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Beijing To Kunming

All content by Intrepid

15 days (ex Beijing)

Destinations visited: China, Běijīng, Kūnmíng, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

LAST MINUTE OFFER

Leave Jul 23, 2012 and save 25% $1,268

from USD$1,690

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Description

Travel to China and embark on an exciting journey from Beijing to Kunming. Visit iconic sights such as the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors and head out into the vast plains of Inner Mongolia to spend a night in the desert. Throw in the modern cities of Xi'an and Chengdu, add the diversity of China's colourful minority groups and perhaps even come face-to-face with a giant panda. Adventure awaits us around every corner as we take the back roads to Kunming.

Highlights

Explore the sights of Beijing City.
Embark on a desert camel safari.
Unlock the secrets of Xi'an.
Watch China's pandas at play.
Wander the flower and bird market in Kunming.
See the start of the ancient Silk Road.

Itinerary

Days 1-4 Beijing

Travel to China and delve into the culture and sights of Beijing. Explore the city's hutongs, wander the Forbidden City or take a trip to the Great Wall of China. There is plenty of free time to experience Beijing's exciting acrobat shows, enlightening museums, grand palaces and holy temples.

Days 5-7 Zhongwei/Camel Trek

Travel to the small town of Zhongwei, situated on the Yellow River and surrounded by desert, farmland and remnants of the Great Wall of China. Visit the Gao Miao temple and the sprawling night market before setting off into the sand dunes of the Tengger Desert. Experience an overnight camel safari through this dramatic scenery, enjoying a dinner under the stars.

Days 8-10 Xi'an

The lively Muslim Quarter is always full of activity and a great place for a sizzling kebab. Duck into the Great Mosque to take time out from the city bustle, check out the Bell and Drum tower or the Wild Goose Pagoda. A daytrip to the Terracotta Warriors is highly recommended, as is cycling the majestic Ming Dynasty wall for great views over Xi'an.

Days 11-13 Chengdu

The old-world charm of Chengdu is sure to delight. This city is the home of spicy Sichuan cuisine so be sure to seek out a traditional hotpot. For those feeling curious, take a cooking class and learn how to cook up a Sichuan storm. Visit the giant pandas at a non-for-profit breeding centre, spend free time drinking tea, exploring Chengdu's temples or perhaps having a relaxing massage.

Days 14-15 Kunming

The modern city of Kunming has some excellent markets tucked away in the quaint backstreets. Try and stay on after this trip has ended to see the Tang dynasty pagodas or visit the dramatic landscapes of the Stone Forest.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hostel (5 nts), Overnight sleeper train (4 nts), Hotel (2 nts), Guesthouse (2 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (1 nt)

Transport

Metro, Train, Taxi, Camel, Private Bus

Budget

Allow USD $200 for meals not included.

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from USD$1,690

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