Kathmandu, Lhasa, Shigatse, Xian, Beijing 14 Days  

Tue 12-May-09

Place & Transport: Arrive in Kathmandu, Flight No. TBA (Your arrangements)
Accommodation: Kathmandu Hotel ***
Today's Activities: Airport to Hotel Transfer (Kathmandu), Durbar Square
Meals: Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner
--Durbar Square: The Durbar Square lies in the heart of Kathmandu. Locally also called as Hanuman Dhoka Palace Square-an ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty. The Duibar Square Complex consists of a huge Royal Square imposing a tremendous variety of temples dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddess. Most of the buildings we see here date from 15th to 18th century. Some of the important monuments to be seen here are: Taleju temple-, Jagannath temple, Kal Bhairav, Kumari Ghar, Kasthamandap - built from the timber of a single tree.
--Kathmandu Hotel ***

Wed 13-May-09

Place & Transport: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Kathmandu Hotel ***
Today's Activities: Swyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Boudha Nath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan City
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner
--Swyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): Located about 3k.m. west of down town Kathmandu, Swoyambhu Nath Stupa is one of the most fascinating architectural jewels of the world. This great Stoup is said to have been built around 250 B.C. The Stupa of Swoyambhunath stands on a typically stylized lotus mandala base-a long time ago believed to have originated from a legendary lake of Kathmandu Valley.This holy site in fact is the massive stupa complex ever built in Nepal. When you reach the famous site of venerated Swayambhu Stupa, you will get magnificent view of Kathmandu Valley and the breathtaking panorama of the north eastern Himalayan range.
--Boudha Nath Stupa: Located in the routes to trade between Tibet and Nepal, one of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal, Boudhanath is an imposing structure standing some 36 meters. The Stupa stands on the massive three level mandala style Platforms surrounded by colourful private family houses. The basic feature of this great stupa is very much like that of Swoyambhunath stupa except its finial displaying. It is much bigger than Swoyambhu stupa and lies on the valley floor whereas the former one stands on the hill top. This stupa is said to have been built in 5th century A. D.
--Pashupatinath Temple: Pasupatinath with an area of 281 hectares is considered one of the holiest shrines of all the Hindu temples. The temple has remained the presiding deity of ruling Nepalese Royalty. Located on the banks of the Bagmati river, this two tiered magnificent golden temple with four triple silver doorways is unique example of the Nepalese temple architecture. It is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in South Asia with hundreds of Shiva lingams, shrines icons of various Hindu god and goddess insides. Non Hindus are not allowed to enter this temple.
--Patan City:

Thu 14-May-09

Place & Transport: Kathmandu to Lhasa, Air China CA408 Dep 10:45 - Arr 14:05
Accommodation: Shangbala Hotel Lhasa ***
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Kathmandu), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Lhasa)
Meals: Breakfast
--Shangbala Hotel Lhasa ***
Tel: 0891-6323888
Fax: 0891-6323577
Address: Danjielin Rd, Lhasa, China

Fri 15-May-09

Place & Transport: Lhasa
Accommodation: Shangbala Hotel Lhasa ***
Today's Activities: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at Lhasa Kitchen(Lunch)
--Potala Palace: Former winter home of the Dalai Lama, a vast, awe-inspiring maze of corridors and stairs leading through countless rooms of richly decorated statues, tombs, murals and antiques. You will climb past the White Palace into the Red Palace, where the file of pilgrims offering silk scarves, coins or yak butter to burn in the shrines combine to make this an unforgettable experience. Note: you need to be fit for the long stairways.
--Jokhang Temple: Smaller and more manageable than the Potala, this 4-storey, golden-roofed temple is at the heart of a rich and living Tibetan Buddhism. Many locals pray here regularly; the Temple is surrounded by Barkhor Street and thronged with pilgrims and visitors. Yak butter lamps burn in front of rich statuary that includes the Sakyamuni Buddha brought to Tibet by Princess Wen Cheng in the 7th Century.
--Barkhor Street: Watch the pilgrims, wearing local dress from many different parts of Tibet, as they circle clockwise around Jokhang Temple with prayer wheels, or prostrate themselves near the front gate. Join the locals and visitors to shop for local goods at the colourful stalls, or relax in a coffee shop or tea house to enjoy the passing parade.
--Lhasa Kitchen: Lhasa Kitchen is decorated by merging Tibetan style with Indian, Nepalese, Chinese and Italian architecture. It serves a variety of dim sum, with its fantastic delicacy, cozy environment and high-class service has become one of the recommended restaurants in Lhasa.

Sat 16-May-09

Place & Transport: Lhasa to Shigatse
Accommodation: Shigatse Hotel ***
Today's Activities: Tashilunpo Monastery, Yomdrok Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
--Tashilunpo Monastery: Painted in red and white, the buildings in the kloster stand closely together in terraced rows, offering a grand and majestic view. Tashilunpo Kloster represents the Tibetan super architecture art in the Last Tibetan spirit. The Kloster attracts thousands of Buddhists and tourists from domestic and abroad to travel and worship every year.
--Yomdrok Lake: It lies within the boundary of Nankartse county, on the north bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, Lhokha Prefecture, surrounded by mountains. Beautiful Holy lake which everybody is looking forward to.
--Shigatse Hotel ***
Tel: 0892-8825525
Fax: 0892-8821900
Address: 13 Jingdrel Rd, Shigatse, PC:857000

Sun 17-May-09

Place & Transport: Shigatse to Lhasa
Accommodation: Shangbala Hotel Lhasa ***
Today's Activities: The Palgor Chorten
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
--The Palgor Chorten : Pelkhor Choede (Kumbum), also named Palcho Monastery, is very different from other monasteries. Built as a Tibetan monastery, its structural style is very unique, reputed as the lord of Tibetan stupas. In addition, it is famous for the architecture, sculpture, and mural painting art. It lies about 270 kilometers (168 miles) south of Lhasa and 100 (62 miles) east of Shigatse at the foot of Dzong Hill.

Mon 18-May-09

Place & Transport: Lhasa
Accommodation: Shangbala Hotel Lhasa ***
Today's Activities: Yambajan, Lake Namtso
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
--Yambajan: It is famous for its hot spring and is a nice choice for those who want to get a close look at the Tibetan herders (drokpa) and their semi-nomadic lifestyle. Covering an area of about 150,000 square meters, Yambajan, 87 kilometers away from Lhasa, is situated in the basin at the foot of Nyainqentanglha Mountains to the northwest of Lhasa.
--Lake Namtso: Lake Namtso is the second largest saltwater lake in China. The lake is beautiful with its azure water and surrounding snow capped peaks. There is a gravel road from Damxung to the lake. In the rainy season, the route can be quite difficult.

Tue 19-May-09

Place & Transport: Lhasa to Xian, China Eastern Airline MU2336 Dep 16:00 - Arr 18:20
Accommodation: Xian Citylion International Hotel ***
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Lhasa), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Xian), Tibet Medical and Astrological Institute, Norbulingka
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
--Tibet Medical and Astrological Institute: The central herbal and traditional medicine centre in Tibet, the Institute treats around 500 patients/day (up to 1000 in winter). This is a fascinating introduction to Tibetan medicine, the ‘tree thangkas’ and traditions over 2000 years old that are still working today.
--Norbulingka: Norbulingka means "Jeweled Garden". It was constructed as a summer palace for the Dalai Lama and later served the whole governmental administration.
--Xian Citylion International Hotel ***
Tel: 029-87632222
Fax: 029-87632188
Address: #32 South street, Xian 710001, China
http://www.prince-catering.com/en/Stra_xianhotel7.php

Wed 20-May-09

Place & Transport: Xian
Accommodation: Xian Citylion International Hotel ***
Today's Activities: The Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Forest of Stone Steles Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Chongde Handmade Pottery Factory
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at A Wa Shan Zhai Restaurant(Qinling Branch)(Lunch)
--The Terracotta Warriors and Horses: Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars. 1.5 hours from Xian, there is also an excellent museum and film about the history of the vaults. Photos (no flash) are allowed. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
--Forest of Stone Steles Museum: Forest of Steles in Xi'an was originally built in Northern Song Dynasty (1090 A.D.) when a large Confucian collection of steles cut in A.D. 837 - the oldest existing texts of the Confucian classics - was moved to it for safekeeping. All kinds of calligraphy and scripts tell stories, poems and reports from around the Empire. Other exhibits include early sculptures and objects from Imperial tombs.
--Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A major Buddhist site, the simple, elegant brick Pagoda stands in the grounds of the attractive Da Ci'en Temple. The Pagoda was built in the 7th century to house the Buddhist materials that Xuanzang (Tripitaka) brought back from his epic journey to India. The Temple complex has several large halls with some great Buddhist statues and murals.
--A Wa Shan Zhai Restaurant(Qinling Branch): A Wa was established in 2004, mainly specializes in Hunan and Sichuan cuisine. A Wa provides delicacy by using the material from xancin, obtaining a nationwide reputation from customers. It would be a nice choice to dine while traveling some famous resorts such as terracotta warrior and Huaqing Hot Spring which are nearby.
--Chongde Handmade Pottery Factory: Chongde Handmade Pottery Factory was built in 1985, it mainly manufactures the copy of terra-cotta warriors and horses, Jing De porcelain. It has become a popular spot for foreign tourists looking for special, quality souvenirs.
Tel: 029-83577031
Address: No.2 East Chanhe bridge, Hua Qing Rd., Xian.

Thu 21-May-09

Place & Transport: Xian to Beijing, Air China CA1204 Dep 16:15 - Arr 17:55
Accommodation: Days Inn Forbidden City Beijing ***
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Xian), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Beijing), Shanxi History Museum, The City Wall
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at Minjianwagang restaurant(A La Carte)(Lunch)
--Shanxi History Museum: The history of Shaanxi is said to be the history of China, and this museum is quite simply one of the nation's best. Four major galleries in large, Tang-style buildings house a vast and impressive collection, beautifully displayed. Most of the item labels are in English, although some other information on the exhibitions is not, but your guide can help here. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
--The City Wall: It is a major landmark, and the best preserved, as well as the oldest and largest of the city defense systems in China. The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete city defences still around. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city centre. You can walk, rent a bike or take an electric cart around the full 14km circuit, with great views of the city on either side.
--Minjianwagang restaurant(A La Carte): The Title-Crock Soup is made up spring water and fresh material, simmering in traditional method, has become one of the specialties in Shaanxi cuisine. The restaurant also specializes in Sichuan and Hunan cuisne, providing a fantastic opportunity for diners from different regions.
--Days Inn Forbidden City Beijing ***
Tel: 010-65127788/4869
Fax: 010-65265229
Address: 1 Nanwanzi Bystreet Nanheyan Street, Dongcheng District, 100006 Beijing
www.daysinn.cn

Fri 22-May-09

Place & Transport: Beijing
Accommodation: Days Inn Forbidden City Beijing ***
Today's Activities: the Temple of Heaven, Mutianyu Great Wall(with round way cable car), Cloisonne Factory
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at Traditional Mongolia Restaurant(Lunch)
--the Temple of Heaven: Situated in the southern part of the city, the temple of heaven covers the total area of 2,700,000 square meters. The temple was built in 1420A.D. It is the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would offer sacrifice to heaven and pray for good harvests. The main buildings of the temple including the Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.The surrounding gardens are full of interesting activities, particularly weekend mornings.
--Mutianyu Great Wall(with round way cable car): This less-crowded section of the Great Wall is a about 2.5 hours' drive from downtown Beijing. A cable car takes you to a good section (avoiding a very steep climb), where you can walk along the wall, through the watch towers and enjoy superb views as it snakes across the hills and mountains. You can return by cable car, walk down or walk along the wall for about an hour to descend by chairlift. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
--Traditional Mongolia Restaurant: The restaurant specializes in Mongolian dishes originate from distinguished culture and literary history, with live performances of Mongolian music and traditional yurt for dining it creates a unique opportunity for customers of experiencing the passion of Mongolian custom.
--Cloisonne Factory: Cloisonne is an intricate and detailed process, dating back over 700 years, to produce fine enamel on a copper base. You can watch the workers at all stages of the process to see how these beautiful objects are produced. There’s a showroom attached for those who would like a souvenir of the visit, big or small, and all objects are guaranteed.
Tel: 010-69620914
Address: No.488, Wujia villege, Huanrou town, Beijing City

Sat 23-May-09

Place & Transport: Beijing
Accommodation: Days Inn Forbidden City Beijing ***
Today's Activities: Tian'anmen Square, The Forbidden City, Hutong Tours in a Rickshaw, Lizexiang Pearl Store
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at Courtyard 7 Restaurant(Lunch)
--Tian'anmen Square: The world's largest city square and enduring symbol of China's national pride, surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.
--The Forbidden City: The Imperial Palace, home to 24 Emperors between 1420 and 1911. Great squares, halls and gates contrast with the intricate networks of side halls, gardens, courtyards and quarters for those who lived in this 'city within a city'. The exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, are also absolutely fascinating. Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours, wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
--Hutong Tours in a Rickshaw: A maze of historic alleyways and old single storey traditional courtyard houses, now fast disappearing. Dotted around the hutong are the Drum and Bell Towers, Tea House, and local people's houses. Your tour includes a visit with a local family.
--Courtyard 7 Restaurant: Courtyard 7 is located in central area of Nan Luo Guo. Its well designed Chinese style modeling，the layout makes it antiquity and rusticity. Its special featured restaurant provides new modern French dishes. Seating in Courtyard 7, you may see the fusion of eastern and western culture, and smell apart of old and new fashion air. Here, you can not only taste delicious gourmet food, but also can enjoy a piece of pure land and haven in such a busy city. Courtyard 7 welcomes you stay and enjoy.
--Lizexiang Pearl Store : China's freshwater pearls are celebrated throughout the world. See how they are produced including some of the latest technology, and learn how to spot a fake. The outlet also offers a range of items produced from pearls and pearl oysters which goes far wider than jewellery.
Tel: 13801387486
Address: No.7.Changqing Yuan,Congwen district,Beijign City.

Sun 24-May-09

Place & Transport: Beijing
Accommodation: Days Inn Forbidden City Beijing ***
Today's Activities: Beijing Olympic Green(exterior visit of Bird Nest and Water Cube), The Chinese Century Altar
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
--Beijing Olympic Green(exterior visit of Bird Nest and Water Cube): Located at the north end of the central axis of Beijing City, Olympic Green hosts 50% of the competitions in the Olympic Games. With a large area of 1215 hectares, it contains a 760 hectares green forest, National museum, exhibition area, Olympic Village and Olympic competition avenues. Approximately 31 venues are used in Beijing Olympics, including National Stadium, the Bird's Nest and National Aquatics Center.
--The Chinese Century Altar: The Centaury Altar was built to the south of the Yuyuantan Park, to the east of the Military Museum and to the west of the Tower of China Central Television (CCTV).China Century Altar was built to welcome the new century. On the extended western line of Chang’an Avenue, it covers an area of 450,000 square meters. On the stele at the entrance of the altar, there is the Chinese calligraphic writing-"The Chinese Century Altar" by the ex-Chinese president: Jiang Zeming.

Mon 25-May-09

Place & Transport: Depart Beijing, Flight No. TBA (Your arrangements)
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Beijing)
Meals: Breakfast

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