: Samarkand to Bukhara Days 13-14: The ancient city of BukharaDay 15: To Khiva Day 16: Khiva sitesDay 17: To Konye-Urgench, Dashoguz, fly to Ashgabat, TurkmenistanDay 18: AshgabatDay 19: Fly to Mary, Margush, Bronze Age CivilizationsDay 20: Merv, Erk Kala, Sultan Sonjar Mausoleum – TurkmenabadDay 21: Turkmenabad, Kaynar Baba LakeDay 22: Kaytendas Nature Reserve, Kryrk Gyz Gorge and Cave, Dinosaur siteDay 23: Fly to Ashgabat Day 24: Ashgabat, Nissa Day 25: Departure from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Departure Dates & PricesMay 05 - May 29, 2011 - Sep 29 - Oct 23, 2011 - May 09 - Jun 02, 2012 -

Activity Level: 2

Comfort Level: Some rough roads, long drives.

AccommodationsComfortable accommodations with private bathrooms. Basic accommodation in Turkmenabad and shared facilities at the dinosaur site.

The Stans of Central Asia - for thousands of years, lands were sought after and conquered by some of the world’s greatest leaders from Alexander, Attila, Genghis Khan, Tamerlane, Babur, Cyrus and Darius of ancient Persia. Today it is the world’s greatest adventure seekers who are drawn to these exotic lands of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan - lands filled with harsh deserts, towering snow-capped peaks, ancient cities and fortresses with exotic cultures.Explore the markets and history of Almaty, Kazakhstan’s old capital. In Kyrgyzstan, explore Lake Issyk-Kul and hike in the stunning mountains surrounding Bishkek, the capital city. Explore Bishkek and the site of ancient Kyrgyz stone gods, which still remain a mystery. Fly to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, our transfer point to the historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, which evoke images of caravans traveling across deserts and over mountains, linking the worlds of east and west. These open-air museums are beautifully preserved Silk Road wonders, filled with mosques, tombs and monuments.In Tajikistan, visit Penjikent to see the archeological ruins of Sogdiana, an important town in pre-Islamic Central Asia.Crossing the border into Turkmenistan we explore an area with hundreds of dinosaur prints dating back 150 million years. We explore Gonur (5,000 BC) and Merv, consisting of 4 ancient cities which moved as the river moved. Our journey leads us to Ashgabat the splendid capital built predominantly of white marble, and a superb place to bid farewell to your Central Asian odyssey.


Ancient Merv

£4475 £4475 £4675

Fact File• 27 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start and finish in Kathmandu, Nepal• Includes 1 internal flight• All meals included

highlights

• See the holy Lake Manasorovar• Hike the 3-day Kora at Mt. Kailash• Discover Kathmandu, Nepal• Explore the Jokhang Temple, Drepung

Monastery and Potala Palace in Lhasa• Visit Everest Basecamp• Meet Tibetan pilgrims and monks• Hike to Tashilhunpo Monastery in

Shigatse• Traverse the Tibetan Plateau and the

Himalayas

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, NepalDay 2: Kathmandu city sites — Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Stupas and PashupatinathDay 3: Fly to Lhasa, drive to TsedangDay 4: Tsedang — Samye Monastery, Yambu Lakang FortDay 5: To Lhasa, NorbulinkaDay 6: Lhasa — Potala Palace, Dragon Pool, Chagpori Hill Day 7: Lhasa — Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Drepung and Sera MonasteriesDay 8: To Gyantse — via Kamba La and Karo La Pass, Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake)Day 9: Palcho Monastery, Khumbum Stupa, to ShigatseDay 10: Shigatse, Tashilhunpo MonasteryDay 11: To Shegar, Shegar Dzong

Day 12: Cross Geula La Pass (5,150 m.) to Rongbuk MonasteryDay 13: Hike to Everest Basecamp (5,150m.) to Tingri, Pigu Tso Day 14: To Saga Day 15: To ParyangDays 16-17: Lake Manasorovar Day 18: To DarchenDay 19: Begin a 3-day Mt. Kailash Kora hike (circumambulation)Day 20: Mt. Kailash KoraDay 21: Finish Mt. Kailash Kora, to DarchenDay 22: Return to ParyangDay 23: To SagaDay 24: To NyalamDay 25: To Dhulikhel through the Himalayas, crossing at ZhangmuDay 26: Bhaktapur, to KathmanduDay 27: Depart Kathmandu, Nepal

Departure Dates & Prices* May 09 – Jun 04, 2012 - * May 09 – Jun 04, 2013 - *Sa Ka Dawa Kailash Festival

Activity Level: 5+ Comfort Level: Hiking is at high elevation – 22 days at over 9,000 feet. Participants must be very fit. Many long and dusty drives.

Accommodations Most accommodation in guesthouses is very basic; shared rooms and shared bathrooms. 5 or more nights camping with no bathrooms. Single supplement not available all nights.

The spiritual draw of Tibet’s holy mountains has long been the inspiration for millions of Tibetans to make the harsh overland pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash and Mt. Everest.

Join our challenging hiking adventure to the rooftop of the world. This trip includes scenic drives on rough roads, long hikes at high elevation and several nights of camping. For Buddhists and Hindus, the circumambulation of Mt. Kailash is said to erase the sins of a lifetime. At 6,714 meters (22,022 ft) high, with its four sheer walls and snow-capped peak, it is an awe-inspiring site. A supremely sacred site of four religions and billions of people, Mt. Kailash is seen by only a few thousand pilgrims each year due to its extreme remote location in northwestern Tibet.

Mt. Everest, also known as Mount Chomolongma (Mother Goddess of the Universe in Tibetan), is the highest peak in the world, at 8,844 meters (29,017 ft). It has long been a holy pilgrimage for Tibetans, and more recently, travelers from all over the world.

Our journey is not just about these must-see destinations. This arduous adventure includes some of Tibet’s most famous attractions, including the impressive Potala Palace, the holy Jokhang Temple, Sera, Drepung and Tashilhunpo Monasteries and Khumbum Stupa.

Drive over high mountain passes and marvel at the brilliant blue waters of Yamdrok Lake. For many, a true highlight is the cultural encounters with nomadic Tibetans on their religious journey of enlightenment.

We invite you to take your own personal pilgrimage to a magical land filled with the highest peaks on earth, while encountering some of the world’s friendliest and most devout people.

gyantse

shigatse lhasasaga

paryang

mt. kailash

lhatse

kathmandu

mt. everest

Tsedang

zhangmudhulikhel

tingri

nepaltibet

rongbuk

pigu tso

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Please Note: Our Mt. Kailash & Mt. Everest trip is run in conjunction with our regular Tibet itinerary until day 13 when the groups may split. Group size will never exceed 16 travellers. This is an application only trip.

£4795 £4895


Fact File• 17 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start and finish in Kathmandu, Nepal• All meals included• Includes 1 internal flight

highlights

• Explore Kathmandu, Nepal• Visit the Jokhang Temple, Drepung

Monastery and Potala Palace in Lhasa• Hike to Everest Basecamp• Meet Tibetan pilgrims and monks• Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in

Shigatse• Traverse the Tibetan Plateau and the

Himalayas

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, NepalDay 2: Kathmandu city sights — Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Stupas and PashupatinathDay 3: Fly to Lhasa, drive to TsedangDay 4: Tsedang — Samye Monastery, Yambu Lakang FortDay 5: To Lhasa, NorbulinkaDay 6: Lhasa — Potala Palace, Dragon Pool, Chagpori Hill Day 7: Lhasa — Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Drepung and Sera MonasteriesDay 8: To Gyantse — via Kamba La and Karo La Pass, Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake)Day 9: Palcho Monastery to Shigatse via Khumbum StupaDay 10: Shigatse, Tashilhunpo MonasteryDay 11: To Shegar, Shegar Dzong

Day 12: Cross Geula La Pass (5,150 m). to Rongbuk MonasteryDay 13: Hike to Everest Basecamp (5,150m) to TingriDay 14: To Zhangmu via Lablung La PassDay 15: To Dhulikhel, NepalDay 16: Bhaktapur — King’s Palace, KathmanduDay 17: Depart Kathmandu, Nepal

Departure Dates & Prices May 09 – May 25, 2011 - *Oct 01 – Oct 17, 2011 - May 09 – May 25, 2012 - * Itinerary runs in reverse.

Activity Level: 2/3 Comfort Level: 12 days over 9,000 feet. Some rough/dusty roads and long drives. Temperatures can be cold at night at high altitude.

AccommodationsComfortable hotels with private bathrooms. A few nights of basic accommodation.

Prayer flags flutter on wind-swept passes, snow-capped Himalayan peaks touch cobalt skies, plains of green barley and yellow canola shoulder treeless brown slopes and mountain monasteries echo the chants of monks. The sights and sounds of Tibet are fantastic and for many, magnetic.

Kathmandu is our rendezvous point, where we spend a day touring before taking a spectacular Himalayan flight to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. To help us acclimatize, we leisurely explore Tsedang and the burial site of the ancient kings. On our way to Lhasa, we visit Tibet’s first monastery, Samye, on the shore of the braided channels of the Yarlung Tsampo, the world’s highest river. In Lhasa, we see the towering 1,000-room Potala, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama.

We visit the religious sanctuaries of Sera, Drepung and the Jokhang, Tibet’s most religious structure. In the streets of Lhasa, we can walk with Tibetan pilgrims around one of the holiest paths in Tibet, the Barkhor.

The journey continues to Gyantse and Shigatse, via the 14,600-foot Karo La Pass, overlooking Yamdrok Lake far below. In Gyantse, the Khumbum Stupa is open for the curious who want to view its 1,000 Buddhas. In Shigatse, we wander through the buildings of Tashilhunpo Monastery and observe the beautiful paintings and funerary pagodas of former Panchen Lamas. A true highlight is our journey to Mount Everest Basecamp as we look up to the world’s highest peak. Leaving the plateau, we descend through the Himalayas. The land becomes greener as we head into the Kathmandu Valley, concluding one of the world’s great overland journeys. For combo trips, see page 124-125.

gyantse

mt. kailash

lhatsetingri

mt. everest

tsedangkathmandu

zhangmu

shigatselhasa

rongbuk

nepaltibet

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Potala Palace

Now includes

Everest Basecamp

Please Note: Our spring 2012 Tibet trip is run in conjunction with our Mt. Kailash & Mt. Everest itinerary until day 13 when the groups may split. Group size will never exceed 16 travellers.

£3295 £3295 £3475


Fact File• 18 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start and finish in Kathmandu• All meals included• Includes 2 internal flights

highlights • In Nepal, visit Kathmandu, Patan and

Bhaktapur• In India, explore Kalimpong and

Darjeeling hill stations• In Bhutan, visit Thimpu, Paro and Wangdi• See Kanchenjunga – the world’s highest• Travel to Rumtek, Taktsang and

Punakha Monasteries

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, NepalDay 2: Kathmandu – Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, SwayambhunathDay 3: Fly to Bhadrapur, Nepal

Day 4: Darjeeling – Raj-era train ride, Mt. KanchenjungaDay 5: Darjeeling – Tiger Hill, Mountaineering InstituteDay 6: To Gangtok, the capital of SikkimDay 7: Gangtok – Rumtek MonasteryDay 8: Institute of Tibetology and Enchey MonasteryDay 9: Kalimpong – Durpin Dara and Thongsa MonasteryDay 10: To Phuntsoling, BhutanDay 11: To ThimpuDay 12: Thimpu sights, Duchola Pass, WangdiDay 13: Punakha and Wangdi fortsDay 14: Punakha, Duchola Pass, Simotka FortDay 15: Paro sights, Taktsang, return to ParoDay 16: Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal, drive to DhulikhelDay 17: Ancient cities of Bhaktapur and PatanDay 18: Depart Kathmandu, Nepal

Departure Dates & Prices† Mar 06 – Mar 23, 2011 - Oct 15 – Nov 01, 2011 - †* Mar 06 – Apr 23, 2012 - * Date may change due to Paro Festival † Features Paro Festival

Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: 2 travel days over 9,000 feet. Some rough/winding roads and long drives. Temperatures can be cold at night at high altitude.


Land of the Peaceful Dragon — if ever there was an intriguing description of a country, this must be it. A land of friendly, devout Buddhists, mountain monasteries and snow-capped Himalayan peaks, Bhutan and its neighbors, Darjeeling and Sikkim, are the cultural explorer’s Philosopher’s Stone.Our trip begins with a short flight from Kathmandu to the Nepal/India border. From here, we drive to the former hill station of Darjeeling, famous for its tea plantations, temperate climate and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Views of Kanchenjunga (the world’s third highest mountain) and a visit to a tea plantation feature prominently during our days in Darjeeling. In Sikkim, a kingdom formerly closed to tourists, be awe-inspired by spectacular views of mountain peaks. Experience a rare opportunity to mix with a traditional Himalayan community, considered by many to be the last Shangri-La.We travel to Bhutan along winding mountain roads. We visit Thimpu, the nation’s capital, and wander through markets, Buddhist temples and monasteries. We watch local craftsmen working with wood, silver and gold. We journey to Punakha via the Duchola Pass, with its stunning views of the Himalayas. Add a visit to Paro, where one can hike to Taktsang Monastery and encounter Bhutan’s gentle and gracious people. It’s the perfect recipe for a magical itinerary set against the mystical backdrop of the majestic Himalayas.


bhadrapur

india

bhutannepalthimpuwangdi

paro

phuntsolingdarjeeling

siliguri

sikkimgangtok

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Mt. Kanchenjunga

£3675 £3675 £3785


Fact File• 15 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start in Kunming and finish in Chengdu• All meals included• Includes 1 internal flight

highlights • Visit ancient Dali• See the Stone Forest• View the Yangtse and Mekong rivers• Explore Lijiang — a UNESCO World

Heritage Site• Boat ride on Lake Erhai• Travel to the Tibetan Plateau• See spectacular Himalayan peaks• Visit the UNESCO Panda Breeding

Sanctuary

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Kunming, ChinaDay 2: Stone Forest, cultural performanceDay 3: Western Hills, KunmingDay 4: Dali, Three PagodasDay 5: Boat cruise on Lake Erhai — Golden Shuttle IslandDay 6: To Zhongdian, via Xizhou MarketDay 7: To Dêqên over the Baimang PassDay 8: Mingyomg Glacier, Feilai TempleDay 9: Explore the remote Tibetan-Himalayan region, return to ZhongdianDay 10: To Lijiang via Tiger Leaping GorgeDay 11: Lijiang — Yufeng Temple, traditional Naxi villageDay 12: Lijiang — Black Dragon Pool, fly to ChengduDay 13: Chengdu city sitesDay 14: UNESCO Panda Breeding SanctuaryDay 15: Depart Chengdu, China

Departure Dates & PricesApr 28 – May 12, 2011 - Sep 17 – Oct 01, 2011 - Apr 28 – May 12, 2012 -

Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: 5 days over 9,000 feet. Some rough/dusty, winding roads and long drives.


In the 13th century, Marco Polo wrote of Kunming and Yunnan: “The capital city named Yachi is very great and noble. In it are found merchants and artisans with a mixed population of idolaters, Nestorian Christians, and Saracens or Mohametans. The land is fertile in rice and wheat...”

Yunnan’s diversity of natural wonders includes Himalayan peaks, fertile valleys, tropical rainforests, tranquil lakes and thundering rivers. The snow-capped mountains and glaciers feed two of the world’s great rivers, the Mekong and the Yangtse. Culturally, the area is a veritable cornucopia of 24 colorful and exotic ethnic groups including the Yi, Lisu, Bai, Naxi, Li and Tibetan people.

Starting in Kunming, we visit the Western Hills and a temple carved out of the mountainside. In the town of Dali, we explore ancient streets surrounded by remnants of the city wall that once protected inhabitants from invaders. In the background, the Cangshan Mountains rise to snowy heights. We cruise on beautiful Erhai Lake before traveling to higher altitudes as we begin our journey to Zhongdian and Dêqên on the Tibetan Plateau. We encounter Tibetans in their traditional villages, plowing fields with yaks in this truly rugged, spectacular and seldom-visited Shangri-La.

We descend from the Tibetan plateau to the town of Lijiang and walk along footpaths over ancient canals and alongside merchant shops.

Finally, we board a plane to Chengdu in Sichuan province, where we conclude our trip with a visit to the UNESCO Panda Breeding Sanctuary.


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£2195 £2195 £2260

Fact File• 18 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start in Beijing, finish in Hong Kong• All meals included• Includes 4 internal flights• Includes a train journey to Guilin

highlights

• Walk on the Great Wall of China• Explore the Forbidden City• See the Terra Cotta Warriors• Cruise the Yangtse’s Three Gorges and

visit the dam• View the art in the Buddhist Caves at Dazu• Travel by boat through Guilin• View Hong Kong from Victoria Peak• Explore the sites of Shanghai

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in BeijingDay 2: Beijing — the Great Wall of China, Ming TombsDay 3: Beijing — Forbidden City, Beijing OperaDay 4: Beijing, fly to XianDay 5: Xian, Terra Cotta WarriorsDay 6: Xian, fly to Chongqing Day 7: To Dazu, Buddhist caves, board Yangtse River CruiseDay 8: Yangtse Cruise — FengduDay 9: Yangtse Cruise — the Three Small Gorges dam tour Day 10: Yangtse Cruise — Yichang (or Sashi), to Wuhan

Day 11: Wuhan — train to GuilinDay 12: Guilin — Yaoshan HillDay 13: Guilin, Li River Cruise, YangshuoDay 14: Guilin, fly to ShanghaiDay 15: City tour, Shanghai MuseumDay 16: Fly to Hong KongDay 17: Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak, Aberdeen VillageDay 18: Depart Hong Kong

Departure Dates & PricesApr 11 – Apr 28, 2011 - Aug 31 – Sep 17, 2011 - Apr 11 – Apr 28, 2012 -

Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Some long drives.

AccommodationsComfortable, well-located accommodations with private bathrooms throughout. Includes 3 nights on a classic Yangtse River boat and 1 overnight train journey with shared bathrooms.

China – 5,000 years of history. That alone is enough to draw most people to the ancient customs, traditions and history of the Middle Kingdom. Our Classic Route travels through eastern China, showing you China’s major cultural and natural sites.

We start in Beijing, one of the world’s great

HONGKONG

BEIJINGgreat wall

XIAN

WUHAN

GUILIN

CHONGQING

YANGTSERIVER

china

shanghai

DAZU

55

The Great Wall of China

cities, where large squares and monuments grace grand boulevards. Imagine walking through a grand imperial monument such as the Forbidden City, truly a city within a city. We explore Hutongs and old alleyways, to experience daily life in old Beijing.

In Xian, one of the ancient capitals of China, we encounter the wonder of the Terra Cotta Warriors, an Emperor’s funer-ary army built to protect him on his journey to the afterworld. Truly a stunning display of craftsmanship, as each soldier and horse is unique.

See the famous Buddhist caves at Dazu and embark on a cruise through the Three Gorges for a stunning display of massive rock faces forged by the mighty Yangtse River.

We take a comfortable night train to Guilin. Discover the sublime landscape, regarded by the Chinese as the most beautiful landscape in China. The contrast of the limestone peaks against the serenity of surrounding rice paddies is simply spectacular!

We explore the fascinating sites of Shanghai before finishing our journey in the cosmo-politan city of Hong Kong, where we can en-joy it’s many attractions including Aberdeen fishing village and the magnificent views of the harbor and city from Victoria Peak. Our journey though China is Truly Classic!


£3195 £3275 £3345


Fact File• 17 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start and finish in Ulaanbatar• All meals included• Includes 4 internal flights

highlights • Celebrate the Naadam Festival in

Ulaanbatar or Karakoram• Visit Lake Hovsgol• Explore Flaming Cliffs Dinosaur Site• Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery and ancient

Karakoram

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in UlaanbatarDay 2: Gandan Monastery, Gorkhi-Terelj National ParkDay 3: Fly to Muron, Lake HovsgolDays 4-5: Lake Hovsgol — hiking, horseback and yak cart riding (optional)Day 6: Fly to UlaanbatarDay 7: Fly to Gobi DesertDay 8: Hongory Els (Singing Sands), Yol Valley Day 9: Flaming Cliffs — Dinosaur SiteDay 10: Fly to Ulaanbatar, Bogd Khan PalaceDay 11: Bogdo N.P., Mandshir MonasteryDays 12-13: Naadam FestivalDay 14: Karakoram, Erdene Zuu MonasteryDay 15: Hogno HanDay 16: Hustai N.P., to UlaanbatarDay 17: Depart Ulaanbatar

Departure Dates & Prices*Jun 27 – Jul 13, 2011 - †Jul 01 – Jul 17, 2011 - *Jun 28 – Jul 14, 2012 - †Jul 06 – Jul 22, 2012 - * Attend Naadam Festival in Karakoram† Attend Naadam Festival in UlaanbatarPlease note: Itinerary sequence and dates are subject to change due to festival times, train and domestic flight schedules, but all activities in this itinerary will be included.

Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Some rough/dusty roads and long drives. Flexibility is key due to changing internal airline schedules.

AccommodationsComfortable accommodation in Ulaanbatar with private bathrooms. Some basic accommodation in gers (Mongolian circular tents) with shared bathrooms. Please note single supplement not available all nights.

Grasslands extend to a horizon of cobalt-blue skies, pastel-hued rocks color the Gobi Desert and fast-flowing rivers cut deep canyons in arid steppes in this remote Asian nation land-locked between China and Russia. The people, descendants of Genghis Khan, are an eclectic mix of rugged nomads, Buddhist monks, farmers and merchants. For the truly adventurous, Mongolia holds the promise of an exotic culture rarely visited by travelers.Starting in Ulaanbatar, our adventure uses the capital as a hub to visit the Gobi Desert, Lake Hovsgol and central Mongolia. In the Gobi, we visit the Flaming Cliffs, a world-class dinosaur

site with remains so plentiful that dinosaur eggshells can still be found on the surface.

In Yol Valley National Park, we experience a unique environment that includes 200 species of birds and 600 species of vegetation. We overnight at The Hongory Els to experience the “Singing Sands”. We stay on the beautiful shores of Lake Hovsgol. Surrounded by mountains and forests, it contains three percent of the earth’s fresh water. In central Mongolia, we visit Gorkhi-Terelj, Hustai and Bogdo National Parks. In Karakoram, we explore the ruins of the ancient capital of the Mongols and in Ulaanbatar, we walk through former royal palaces and visit the national museum. The highlight for many is the famous Naadam Festival. Full of ceremony, pomp and festive Mongolians, this event features the “Three Sports of Men” — archery, wrestling and horse racing. Our Mongolian odyssey concludes in Ulaanbatar.


ExtensionsTrans-Mongolian Train 3 land days: Board the Trans-Mongolian train for a journey to Ulaanbatar. Travel through northern China, the Great Wall, the Gobi Desert and across the Asian steppe. Accommodation on the train is in 2-person berths.Start in Beijing and finish in Ulaanbatar.

Price: from 2011 - 2012 -

Beijing, Great Wall and Trans-Mongolian Train 5 land days: Explore the sites of Beijing, the Great Wall and ride the Trans-Mongolian train to Mongolia.Start in Beijing and finish in Ulaanbatar.

Price: from 2011 - 2012 -

ULAANBATARKarakoram

beijing

56

£3895 £3895 £3995 £3995

£495 £545

£825 £875

Fact File• 15 days• Start and finish in Anadyr, Russia• All meals while aboard the ship• Post-expedition Trip Log

highlights

• Learn the rich history of the woolly mammoth that once roamed Wrangel Island

• Sail the Chukchi Sea• Experience the Bering Strait• Marvel at the Siberian coastline• Watch for whales while crossing the

Anadyrkiy Bay and Longa Strait• Visit Whalebone Alley and its whaling camps• Explore Border Guard base on

Cape Dezhnez• Community visit in Uelen, Chukchi and

Nutepelmen• Visit abandoned Russian Polar

Research Station on Kolyuchin Island• Explore the “Polar Bear maternity ward”

on Wrangel Island, a large denning area for Polar bears and their pups

• Visit a large walrus haul-out at Cape Vankarem

• Bird watch along the Kolyuchin Inlet• Possible visit to Eastern-most

possession of Russia, Big Diomede Island• Enjoy professional lectures on sea days

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Anadyr EmbarkationDay 2: Anadyrskiy BayDay 3: Yttygran, Nuneangan and Arakamchechen IslandsDay 4: Cape Dezhnev / Uelen VillageDay 5: Kolyuchin Island

Days 6-10: Wrangel and Herald IslandsDay 11: North Siberian CoastDay 12: Kolyuchin InletDay 13: Big Diomede Island (Ostrov Ratmanova)Day 14: At seaDay 15: Anadyr, Disembark

Departure Dates & pricesJul 26 – Aug 09, 2011 Aug 09 – Aug 23, 2011 Aug 23 – Sep 06, 2011Price: triple twin Call for suite prices. Landing Fees; (Not included)

Group Charter Flights from Nome, Alaska to Anadyr, Russia (return);

Activity Level: 1 Comfort Level: Seas can be rough when in open water. Wet and dry zodiac landings. Very remote. Accommodations: The Spirit of Enderby (Professor Khromov). See description and photo on pg. 59

58

SEA OF OKHOTSK

BERING SEA

PACIFIC OCEAN

WRANGELISLAND

ALASKARUSSIANFAR EAST

easternsiberia

chukotka

anadyr

kolyuchin is.

big diomede is.uelen

nome

Expedition Cruise

This is one of the last great journeys in an ever-shrinking world. We are privileged to get to know a land and a people in a way that very few have experienced as we travel from Nome, Alaska across the Bering Strait to Chukotka in the far eastern Russian Arctic. Here we enter the homeland of the Chukchi and Siberian Yupik Eskimo nations. Long isolated from western civilization, these indigenous people have learned to survive and even thrive in one of the harshest environments on the planet. When we arrive it will be late summer and the ice encasing the region every winter will have retreated far to the north. The area holds an abundance of wildlife, notably migratory birds, walrus and polar bears. Many of the bird species we will find come here for the express purpose of breeding, taking advantage of the brief summer explosion of life, a period of exceptionally abundant resources provided by land and sea. We plan to spend two days at Wrangel Island, well known to biologists as a ‘Polar Bear maternity ward’ on account of the number of cubs born here in winter. At this and other isolated outposts in the High Arctic, we will explore the natural and human history of this wild and beautiful land.

£4375 £5225

£225

£480


Fact File• 19 days• Start in Nome, Alaska;

finish in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia• All meals while on board the ship• Post-expedition Trip Log• Includes 1 flight from Nome, Alaska to

Anadyr, Russia

highlights

• Whale watch for Beluga whales in Anadyrskiy Bay

• Visit Whalebone Alley on Yttygran Island• Tundra walk to view a prominent walrus

haul-out on Arakamchechen Island• Experience the Bering Strait• Visit the place where the land bridge to

North America began when sea levels were much lower

• Marvel at the Bukhta Natalia fjords• Explore one of the most picturesque

locations you will find on earth, Tintikun Lagoon by zodiac

• Explore the forests which will be in fall colors on Karaginskiy Island

• Community visit at the town of Ossora• Visit Nikoi’skoye village, once a Border

Control post during the Cold War• Learn about the ecosystems as you

explore the Zhupanova River• Explore the abandoned submarine base,

a haunting reminder of the Cold War on Broutona Bay

• Soak in the thermal pools of Rubakov Volcano, Iturup Island

• Journey across the La Perouse Strait

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Fly from Nome to Anadyr - EmbarkationDay 2: Anadyrskiy BayDay 3: Yttygran, Nuneangan and Arakamchechen Islands Day 4: Anadyrskiy BayDay 5: Cape NavarinDay 6: Bukhta NataliaDay 7: Tintikun LagoonDay 8: Verkhoturova and Karaginskiy IslandsDay 9: Ossora village visitDay 10-11: Commander IslandsDay 12: Zhupanova RiverDay 13: Petropavlovsk-KamchatskiyDay 14: Atlasova IslandDay 15: Onekotan Island Day 16: Yankicho Island and Simushir Island Day 17: Iturup Island thermal pools Day 18: At sea, cross La Perouse Strait Day 19: Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk disembarkation

Departure Dates & prices

Sep 06 - Sep 25, 2011Price: triple twin Landing Fees; (Not included)Mandatory pre night in Nome, Alaska extra

Activity Level: 1 Comfort Level: Seas can be rough when in open water. Wet and dry zodiac landings. Very remote. Accommodations: Our vessel, the Spirit of Enderby (Professor Khromov) is perfect for expedition travel. The real focus and emphasis of every expedition is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort. It carries just 50 passengers in very comfortable accommodation. Cabins with private or shared bathrooms. She measures 72 metres in length and is fully ice-strengthened.

From Nome, Alaska in the north to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia in the south, this journey presents the unique opportunity of travelling down the entire coastline of the Russian Far East. This is a chance to discover a region that, until recently, was ‘off limits’ to western visitors. The Russian Far East is composed of extreme environments, starting with the uninhabited islands off the shores of Chukotka and the vast north Russian tundra; barren lands that the Chukchi, a people who herd reindeer, call home. Travelling south we encounter the forests and snow-capped volcanoes of Kamchatka where you will see and experience wildlife in great colonies and rookeries. Our landings will focus on flora, fauna, and interactions with local people in genuine situations, enabling you to better understand their history and lifestyle. Sailing further south to the volcanic islands of the Kuril Chain, we will find the highest density of seabirds in Asia.

ALASKA

RUSSIANFAR EAST

NOME

capenavarin

zhupanovariver

SEA OFOKHOTSK

BERING SEA

PACIFIC OCEANyuzhnosakhalinsk

bukhtanatalia

commanderis.

karaginskiyis.

petropavlovsk– kamchatskiyatlasovais.

yankicho is.onekotan is.iturupis.

anadyr

59

Expedition Cruise

£

£6390 £7380

£225

Facts• 20 land days • Maximum 16 travelers • Start and finish in Bangkok, Thailand• Includes all meals• Includes 1 internal flight

highlights• 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites • Bangkok — Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn• Remote hilltribe villages• Temples of Chiang Mai• Stunning terraced rice fields• Cycle in Chiang Mai & Luang Namtha• Visit Kunming’s stone forest

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrival in BangkokDay 2: Bangkok, Grand Palace, Wat Phou and Klong tour, overnight trainDay 3: Chiang Mai, Hilltribe museum, Taweechol Botanical GardensDay 4: Chiang Mai, Wat Doi Suthep, Doi Pui-Doi Suthep National ParkDay 5: To Chiang Rai, Chiang Dao Elephant Camp, Padaung Village Yapa visit, Mae Chan WineryDay 6: To Golden Triangle, Mae Fah Luang Botanical Gardens, Myanmar, Tachilek, boat ride on Mekong RiverDay 7: To Laos, Luang Namtha, Muang SingDay 8: Muang Sing; hike to hilltribe villageDay 9: Tai Dam Village, Nam Dee waterfallDay 10: To China, JinghongDay 11: Local daily market in MenghaiDay 12: Jinghong, Pu’erDay 13: To Jianshui via ShipingDay 14: Private Garden of the Zhu Family, Confusian Temple Wen MiaoDay 15: The most beautiful terraced rice fields in China, Yi and Hani VillagesDay 16: To Jianshui, TuanshanDay 17: To Kunming, Xinmeng TownDay 18: Visit the world-famous Stone ForestDay 19: Fly to BangkokDay 20: Departure, Bangkok

Departure Dates & PricesNov 02 – Nov 21, 2011 - Jan 10 – Jan 29, 2012 - Nov 09 – Nov 28, 2012 -

Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Some rough/dusty roads and long drives.

AccommodationsComfortable hotels with private bathrooms. 1 overnight train, shared bathrooms.

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From the golden temples, opulent palaces and hustle and bustle of Bangkok, experience a journey northward through ancient ruins and hilltribes of Northern Thailand, Northwest Laos and Southern China. Traverse beautifully terraced ricefields; meander through colorful, local markets; enjoy delicious Asian cuisines; visit and learn about ethnic hilltribes; cycle through villages to ancient ruins, explore the Stone Forest of Kunming; but most of all experience the smiles and warmth of the exotic and beautiful cultures.

From Bangkok, travel by overnight train to Chiang Mai, known as the City of Roses and onward to Chiang Rai. Journey into the undeveloped tribal northwest of Laos before entering China’s tribal center to Xishuangbanna. Our journey concludes in Kunming, the capital and urban center of Yunnan province.

Our route retraces the origins of Thai culture and history from Tribal Southern China to modern day Bangkok. Learn and experience aspects of this predominantly Bhuddist culture, which still clings to its an-cient spirit or animist beliefs. Your journey will leave you enlightened!

£2995 £3075 £3075

Fact File• 19 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start and finish in Bangkok• All meals included• Includes 2 internal flights

highlights • Visit the floating market• Explore Khao Yai National Park• Hilltribe trekking option• Visit the bridge over the River Kwai• The Grand Palace and Temple of Dawn

in Bangkok• Explore the ancient capitals of

Sukhothai and Ayuthaya

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in BangkokDay 2: Bangkok city sights — Grand Palace, Wat Pra Keo, canal boat tripDay 3: Floating market, bridge over the River KwaiDay 4: Erawan FallsDay 5: To Khao Yai National Park via ancient capital of AyuthayaDay 6: Khao Yai National ParkDay 7: Khmer Ruins, Khon KaenDay 8: PhitsanulokDay 9: Phu Hin Rongkla Park, to SukhothaiDay 10: Sukhothai — the ancient capital of Classical SiamDay 11: Chiang Mai — folk dance performance, Kantoke dinner

Day 12: Mae Sa Elephant CampDay 13: Ping River bicycle tour, Thai cooking lessonsDay 14: Scenic road to Pai — Mork Fah Waterfall, hot springsDay 15: Tham Lod Cave, Mae Hong Son or trekking optionDay 16: Mae Hong Son — elephant safari, Pai River boat journey, Long Neck VillageDay 17: Fly to BangkokDay 18: Bangkok — Suan Pakard and Ban Chiang Museums, Thai dance performanceDay 19: Depart Bangkok

Departure Dates & PricesJan 09 - Jan 27, 2011 - Dec 18 - Jan 05, 2011/12 - Feb 06 - Feb 24, 2012 -

Activity Level: 2/4 *Activity level becomes a 4 only, for those who choose the trekking option on day 15Comfort Level: Some rough roads.

AccommodationsComfortable hotels/lodges with private bathrooms. Basic accommodation with shared bathrooms for 1 night, only if you take the hilltribe trekking option.

Thailand is an ancient Buddhist kingdom of

temples, tropical jungles and warm, gracious peo-ple. In the north, life proceeds quietly in hilltribe

villages while in the south, the golden spires of the Grand Palace rise above manicured gardens and marble walkways.

In Bangkok, we explore the Grand Palace and floating market. At the River Kwai, take a dip at a local waterfall and discover the infamous history of the area. Here, we stay on comfortable, floating bungalows on the river, set against a backdrop of jungle-covered mountains.

At Khao Yai, we encounter one of the largest rainforests in mainland Asia. Here, we have our best opportunity to observe hornbills and elephants in the wild.

Traveling north, we visit the ancient capital of Sukhothai and discover the splendor of Thailand’s classical period by bicycle. Chiang Mai, a relaxing city renowned for its tradi-tion of excellent handicrafts, is our base in the north. For those who like to trek, we offer an option of hilltribe hiking to a Karen village. For those who prefer something less active, we also visit hilltribe villages by road and river as well as the delightful town of Mae Hong Son, set amongst the beautiful mountain scenery of the far northwest.

Our trip to ancient Siam concludes in Bangkok, with a farewell dinner and traditional Thai dance.


ExtensionsAngkor Wat 4 land days: Explore one of the world’s greatest religious monuments. Built in the 12th century at the height of the Khmer Empire.

Price: from (Single supplement mandatory) Start, finish in Siem Reap. Flights extra.

Southern Koh Hai 5 land days: Visit the idyllic tropical island of southern Thailand

Price: from (Single supplement mandatory) Start and finish in Bangkok.Includes 2 domestic flights.

61

PAI

khon kaen

phitsanulokburma

chiangmai

sukhothai

ayuthaya

bangkokkanchanaburi

khao yain.p.

laos

Temple of Dawn

£2445 £2445 £2445

£465

£650


Fact File• 18 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start and finish in Rangoon (Yangon),

Burma• All meals included• Includes 3 internal flights

highlights

• Visit the golden Shwedagon Pagoda• Visit ancient Pagan and its 2600 ancient

temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site• Travel by boat down the Irrawaddy

River• See the skillful leg rowers of Inle Lake• Hilltribe trekking in Kalaw• Watch the sunset on Mandalay Hill• Meet Akha, Aru, Lahu, Palaung and

Wa Hilltribes

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Rangoon (Yangon)Day 2: Rangoon — Shwedagon and Sule PagodasDay 3: Fly to MandalayDay 4: Amarapura, SagaingDays 5-6: Irrawaddy River cruise Day 7: Ancient temples of Pagan Day 8: Min Nan Thu village, Kyat Kan Cave monasteryDay 9: Mount PopaDay 10: Journey to KalawDay 11: Kalaw, Palaung HilltribeDay 12: To Inle LakeDay 13: Boat exploration on Inle LakeDay 14: Fly to Kyaing TongDay 15: Kyaing Tong and Akha Hilltribe Day 16: Kyaing Tong; Fly to Rangoon Day 17: Rangoon exploration Day 18: Depart Rangoon (Yangon)

Departure Dates & PricesJan 19 - Feb 05, 2011 - Feb 08 - Feb 25, 2011 - Jan 20 - Feb 06, 2012 -

Activity Level: 3

Comfort Level: Some rough roads and long drives.Please note: Itinerary may run in reverse due to flight and boat schedule.

AccommodationsComfortable hotels with private bathrooms. 2 nights basic accommodation in Kyaing Tong. Features 2 nights on a classic traditional steamboat, the Pandaw, with private bathrooms. Burma is a vibrant tapestry of culture, history and geography. A mosaic of ethnic groups, graceful Buddhist monasteries, ancient pagodas and the gently flowing Irrawaddy River welcome travelers to this exotic country.

Bordering Thailand, Laos, India and China, Burma (also known as Myanmar) is at the cultural crossroads of Southeast Asia. Our extensive 18-day itinerary has been designed to explore this country’s extraordinary cultural and geographic treasures to the fullest.

Beginning in Rangoon (Yangon), we visit the opulent Shwedagon Pagoda ensconced in gold. During our three-day Irrawaddy River journey, travel back in time as we take in the breathtaking countryside and traditional riverside villages along our route.

In Pagan, explore extensive archeological treasures, ancient pagodas and temples adorned with statues and mural paintings (there are over 2,600 monuments!)

At Mount Popa, discover a shrine atop an extinct volcano and walk around the historical hill station of Kalaw. On Inle Lake, travel by longtail boat to floating gardens, lakeside markets, monasteries and the ancient ruins of In Thein Pagoda. In Kyaing Tong, on the Shan Plateau, trek to the hilltribe villages of the Akha, Arn, Lahu, Palaung and Wa people.

This is your invitation to a sublime country inhabited by some of the friendliest people on earth.


mandalay

pagan

pakokku

irrawaddyriver

thailand

mount popa

kalaw

heho

b u r m a

rangoon

KyaingTongamarapura

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Pagan

£2570 £2570 £2695


Fact File• 16 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start and finish in Bangkok, Thailand• All meals included• Includes 3 internal flights

highlights • Enjoy a 2-day Mekong River safari• Explore the Plain of Jars• Visit Luang Prabang — a UNESCO

World Heritage Site• Discover Khong Island

• Enjoy an elephant safari on the Boloven Plateau

• Visit tribal villages

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Bangkok, ThailandDay 2: Fly to Chiang RaiDay 3: To Pac Beng, Laos, begin the Mekong River cruiseDay 4: Mekong River cruise — Tham Ting Holy Caves, Luang PrabangDay 5: Luang Prabang walking tour — National Museum, a Royal Ballet performanceDay 6: Kuang Sy Waterfall, K’hmu villagesDay 7: Luang Prabang, to the Plain of JarsDay 8: Plain of JarsDay 9: To Vang ViengDay 10: To VientianeDay 11: Vientiane city sights — Wat Ho Pra Keo, PatuxaiDay 12: Fly to Pakse, boat ride to Champasak, Khong Island, visit Wat PhouDay 13: Khon Phapheng and Leepee FallsDay 14: To Boloven Plateau — elephant safari to Phou Asa, Tad Fane WaterfallDay 15: Ethnic tribes of Boloven Plateau, fly to BangkokDay 16: Depart Bangkok, Thailand

Departure Dates & PricesFeb 08 - Feb 23, 2011 - Nov 24 - Dec 09, 2011 - Feb 08 - Feb 23, 2012 - Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Some rough, dusty roads and long drives. Flexibility is key due to changing internal airline schedules.

AccommodationsComfortable hotels/lodges with private bathrooms.

The traditions of Laos are the least changed of all the Southeast Asian countries and make it a mecca for those searching for a truly exotic adventure. Here, you will find ancient temples, exquisite scenery, an eventful history and delicious cuisine, all within the warm embrace of a welcoming people.

We begin in Bangkok, Thailand and travel north to Chiang Rai, then on to the Golden Triangle. A two-day Mekong River journey takes us to remote hilltribe villages and past mountainous jungles. Meet the local fishermen enroute to our first destination, Luang Prabang — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the most exotic temples in Asia.

Travel to the Plain of Jars and ponder the great mystery of the thousands of 2,500-year-old stone jars. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Vang Vieng with its numerous caves and vibrant river activities.

We leave the scenic countryside and travel to the nation’s capital, Vientiane. This eclectic city is a mixture of Lao, Thai, Vietnamese, French and American influences, its many faces expressed through its people and architecture. We visit the majestic temple site of Wat Phou, a Khmer ruin built 200 years before Angkor Wat.

Traveling south, we experience the natural beauty of Khong Island on the Mekong River. At the Boloven Plateau, enjoy an elephant safari and hike through the surrounding local villages and coffee plantations. Our journey concludes with a flight back to Bangkok.


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£2895 £2945 £2995

Fact File• 21 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start in Hanoi, finish in Saigon (Ho Chi

Minh City)• All meals included• Includes 1 internal flight

highlights

• Enjoy an overnight boat adventure on Halong Bay

• Explore Cuc Phuong and Pumat National Parks

• Visit the Phong Nha Cave — a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Discover My Son World Heritage Site• Explore the Mekong Delta• Enjoy the charm and architecture of

Hoi An• Visit the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels• Experience the energy and sites of

Saigon

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in HanoiDay 2: Hanoi city tour by cycloDay 3: To Halong BayDay 4: Halong Bay, to Hanoi

Day 5: Traditional village visitDay 6: Cuc Phuong National Park Day 7: Vu Quang National ParkDay 8: Phong Nha CaveDay 9: Hein Luong and Thach Han bridges (The DMZ), to HueDay 10: Hue city sitesDay 11: Hai Van Pass, Hoi An Day 12: Hoi An boat trip, Vietnamese cooking demonstrationDay 13: My Son — a UNESCO World Heritage SiteDay 14: Fly to Nha Trang, to DalatDay 15: Dalat city sitesDay 16: Scenic drive to SaigonDay 17: Saigon, Cu Chi TunnelsDay 18: Cai Be, Tein River boat trip, Can ThoDay 19: Saigon, floating marketDay 20: Saigon city sitesDay 21: Depart Saigon

Departure Dates & PricesNov 02 - Nov 22, 2010 - Dec 17 - Jan 06, 2010/11 - Feb 23 - Mar 15, 2011 - Nov 02 - Nov 22, 2011 - Dec 17 - Jan 06, 2011/12 - Feb 24 - Mar 15, 2012 -

Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Some long drives and travel on traditional boats.

AccommodationsComfortable hotel/lodges with private bathrooms. Features 1 night on a boat on Halong Bay.

Rice paddies tended by farmers in conical hats, a two-thousand-mile coastline with sandy beaches and mountains covered in the vibrant greens of lush tropical vegetation. Welcome to Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful countries. We begin in Hanoi, amidst shaded streets, French colonial architecture and the surrounding lakes of the downtown

core. At Halong Bay, we travel on turquoise waters amid spectacular, cliff-faced islands and warm water. We spend the night on the bay and enjoy incredible seafood feasts before returning to Hanoi for a famous water-puppet show. Heading south, we visit the first national park in Vietnam, Cuc Phuong. We explore Hue, the former ancient capital modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. We visit the Citadel, Forbidden City and the local Dong Bay market. Traveling over the spectacular Hai Van Pass, we stop at China Beach before arriving in Hoi An. In Hoi An, a restored open-air museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, we savor the international character of the region’s history. We learn about the Cham people at My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before flying south to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and exploring the famous Cu Chi tunnel complex and the Mekong Delta. Explore Dalat, the “City of Flowers”, including a visit to a silkworm workshop. See Dalat’s “Crazy House” and the former palace of the emperor Bao Dai. Enjoy a riverboat trip on the Tein River and overnight in Can Tho. Our adventure concludes in the bustling city of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).


vu quangn.p.

da nang

my son

vinh moc

can tho(mekong

delta)

nhatrang

hanoi

dalat

ho chi minh city(saigon)

hoi an

hue

cuc phuongn.p.

dong hoi

the dmz

65

£2795 £2795 £2845 £2925 £2925 £2990

Fact File• 32 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start and finish in Bangkok, Thailand• All meals included• Includes 11 internal flights

highlights • 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites• Bangkok — Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn• Cooking course in Chiang Mai• Rangoon — Shwedagon Temple• Monasteries and pagodas of Mandalay• Ancient temples of Pagan (Bagan)• 2-day Mekong River journey• Luang Prabang — a UNESCO World

Heritage Site• Remote hilltribe villages• The elegance of Hanoi and energy of

Saigon, Vietnam• Famous water-puppet performance• Spectacular Halong Bay• China Beach• Experience the charm & beauty of Hoi An• Cu Chi Tunnels• Meander through the Mekong River

Delta by boat• Boat trip from Chau Doc, Vietnam to

Phnom Penh, Cambodia• Ancient temples of Angkor Wat

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive BangkokDay 2: Bangkok — Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn, canal tripDay 3: Fly to Siem Reap Days 4-5: Angkor Wat — a UNESCO World Heritage Site, classical Cambodian dance Day 6: Banteay Srei, fly to Phnom PenhDay 7: Phnom Penh sitesDay 8: Ferry to Chau Doc, Vietnam excursionDay 9: Mekong DeltaDay 10: Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing, Cu Chi TunnelsDay 11: Fly from Ho Chi Minh City to Da NangDays 12-13: Hoi An — a UNESCO World Heritage Site, China Beach, Hue — a UNESCO World Heritage SiteDay 14: Perfume River boat tripDay 15: Fly to HanoiDay 16: Sites of HanoiDay 17: The limestone islands of Halong Bay — boat tripDay 18: Fly to Vientiane, LaosDay 19: Fly to Luang Prabang, Laos Kuang Sy Waterfall, K’hmu villagesDay 20: Luang Prabang walking tour (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Day 21: “Caves of a thousand Buddhas”, to Pakbeng, begin 2-day Mekong River journeyDay 22: Chiang Khong, LaosDay 23: To the Golden Triangle, Chiang Dao Elephant CampDay 24: Cycle to the ancient ruins of Vieng Kum Kham, Thai cooking lessonsDay 25: Fly to Bangkok, ThailandDay 26: Fly to Rangoon, Burma, Shwedagon Temple Day 27: Fly to Mandalay, temples and pagodasDay 28: Mount PopaDays 29: Explore Pagan — a UNESCO World Heritage SiteDay 30: Tayo Kepyay Temple in Min Nan Thu VillageDay 31: Fly to Bangkok, ThailandDay 32: Depart Bangkok

Departure Dates & PricesJan 06 - Feb 06, 2011 - Jan 05 - Feb 05, 2012 - Jan 06 - Feb 06, 2013 -

Activity Level: 2 Comfort Level: Some rough/dusty roads and long drives. Flexibility is key due to changing internal airline schedules.


The land of a thousand smiles, ancient temples, five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exotic and welcoming cultures, hilltribe villages, colorful markets and stunning scenery: ElderTreks’ Grand Southeast Asia Adventure offers the best of Thailand, Burma, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Our journey begins in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Marvel at the amazing Grand Palace complex and the Temple of Dawn before taking a long-tail boat ride on the back canals of the Chao Phrya River. Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia visit the fantastic ancient temples of Angkor Wat. Visit the most impressive ruins of Bayon Temple, Banteay Srei, the “Citadel of Women”, Terrace of the Elephants and Angkor Tom,

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Angkor WatHalong Bay

£5750 £5750 £5895


and enjoy a performance of classical Cambodian dance.

We fly to Phnom Penh to begin our river journey along the Mekong into Vietnam. After seeing the highlights and energy of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), visit the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. Spend a relaxing day meandering through the rivers and canals of the Mekong Delta. Walk the streets of Hoi An — a “living museum” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meander through tree-lined streets, past French colonial architecture and the old-quarter of Hanoi by cyclo. In the evening, enjoy a performance of the famous water-puppets. Explore the thousands of limestone islands in the warm turquoise water of Halong Bay.

Fly to the capital city of Laos, Vientiane and take in the city’s principal sites. Discover some of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful temples in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We embark on a two-day Mekong River journey into the remote regions of northern Laos. Return to Thailand via the Golden Triangle and on to the northern city of Chiang Mai for a bicycle trip along the Ping River, followed by an afternoon Thai cooking lesson.

Our adventure continues in Rangoon, Burma and visit the city’s main attractions, including one of the most opulent temples in the world, the Shwedagon Pagoda. Travel to Mandalay and visit the most revered religious monuments in Burma as well as hand-woven silk and tapestry workshops. Pagan’s countryside is the perfect backdrop for its 2,600 ancient temples.

Our fascinating sojourn of Southeast Asia concludes in Bangkok, Thailand. We hope you can join ElderTreks’ adventure which visits Southeast Asia’s greatest treasures — truly a journey of a lifetime!

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Halong Bay

Fact File• 16 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• All meals included• Start and finish in Colombo, Sri Lanka

highlights• Enjoy Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

• Visit Polonnaruwa — the medieval capital of Sri Lanka

• Explore Dambulla Cave Temple — an important site for Buddhist pilgrimage

• Optional water-rafting on Kelani river

• Explore Horton plains and Yala National Parks

• Search for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, mugger crocodiles, barking deer, wild buffalos, jackals, bear monkeys, brown-headed gulls, cormorants, herons, flamingos and other wildlife

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Colombo, Sri LankaDay 2: Boat ride along the Dutch canal, city tour of NegomboDay 3: To Polonnaruwa, visit the Pinnawela Elephant OrphanageDay 4: Climb the Sigiriya Rock FortressDay 5: Visit Dambulla Cave Temple, arts & crafts center, gem museumDay 6: Hike the Shaheen Trail, KandyDay 7: Hike along the Simpson TrailDay 8: Dugout canoe ride on the Kelani RiverDay 9: Optional white water rafting, later visit a tea factory, Nuwara EliyaDay 10: Horton Plains National ParkDay 11: Enjoy a cup of tea and see the Ella Gap, Nuwara EliyaDay 12: Game drives to Yala National ParkDay 13: Galle — City tour, Galle Fort, and Back to Life tsunami project Day 14: Boat ride on the Madbu River Day 15: Colombo, city tour Pettah Bazaar Day 16: Depart Colombo

Departure Dates & PricesMar 21 – Apr 05, 2011 - Dec 01 – Dec 16, 2011 - Mar 28 – Apr 12, 2012 -

Activity Level: 2Comfort Level: Some long drives.


Encounter the magic of Sri Lanka — the island nation formerly known as Ceylon is once again open to visitors. Coastlines give way to a cool and rugged mountainous interior. Magnificent vistas, ancient king-doms and forests teeming with wildlife — Sri Lanka promises an adventure packed with diversity, wildlife and culture.

ElderTreks’ journey to Sri Lanka has been designed to highlight the natural and cultural wonders of this exotic island nation. Explore the national parks, archeological sites, cascading waterfalls and lush tropical jungles. Visit an elephant orphanage, search for leopards on game safaris and listen to the delightful sounds from the exotic birds along our nature walks. Sri Lanka’s natural heritage is sure to impress. Our adventure also maximizes interaction with local people. Visit tea plantations, craft villages, spice markets and local schools. The people of Sri Lanka are welcoming, vibrant and eager to show you their way of life.

Come a little closer — the air is fragrant with the scent of jasmine and temple flowers. Mysterious and exotic Sri Lanka awaits you!

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Exploratory Trip

dambulla

negombo

SRILANKA

nuwaraeliya

colombo

galle

sigiriya

kandy

yala national

parkhorton plains

polonnaruwa

anuradhapura

KelaniRiver

£2570 £2690 £2750

Fact File• 16 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start in Medan, finish in Padang • All meals included

highlights

• Visit an Orangutan sanctuary• Learn about the Batak of Lake Toba• See the mountains, jungle and volcanoes

of Sumatra• Hike through rural villages• Visit the fascinating tribal Mentawai of

Siberut island• Explore Bukittinggi and learn about it’s

matrilineal society• Minangkabau Performance

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in MedanDay 2: To Bukit Lawang, enroute - rubber and oil plantationsDay 3: Orangutans sanctuary, hike to feeding stationDay 4: To Brastagi, stop at Sembahe river, Bataka Karo villageDay 5: Lake Toba, Sipiso-piso waterfall, Rumuh Bolon Batak Palace, Samosir IslandDay 6: Free day to walk, bike or relax on Samosir IslandDay 7: Lake Toba boat excursion to Tomok, Batak, Toba villages, Sidabutar Kings tomb, Batak Toba traditional danceDay 8: Drive to Padang Sidempuan stopping in Sibolga as well as visit to pineapple, clove and coffee plantation, Balige marketDay 9: Drive through the Minangkabau highlands to Bukittinggi through Rimba Panto tropical rainforest, cross the equator

Day 10: Minangkabau cultural village of Padang PanjangDay 11: Singgalang volcano hike through very traditional farming villages Days 12-14: Cubadak or Siberut Island “tribal” adventure Day 15: To Padang, city tour of old Padang, Minangkabau Performance Day 16: Departure, Padang

Departure Dates & PriceApr 27 – May 12, 2011 - Aug 02 – Aug 17, 2011 - Oct 18 – Nov 02, 2011 - Apr 27 – May 12, 2012 - Aug 02 – Aug 17, 2012 - Oct 18 – Nov 02, 2012 -

Activity Level: 3

Comfort Level: Some rough roads and long drives.

AccommodationsComfortable, well-located accommodations with private bathrooms throughout. Siberut Island option: 1 night basic village stay & 2 nights on a yacht. No facilities while in village. Shared bathrooms on yacht.

The lush island of Sumatra, fifth largest in the world, is one of Indonesia’s most important islands and perhaps its most beautiful. With its many tribes, cultures, wildlife reserves, jungles, rivers, spectacular waterfalls smouldering volcanoes and crater lakes, the island is a joy for any traveller interested in natural beauty and diverse cultures. It is a truly extraordinary destination with its remarkable wealth of sights, sounds and smells, all set within some of the most beautiful landscapes to be seen anywhere.

While in Sumatra, we travel south along the spine, the rugged Bukit Barisan mountain range, exploring a number of fantastic sights and cultures enroute. These include the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (“Bukit Lawang”) in the north, as well as spectacular Lake Toba and the Batak Highlands, where the

malaysia

siberut is.

padangbukittinggi

equator

padangsidempuan

medanbukitlawang

brastagilaketoba

sumatracubadak is.

70

proud Batak people migrated from the Himalayan foothills of upper Burma and Thailand over 1,500 years ago. We continue south crossing the equator while enjoying the dramatically terraced Minangkabau Highlands in West Sumatra, home to one of the few remaining matrilineal societies in the world and the cultural heart of West Sumatra.

Our travelers can now choose between the Siberut Island Adventure Option (see below), or a journey to Cubadak Island. At the conclusion, both groups rendezvous in Padang for a Minangkabau Performance and farewell dinner.

Siberut island Adventure Option - A fascinating 2 day/ 3 night adventure option to remote Siberut Island, 60 miles off the coast of Sumatra is offered. This rugged, island national park is home to the Mentawai people, a tribal people who still maintain their traditional lifestyle of foraging, hunting and fishing. On Siberut, we hike, travel by longboats, and participate in the daily activities of the Mentawai. While on the island, the conditions are primitive.


Orangutang, Bukit Lawang

Mentawai Medicine Man

£2750 £2750 £2750 £2795 £2795 £2795


Orangutang, Bukit Lawang

Fact File• 14 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• All meals included• Start in Yogyakarta and finish in Denpasar• Includes 1 internal flight

highlights• Become enlightened at Borobudur Temple• Wander through the temple complex of Prambanan• Sunrise hike to the crater of Mount Bromo• Swim or snorkel at Menjangan Island Reef

(scuba diving available; not included)• Explore Ubud, the cultural center of Bali• Experience the arts, dance and culture of Bali

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in YogyakartaDay 2: Yogya — Kraton Palace, underground tunnels, bird marketDay 3: Borobudur Temple - largest Bhuddist temple in the world, Mandu TempleDay 4: Prambanan TempleDay 5: Fly to Sur , to Mt. BromoDay 6: Sunrise at Mt. BromoDay 7: To Lovina Beach (Bali)

Day 8: Swimming, snorkeling or relaxing at Menjangan Island, Brahma Vihara Buddhist Temple, Yeh Panas HotspringsDay 9: To Ubud, Ulundanu Temple, Taman Ayun, traditional Balinese danceDay 10: A full day exploring birds & flowers at the Bali Bird ParkDay 11: The Arts of Bali, Barong Dance, Batubulan Village, Balinesse handicraftsDay 12: Tampak Siring, Kintamani, Besakih Temple, to CandidasaDay 13: Visit Tenganan Village, Taman Ujung, Tirta Gangga and Lombok Straight, CandidasaDay 14: Depart Denpasar

Departure Dates & PricesMay 12 – May 25, 2011 - Aug 17 – Aug 30, 2011 - Nov 02 – Nov 15, 2011 - May 12 – May 25, 2012 - Aug 17 – Aug 30, 2012 - Nov 02 – Nov 15, 2012 - Activity Level: 2Comfort Level: Some rough roads and long drives.

AccommodationsComfortable, well-located accommodations with private bathrooms throughout.

Journey to islands where volcanoes puff smoke, green rice sways in reflecting paddies, white sand beaches glisten in the sun, and ancient monuments and arts thrive in a contemporary culture.

We begin in Yogyakarta, the former royal capital of Java — a city where culture is expressed in the arts of batik, painting, and wood sculpture; in the courtly dances performed to the rhythms of the gamelan orchestras; and in the wayang kulit, the shadow puppet performances of the Ramayana epic. Nearby, we find the two ancient masterpieces of Borobudur and Prambanan temples, both over a thousand years old.

At Mount Bromo, witness a volcanic landscape with an accessible crater and a rumbling fire down below. In Lovina, Bali, take in the coral reefs and sandy beaches before continuing on to Ubud to explore the arts and crafts of Bali. Our trip concludes in the tranquil seaside resort of Candidasa where we board traditional fishing boats for a remote beach and fishing village, and a last swim in the warm, turquoise sea.


yogyakartaprambananmt.bromo

surabaya

banyuwangi

denpasar

menjangan is.

lovina

ubud

besakih

candidasa

borobudur

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Mt. Bromo

Bali

£2295 £2295 £2295 £2375 £2375 £2375


Fact File• 21 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start and finish in Port Moresby• All meals included• Includes 5 internal flights

highlights

• Meet the Asaro Mudmen, Huli, Simbu and the Kaguel

• Journey to seldom visited Trobriand Is.• Mt. Hagen (Aug. dep.) or Goroka (Sep.

dep.) “singsing” cultural event• 3-day Sepik River adventure by

wooden canoe

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Port MoresbyDay 2: Port Moresby city sitesDay 3: Fly to WewakDays 4-5: Sepik River adventureDay 6: Return to WewakDay 7: Fly to Madang, wildlife santuaryDay 8: To Goroka, Ramu cultureDay 9: Asaro villagesDay 10: To Mt HagenDay 11: Mt Hagen cultural showDay 12: Tambul & Opiyepul villagesDay 13: Wahgi ValleyDay 14: Kumul Lodge, Bird of ParadiseDay 15: Fly to Port MoresbyDays 16-18: Trobriand IslandsDay 19: Fly to Port Moresby, Loloata IslandDay 20: Port MoresbyDay 21: Depart Port Moresby

Departure Dates & Prices*Aug 11 – Aug 31, 2011 - † Sep 09 – Sep 29, 2011 - *Aug 04 – Aug 24, 2012 - † Sep 01 – Sep 21, 2012 -* Features Singsing Festival at Mt. Hagen † Features Singsing Festival at Goroka (itinerary runs in different order due to festivals and internal flights)

Activity Level: 4 Comfort Level: Local roads can be rough and wet. Travelers must be very fit, flexible and prepared for day-to-day changes.

Accommodations4 or 5 nights basic accommodation. Bush houses with limited bathrooms in Sepik. Trobriand Island accommodation is a basic lodge. Papua New Guinea is like no other place on earth — culturally rich and geographically remote, with some of the most stunning scenery anywhere.

From the rugged mountains to the coastal islands, this journey is an adventure of a lifetime. We meet and learn about some of the tribal people of this land, including the Asaro Mudmen, the Huli, the Simbu, the Kaguel and the fascinating Trobriand Islanders.

Our adventure includes many village visits to meet the people and truly experience their way of life. We explore the Sepik River by wooden canoe. We spend three days on Kiriwina Island (part of the Trobriand Islands), where people live a traditional lifestyle.

Our August departure features the Mt. Hagen Show, where the tribes come from all over Papua New Guinea for a spectacular “singsing”— a traditional song and dance festival complete with traditional tribal clothing and body decoration. Our September departure features the Goroka Cultural Show, where over 100 different tribal groups perform their singsing over a two-day period.

Please Note: This adventure has been designed to fully experience the villages and people of Papua New Guinea. In order to do this, we visit a number of local villages and stay overnight in very basic accommodations, with no fans/air conditioning and limited bathrooms.

As much of the interior of the country has no roads (or impassable ones), we maximize our time by flying between destinations and flight schedules frequently change.

While we endeavor to do and see everything listed in the itinerary, not everything in Papua New Guinea goes as planned. Travelers must be prepared for changes to this program along our journey.

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£6195 £6195 £6395 £6395


Fact File• 18 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start in Kuching and finish in Kota

Kinabalu• All meals included• Includes 6 internal flights

highlights • Enjoy a Lemanak River safari• Experience a 3-day Iban tribal adventure• Hike at Mt. Kinabalu• See nesting sea turtles• Walk through the rainforest canopy• Search for wildlife on the Kinabatangan

River including elephants and proboscis monkeys

• Visit Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in KuchingDay 2: Sarawak Cultural VillageDay 3: Lemanak River safari by longboatDay 4: Experience Iban cultureDay 5: River safari to KuchingDay 6: Explore colonial Kuching, Fort Margherita, Sarawak MuseumDay 7: Fly to Miri; to Mulu National Park Day 8: Mulu N.P. — Lang and Deer CavesDay 9: Mulu National Park — Moonmilk and Clearwater Caves Day 10: Fly to Kota KinabaluDay 11: Islands of Gaya and ManukanDay 12: Kinabalu National ParkDay 13: Rainforest Canopy Boardwalk — Poring Hot Springs

Day 14: Fly to Sandakan, Sepilok Orangutan SanctuaryDay 15: Kinabatangan RiverDay 16: To Selingan “Turtle” Island by boatDay 17: Gomantang Caves, SandakanDay 18: Fly to Kota Kinabalu and depart

Departure Dates & PricesMar 05 – Mar 22, 2011 - Mar 06 – Mar 23, 2012 -

Activity Level: 3 Comfort Level: Some rough roads and travel on traditional boats.

AccommodationsComfortable hotels/lodges with private bathrooms. Features 2 nights in a specially built tribal longhouse (dorm-style with shared bathrooms).

The jungles of Borneo have evolved over 100 million years. They are the oldest on earth and provide a unique opportunity to experience an ancient ecosystem along with the tribal cultures that inhabit them. A rugged land of caves, peaks, rivers and forests, Borneo is an irresistible paradise for adventure travelers.

Beginning in the old colonial city of Kuching, we head into the interior on our longboat adventure on the Lemanak River. Traveling upriver, we visit the tribal Iban, who have lived in their communal longhouses in the jungle for thousands of years.

We continue our jungle experience by flying to world-renowned Mulu National Park. Here, we explore the world’s largest cave passage and oldest rainforests from the base of our comfortable lodge. We fly to Sabah in the far north of Borneo, where we enjoy easy hikes at the base of Mt. Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. Mt. Kinabalu houses

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iban elder

celebrated biological diversity, including the rafflesia, the world’s largest flower.

We visit the tropical islands of Gaya and Sapi. Traveling via Sandakan, we take a boat to Selingan Island to observe sea turtles that come ashore nightly to lay eggs.

At the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, we arrive in time for the orphan orangutans afternoon feeding. Our adventure winds down on the tranquil Kinabatangan River, where we go on a river safari in search of proboscis monkeys, hornbills and wild elephants.

ExtensionDanum Valley Rainforest 4 land days: Join us for a rainforest adventure in Sabah’s largest protected lowland forest. Danum Valley Conservation Area is home to Sumatran rhinos, elephants, Clouded leopards, orangutans and other wildlife.

Price: from Start and finish in Kota Kinabalu.

£2795 £2895

£995

Fact File• 17 land days• Maximum 16 travelers• Start in Auckland and finish in

Queenstown• All meals included

highlights

• Attend a Maori feast• Hike and kayak in Abel Tasman

National Park• Jetboat ride on the Shotover River• Travel to Franz Josef Glacier and

Fox Glacier• Visit the Waitomo glow-worm caves• Cruise on Milford Sound

Daily ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Auckland, Auckland MuseumDay 2: To Waitomo via Rotorua, glow-worm cavesDay 3: Rotorua, Maori feastDay 4: Rotorua, Huka Falls, to TaupoDay 5: Tongaririo River raftingDay 6: Wellington city sitesDay 7: Ferry to Picton, to Nelson Day 8: Nelson — Waimea PlainsDay 9: Abel Tasman Park, Golden Bay,

Days 10-11: Abel Tasman Park - hiking, kayaking, Waikoropupu SpringsDay 12: To Punakaiki - Pancake RocksDay 13: Franz Josef and Fox GlaciersDay 14: Haast River Valley, Wanaka, to QueenstownDay 15: Queenstown, cruise on Lake Wakatipu or jetboat ride on Shotover RiverDay 16: Te Anau, Milford Sound Day 17: Depart Queenstown

Departure Dates & PricesFeb 14 – Mar 02, 2011 - Jan 18 – Feb 03, 2012 - Activity Level: 3 Comfort Level: Some long drives.

AccommodationsComfortable hotels/lodges with private bathrooms. Please note single supplement not guaranteed in Punakaiki.

Spectacular natural wonders, cosmopolitan cities, friendly people, a comfortable climate… all elements of the perfect travel destination — New Zealand. On this active trip, explore caves, geothermal areas and glaciers. Experience the thrill of white-water rafting, the exhilaration of a jetboat ride and learn about the fascinating Maori culture.

On the North Island, travel to Waitomo and the fairy tale glow-worm caves and explore the Cave of the Spirit “Te Ana o te Atua”. Experience the boiling mud pools and geysers of Whakarewarewa, the origin of the Goddesses of Fire. We cover over eighty rapids as we go white-water rafting (optional) on the Tongaririo River!

We cruise through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds to the South Island and continue to Abel Tasman National

Park, where we spend time hiking and kayaking.

We see Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier before continuing on to Queenstown and a thrilling jet-boat ride on the Shotover River. We marvel at spectacular Milford Sound where we take a cruise along the fjord to majestic Mitre Peak, before concluding our adventure in Queenstown.

Extensions

Australian extension - 14 land days: Visit the Great Barrier Reef and see Ayers Rock. Search for kangaroos, emus and koalas, and visit the famed Opera House in Sydney. Taste wonderful local wines, learn about the Aboriginal Dreamtime, enjoy the great weather and meet the friendly Aussies.Start in Sydney and finish in Cairns. Please note: this is not a group departure

Price: from (For single travelers, single supplement is mandatory). Domestic flights not included

paraparaumu

abel tasmann.p

franzjosef

wanaka

queenstown

waitomo

auckland

kaikoura

wellington

lake taupo

picton

rotorua

milfordsound

foxglacier

punakaiki

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£3895 £3995

£1975

Fact File• 14 days• Start and finish in Papeete, Tahiti• All meals on ship included• Guided excursions included• Scuba diving, horseback riding, helicopter

tours available at additional cost

highlights

• Visit a volcanic amphitheater in Nuku Hiva Bay

• Visit the grave of Paul Gauguin on Hiva Oa• Visit Fatu Hiva, center of Marquesan culture• See traditional Marquesan dances• See and experience the rugged and raw

beauty of the remote Marquesas Is.

Departure Dates & PriceDay 1: Arrive in Papeete, TahitiDay 2: Tuamotu Archipelago - Fakarava, snorkeling, scuba divingDay 3: At seaDay 4: The Marquesas Archipelago -

Ua Pou, traditional Marquesan lunchDay 5: Nuku Hiva -Taiohae sightsDay 6: Hiva Oa - Paul Gaugin’s AtuonaDay 7: Fatu Hiva - the Bay of Virgins, villages of Omoa and HanavaveDay 8: Hiva Oa - petroglyphs, religious sanctuaryDay 9: Tahuata - Vaitahu Village Day 10: Ua Huka - the island of wild Marquesan horsesDay 11: Nuku Hiva - traditional Marquesan dance performanceDay 12: At seaDay 13: Rangiroa - snorkelingDay 14: Morning arrival in Papeete, Tahiti and departure

Departure DatesJan 08 – Jan 21 , 2011 Jan 29 – Feb 11 , 2011 Feb 19 – Mar 04, 2011 Mar 12 – Mar 25, 2011 – 10% offApr 02 – Apr 15 , 2011Apr 23 – May 06, 2011 – 10% offMay 14 – May 27, 2011Jun 04 – Jun 17 , 2011 – 10% offJun 25 – Jul 08 , 2011Jul 16 – Jul 29 , 2011 Aug 06 – Aug 19, 2011Aug 27 – Sep 09, 2011Sep 17 – Sep 30, 2011 – 10% off Oct 08 – Oct 21, 2011Oct 29 – Nov 11, 2011Nov 19 – Dec 02, 2011 Dec 09 – Dec 23, 2011 – Marquesan Arts Festival

Call for 2012 Dates.

Price Standard cabin from - Deluxe cabin from - Suite from - All cabins based on twin share with private bathrooms. The price does not include Tourism Tax, Port/Cruise fees (approximately ). Transfers not included. Not exclusive to ElderTreks.

Comfort Level: Sea can be rough. Zodiac landings required.

AccommodationsAboard the upscale passenger and cargo freighter, Aranui III. Cabins range from standard (twin), deluxe and suites, all with private bathrooms.

tahiti

rangiroa

ua pou

fatu hiva

MARQUESAS ARCHIPELAGO

FRENCHPOLYNESIA

TUAMOTUARCHIPELAGO

papeete

nuku hiva ua huka

hiva oa

tahuata

fakarava

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The lush, jagged volcanic islands of the Marquesas are French Polynesia’s most spectacular island chain. You can imagine their raw beauty, welcoming people and their mysterious stone tikis by reading the adventures of Paul Gauguin, Herman Melville, Jack London, Robert Louis Stevenson and Thor Heyerdahl. Today, there is no better way to explore these enchanting islands than by passenger freighter.Your days will be filled with adventure, as we journey to the Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands. Well-trained guides will take you hiking to ancient archeological sites. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and horseback riding.You’ll visit charming villages and see local artisans making intricately-carved wooden bowls, war clubs and tapa, a traditional bark cloth.Very little has changed in these untouched islands. Visitors are rare but very welcome.

Aranui IIIThe Aranui III can accommodate up to 200 passengers, with a high staff-to-passenger ratio. The ship is equipped with special marine facilities for fishing, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.Guest Speakers will be on board to provide insight into the people, places and history of the ports of call.Max: 200 passengers, Length: 386 feet, Speed: 15 knots

£2350 £2800 £3080

£195

agra - eldertreks for five days and culminating on the auspicious purnima (full moon of the hindu...

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