Tibetan Highlands Ride Tibet Highland Tibet Over the years we’ve developed great friendships and watched the resurgence of Buddhism as temples are rebuilt. We’ve also seen the influx of Chinese immigrants and businesses and the subtle changes in the character of once purely Tibetan towns. So we have decided to move even deeper into Tibet to the Tagong region.  This is a unique horseback trek into the lives, land and culture of the Khampa nomads of eastern Tibet. We ride at over 10,000 feet above sea level along the divide between the Yangtze and Yellow River drainages, through wildflower- studded mountains. We visit with nomadic herdsmen and monks at small temples. This is a horsepacking trip without vehicle support. If you’re up for a ground-breaking and eye-popping adventure, with an itinerary that requires flexibility, patience and a sense of discovery, this may be the trip for you. Meeting: Chengdu Airport:   Chengdu Transfer: from Chengdu

Packages and Options

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2009 Itinerary

June 15  Arrive Chengdu, capital of Sichuan
June 16  Drive to Kanding via Erlangshan Tunnel. Enroute, visit the famous Luding Chain Bridge, where Mao once led the Red Army during the Long March. Overnight Kanding Hotel.  Elevation: 2,600m
June 17  Continue driving to Tagong via Zheduo Pass (4,962m). Overnight Tagong Hotel.
Elevation: approx 3,750m
June 18  Acclimation day in Tagong. In the afternoon, drive to nearby village to meet our
Khampa wranglers and horses. Overnight Tagong Hotel
June 19  Begin riding in the eastern Tibetan area of Kham
June 20-25  All day riding and camping out at night. Visit monasteries and small villages.
Spectacular views of nearby mountain ranges. Route includes one layover/rest day
June 26  Return via horseback to Tagong. Overnight Tagong Hotel
June 27  All day return drive to Chengdu
June 28  Free day. Sightseeing & shopping in Chengdu with local guide
June 29  Depart Chengdu

Optional Lhasa Extension (tiered pricing):
2-3 $1950.00,
4-5 $1875.00,
6-9 $1675.00,
10+ $1525.00
Single supplement: $240
Day 1 Fly from Chengdu to Lhasa
Day 2-5 Sightseeing in and around Lhasa including Potala, Drepung and Sera
Monasteries; also Xigatze, Gyantse, Tashilungpo Monastery
Day 6 Morning flight from Lhasa to Chengdu

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Tack:		traditional Tibetan
Horses:		Tibetan
Pace:		3-7 hours in the saddle
Level:		(2 out of 5)    Novice+
Weight:		Max 230
Riders:		Min 6	Max 12

Passport

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart. Passport must be valid for at least six months for a single or double entry within three months of the date of visa issue; at least nine months for multiple entries within six months.

Those wishing to visit Tibet are strongly advised to join a travel group. Individual travelers need an Alien's Travel Permit issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (see Contact Addresses). Applicants will need to show their Chinese Visa also.

Passport Note

(a) China does not recognize dual nationality.
(b) HIV-positive travelers are not permitted to enter the country.

 

Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. nationals of the UK travelling to Hong Kong only for stays of up to 180 days.
(b) 2. all nationals referred to in the chart above travelling only to Macao for stays of up to 90 days (except nationals of the USA for stays up to 30 days; and nationals of the UK for stays up to six months).  
(a) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting plane to another country within 24 hours who hold valid onward documentation and do not leave the airport.
(b) some passengers (not including nationals of the USA or UK) who transit through Pudong or Hongqiao airports only, with all necessary documentation, within 48 hours.

Visa Note

Journalists now need to apply for accreditation from the press department of the Chinese embassy before applying for a visa.

Business travelers are required to provide proof of a hotel booking in China and an official invitation from the Chinese Foreign Ministry when applying for a visa.

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist/Business/Transit UK nationals: £30 (single-entry); £45 (double-entry); £60 (multiple-entry; six months); £90 (multiple-entry; 12 months and two to five years). Group (at least five people): £24 per person. US nationals: £65 (single-, double- and multiple-entry). Group (at least five people): £55 per person. Visa charges for other nationals vary; check with embassy for further information.

Validity

Tourist, Business and Group visas are normally valid for three months from the date of issue (single- and double-entry). Multiple-entry visas are normally valid for six months, 12 months or two to five years. The validity of Business visas varies. Transit visas are generally valid for up to seven days.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses. Group visas will usually be obtained by the tour operator or travel agent.

Working Days Required

Four. Two weeks for Group visas. Applications should be made one month in advance. The express service (£15 fee) requires one day. Same-day service visas, which must be submitted before 11am, are available for a cost of £20. Visas, however, cannot be issued on the same day unless the same-day airline ticket or itinerary is presented.