Grand China Traverse - 21 days

Drifters Price: £736.25

RRP: £775.00

Trip Code: INTGCT

Local Payment: USD$300.00

Days 1-3 Beijing

Travellers arrive at all times and from all corners of the world on Day 1 so you can arrive at the joining-point hotel at any time. In the evening we have a group meeting followed by dinner - check the noticeboards in the hotel for information from your leader detailing the time and place.

Note that your group leader will collect your local payment (USD300) at the group meeting on Day 1. Please bring new USD bills/notes in large denominations.

One of the world's great cities and China's capital, Beijing is a great place to explore. We have a guided tour of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square and take a day trip out to a remote section of the Great Wall at Simatai (approximately 3 hours by bus each way). During free time in Beijing, you could hire a bicycle and get lost in the back street hutongs, visit other famous sights such as the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace, eat, shop or just relax in one of the many restaurants. Late on Day 3 we depart on an overnight train to Xi'an (approximately 13 hours). Becoming part of life on the train is a great way to come face to face with the country and its people.

Days 4-5 Xi'an

The imperial centre of China for 2000 years, Xi'an is now a vibrant city and we have plenty of free time to check it out. The Great Mosque is a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and splurging in the evening Muslim Quarter food markets is a must!

The centre of Xi'an is surrounded by an enormous city wall and is best seen while the sun sets over the city. Xi'an is also our base for visiting the amazing Terracotta Warriors. These soldiers have been buried for over 2000 years and are all facing east in battle formation, complete with horses and chariots. We have 2 days to explore this and the rest of the ancient city. On the evening of Day 5 we board an overnight train for Lanzhou (approximately 13 hours).

Days 6-7 Xiahe

Situated in the Yellow River valley, Lanzhou stretches for nearly 30km along the banks of the river. We transfer onto a local bus for a long journey through Linxia to the remote town of Xiahe (approximately 6 hours) in the Tibetan grasslands. Xiahe is home to the Labrang Monastery, one of the largest Tibetan working monasteries outside of Lhasa, and set in a beautiful mountain valley. It is a town that leaves Intrepid travellers raving!

It's a stunning place to just sit and watch Tibetan nomads come into town on horse and cart, others on pilgrimage dressed in their finest traditional attire, and monks dressed in their saffron robes, hooning around on motorbikes. The prayer circuit forms a complete circle around the entire Labrang Monastery and we can accompany the monks turning the prayer wheels and sending our prayers to heaven. Xiahe is a marvellous place to wander around and really gives you a feel for the Tibetan way of life.

You have the opportunity to take a day trip out to the grasslands surrounding Xiahe and experience traditional ways of life in the nomadic communities. On these vast plains you can visit a remote village school, and meet friendly, hospitable people.

Days 8-10 Langmusi

On Day 8 we make the 8-hour journey to Langmusi, a magically peaceful town on the Sichuan-Gansu border. We stay in basic Tibetan style accommodation, where luxury facilities are scarce, spend the day visiting the monasteries, taking hikes and observing Tibetan life.

On Day 9 we visit a Tibetan school for the chance to teach some English or just play with the kids in our homestay village on the grasslands. Our homestay provides a unique way of experiencing what life is like living on the fringe of the Tibetan plateau. There's plenty of free time to relax in the peaceful surrounds of Langmusi.

Day 11 Tibetan Grasslands

From Langmusi, we head south and have a 6-hour drive to Tangkor, taking in the Tibetan nomadic lifestyle, beautiful views, and the first bend in the Yellow River. The roads are rough in this remote area of China as we wind through the high mountain passes and grasslands on the edge of the Tibetan plateau.

Days 12-13 Songpan

We continue our drive into the outback town of Songpan (5 hours). Songpan is a bustling and lively Tibetan town reminiscent of the Wild West and is a great base for treks out to pristine valleys, mountain forests and emerald green lakes.

Days 14-15 Chengdu

On Day 13 we make the long, winding journey down the Tibetan plateau to the city of Chengdu (approximately 12 hours). Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province. The city's traditional flavour and history is well preserved in its lively markets and teahouses. The panda sanctuary is just out of the city and we spend a morning there to learn about the efforts made to preserve this endangered species, and see them feeding and playing. Our accommodation is very central and there's some free time for you to set out and explore the streets, squares and gardens of Chengdu.

Days 16-19 Yangshuo

Flying from Chengdu to Guilin (1 hour), we transfer to the small rural town of Yangshuo by bus (approximately 1 hour). Situated on the Li River and surrounded by spectacular limestone karst scenery, this is a beautiful place to relax for a few days.

Cycling the surrounds of Yangshuo is a superb way to experience grassroots China and meet some of the lovely people who live off the land. The views are great too! We stay overnight in a village guesthouse, so be prepared for basic conditions. Back in Yangshuo we have one more full day to relax in cafes eating great food. The more adventurous can head out into the countryside for more exploration. On Day 19 we return to Guilin and board an overnight train bound for Shenzen (approximately 14 hours).

Days 20-21 Hong Kong

Arriving in Shenzen in the morning, we cross the border into Hong Kong and get a metro to the hotel In this fast-moving, fun city there is free time for exploring Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Nathan Road or cruising across the harbour on the Star Ferry. Our final night's dinner is at one of the many great restaurants.

You may depart at any time on Day 21 as there are no activities planned.

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