Kina – Tibet
Den här äventyrliga och oerhört spännande resan börjar med ett besök i Yunnan, känd för sin årliga festival i början av juli/augusti. Hästfolk från hela Tibet med tusentals hästar, vallfärdandas hit, för att ta del av det färgsprakande evenemanget. Hela dalgången är full av tält och dagarna fylls av kapplöpningar, tibetansk akrobatik, danser, gycklare mm. Efter dessa händelserika dagar påbörjas det stora äventyret och en unik långritt över Litangplatån (4000möh). Packning och utrustning lastas på packhästar och i vissa fall yaker. Färden går i lugnt tempo, trots den höga nivån är det inte för mycket klättring. Färden tar Er genom ett helt unikt, otillgängligt och storslaget landskap där tillfälle ges att bekanta sig med lokalbefolkning och nomader. En storslagen äventyrsresa som genomförs endast i juli/augusti när klimatet tillåter. En chans att uppleva dessa otillgängliga områden medan de fortfarande är opåverkade av omvärlden.
RIDNING
Totalt 7 dagars ridning med ca 3-7 timmar/dag. God ridvana är ej ett stort krav, dock är det nödvändigt att ha god kondition och gott hjärta och förmåga att kunna anpassa sig till vistelsen på hög nivå (4000 – 4700möh). Stillsam ridning utan högt tempo.
INKVARTERING
Totalt 15 övernattningar, några på mellanklasshotell (måltiderna serveras då på restauranger), väl ute i obygden, under resten av resan bor Ni i tält, här lagas måltiderna över öppen eld.
Temperatur: ca 24 grader på dagarna ner till några minusgrader på nätterna.
Flyg: Flyg bokas med fördel med KLM till Chengdu, från ca 8.500:- inkl skatter.
Flygplatsskatt: Vid avresa betalas en flygplatsskatt som ej ingår i resans pris. Ca 35 US$
Datum 2012: 1-16/7. Ankomst till Chengdu måste ske den den 1/7. Hemresa den 16/7.
Deltagare: Max 10 deltagare. Greenways Travel bokar nordiska ryttare och våra partners i England, Holland och Frankrike bokar deltagare från respektive land. Det blir en trevlig blandning av nationaliteter. Om efterfrågan är stor, erbjuds fler datum.
Visum: kostnader för visum tillkommer.
Transport av bagage: Lätt packning i mjuka tygväskor. Packningen transporteras av packdjur då motorfordon inte kan färdas i dessa områden. Tempot blir relativt lugnt på grund av detta. Här är det helhetsupplevelsen som räknas snarare än tempot!
Komfort/inkvartering: Hotell i dubbelrum, enkla lodger och tältläger med knappa sanitära lösningar. Medtag egen sovsäck, liggunderlag, våtservetter och ett glatt humör. Åter på hotellen blir det skönt att bada/tvätta sig ordentligt.
PRIS
Resans pris per person, anpassas till hur många bekräftade deltagare det blir i gruppen. Besked om exakt antal ges 30 dagar före avresa. Det går bra att få besked om bokningsläget i ett tidigare skede om så önskas.
| RESANS PRIS PER PERSON 2012: | |||
| Inkl 15 nätter inkvartering, måltider, transfer och guider. | |||
| Pris per person: | 20.295:- | ||
| Enkelrumstillägg: | 2.345:- | ||
Reservation görs för valutakursjusteringar, dock görs inga justeringar vid dollarkurs på mellan 6.5-7.5 Sek.
MER UTFÖRLIG BESKRIVNING PÅ ENGELSKA
CHINA-TIBET
Kham – ancient Eastern Tibet, and home of the fierce Khampa warriors, is an almost inaccessible fortress, for a long time forbidden, where 70,000 Tibetans live. The expedition begins with the most incredible and colourful of Tibetan equestrian festivals. At Litang more than 2000 sumptuously harnessed horses and their Khampa riders, dressed in their most beautiful garments, emulate at the gallop equestrian acrobatics drawn from their warrior past. This self-sufficient expedition, complete with baggage yaks, begins at 4000m on the high plateau of Litang, amid wide grassy valleys criss-crossed by rivers, and passes opening onto splendid snow-covered scenery.
Meetings with sedentary and nomadic Tibetans in this sacred landscape Chortens, (Chortens are Tibetan Buddhist reliquaries, memorials to the teachings of the Buddha) prayer flags and Buddhist monasteries abound.
THE LITANG REGION
In the west of the Chinese province of Szechwan, the region corresponds to the legendary lands of Eastern Kham, in formerly Tibetan territory. This region, and especially Litang, was the theatre of the desperate struggle of the Khambas, Tibetan warriors who assailed (in 1956), sabres aloft on their valiant little horses, columns of Chinese lorries invading Tibet. The region, very recently opened to tourism, is peopled by 95% Tibetans, both sedentary and nomadic, and by 5% Qiangs, a minority people living by breeding and rearing horses, goats and yaks.
IThe borders of the Tibetan plateau rise to an average of 4000m. The Litang steppe is the most extensive of the Roof of the World, and covers 148km squared. It is a grassy steppe, where wild flowers abound. Little valleys and some areas of mountain are covered in forests of pine, cedar, and rhododendrons. The mountain is comprised of calcareous rocks and sandstone. The inhabitants, among whom one soon recognises the proud ethnic Khambas, have a rich equestrian tradition.
Litang town was constructed in 1278, and was called Gao Cheng, – “the town situated on high”. This region, which has seen the birth of the 5th and 10th Dalai Lamas, and claims many “living Buddhas” of Lamaism, is for the Tibetans a Shangri-la, a sacred land.
At Litang, the Changqing Ker monastery is the greatest monastery of the Yellow Bonnet sect; it can accommodate 4500 people, but actually has 800 or less. Situated at the crossroads between Tibet, Szechwan and Yunnan, it was at all times an important trading post, where Tibetans bartered horses, yaks, medicinal herbs, tea, clothing, and other Chinese merchandise.
ITINERARY
(Reservations made for any changes)
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DAY 1:
Depart from Europe
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DAY 2:
Arrive at Chengdu. Transfer to the hotel. Walk in the old town, with its flower and bird markets. Dinner, and night at the hotel.
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DAY 3:
Flight to Zhongdian (Gyelthang in Tibetan) departure 07:15, arrival 08:15 in the extreme North of the Chinese province of Yunnan. Journey straight to Xiangcheng (220km) by minibus on a twisting upward route, the trip takes 7hrs. Reach the Chochi Ho river valley, a tributary of the Yangtze Kiang. We enter the great Shangvila region, the sacred territory of the Tibetans: cross mounts Xiaoxueshan and Daxueshan (3700m) and the beautiful Suoquhe valley. The town of Xiangcheng, in a valley 2700m high, is a centre of fruit growing. Discover typical Tibetan villages with stone-built houses, and the Lamaist monastery of Sanbisi. Lunch in a local restaurant. Night in a hostel in Xiangcheng. -
DAY 4:
Xiangcheng – Litang (160km)
Travelling always northward for 5hrs via Daocheng, crossing beautiful countryside with Tibetan villages, the small lakes of the high plateau, and the steppes where the Tibetans pasture their herds of horses, yaks, goats and sheep.
In Daocheng, visit the Bengbosi monastery (sect of the White Bonnets). Arrive at Litang (4000m), the birthplace of the 7th Dalai Lama, a region where the Tibetan population retains its nomadic tradition. Night in a guesthouse, or under canvas. -
DAY 5:
Litang Festival
The horse-ring festival of Litang runs each year from 1st – 3rd August, and is the most important in all Tibet. About 2000 Tibetan families and 2000-3000 horses camp in the surrounding area, offering a very colourful spectacle. Opening of the festival, and an equestrian display organised by Tibetan shepherds.
Afternoon: An incredible display of costumes. The participants wear hats and garments in brilliant colours; brocades, tiger skins, and the skins of snow leopards are unbiquitous. The women sport jewels in jade, amber, coral, ivory, silver etc…It is an occasion for the nomads to display their riches; this display of their traditional costumes in nothing if not colourful. Dinner and night in guesthouse or in tents. -
DAY 6:
Festival of Litang
The day is given over the horse racing: it is the highlight of the festival. The most impressive race is the unique charge of 1200 horsemen at full gallop…even if Tibetan horses are small, the ground trembles, and emotions run high. At the same time a great animal fair is helf, where horses, yaks, and local products are sold. Visit this market to watch transactions, and to see the vast tent encampment, where some are magnificently decorated – for example, that of the 10th Dalai Lama in tiger skins… One can see gold harnesses, antelope horn bits, saddles finely worked in precious metals. Dinner, and night at a guesthouse or in tents. -
DAY 7:
Litang – Zalaxiang – Ergela – Naiganduo
2hrs on horseback and then by jeep for 4hrs on poor roads to the village of Zala (80km).
After lunch – on horseback, for a short trip across the high pastures of Litang and Ergela, altitude at least 4000m. Fairly even, magnificent countryside, with numerous encounters with nomads with their herds, or in their encampments guarded by ferocious dogs. The guides do their best to secure occasions to really meet the families, and if they wish it, to spend a moment with them in their homes or encampments. Night under canvas at Naiganduo (3900m). -
DAY 8:
Naiganduo to the Nigongsi temple.
7hrs riding. At the beginning of the day one reaches the Sacred Land, (an area 200km squared) around mount Gegna (6200m), one of the sacred mountains of Tibet. The very numerous chortens erected by pilgrims indicate marks of respect.
The ride follows a little valley at the foot of mount Gegna to Chasanxi (4300m). En route, stop off at Lake Demu, and visit the sacred conch which belonged to the founder of the White Bonnets. Night under canvas at the temple of Nigongsi (3900m). -
DAY 9:
Temple of Nigongsi – Holy Lake – Nigongsi (5hrs in the saddle)
Visit the temple, the first of the Flower Bonnet sect, founded here in the 8th century.
The Mongols conquered the region in the 9th century and imposed the yellow Bonnet sect. Horseback trip to the Sacred Lake, then back to Nigongsi temple. Beautiful panoramic views of mount Gegna. Night under canvas close to the monastery (3900m). -
DAY 10:
Nigongsi – Cangshanxi (5hrs riding)
Continuance of the ascent on horseback. Here lamaist Buddhaism was practised by the monks long before it spread throughout Tibet. Arrive at Cangshanxi, a village of Tibetan shepherds. Night under canvas close to Cangshanxi village. -
DAY 11:
Cangshanxi – Rejjgang (5hrs riding)
Continue on horseback via a pass to reach Rejjgang. Night under canvas at Rejjgang (4200m). -
DAY 12:
Rejjgang – Rena (6hrs riding)
Horse ride towards Rena, the great summer pasturage of the Tibetans in this region. Wild goats and marmots occupy this hilly region. Night in tents at Rena (3800m). -
DAY 13:
Rena – Dongjiecun – Derong (3hrs riding)
We reach Dongjiecun village via forests and small rivers. Lunch. Farewell to our horses, and departure by jeep for Derong. Stop en route at the Redaqubolin monastery. Night in a hotel in Derong. -
DAY 14:
Derong – Zhongdian (about 7hrs by road)
Arrive at hotel in the evening. -
DAY 15:
Visit Zhongdian. At 3160m, Zhongdian is a village at the end of the world, in the valley of the Yangtze Kiang, a sort of surrealist Wild West where the old Tibetan residences rub shoulders with reinforced concrete buildings. Visit the Gedan Song Zanlin monastery (Yellow Bonnet sect). Built in the 17th century by the 5th Dalai Lama, its great prayer hall with 108 pillars can accommodate 1600 monks. Visit the Diqing museum, which offers a general presentation of the culture and geography of the region. Dinner in a local restaurant. Night in hotel.
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DAY 16:
Transfer to the airport. Embark for Chengdu, and connecting flight to Paris.
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DAY 17:
Arrive back in Europe.
PROGRAMME
Travel via plane, then minibus, then jeep towards a very isolated and untouched region of the Tibetan plateau. The equestrian part of the trip accounts for 7 days out of the total 17 because the approach to this distant region necessitates several days on poor tracks, and the same again on return. 2 days are given over to the incredible equestrian fair at Litang.
You will be travelling in complete autonomy, with supplies ensured by pack horses.
Lodgings are in hotels with double rooms, and dinner in local restaurants in the more inhabited regions, then accommodation in guesthouses and eventually camps/bivouacs in tents (2 persons) and dinner prepared by a cook.
Meals:Whilst riding – breakfast (coffee, tea, bread, butter, eggs, fruits); lunch (picnics), and dinner with rice, vegetables and meat.
IMPORTANT
One should always be aware of the length of the outward bound journey, and of the limited comforts. Remember also that the altitude of the equestrian part is at 4100-4700 metres at least – but fairly level.
THE TEAM
From Europe (Paris) – a team member from Cheval d’Aventure will accompany, and in China, an interpreter – guide (French & English speaking) will attend. During the ride a Tibetan guide assisted by a local team for the horses, vehicles and cooking will attend.
HORSES – LEVEL OF SKILL REQUIRED
This trip is aimed at competent riders, because it includes 7 days on horseback, but it is not necessary to be a rider of the highest level. The journey is essentially at walk.
On the other hand, it is necessary to be in good physical condition in order to adapt to the altitude, and the capricious weather conditions. This will not be a forced march, however, and altitude (up to 4700m) will be reached by degrees. You must respect rigorously the advice of the guides to adapt your behaviour to the altitude. If you are in any doubt (cardiac or respiratory problems, or hypertension) it is advised that you consult your doctor, and that you should prepare yourself with endurance exercises – walking quickly, jogging, swimming, cycling…
CLIMATE
The climate is that of high plateaux, marked by a wide variance of temperature between day and night, and between sunny and overcast days. It is possible for the temperature to drop below zero at night in the high camps, and to rise to 24 degrees by day. If it rains for one or two days the temperature plummets to 5 or 6 degrees. Rain is sudden in onset, but not long lasting.
HEALTH – FORMALITIES
Hepatitis A & B recommended
VISA
The validity of a tourist visa lasts in general for 3 months counting its date of issue. It authorises a stay of 1 month, effective from the date of entry into China.
Documentary requirements:
An up-to-date passport valid for more than 6 months after the return of the trip.
1 identity photograph, recent, black & white or in colour, 1 visa request form, filled in and signed. Ask for a tourist visa ‘L’.
Purpose of visit and destination: write Kunming Cost of visa (to be settled in cash) apr €35 for a single entry.
Delays in receipt:If your dossier is complete. The normal delay is 7 working days for an individual visa. Count on 10 days to be on the safe side)
CURRENCY
The local currency is the Yuan (1 Yuan = 1 €)
This information, was communicated to us in March 2007, and cannot be held to be our responsibility. The info can change! Verify it before departure.
BAGGAGE
Limited to 20kg, everything in 1 or 2 flexible and strong bags (not suitcases). Any extra charge made by the airline will be met by you. Cabin baggage (max dimensions 56cm x 45cm x 25cm) cannot contain any cutting tool (knife, scissors, nail scissors, etc), and the quantities of liquids authorised for each passenger is limited to 100ml per container. It is recommended that photographic equipment, spectacles, medications or other objects without which one cannot manage (in case of loss) should be in hand luggage. Backpacks are not authorised on horseback (risk of severe trauma from hard objects should one fall on one’s back).
- A very warm sleeping bag with Norwegian stile closures for temperatures below freezing
- 2 jeans or jodhpurs according to your convenience
- 1 heavy pullover, or polar fleece, one fine pullover (that you can put other things on top of)
- T-shirts and blouses/shirts with long sleeves (protection from the sun)
- A high altitude jacket, in down, or a parka
- Scarf, gloves, woollen hat, broad-brimmed hat (protection from sun)
- Waterproof garment, and 2 piece wind cheater
- Walking boots with gaiters, lighter shoes for less taxing activity, but still suited for walking.
- Flask, pocket knife, electric torch and batteries
- High specification sun glasses
- Toilet bag, sun cream (very high factor for lips and face in sufficient quantity)
- Towel
- Water will be at all camps, but moist wipes are often practical, toilet paper, small plastic bags will allow you to throw used articles in public dustbins
- Your usual medication for pain, eye lotion, tricosteril, medication for gastric flu and intestinal trouble, tablets for sore throats, wide spectrum antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, disinfectant tablets for water.
- Altitude-specific: Aspegic 1000, Duxil.
- Mild sleeping tablets, Diamox or Aldactazine (prescription only – do not use except on the advice of your doctor).
- Enough film for the whole stay, and batteries for photographic equipment.
- Leisure wear (lighter trousers) for visits and travelling other than on horseback.
- A pair of stirrup leathers if you have long legs: those you will get on site are difficult to adjust.
- All this to be packed deep in your bags in waterproof plastic (for crossing rivers)