Asian Footsteps

Climb the Great Wall of China - marvel at the Terracota Warriors - wonder at the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple - witness the college of philosophy in action at Sera Monastery - be awestruck by the world's highest mountain in close-up - glimpse the Kumari, living goddess - shop amid the color and chaos of Kathmandu's busy streets.

The new high altitude rail line to Lhasa offers a unique view of the vast Tibetan Plateau - the scenery is simply awesome. The Golmud-Lhasa section of this epic rail journey opened in July 2005. The tracks zig zag 1142 km. across the Kunlun and Tanggula mountain ranges - reaching over 5000meters at its highest point.
The lure of Lhasa, capital on the roof of the world, cannot be under-estimated and it is truly a fascinating city, fully justifying its reputation. Dominated by the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Potala Palace and bustling with pilgrims circling the sacred Jokhang Temple it is a feast for the senses.

SPECIAL
At Tibetan New Year Lhasa comes vibrantly to life as virtually everyone in the city dons new clothing and comes to visit the Jokhang Temple.
Join a family at home and share in an evening of their New Year Celebrations
February 21 - March 3, 2009

Venture into a world that will touch your heart and soul. Nestled deep in the eastern Himalaya, unknown to much of the world. Magnificent mountains, lush valleys, thick forests, a serene lifestyle and traditions unchanged for centuries - this is the essence of Bhutan. Towns are tiny, little more than villages, with quiet streets lined by decorative shops and houses. A farmhouse homestay is one of the highlights.

Experience marvelous ancient monuments, charming peoples, dramatic scenery and colonial nostalgia. There are few countries in the world with the allure of Burma (Myanmar). Through years of isolation, it has managed to retain much of its cultural traditions and preserve much of its historical heritage. As such, a visit to Burma is in many ways similar to a journey back in time, to an Asia from a bygone age.

The varied and wonderful delights of China unravel before you on this all-encompassing trip. From the Imperial splendor of Xi'an and Beijing, the scenic beauty of Hangzhou and the Guilin region to the vitality of Shanghai - this journey has it all. We're proud to offer you this exciting and comprehensive itinerary which includes China's best known attractions as well as the vast contrast between rural life and two of the world's greatest commercial centers

This tour takes you along the backroads of Guizhou province, through myriad minority villages, from the Biasha tribe whose men dress as ancient warriors, to the Datang “mini skirt” Miao. You will hear the polyphonic singing of the Dong, see an abundance of local arts and crafts and explore the traditional architecture of villages with over 2000 year histories. Continue into north-western Guangxi to the delightful Dong village of Chengyang and the Longjii Rice Terraces before arriving in Guilin.

This ancient trade route, newly opened to trekkers, traverses some of the most scenic valleys of western Bhutan and villages rarely visited by foreigners. This is a thickly forested area interspersed with rich grazing pastures.
Not neglecting the better known highlights of Bhutan, visit the famous dzongs of Punakha, Wangdue and Par and the dramatically situated Taktsang monastery as well as importand, but seldom visited temples of Haa.

China's history is dramatic, but the changes taking place every day are equally astounding. As you stroll the famous Bund-Shanghai's wonderful promenade you see 21st Century skyscrapers to the left and historic art-deco buildings to the right. Beijing, China's impressive capital, is a mix of four-lane highways and ancient cobbled alleys. A journey through the highlights of China – one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating of countries.