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Back Roads to Kunming
Trip Valid:
01/01/2008 to 31/12/2008
Duration:
15 days (Beijing to Kunming)
Highlights:
Explore the sights of Beijing, Feel imperial on the Great Wall, Embark on a desert camel safari, Discover the Silk Road secrets of Xi'an, Encounter Giant Pandas at Chengdu, Wander the flower and bird market in Kunming
Trip Code:
CRT
Guarantee:
Departure is guaranteed
Group Size:
Minimum 1, Maximum 12
Price:
Prices from USD $935
15 Jul - 15 Sep 2008 (Beijing Olympics period): USD1125
*(plus local payment USD $300)
pricing for United States: change country
Extras:
view 2008 airport transfers and pre- & post-trip accommodation prices
We've come up with something a little different for the more adventurous traveller: a journey which takes in the major sights of Beijing and Xi'an, but also the less-travelled region of Ningxia Hui (near Inner Mongolia) and the modern cities of Kunming and Chengdu. You'll have the opportunity to visit iconic sights like the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors and spend a night in the desert. Adventure awaits us around every corner as we take the back roads to Kunming.
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meals included: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
transport: Overnight train, private bus, taxi, local bus, camel, walking
accommodation: Hotels (9 nts), overnight trains (4 nts), camping (1 nt)
budget: Allow USD $200 for meals not included.
departs: Selected Mon from Apr to Nov
important notes:
This is the first section of our Middle Kingdom Magic trip (CRR), the second section is Tiger Leaping Gorge (CRM)
IMPORTANT
Due to the recent earthquake in Chengdu your itinerary needs to be rerouted as some of the areas we were planning on visiting have been closed off until further notice.
Intrepid have sent a proposed re routed itinerary to your agent or directly to you - if you have not received this please contact us and we can send it through - your leader will also advise you of the changes on day 1 of the trip.
Days 1-4 Beijing
Delve into the culture and sights of thriving Beijing, China's amazing capital. Take a trip to the Great Wall for a glimpse of ancient history.
Days 5-7 Zhongwei/ Yellow River
Travel to Zhongwei by overnight train - a great chance to mingle with locals. The eclectic Gao Miao Temple in Zhongwei is a quirky place to visit. Later, set off into the sand dunes of the Tennger Desert for an overnight camel safari and enjoy a dinner under the stars.
Days 8-10 Xi'an
The lively Muslim Quarter is always full of activity and a great place for a sizzling kebab. Duck into the Great Mosque to take time out from the busy city. A day trip to the Terracotta Warriors is highly recommended and you might like to cycle the majestic Ming Dynasty wall that surrounds the city for a higher perspective.
Days 11-13 Chengdu
The old world charm of Chengdu is sure to delight. This city is the home of the spicy Sichuan cuisine that is supposed to keep you cool so be sure to seek out a traditional hot pot. There is time to visit a Giant Panda Reserve, or stay in the charming city to hang out in teahouses and maybe get a relaxing massage.
Days 14-15 Kunming
The thoroughly modern city of Kunming has some excellent markets tucked away in the quaint back streets. The Tang Dynasty Pagodas are worth visiting, and in the gardens near the West Pagoda is a spot where people can meet to hang out and play mahjong.
| start date | finish date | places available | bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 19 May 08 | Mon 02 Jun 08 | bookings closed | |
| Mon 26 May 08 | Mon 09 Jun 08 | bookings closed | |
| Mon 02 Jun 08 | Mon 16 Jun 08 | 3 | book now |
| Mon 09 Jun 08 | Mon 23 Jun 08 | 5 | book now |
| Mon 23 Jun 08 | Mon 07 Jul 08 | 4 | book now |
| Mon 30 Jun 08 | Mon 14 Jul 08 | bookings closed | |
| Mon 07 Jul 08 | Mon 21 Jul 08 | 7 | book now |
| Mon 14 Jul 08 | Mon 28 Jul 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 21 Jul 08 | Mon 04 Aug 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 28 Jul 08 | Mon 11 Aug 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 01 Sep 08 | Mon 15 Sep 08 | 7 | book now |
| Mon 08 Sep 08 | Mon 22 Sep 08 | bookings closed | |
| Mon 15 Sep 08 | Mon 29 Sep 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 22 Sep 08 | Mon 06 Oct 08 | 6 | book now |
| Mon 06 Oct 08 | Mon 20 Oct 08 | 5 | book now |
| Mon 13 Oct 08 | Mon 27 Oct 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 20 Oct 08 | Mon 03 Nov 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 27 Oct 08 | Mon 10 Nov 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 20 Apr 09 | Mon 04 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 27 Apr 09 | Mon 11 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 04 May 09 | Mon 18 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 11 May 09 | Mon 25 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 18 May 09 | Mon 01 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 25 May 09 | Mon 08 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 01 Jun 09 | Mon 15 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 08 Jun 09 | Mon 22 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 15 Jun 09 | Mon 29 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 22 Jun 09 | Mon 06 Jul 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 29 Jun 09 | Mon 13 Jul 09 | 7+ | book now |
The Trip Notes provide you with detailed information about your trip.
This is where you will find everything you need to know... from what's included to suggestions about what to take. This is also where you will find the most up-to-date itinerary and any late changes.
The Trip Notes provide you with a detailed outline of your trip itinerary, and important information like where to meet your group, what to pack, what's included, estimates of spending money requirements and much more. They make great reading.
These documents have been prepared by Intrepid staff to give you a brief introduction to the places you are visiting. We think it's important to understand the culture you are visiting, and the expectations of their society.
Intrepid is committed to a style of travel that is environmentally, culturally and socially responsible - we call this 'Responsible Travel'. Download this document and visit the About Intrepid section of this site for more information about how to be a Responsible Traveller.
Please also read our safety guidelines for further information on the operational safety standards you can expect on every Intrepid trip.
On 07 June the Australian Government issued an updated travel warning for East Timor strongly advising against travel to East Timor because of the extremely dangerous security situation. Australians in the country are advised to leave. The Travel Warning remains at Category 5 - Do Not Travel.
On Tuesday 07 June we have taken the decision to cancel the remainder of our East Timor trips scheduled to depart in 2006. All travellers will be notified and given the opportunity to transfer to another trip or obtain a full refund (land content only). We very much regret having to take this action and our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of East Timor during this troubled time.
We are confident of being able to resume our normal schedule of trips to East Timor in 2007 and hope that those travellers who have had to cancel their plans this year will travel with us to East Timor in 2007.
For other safety updates, please see our general safety updates page.
Every day, hundreds of happy people return from Intrepid trips, and their comments are here for you to read. We do not screen the feedback on this site, all comments are posted here as they were written (unless they used inappropriate language).
Other than difficulty with Intrepid in making pre and post trip accomodations and transport arrangements, it was a marvelous trip.
Nancy Merson
Great trip would reccomend to anyone to do.
Daniel Scull
a great trip wiht a fantastic leader. mill's grasp of the chinese langue wasa real help!
Alexandra Pycz
Great trip!!
Trip leader Millicent Thapa aka Chairman Mill rocks!!