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The eastern Tibetan Plateau is a region of sublime alpine scenery and wonderfully friendly people. Located in Yunnan Province, Mount Kawa Karpo (almost 22,000 feet in elevation) is one of the eight sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism and is believed to be the incarnation of Kawa Karpo, the patron god of the Gaju sect.
The focus of this program run with Mystic Trails is a trek along the Mount Kawa Karpo pilgrimage circle and cultural exchange with the Tibetan peoples of Yunnan Province. The city of Dechin is the gateway to Kawa Karpo and an increasingly popular destination for westerners. During our two-night stay in Dechin we spend time with the local people and offer English tutoring to drivers, hostel owners, and others who want to be able to communicate better with tourists. We also visit the Puli Tibetan School, one of the few schools in the area to teach Tibetan language, Tibetan herbal medicine, traditional arts, and other culture-related subjects. While on our trek, we participate in litter cleanup projects along the trail and stay with local people in the villages of Yubeng and Foggy Top, participating in daily chores and activities and helping to promote culturally sustainable tourism activities.
Prior to our trek, we visit the colorful and historic city of Lijiang, built early in the Yuan Dynasty (1279–1368) and famous as a trading center and cultural melting pot. Traveling by van over dramatic alpine landscapes we pass through the legendary city of Shangri-La and visit the magnificent Songzanlin Temple, the oldest and largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan. Our adventure ends in Beijing, the bustling national capital, where we explore famous sights such as the Great Wall or the Forbidden City.
Return to China |
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Cultural Tibet
Program length: 17 days
Dates:
15 May to 31 May, 2009
10 Oct to 26 Oct, 2009
Grade: Moderate
Price: $2,950 plus airfare
Sample Itinerary (PDF)
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for China! |
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Highlights!
Yunnan Tibetan people
Homestay in Yunnan
Historic Old Town of Lijiang
Ancient Buddhist monasteries
Tibetan pilgrimage circle trek
Sacred mountain Kawa Karpo
Beijing sightseeing
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