Unveil the untouched beauty of Nepal's Manaslu region, a true hidden treasure awaiting intrepid adventurers. This off-the-beaten-path destination remains secluded, offering a wilderness experience like no other. At its heart stands the towering Mt. Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest peak, beckoning you to explore its majesty.
To venture into this pristine wilderness, trekkers require a special permit due to its location within the Manaslu Conservation Area. The Lower Manaslu trek promises an immersive journey into the heart of Mt. Manaslu, treating you to breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges.
As you traverse the trail, you'll encounter high-altitude glacier lakes and enchanting forests adorned with juniper and rhododendron blooms. Along the way, the path winds through picturesque mountain villages like Barpak, Laprak, Gyampesal, and Dharche Danda, where you'll have the chance to connect with the warm-hearted locals.
Dharche Danda, nestled at an altitude of 3,220 meters, offers a spectacular vantage point, unveiling the grandeur of Annapurna I & II, Macchapuchhre, Himalchuli, and Ganesh Himal.
The region is home to Gurung communities deeply rooted in Buddhism, providing a rich cultural tapestry. Explore ancient Buddhist monasteries like Shringi Gompa in Bihi and Mu, as well as Rachen Gompas in Chhekampar.
This protected area also nurtures diverse flora and fauna, adding a touch of natural wonder to your journey. Immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness of the Lower Manaslu Trek, where every step is a discovery of Nepal's hidden beauty.
Our guide will meet you at your hotel lobby/apartment in the morning at 8:30am. Then you will take subway/public bus to the first destination: South Gate of the ancient City Wall. You can walk on top of the wall or rent a bike and ride along the wall.
After the Nanmen visit, we will walk into the city downtown area from South Avenue (Nan Da Jie) to Bell Tower. This area is the most busiest street for local people go shopping and have fun, you can find different stores, shopping malls, cinemas as well as local restaurants around. If you have interest, you can go up to the Bell Tower for a great view of the city center.
Then we will turn west and walk to the Drum Tower area nearby. After passing through the base of the tower, turn left down a small side street called Hua Jue Xiang. The street is lined with shops selling souvenirs. When you reach a small intersection, go left to the entrance for the Great Mosque. Wander the lushly landscaped courtyard and note the detail on the mosque doors and gates, but only Muslims can enter the Prayer Hall.
Xian Ancient Capital Walking TourFind a local restaurant at Muslim street and have a quick lunch at noon. Then you will go back to the Bell Tower Subway station and take the subway to our afternoon destination: Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Get off the subway at Xiaozhai Station and go east from Xiaozhai Dong Road. On your way, you will pass the Shaanxi History Museum on your left side. The museum is free of charge, if there are not many people line in queue for entrance, you can go for a visit. If the waiting time is too long, you can go east directly to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. (10minutes waking)
After the Big Wild Goose Pagoda visit, our guide will send you back to your hotel/apartment by subway/public bus. Service completes.
Your adventure begins in the city that never sleeps, Beijing. With a guided visit to the Forbidden City, you'll soon become immersed in the remarkable history of this former Chinese Imperial Palace. You'll have the opportunity to add guided tours of Tiananmen Square & the Temple of Heaven, along with a traditional Peking Duck Banquet, and incredible Kung Fu or Opera night time shows. Experience for yourself one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Wall of China. You'll walk along wild and restored sections as you encounter countless fortifications dominating the skyline; this really is a spectacle to behold.
As you leave Beijing & The Great Wall of China behind, you'll take a high speed train to Xi'an, an ancient imperial capital and eastern departure point of the Silk Road. Xi'an is where you'll feast your eyes on one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century - the Terracotta Warriors. Showcasing terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the Museum Halls & Pits are an extraordinary sight. You'll also have time to explore the Ancient City Walls of Xi'an, built under the rule of the Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang as a military defence system; these walls are particularly beautiful to cycle on as the sun is setting behind you. Your time in Xi'an ends with a trip to the bustling Muslim Quarters to sample their famously exotic street food.
After your first few days near to the cities, the third portion of your trip takes you to the sub-tropical region of Guilin in Southern China. Famous for its dramatic landscapes of limestone karst hills, Guilin sits on the banks of the Li River offering a true natural paradise. Here, you'll traverse the lush rice terraces known locally as the 'Dragon's Backbone', passing through remote villages and walking alongside the tranquil Li River. This region invites you to enjoy a slower pace where the 'old style' way of life is still thriving - quite a stark contrast to city life. You'll fly back to Beijing for your last night before departing for home, we're confident with fond memories of the true Charms of China.
Embark on an incredible adventure and surrender to the enticing allure of the Annapurna region. Brace yourself for a journey that transcends the ordinary as you immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of this trekking haven.
Picture yourself standing in awe before the majestic Mt. Annapurna, its peak proudly rising to an impressive 8,091 meters. Prepare to be spellbound as you venture through the captivating landscapes of the Annapurna Himalayan range, unfolding before your eyes like a vibrant tapestry.
Feel the thrill as you traverse lush rhododendron forests, pass through bamboo groves, and discover the secrets that lie within each distinct district: Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, and Myagdi. Marvel at the rich biodiversity that thrives in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
The pinnacle of this extraordinary journey awaits at the Annapurna Base Camp, where you'll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring panorama. Feast your eyes on the majestic Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak, painting the horizon with their ethereal beauty.
But this expedition is not just about nature's wonders. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the ethnic Gurung people who call this region home. Let their warmth and traditions embrace you, leaving an indelible mark on your heart.
If you yearn for an experience that transcends the ordinary, where every step unlocks a new facet of Nepal's enchanting beauty, then the Annapurna region eagerly awaits your exploration. It's time to embark on a journey that will captivate your senses and create memories that will last a lifetime.
We will start our walk at the entrance of one of the oldest local Chinese parks (built in 1914). Every day, performers, artists, and martial arts performers descend on the park. Each area bustles with different types of activities such as Tai Chi, ballroom dancing, calisthenics, and music performances. After our walk in the park, we will go to a 4 storey wholesale tea market which targets area re-sellers, so the prices are very good. Here, we will have a brief discussion of tea’s history and health benefits. Learn how experts judge good quality tea by examining its leaves, and then compare and contrast Long Jing tea by sight, smell, and taste.
We also sample a special white tea, some lesser-known green tea, red tea, black tea, and flower tea, different store owners will tell us about the products and provide tips in finding the best tea and tea wares. We will have plenty of time to wander through the many tea shops and sample teas. Sampling is the best way to learn about the tea, so sit, ask questions and sip away great tea.
The ultimate Hanoi Old Quarter & Red River Delta 1/2 day cycling tour.
The morning tour commences at 8.00 am till 12 pm / Afternoon tour commences at 1.15 pm am till 5.15 pm
Meet up at 7:45 am or 1:00 pm at our office located at 20 Hang Muoi Street for a brief introduction of the trip as well as safety instructions on how to navigate safely through Hanoi on a bicycle.
We set off towards the famous Street Murals, along the Train Street and our journey starts.
On this cycling tour, we will take you through the most interesting parts and markets of the Old Quarter. Our ride will take us through some very old street so you can get a real feel of how life has been here for centuries.
We continue along beautiful treelined streets and breath in the fresh air around the West Lake area, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Truc Bach lake. Experience how tranquil and peaceful it is just 15-minutes from the buzzing Old Quarter of Hanoi. We adventure on narrow paths through impressive banana plantations and vegetable gardens on Banana Island that cover the fertile grounds of the Red River Delta. The noisy city suddenly seems to be so far away.
We will take you to B52 Lake and pass the Mausoleum of (former) President Ho Chi Minh and visit the North Gate. We admire the old train railway with impressive old heritage buildings Hanoi is so famous for.
The trip winds down with a local homemade egg coffee at the popular Giang café and will end whilst cycling back through the Old Quarter.
Should you wish to include and experience a local Hanoian food (pho) or lunch (bun cha), our guide can accommodate this at an additional cost (to be paid directly to the restaurant).
Tour ends at 20 Hang Muoi about 12.00 pm in the morning and 5:15 pm in the afternoon.
Discover some of Shanghai's old districts and lanes. Walk through areas which used to be bustling with interesting popular places and residences of important people. Go back in time to rediscover the history of the lanes and get a glimpse of the authentic atmosphere of old Shanghai. Meet long-time, elderly residents and interesting characters, learn their stories of the streets and neighbourhoods, and of China in the past century.
Architecture, design, artwork of the courtyards, and other cultural aspects will be discussed as well. By visiting some of the oldest and very soon disappearing backstreets in Shanghai, you will get a true feeling of the city development in Shanghai and the local Chinese people's life, experience the local food market, and even get a chance to try some interesting Chinese street food.
Shanghai Archives Museum has only recently been made accessible to the public and offers a unique way in which to learn about this city's fascinating history. The museum houses a large number of important historical documents concerning the city's development from a small fishing village into the modern city we now know today.
The Archives Museum has a record of Shanghai's most notable citizens and companies. Our tour, led by Janny Chyn, an Archive's expert, will cover historical time periods and events from the 18th century, including the Japanese invasion, the rise of the Communist Party, the Cultural Revolution, and the rapid economic growth that has taken place in China since the 1980's. A tour of this unique venue is not to be missed!
Within the past decade, contemporary Chinese art has exploded onto the global arena. We will tour Moganshan Lu M50 - the center of Shanghai's modern art scene - and its trendy art colony. Once a small lane filled with vacant warehouses along Suzhou Creek, it's now home to a thriving contemporary artist community. About 100 artists in residence in the former factories and warehouses on the banks of Suzhou Creek including some of Shanghai's best known artists like Zhou Tiehai, Ding Yi, Xu Zhen and the media art collective Liu Dao. It hosts over 120 galleries and art studios. Galleries include Shangh Art, EastLink, Island6, Pantocrator and Biz Art. As we tour the area, we will meet the artists, gallery owners and discuss the major styles seen in today's Chinese art, with a focus on new trends.
On this 3 hours guided tour you will discover the oriental Agra whose primary aim is to to connect you and your friends or family with the city of Agra. This program will showcase not just heritage monuments but also the city's culture, cuisine, craft and life of the local people. Our journey winds its way through the narrow lanes of Agra, where people can see the grand old havelies, the oriental markets of Kinari Bazaar, Lohar Gali and the the spices' street of Rawat Para.
On this guided tour you will also get to see Dara Shikoh's library, Mirza Ghalib's birthplace, the headquarters of the Radhasoami faith, the ancient Manka Meshwar temple, the Jama Masjid, and churches of different Christian sects.
We look forward to showing you our Agra.
If you have 6 hours available, this 6 hours sightseeing tour in Beijing is a great way to explore the city. To start with we will explore the Red Building of the old Peking University, from where the University students went out to Tian'anmen Square for demonstrations and initiated the famous 5.4 Movement.
Then we will stroll along the old cultural Wusi & Wenjin Street, one of the most beautiful street of Beijing. We pass the corner tower of the forbidden city wall and moat, a bridge which divided Beihai Park and Zhongnanhai Lakes, till arriving at the old palaces of Beijing library, which is one of the five biggest libraries in the world. It is a spectacular palace courtyard with historical stone lions and pillars moved from the "old Summer Palace".
Hereafter, we will visit the Northern Cathedra , the oldest and largest catholic church of Beijing. It is a beautiful historical church with a combination of Chinese and Western architecture. In front of the church is a Chinese pavilion and balustrades with stone lion carvings on the top. Inside the church, you will find the big portrait of the Virgin Mary and Jesus in Ming and Qing Royal robes.
In the end, we will stroll around the authentic neighborhood in the famous hutong alleys and visit some courtyard houses. Then finally take public bus or subway back to your hotel.
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the country's second largest city. As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, Hanoi is considered one of the main cultural centers of Vietnam, where most Vietnamese dynasties have left their imprint. Even though some relics have not survived through wars and time, the city still has many interesting cultural and historic monuments for visitors and residents alike.
Hanoi has rich food traditions and many of Vietnam's most famous dishes; it has been selected as one of the top 10 cities for food in the world by Shermans Travel. Vietnam's national dish Phở has been also named as one of the Top5 street food in the world by global post.
Our guide will pick you up at your hotel around 2:00 pm for a half-day trip in Hoi An town.
We start our trip by strolling around the ancient town of Hoi An. We will see Chua Cau or Japanese Covered Bridge, considered the symbol of Hoi An and a fine example of Japanese architecture. Step back in time to discover the Chinese street with the stunning Phuc Kien Hall and Phung Hung, an old house typical of Hoi An architecture.
We then visit Hoi An's vibrant market and ancient port to explore the rhythm of local life and savor the true color, flavor and taste of the oriental.
Finally, we visit Phuc Thanh Pagoda – the oldest pagoda in Hoi An built in 1454 with Chinese bronze.
At the end of the tour, we will have dinner in a local restaurant with signature specialties of Hoi An: the Cao Lau noodles and White Rose dumpling.
Transfer back to the hotel around 8:00 p.m. End of services.
At 9 am, you will be picked up at your hotel and travel west of Hanoi to reach Duong Lam ancient village in Son Tay province. Duong Lam has a history of about 1,200 years and this tour gives you a chance to trace back the origin of Vietnam's culture and traditions. Duong Lam is also known as the hometown of two kings, Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen.
With about 956 traditional houses, made mainly of laterite and mud, Duong Lam still preserves most of the basic characteristics of a traditional Vietnam’s village: a large courtyard, old tall trees, narrow pathways, water wells, and ancient temples. Among many features still kept intact, the most outstanding is the old village entrance gate in Mong Phu hamlet.
You can take a walk on the village path to visit Mong Phu Temple (dedicated to national heroes), King Ngo Quyen Temple and King Phung Hung Temple.
You will also visit a 300-year-old house, where a special Vietnamese lunch will be served by the host family. While in the house, you can also help the local people make local specialties, including rice cake filled with brown onion and soft green-lentil cake, and then have time enjoying these dishes (depending on the season of the year).
Afterwards, you will proceed to Mia Pagoda, which was constructed in the 15th century. Here, you can admire 287 statues of different sizes before going back to your hotel in Hanoi.
On the way, depending on your schedule, you can make a stop at Van Phuc silk village, once the cradle of the best silk in Vietnam, where you can know more about the process of silk making as well as do some shopping for some finest silk products.
Finally, you will go back to your hotel in Hanoi. The trip ends around 4 pm.