Archive for December, 2007

Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Pelkor Choede & Gyantse Kumbum, Tashilumpo Monastery, Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Qomolangma National Park (Everest Base Camp), Thamel - Kathmandu

USD $2760 per person; local payment of USD $300 per person

Tour prices DO NOT include international airfare & airport taxes.

An incredible overland journey across the roof of the world to Asia’s most sacred mountain, Kailash, with a side trip to the legendary Everest Base Camp before descending to Kathmandu. Amble through colourful bazaars, see Mt Everest from many different angles, and circumnavigate Mt Kailash, which is said to bring good luck to whomever completes the circuit.

Saga Dawa Festival: The June 08-27, 2008 departure coincides with the most important festival of the Tibetan year - and Kailash is the most important place to celebrate. Marking the anniversary of the Buddha’s Enlightenment and earthly death; join pilgrims as the new flag pole is raised at Tarboche and on the circumambulation of the sacred mountain.

Highlights

• Dawa Festival at Mt Kailash
• Lhasa & entrance to the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery
• Entrance to Pelkor Choede, Entrance to Tashilhunpo Monastery
• Mount Kailash kora, Lake Manasarovar
• Entrance to Everest National Park

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Naadam Festival, Ulaan Baatar, remote monasteries, wilderness camp, Bayan Gobi dunes, Khogno Khan, Karakorum, Khovsgol Lake, camel riding

USD $1695 per person; Local Payment of USD $250 per person

Tour prices DO NOT include international airfare & airport taxes.

A special trip to the land of Ghengis Khan where archery, horse races and Mongolian wrestling excite the country during the Naadam Festival! Beyond the festivities of the “three manly games”, get out and explore the city of Ulaan Baatar and lush green countryside, which is dotted with ancient monasteries. Join nomadic herders who live in tent-like gers in the land where wild horses roam free.

Highlights

• Entrance to Naadam Festival opening ceremonies
• Fully escorted tour with drivers and local guides
• Entrance to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, Khovsgol Lake,Bayan Gobi camel walk, Tsenger Hot Springs

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USD $1,995 per person; local payment of USD $250 per person

Tour prices DO NOT include international airfare and taxes.

Japanese festivals are traditional festive occasions. Some festivals have their roots in Chinese festivals but have undergone dramatic changes as they mixed with local customs. Some are so different that they do not even remotely resemble the original festival despite sharing the same name and date. Journey with us to uncover Japan’s Summer festivals.

Highlights

• Aomori Nebuta; Aug 05-07, 2008
• Gifu Hachiman Odori; Aug 08-09
• Awa Shikoku Festiva; Aug 10-11
• Koyasan O-bon; Aug 12-13
• Miyajima Fireworks Festival; Aug 14-15
• Daimonji Festival; Aug 16-17

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Ulaan Baatar, remote monasteries, wilderness camp, Bayan Gobi dunes, Khogno Khan, Karakorum, camel riding

USD $1605 per person; local payment of USD $250 per person
Tour prices DO NOT include International airfare and taxes.

An incredible journey to the land of blue skies, green hills and nomadic people. A trip that takes us from the capital, Ulaan Baatar, to the vast countryside of endless steppes, lakes and deserts. This special departure combines the 2008 solar eclipse with a land of timeless beauty. A once in a lifetime event!

Highlights

• Solar eclipse - Aug 1, 2008

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Beijing, Great Wall, Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse

USD $1385 per person; local payment of USD $250 per person

Tour prices DO NOT include International airfare & airport taxes

In Tibet, there are many festivals throughout the year that attract the faithful as well as curious onlookers. Most important are Losar - Tibetan New Year and Monlam Prayer Festivals which are colourful, traditional and exotic for everyone - whether you’ve been to Tibet before or are visiting for the first time.

Highlights

• Tibetan New Year - Losar, Feb 7, 2008
• Lhasa & environs
• Beijing: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall of China

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Colombo, Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

USD $*** per person; local payment of USD $*** per person
Tour prices DO NOT include International airfare and taxes.

The Esala Perahera is a huge cultural pageant and one of the most colorful processions of the world. Thousands of drummers and dancers perform in the streets of Kandy accompanied by a parade of ornamented elephants. The leading tusker carries the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, while the spectators pay homage to it.

Rope dancers © rgfolio

Highlights

• Kandy Tooth Temple, Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage, Kandy dancers, (entry fees and local guides included where required)
• Esala Perahera Festival

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USD $1910 per person; local payment of USD $200 per person
Tour prices DO NOT include International airfare and taxes.

The Japanese sure are big on traditional festive occasions. Some festivals have their roots in Chinese festivals but have undergone dramatic changes as they mixed with local customs. Some are so different that they do not even remotely resemble the original festival despite sharing the same name and date. Journey with us to uncover Japan’s Summer festivals.

Highlights

• Yokohama Jazz Festival; Oct 01-02, 2008
• Fukushima Lantern Festival; Oct 03-04
• Kyoto, Mt Fuji, Takayama Festival; Oct 09-10

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Goa, Hampi

USD $*** per person; local payment of USD $*** per person
Tour prices DO NOT include International airfare & airport taxes.

Among the many and various colorful feasts and festivals that are celebrated in Goa, the Goa Carnival is the most eagerly awaited event.

The ‘Carnival’ is exclusive and unique to Goa, and was introduced by the Portuguese who ruled over Goa for over five hundred years.

The Goa Carnival festival is held every year in the month of February and lasts for 3 days. It is one of the eagerly awaited events of the year. The Carnival of Goa is the time to indulge in feasting, drinking and merry making. During the Goa Carnival, the state comes to life due to a multi-cultural essence. Although it is primarily a Christian festival, it is celebrated by people of all religions and culture with the similar enthusiasm.

Highlights

• Old Goa and UNESCO World Heritage Churches
• Hampi UNESCO World Heritage site
• Goa Carnival

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Kolkata, Puri, Chilika Lake

USD $860 per person; local payment of USD $100 per person
Tour prices DO NOT include International airfare and taxes.

India’s largest annual festival is a colourful spectacle. Hundreds of thousands of devotees haul gigantic chariots through the main street of Puri. The air is filled with the rhythmic clang of metal gongs, blowing of conch shells and trumpets, and chanting of holy men. There is much more to explore - discover the magic of Puri’s beaches, the charm of Chilika Lake and the wonder of the World Heritage Sun Temple.

Highlights

• Chariot Festival
• Sun Temple of Konark

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