Our small group adventures are ideal for people who are looking for something adventurous yet safe. Small group departures can operate with as few as six people but are limited to a maximum of twelve.
Our select escorted adventures will take you behind the scenery to discover Asia in safety and comfort. Our travel style will provide authentic experiences and the memories to match
We will take you to interesting out of the way places and provide insightful ways to experience Asia's great heritage. Our adventures are our own creation, we don't buy standard itineraries and we don't sub-contract. Each journey has been tested to ensure that it meets our service standard and we personally know our local providers.
2009 itineraries
PERSIAN TRILOGY April - Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran
GUILIN TO KATHMANDU May - China, Nepal
MONGOLIA and SIBERIA June - Mongolia, Russia
MANCHURIA and KAMCHATKA June - China, Russia
TEXTILE ARTS OF China June - China
JOURNEY TO THE WEST July - China
PAMIR HIGHWAY August - China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
GREAT SILK ROAD August - Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China
INDUS SILK ROUTE September - China, Pakistan
MAJESTIC HIMACHAL PRADESH September - Northern India
TEA ROUTE October - China
SOUTH EAST ASIA SILK ROUTE October - China, Myanmar
IRAN: A WOMEN'S PERSPECTIVE October - Iran
AUTUMN IN HUNZA October - Pakistan
2009 itineraries
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Persian Trilogy
22 days : commences Tashkent 21st April 2009
We think the Persian Silk Road is one of central Asia’s great unsung journeys. This itinerary traces the historic trade route along the western axis of the Silk Road between Tashkent and Shiraz to explore ancient Persia and contemporary Iran, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. We begin in Uzbekistan and travel to Turkmenistan and Iran as we explore the western line of the Silk Road and discover the rich architectural heritage of west Asia's great ancient cities and experience the cultural diversity at this historic crossroads of central Asian civilisations.
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Route:
Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara
Turkmenistan: Mary/Merv, Ashgabat
Iran: Mashaad, Shiraz, Esfahan, Tehran |
Cost:
NZ$8,995 per person based on twin share |
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Guilin to Kathmandu
24 days : commences Guilin 10th May 2009
Start in China’s picturesque city of Guilin and make a comfortable journey through the back roads of Guizhou province to explore the Miao and Dong tribal region before making a Yangtze 3 gorge cruise. At Chengdu we visit the Panda breeding reserve then by soft sleeper class take the Chengdu-Lhasa Express train to Lanzhou, Xining and Golmud to arrive in Lhasa, the forbidden city via the highest railway in the world. Beyond Lhasa we take the friendship highway to Gyantse and Shigatse, Tingri and Zhungmu to cross the Himalaya mountains and reach historic Kathmandu.
Option: Conclude in Lhasa. |
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Route:
China: Guilin, Guiyang, Yichang, Chongqing, Chengdu, Lanzhou, Xining, Golmud, Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Kathmandu |
Cost:
NZ$7,900 per person based on twin share |
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Mongolia and Siberia
18 days : commences Ulaanbaatar 7th June 2009
Discover Mongolia and Siberia on this unique 4x4 trip trip across Mongolia to the remote Western Bayan Olgii province where we cross into 'back blocks' Siberia to the strikingly picturesque Altay Republic.
Along the way we visit Mongolia’s ancient Kharkorin, Tsagann Nuur Volcanic National Park and Uuvs Nur Basin. In Siberia our route tracks across the forested Chuysky steppe to Kurai; where we break the journey for treks and easy walks in the spectacular Aktru mountains. Our route includes Chulyshman and Teletskoe Lake in the Altaian Nature Preserve through the forests and peaks of Siberia’s scenic Altay Republic to conclude at Novosibirsk. |
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Route:
Mongolia: Ulaan Baatar, Kharkhorin, Tsagann Lake, Khodrogo, Ulaan Gom,
Siberia: Kurai, Chulshman, Chemal, Baranaul, Novosibirsk. |
Cost:
NZ$8,795 per person based on twin share |
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Textile Arts of China
23 days : commences 19th June 2009
Sample China's textile arts with fabric artist and designer Jean Carbon. Our South East China programme includes the stunning needlework art of the Miao, Naxi and Dong nationalities in Yunnan and Guizhou provinces. Techniques of interest in this part of the tour are embroidery, silk folding, 9 spindle loom braiding, resist and indigo-dyeing.
In far west China’s Xinjiang province traditional silk spinning and weaving at Khotan are the primary focus along with the spectacular Sunday Market in historic Kashgar. The trip will conclude in beautiful Suzhou amongst the Yangtze River delta water villages. |
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Route:
China: Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, Guiyang, Kaili, Kashgar, Khotan, Shanghai, Suzhou |
Cost:
NZ$7,995 per person based on twin share |
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Journey to the West
20 days : commences Xian 21st July 2009
Follow the foootsteps of traders and pilgrims with us as we trace China's Silk Road from ancient Chang'an (Xian) to historic Kashgar. Our journey will take us from the heart of the Qin Empire to the 'wilderness' beyond the Great Wall. We get away from the standard routes to explore the rich heritage of those who settled in the shadow of the Great Wall and we trace the origins and history of nomadic people who inhabited the land beyond. We will experience the influence of the great civilisations that ebbed and flowed across this region of stunning landscapes, great archaeological treasures and facinating people.
Option:
Join our Pamir Highway journey at Kashgar.
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Route:
China: Xian, Tianshui, Lanzhou, Labrang, Xinning, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan, Korla, Aksu, Khotan, Kashgar |
Cost:
NZ$6,800 per person based on twin share |
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Tajikistan's Pamir Highway
22 days : commences Kashgar 8th August 2009
In August join us as we journey across the legendary Pamir Highway through the mountainous heart of Tajikistan to the Whakhan Corridor, source of the great Amu Darya River. Stunning landscapes, high plateaus and mountain hospitality and homestays are highlights on this journey into the headwaters of the mighty Amu Dara River. Our journey will take us into the knot of great mountains beyond the Hindu Kush, across Gorno-Badakhshan to the Wakhan corridor; to Dushanbe, Iskandarkul Lake in the Fan mountains and beyond to Samarkand and Tashkent.
Option:
Join our Great Silk Road journey at Samarkand
or extend by 4 days to include Bukhara. |
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Route:
China: Kashgar
Kyrgyzstan: Sarytash,
Tajikistan: Murghag Yamchun, Khorog, Dushanbe, Iskandarkul Lake
Uzbekistan: Samarkand, Tashkent |
Cost:
NZ$9,595 per person based on twin share |
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Great Silk Road
27 days : commences Tashkent 25th August 2009
Explore the world’s greatest land trade route from Bukhara and Samarkand to Tashkent, Bishkek, Kashgar, Turpan, Dunhuang and Xian on this relaxed journey following in the footsteps of Marco Polo. We compliment the stunning landscapes, diverse cultures and ancient cities along Central Asia’s ‘golden road’ by including time to sample Kyrgyzstan’s beautiful mountainous Issykul region with some easy walks and sightseeing plus a fully supported yurt stay experience with a Kyrgyz nomad family.
Our China itinerary commences at historic Kashgar; ancient trade hub on the Silk Road and site of the legendary Sunday market. We include the old Silk Road oasis of Turpan and Dunhuang as well as Jiayuguan, site of the most western extent of the Ming dynasty great wall and conclude in Xian; ancient Chang'an where Emperor Qin Shihuang's great tomb and its army of terracotta warriors was constructed.
Option:
Join our Indus Silk Route itinerary in Kashgar |
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Route:
Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Ferghana,
Kyrgyzstan: Osh, Bishkek, Issykul Lake, Karakol, Naryn,
China: Kashgar, Turpan, Urumqi, Dunhuang, Xian, Shanghai or Beijing |
Cost:
NZ$9,500 per person twin share |
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Indus Silk Route
19 days : commences Kashgar 11th September 2009
The trip from Kashgar's desert Oasis to Hunza's mountain retreat via 4,700m Khunjerab pass is an SRA classic. Here are all the ingredients for the trip of a lifetime. Stunning scenery, friendly people, easy walks and engaging village lifestyles are reason enough to make the journey across the Karakoram mountains to Hunza. Our route takes us to Gilgit and beyond where we'll discover a different world amongst the craggy gorges of the Indus Valley as we travel upstream to Skardu, capital of Baltistan,Pakistan's 'Little Tibet' in the heart of the Karakoram mountains. We take a short flight to Islamabad and conclude our journey in the historic cultural capital of Lahore.
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Route:
China: Kashgar, Tashkorgan
Pakistan: Gulmit, Karimabad,Gilgit, Skardu, Islamabad,, Lahore. |
Cost:
NZ$5,200 per person based on twin share |
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Majestic Himachal Pradesh
23 days : commences Delhi 10th September 2009
This small group itinerary will suit anyone looking for a relaxed and informal way to explore India's majestic Himachal Prahesh by less travelled routes. Our goal for the first stage of this trip is the Nanda Devi Scantuary with its verdant meadows, forests and spectacular scenery. We include a mix of historic hill resorts and remote regions tucked along the flank of the Indian Himalaya mountains. Our ultimate objective is the stunning Spiti district with its clear running rivers, craggy peaks and clifftop monasteries The journey also includes picturesque Manali, stunning mountainscapes and a classic Raj era heritage hotel stay. |
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Route:
India: Delhi, Chamoli, Nanda Devi Scantuary, Deharadun, Simla, Kaza, Manali |
Cost:
NZ$7,250 per person based on twin share |
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Yunnan-Tibet Tea Route
15 days : commences Lhasa 06th October 2009
Get well and truly off the beaten track in Tibet’s remote south eastern region on this cross-country exploration of the historic Lhasa-Kunming tea route. Follow the spectacular Mekong gorges to the valleys and plateaux of Tibet’s Kham region where western travellers are still a novelty. Seriously big rivers, ancient pine forests, azalea shrub lands, rhododendron groves and spectacular grasslands combine with magnificent scenery, authentic cultures and vast open landscapes to make the trip a classic journey . This is a great trip for people who appreciate remote places, simple yet comfortable facilities and an occasional challenge.
Option:
Join our south-east Asia group in Zhogdian-Shangri La |
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Route:
China: Chengdu, Lhasa, Nakchu, Baqen, Chamdo, Wamda, Deqen, Zhogdian, Kunming |
Cost:
NZ$7,150 per person based on twin share |
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Iran: A Woman's Perspective
22 days : commences Bandar Abbas October 2009 date to be confirmed
Following the pattern of our womens perspective programmes in Pakistan this will be a unique opportunity to learn about the role of women in Iranian society, to meet women of different ethnic and religious backgrounds and to explore the diversity between women in urban and nomadic socio-economic situations.
The trip will include some touring, sites of cultural and historic interest as well as a chance to get into some less travelled regions in safety and comfort.. |
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Route:
Iran: Bandar Abbas, Bam, Kerman, Yazd, Shiraz, Esfahan, Kashan, Sanandaj, Urumiyeh Tabriz, Tehran |
Cost:
NZ$9,595 per prson based on twin share |
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Autumn in Hunza
20 days : commences Lahore 11th October 2009
A perfect time to visit Pakistan when the valleys of the northern mountains are resplendent with autumn colours. This is an easy but wide ranging and diverse trip that includes Baltistan as well as Hunza. Comfortable accommodation, pleasant weather conditions and plenty of opportunities for short walks and village visits are highlights of this journey which also includes an excursion to the Pakistan-China border at Khunjerab Pass National Park, Gilgit and Skardu; 'little Tibet' in Baltistan. We include historic Lahore and contemporary Islamabad to showcsae Pakistan's cultural heritage and diversity.. |
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Route:
Pakistan: Lahore, Skardu, Gilgit, Karimabad, Bulmit, Sost, Khunjerab Pass, Misgar Village, Gilgit, Islamabad |
Cost:
NZ$4,995 per person based on twin share |
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SE Asia Silk Route
21 days : commences Kunming October 2009 date to be confirmed
Discover Yunnan’s wonderful cultural heritage and stunning scenery as we trace two historic routes from the edge of the Tibet plateau to the ancient Burmese kingdom of Pagan. We follow the historic route of the Burma Road from Dali to the China-Myanmar border and take the WWII Ledo Link Road across the Kachin hills to Bhamo on the Ayeyarwaddy River and cruise down to Mandalay by charter boat to explore the “Golden Land” of Myanmar (Burma) with its spectacular archaeological site at Bagan and the handcrafted silks, silver and wood carvings at pristine Inle Lake’s magical floating villages. |
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Route:
China: Kunming, Zhogdian, Lijiang, Dali, Tengchong,
Myanmar Muse, Bhamo, 2 nights on cruise, Mandalay, Bagan, Inle Lake, Yangon |
Cost:
NZ$7,400 per person based on twin share |
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