Peninsula Outdoor School Expeditions Catalog 2014/2015

EXPEDITIONS

2014 | 2015

Each of the trips that you will find in this catalog has been designed to showcase a region of Asia using

the method and pace of travel best suited to it. We have established relationships with local service pro-

viders and community leaders to ensure that safety and quality of experience remain a top priority.

We carefully recruit and hire our field instructors based on character and relevant experience. Their

mission is to equip you with the skills and proficiencies that you will need to travel and live well in the

places you are encountering.We only use restaurants and accommodations that we would take our own

families to. And we choose routes and itineraries that strike that fine balance between challenge and

enjoyment. In short, we only design and operate the kinds of trip that we would want to go on.

EXPEDITIONS 2014 | 2015

Our 2014/2015 catalog includes four backpacking trips and four cycling trips in Cambodia, Vietnam,

Mongolia, and China. They range in length from seven to fourteen days and, if needed, can be custom-

ized to suit your group’s particular needs. We’ve designed trips that can be enjoyed by a broad range

of participants of different experience and ability levels. Custom itineraries and curriculum sets can be

designed on request. Itineraries can also be combined for groups wishing to explore several regions in

the space of one trip. Please direct all inquiries and custom requests to your region’s Account Manager.

Foreign travel and expeditions to faraway places can be intimidating. Our support team is made of

experts who have been participants on the kind of trips that we run and know exactly what it’s like to

be in your shoes, both as participants and as leaders. Our field guides are experienced professionals

who are passionate about outdoor education and the places they guide in. Our staff team is commited

to ensuring that your trips are safe, fun and memorable in the best way possible. From the moment

you contact us about one of our trips to the moment you arrive home, we are here to support you every

step of the way. Our mission is to give you a positive adventure travel experience from start to finish.

If you aren’t having the experience of a lifetime, we aren’t doing our job.

OUR TRIPS

OUR MISSION

Mongolia Backpacking

Vietnam Cycling

Shangri-La Backpacking

Cambodia Cycling

Qinghai Lake Cycling

14 day s of backpacking in some of the world’s most pristine landscapes.

See Asia’s most bicycle-friendly country from the seat of a bike.

Hike through the otherworldly landforms of China’s hidden kingdom.

Sun-soaked roads and friendly faces in the beautiful Khmer Kingdom.

Explore China’s biggest lake set on the stunning Tibetan Plateau .

03

05

07

09

11

1

2

3

4

5Niru Region Backpacking

Minya Konka Backpacking

Yubeng Backpacking

Discover ‘The Hike into Heaven’, one of China’s classic mountain routes.

Circle the mighty Snow Mountain while taking in the beauty of Sichuan.

Epic scenery and friendly locals make Deqin County a popular hike destination.

13

15

17

6

7

8

Located in the landlocked plateau of Central Asia between China and Russia, Mongolia covers a territory larger than that of Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy combined. As one of largest countries in the world, Mongolia’s considerable size includes a fabulous array of pristine landscapes and a nomadic people whose lives are in many ways unaffected from the days of Genghis Khan and his mighty Mongol Empire. Mongolia is an ideal place for trekkers with its vast green steppes with short hills, beautiful mountains and river valleys. Its deep blue sky makes travelling in the region even more beautiful and enjoyable. This hiking trip features a gentle route that leads through rolling hills past blue rivers, alpine lakes and hilly steppes. Along the way we will have opportunities to encounter the kind and generous Mongolian people, to experience their way of life and to learn more about their culture and how they preserve it. This trip is an excellent choice for groups looking to immerse themselves in a wilderness landscape, learn new skills, and get a glimpe into nomadic communities.

MONGOLIA BACKPACKING 14 DAYS

03 - Peninsula Outdoor School | Expeditions 2014/2015

DayOne

Arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport; private bus transfer to hotel. Check in to hotel and meet the

Peninsula Outdoor School staff team. Afternoon trip orientation, map, routes, and travel technique overview.

Dinner followed by wilderness packing and travel lesson at hotel. Gear and form checks. Overnight at hotel.

W www.peninsulaos.org | T +86 755 2900 7272 | E [email protected]

DaysThree-Five

Depart hotel and drive to Terelj National Park. Transfer to the ger camp and check in to your very first Mon-

golian traditional accommodation. Begin hiking toward Gun-Galuut in the sacred valley of the Tuul River and

Terelj Mountains. Enjoy the natural beauty, stunning views and fresh air. Camping in gers and tents.

Ulaanbataar Trip Prep

Terelj National Park

DayTwo

Late breakfast at hotel. Check out and guided tour of Ulaanbaatar city, the Gandan Monastery, the Genghis

Square, National Museum and Bogd Khan’s Palace. Welcome lunch hosted at a Mongolian restaurant. Meet the

local Mongolian guides and logistics staff. Dinner and group initiatives; overnight at hotel.

City Tour Ulaanbataar

Expeditions 2014/2015 | Peninsula Outdoor School - 04

TRIP ITINERARY D1+D2: Transport and Trip Staging D3-D7: Hike from Terelj to Tuul Valley D8-D11: Hike from Tuul to Gun-Galuut D12-D14: Ulanbataar Tourism,

Trip Wrap-up + Departure

DaysSix-Eight

DaysNine-Eleven

DayTwelve

DayThirteen

Tuul River Valley

Gun-Galuut Reserve

Ulaanbaatar Folklore

Ulaanbaatar Markets

DayFourteen

Wrap-Up + Departure

Hike to the Tuul River through flowered steppes and the picturesque Gurvan Bayan Mountains under

wide blue skies. Continue hiking through the valleys of the Hushinga Mountains toward Bayandelger, includ-

ing a short challenging hike to the top of Mt. Hushinga for panoramic views of the Tuul River Valley.

Completion of hiking section with arrival at Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve. Welcome and barbeque lunch . Rest

until dinner: take a shower, optional day hikes, fishing, or Mongolian-style archery. Celebration dinner and

Mongolian folklore storytelling at a bonfire party. Overnight camping in traditional gers.

After breakfast we drive back to Ulaanbaatar for two hours and transfer to the hotel. On the way back we

will stop for a visit at the Giant Genghis Kahn monument, a 46-metre tall monument located among beautiful

natural scenery on the banks of Tuul River. Check into hotel. Folklore concert and dinner a local restaurant.

Today is our leisure day in Ulaanbaatar! We’ll have a city guide and a driver to show us around. This is

the best time for souvenirs shopping and to get super-cool shots of you and your friends in the Mongolian me-

tropolis. Group and individual tour options. Evening trip closing and talent show. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Check out of hotel; optional morning visit to the local market, a great place to grab snacks

for the flights home and a relaxing foot massage. Lunch and final group meeting at a local restuarant. Private

bus transfer to Ulaanbaatar’s Chinggis Khaan International Airport to catch your flights home.

Lying on the eastern part of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is a strip of land shaped like the letter “S”. China borders it to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, the East Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the east and south. The country’s total length from north to south is 1,650km. Its width, stretching from east to west, is 600km at the widest point in the north, 400km in the south, and 50km at the narrowest part, in the centre, in Quang Binh Province. Vietnam’s gentle topography, friendly people and tropical climate make it a popular destination for cyclists from around the world. Our Hanoi-to-Saigon route will give participants an taste of the broad variety of culture and terrain that Vietnam has to offer: lush rainforests, sandy beaches, impressive rock formations, and bustling cities all seen from the seat of a bike in Asia’s most bicycle-friendly country.

VIETNAM CYCLING 14 DAYS


DayOne

Arrival in Hanoi. Transfer from the airport to the city and check into the hotel. An optional city bicycle is on

offer this afternoon, taking you past various places of interest including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the

Temple of Literature. We’ll learn the local road rules then have our first group dinner. Welcome to Vietnam!


DayThree

After breakfast we ride to KimTan and CamThuy towns. Next,smooth tarmac and gentle hills on the Ho Chi

Minh highway to NgocLac, LamSon and YenCat. At YenCat, we travel to BenSung town, North Vietnam, with

imposing mountains and rice terraces. It is also home to the colourful Hmong, Dzao and Tay hill tribes.

Arrival + Prep in Hanoi

CucPhuong - ThanUyen

DayTwo

This morning we leave Hanoi and drive for an hour to busy LuongSon, then cycle 25 km on a sealed country

road through rice fields to BaiChao. We continue 13 km to KimBoi, then another 33 km on country roads to

LacSon. Then an hour’s drive to CucPhuong National Park. Overnight in a local guest house.

Hanoi - CucPhuong


TRIP ITINERARY D1+D2: Transport and Trip Staging D7-D12: Cycle from Hue to MuiNe D13+D14:Trip Wrap-up in Saigon

DaysFour-Six

DaysSeven-Nine

DaysTen-Twelve

DayThirteen

ThanUyen - Hué

Hué - QuiNhon

QuiNhon - MuiNe

MuiNe to Saigon

DayFourteen

Saigon Departure

Days Four through Six will see us tour the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail. The route follows steady climbs and

relaxed descents through towns like CamLo and Dongha. In the evening of Day Six we drive ninety minutes to

the quaint city of Hué, on the banks of the ‘Perfume River’. Overnight accommodation at a local hotel.

On the morning of Day Seven we leave Hué City and pedal toward the beautiful coastal city of HoiAn, famous

for traditional architecture, textiles and crafts. Day Eight we will relax in HoiAn with a lazy morning and

afternoon trip to the beach. Day Nine we travel from HoiAn to QuiNhon City, where we’ll stay for the night.

Day Ten takes us on a winding, breezy route from QuiNhon to the coastal city of NhaTrang. Day Eleven we

ride inland on a new road through a tropical forest to the beautiful mountain resort of DaLat. Day Twelve we

cycle from DaLat through pine forests via the rolling road back to sea level to the famous beaches of MuiNe.

This morning there is time to relax at the beach or beside the pool before transfer by van to Saigon. Saigon is

Vietnam’s largest city and is adorned with wide boulevards and historic French colonial buildings. This even-

ing we will have our ‘Farewell dinner’ in this bustling and vibrant city. Overnight in a local hotel.

Following a healthy breakfast and tall glass of fresh orange juice, you are free to continue to explore Saigon

until your transfer to Ho Chi Minh Airport. We will help you package your bicycles and gear and get you to the

airport with plenty of time to gather your thoughts and catch your plane home.

D3-D6: Cycle from CucPhuong to Hue

Located at point where Tibet, Sichuan province and Yunnan province all meet, Shangri-La is one China’s hidden wilderness gems. Since it first appeared in British novelist James Hilton’s Lost Horizon in 1939, it has been associated with the mystique of a place that could not possibly exist here on Earth. In the Tibetan language Shangri-La means the “sun and moon in heart”, in reference to an ideal home only found in heaven.There the lofty and continuous snowy mountains, endless grasslands, steep and grand gorges, azure lakes and the bucolic villages always leave a deep impression on visitors. The region is inhabited by many different ethnic groups, with Tibetans comprising the majority of the population. The unique scenery, highlighted by soaring plateaus, together with the fascinating ethnic culture makes any trip to Shangri-La an experience that will never be forgotten.

SHANGRI-LA BACKPACKING 14 DAYS


DayOne

Group arrives at Lijiang Airport. Transfer to Lijiang hotel and check-in. Free afternoon to recover from trip,

make last-minute gear, clothing, and food purchases. Meet the Peninsula team and enjoy a welcome dinner at

local restaurant. Evening gear and form checks, trip overview and icebreakers. Overnight at hotel.


DaysThree-Five

Breakfast at hotel. Load the bus and travel to Lugu Lake. Evening Mosuo Bonfire Party . Day Four travel from

Lugu Lake to Wenquan. Relax sore muscles in the natural hot springs then continue to Lijiazui Village. Over-

night at the Wujiaoxiang River Valley Campsite. Day Five hike through Dakeguduo Pass to Qiongyin Village.

Lijiang Trip Prep

Lijiang to Qiongyin

DayTwo

Brunch at hotel. Equipment checks, orientation and a chance to meet you local guides and logistics team. Free

time in the afternoon to see Lijiang. Join our guided tour or explore on your own. Check out the Lijiang Old

Town, take a sidecar motorcycle tour, or pick up some oddities at the Lijiang Fair. Overnight at hotel.

City Tour Lijiang


TRIP ITINERARY D1+D2: Lijiang Staging + City Tour D3-D8: Lijiang City to Gaulo Village D9-D12: Gaulo Village to Daocheng D12-D14: Daocheng to Chengdu

DaysSix-Eight

DaysNine-Eleven

DayTwelve

DayThirteen

Qiongyin to Galuo

Galuo to Daocheng

Daocheng to Chengdu

Chengdu Sightseeing

DayFourteen

Wrap-Up + Departure

Depart from Qiongyin Village for a morning hike through Qiongyinshan Pass to Ludu Village. Quick hike

through the Tongtian River Valley with a stop at the historic Shuiluo Bridge. Overnight at the Tongtian River

Valley Campsite. Day Eight Hike to Galuo Village via the Xianuoduoji Pass. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day Nine dpearture from Xianuoduoji Pass with a brief stop to check out the Chonggu Monastery. Overnight

hostel stay and night sky presentation in Yading Village. Day Ten hike through the grassy Luorong Pasture to

Milk Lake. Day Eleven bus transfer to Daocheng. Celebration dinner and overnight stay at guesthouse.

Brunch at guesthouse. Group debrief at the Rupuchaka Hot Springs. Gear maintenance, laundry and showers in

Daocheng town. Domestic flight transfer from Daocheng Airport to Chengdu, the Panda City. Check into hotel

and evening meal at a local restaurant followed by an optional visit to the Leshan Grand Buddha.

Chengdu Sightseeing Day: Join the group as we travel to the world-famous Panda Research Base or take time

away to explore Chengdu’s other highlights: Wenshu Temple, Emei Mountain, The Dujiangyan Irrigation

Project, and a series of old towns that ring the municipality. Overnight at a locally-run hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Morning visit to nearby Jinli Village, a tourist hotspot, to exlpore local shops, enjoy a foot

massage and, if time permits, take a zipline ride across the valley. Final group lunch meeting, acknowledge-

ments and photos. Check out of hotel and bus transfer to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.

Cambodia is a country in Southeast Asia of incredible beauty, with famous breathtaking temples, fertile plains dotted with rice fields, and a history unlike any other. The dominant religion is Buddhism, which places value on hospitality and kindness. Each year, Cambodia draws millions of tourists who come to enjoy the country’s breathtaking sights and enter the walls of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat - one of the seven wonders of the world. Now that even more remote roads are being paved, Cambodia is completely viable as a cycling destination in both the dry and wet seasons, something that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. The showers usually come in the late afternoon and can be quite refreshing after a hot day in the saddle. Our Cambodia takes a relaxed route that captures the true essence of Cambodia: bustling cities and quaint villages, tropical forests and rushing rivers; all enojoyed in a comfortable climate with enough time to stop and soak it all in.

CAMBODIA CYCLING 14 DAYS


DayOne

Arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport. Meet the Peninsula team outside arrival terminal and transfer

to the hotel. Afternoon trip to the Silver Pagoda, the Royal Palace and the National Museum of Khmer Art.

Welcome dinner, group orientation and icebreakers. Overnight at a hotel in Phnom Penh.


DaysThree-Five

Transfer for domestic flight to Banlung, capital of Rattanakiri Province, nicknamed “the Red City” Drive

by jeep on rough roads to explore the surrounding waterfalls at Teuk Cha Ong and Okachang. Drive north

towards Laos and the village of Taveng. Head northwest through bamboo forests to the village of Voeune Sai.

Arrive Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh – Banlung

DayTwo

Breakfast at your hotel. Morning priavte bus to visit the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, home to a

menagerie of rescued animals including sunbears, pythons, tigers, and eagles. In the afternoon explore the

colorful Russian and Central markets. Sunset cruise on the Mekong River. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh


TRIP ITINERARY D1 + D2: Transport and Trip Staging D3 - D8: Phnom Penh to Kampong D9 - D11: Kampong to Angkor Wat D12 - D14: Tour Siam Reap

DaysSix-Eight

DaysNine-Eleven

DayTwelve

DayThirteen

Banlung - Kampong

Kampong - Angkor Wat

Siem Reap -Angkor Wat

Siem Reap -Kbal Spean

DayFourteen

Depart Siem Reap

This is time for early morning shopping at the Banlung market before a short trip to the volcanic lake of Yak

Lom. Morning transfer by private vehicle to Kratie. The other reason for visiting this area is to try to catch a

glimpse of the endangered Irrwaddy Dolphin. Visit Wat Nokor, an 11 century Mahayana Buddhist shrine.

In the morning, ride to a rubber plantation in Chup. On the way to Kompong Thom, stop to visit Phnom Pros &

Srei. Climb the 980 steps of Phnom Santuk. Drive to Sambor Prei Kuk, a pre-Angkorian complex temples built

between 616-635 AD. Visit pre-Angkorian temple in Rolous Group including Preah Ko, Bakong, Lo Lei.

Early morning, watch the picturesque sunrise at Angkor Wat, before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Visit

the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun. Afternoon visit the magnificent 12th century Angkor Wat,

and see a picturesque sunset at Phnom Bakheng. Overnight at a local guesthouse in Siem Reap.

Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion to Banteay Srei and Kbal Spean(River of Thousand Lingas), an Angkorian

era archaeological site on the southwest slopes of the Kulen Hills to the northeast of Angkor in Siem Reap Dis-

trict. Afternoon, visit to Grand Circuit including East Mebon, Pre Rup, + Preah Khan. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Breakfast at your hotel. Boat trip on Tonle Sap, The Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia

and is an ecological hot spot that was designated as a UNESCO biosphere in 1997. Visit the floating village and

grab some photos with the residents. Private bus transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Qinghai Lake, China’s largest lake, is sandwiched between Hainan and Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures in northeastern Qinghai. The lake is located at the crossroads of several bird migration routes across Asia. Many species use Qinghai as an intermediate stop during migration, adding their presence to the unique beauty of the lake and its surrounding area. At the tip of the peninsula on the western side of the lake are the “Bird Islands” (Cormorant Island and Egg Island), which have been bird sanctuaries of the Qinghai Lake Natural Protection Zone since 1997. Qinghai Lake is one of the most popular rides in China. The lake is also a stage for the popular Qinghai Lake International Cycling Race that is held every year in July, the same time as the Tour De France.

QINGHAI LAKE CYCLING 9 DAYS


DayOne

Arrival Xining Airport. Meet the guide team from Peninsula Outdoor School. Check into hotel. Lunch and

afternoon tour of Xining, a growing metropolis and a melting pot for the many cultures that inhabit the region.

Dinner at a local restaurant. Evening trip orientation, bicycle/gear and form checks. Overnight at hotel.


DayThree

Breakfast at hostel. Depart on bicycles from Xihai to the 151 Base of Qinghai Lake, regarded as the most beauti-

ful scenic spot on thelake. After biking, we will take cruise to explore the beautiful lake, a great chance to rest

tired legs and enjoy the crisp air. Evening dinner and group check-in at the world-famous Qinghai Lake Hotel.

Arrival in Xining

Xihai to 151 Base

DayTwo

Breakfast at hotel. Check out and morning Xining Market visit. Transfer 100km from Xining to Xihai Town,

the capital town of Haibei Tibetan Prefecture in Qinghai. The town is famous for the grassland, namely golden

and silver grassland. Tune-up ride to adjust bikes and review travel procedures. Dinner and overnight at hostel.

Xining to Xihai


TRIP ITINERARY D1+D2: Xining City and Trip Staging D3+D4: Bike from Xihai to Heimahe D5-D7: Bike from Heimahe to Xihai D8+D9: Xihai to Xining City

DayFour

DayFive

DaysSix+Seven

DayEight

151 Base to Heimahe

Heimahe to Buhahe

Buhahe to Xihai

Xihai to Xining

DayNine

Wrap-Up + Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and depart 151 Base for the flowered plains of Jiangxigou, home to the middle

stage of the Tour of Qinghai, the international cycling race held in the Qinghai region every year since 2002.

Late afternoon arrival at Heimahe. Pitch tents and set up camp for the night. Overnight camping in tents.

Wake up and break camp. Breakfast at a local restaurant. Depart Heimahe on the scenic route that leads to the

small town of Buhahe. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch, then cycle away from the traffic onto quiet roads alongside

the lake. We will cycle in an area of peaceful tranquility until we reach our overnight camping spot in Buhahe.

Set off along the west bank of the lake for another 25km, then on the national road again to Quanji, where we

will have lunch. Ride to Gangcha, where there is time to relax a bit and grab a shower. Leave Gangcha and the

water behind to head back toward Xihai, passing though several small villages. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Wake up and breakfast at the hotel. Morning relaxed ride through Haiyan County. The cycling section of the

trip will end with lunch at a local restaurant followed by a bus transfer to return Xining. Check into hotel. Cel-

ebration dinner and trip wrap-up at a local restaurant. Free evening to explore Xining and overnight at hotel.

Wake up and breakfast at the hotel. Check out and morning visit to the Kumbum Monastery, one of the six

largest Geluk (Yellow Hat) monasteries. Explore the garden-like architectural complex that boasts a blend of

both Han and Tibetan architecture. Local restaurant lunch followed by bus transfer to Xining Airport.

Trekking from Niru to Yading is recognized as one of China’s classic hiking routes. Known as the “Hike into Heaven,” this rustic hiking route encounters all types of natural landscapes: mountains, lakes, grasslands, valleys, rocks, forests, canyons, and marshes. The backpacking starting point, Niru Village, is located at the confluence of three rivers and is surrounded by a thousand square kilometres of virgin forests, raging rapids, and alpine meadows. Travelers will encounter Tibetan villages nestled deep in the thick forests and a temperate climate that has created one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. The backpacking ending point - Yading Village, famous for its pristine land-scapes, is revered by the local people as the “the last piece of pure land on the blue planet.”

NIRU REGION BACKPACKING 9 DAYS


DayOne

Arrival at Dêqên Shangri-La Airport. Private bus transfer to Shangri-La Town. Check in to hotel and meet the

Peninsula Outdoor School guide team. Afternoon guided historic tour of Shangri-La. Welcome dinner followed

by trip overview, route discussion and wilderness packing review. Gear and form checks. Overnight at hotel.


DayThree

Wake up and breakfast at campsite. Break camp and begin hiking from Niru trailhead. Lunch on the trail next

to crystal-clear Selai Mountain Lake. In the afternoon we will cross through the Nanbao (‘Strong Man’) Farm-

lands en route to our day’s destination, Xinsaihe. Set up camp, dinner and group check-in. Overnight in tents.

Shangri-La Arrival

Niru to Xinsaihe

DayTwo

Wake up and breakfast at hotel. Check out of hotel and morning visit to the Shangri-La open air market to

buy last-minute supplies and mix with the locals. Restaurant lunch followed by private bus transfer to Niru Vil-

lage. Set up at trailhead and campfire dinner. Evening night sky presentation and overnight in tents.

Shangri-La to Niru


TRIP ITINERARY D1+D2: Transport and Trip Staging D3+D4: Hike from Niru to Yada D5-D7: Hike from Yada to Yading D8+D9: Shangri-La+Departure

DayFour

DaysFive+Six

DaySeven

DayEight

Xinsaihe to Yada

Yada to Kasiniupeng

Kasiniupeng to Yading

Yading to Shangri-La

DayNine

Wrap-Up + Departure

Wake up and breakfast at Xinsaihe. Break camp and late morning departure. Look to the west as we follow a

rocky path that winds through the spectacular Rida Pass. Picnic lunch break and after descent to the Yala Farm

Stead. Open fire dinner and local folklore storytelling. Overnight camping in tents at Yada.

Wake up and breakfast at Yala Farmstead. Depart and travel to Nigong Village for lunch. Overnight camping

in Dongyiqu. Day Six morning we break camp and depart for Kasi Village,the gateway to Kasi Gorge. Two

hours trekking along the bottom of the gorge will take us to the Kasi Yak Farm, our home for the night.

Wake up and depart Kasiniupeng, trekking down to reach Songduo Pass, offering us a view of Milk Lake and

two snowy peaks, Chenrezi and Chenadorje. Short rest near Milk Lake, then continue trekking through virgin

forests. toward Yading Village. Dinner, hot showers and overnight accommodation at a local Yading hostel.

Late wake up and brunch at the Yading hostel. Check out and private bus trasnfer to Shangri-La. Check in

Shangri-la Hotel. Free afternoon to explore Shangri-La: markets, local shops, tea houses, and foot massages.

Dinner at the hotel followed by a trip wrap-up, acknowledgements and group photos. Overnight at hotel.

Wake up and breakfast at Shangri-La Hotel. Check out of hotel and guided tour of Square Street in Shangri-La

Old Town. Lunch at the Silent Holy Stones restaurant followed by a private bus transfer to Dêqên Shangri-La

Airport. Depart for home or other local trip options: Tiger Leaping Gorge or Yubeng Backpacking Adventure.

Minya Konka, commonly known as Gongga Snow Mountain, is located in Sichuan Province in the southwest corner of China. Locals refer to Minya Konka as the King of the Sichuan Mountains. The Minya Konka region has recently recieved a great deal of media attention and a spike in tourism following the publication of an article in the Chinese version of National Geogrphic highlighting the beauty of the area. Our backpacking trip takes a classic route that circles the base of Gongga Snow Mountain rather than hike to the top. Minya Konka is an ideal trip for groups looking for a shorter hiking trip with amazing scenery and opportunities to meet and interact with locals in the Tibetan communities that dot the trail. Accommodation will be in tents, hostels and hotels, with the majority of our nights spent in tents along the trail. Minya Konka can be visited year round, but the best time of year to visit is between the months of May and November.

MINYA KONKA BACKPACKING 8 DAYS


DayOne

Arrival in Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. Private bus transfer to hotel in Chengdu and check in.

Meet the Peninsula Outdoor School team. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon walking tour of Chengdu, including

visits to Qing Yang Gong Temple and the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.


DaysThree+Four

Wake up and depart base camp to begin hike section. Follow a small hiking trail across several small streams

en route to Bawanghai Lake, an excellent spot to eat lunch and take a swim. After lunch we continue through

the afternoon to Gongga Temple, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in the region. Overnight in tents.

Arrival and Chengdu

Chengdu to Gongga

DayTwo

Wake up and breakfast at the hotel. Check out and morning visit to the Chengdu Market hunting for last-

minute food and gear purchases. Private bus transfer to the trailhead base camp. Set up and campfire dinner

followed by teambuilding, wilderness packing lesson, route overview and gear checks. Overnight in tents.

Chengdu to Base Camp


TRIP ITINERARY D1+D2: Transport and Trip Staging D3+D4: Hike from Chengdu to Gongga D5+D6: Hike from Gongga to Chengdu D7+D8: Chengdu + Departure

DayFive

DaySix

DaySeven

DayEight

Gongga to Yada Pass

Yada Pass to Chengdu

Chengdu Panda Base

Chengdu and Jinli

Wake up, break camp and depart Gongga Temple for Zimei Pass, offering us stunning views of the snow

mountain above us. Descend from the Zimei Pass in Zimei Town, a traditional Tibetan mountain village.

Enjoy lunch among the villagers then continue to Yaha Pass, arrive at campsite. Overnight in tents.

Late morning wake up and campfire brunch. Depart Yada pass and descent to trail’s end and rendezvous point.

Completion of the hiking section. Private bus transfer to hostel. Showers, clean clothes and free afternoon to

recover from the trip and explore Chengdu. Celebration dinner and bonfire party. Overnight at hostel.

Wake up and late breakfast at the hostel. Private bus transfer to Chengdu’s world-famous Giant Panda Re-

search and Breeding Base, where thousands of visitors from around the world enjoy the opportunity to get close

to the endangered species every year. Evening meal at a nearby Tibetan restaurant. Overnight at hostel.

Wake up and breakfast at the hostel. Check out and private bus transfer to Jinli Village for a walking tour of

the historic town. Lunch in Jinli followed by a bus transfer to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport or ad-

ditional trip options: Yubeng Backpacking, Shangri-La Backpacking or a trip offered by one of our partners.

The Minya Konka Mountain Range

The Yubeng area is located toward the southeast coner of Meili Snow Mountain Range in China’s Yunnan Province. Yubeng is entirely surrounded by mountains making access from the outside difficult and preserving the simple lifestyle enjoyed by its inhabitants. The only means of access if a small postal road through a mountain pass. The untouched scenery and unique folk culture have attracted the curiosity of the public and brought more tourism to the region. Our Yubeng hiking route is suitable for groups of all ability levels and different levels of hiking experience.

YUBENG BACKPACKING 8 DAYS


DayOne

Arrival at Dêqên Shangri-La Airport. Private bus transfer to Shangri-La Town. Check in to hotel and meet the

Peninsula Outdoor School guide team. Afternoon guided historic tour of Shangri-La. Welcome dinner followed

by trip overview, route discussion and wilderness packing review. Gear and form checks. Overnight at hotel.


DayThree

Wake up, breakfast and check out of hostel. Private transfer to trailhead; hiking section begins. We will cross

a bridge and follow a narrow trail through the Ninong Gorge. Lunch on the trail; continue hiking towards to

Xiayubeng, the ‘Mystery Village’. Greet the villagers, buy dinner supplies and set up camp. Overnight in tents.

Arrival + Shangri-La

Dequin to Xiayubeng

DayTwo

Wake up, breakfast and check out of hotel. Bus transfer to Deqin County. Visit local open air market for last-

minute food and equipment purchases. Lunch at a local restaurant. Check in to hostel. Dinner followed by an

evening session to cover the route overview, wilderness travel lesson and final gear checks. Overnight in hostel.

Shangri-La to Dequin


TRIP ITINERARY D1+D2: Transport and Trip Staging D3+D4: Hike from Dequin to Shangyu D5+D6: Hike from Shangyu to Xidang D7+D8: Xidang and Shangri-La

DayFour

DayFive

DaySix

DaySeven

Xiayubeng-Shangyu

Shangyu to Meili Base

Meili Base to Xidang

Xidang to Shangri-La

DayEight

Shangri-La + Departure

Wake up, breakfast and depart Xiayubeng. En route to Shangyubeng we will pass by the a waterfall named

Shenpu by local people, believed to symbolize the spirit of the villagers. Following lunch on the trail next to

Shenpu Falls we will descend into Shangyubeng Village to set up camp and cook dinner. Overnight in tents.

Wake up, breakfast, and depart Shangyubeg for the our evening destination of the Meili Snow Mountain base

camp. The trail passes through a forest meadow, and continues through coniferous forests. Lunch next to an

alpine lake. Late afternoon arrival at Meili base camp. Dinner with local guides and staff. Overnight in tents.

Wake up and breakfast at base camp. Depart Meili base for the last day of our hiking section. Follow trail to

Benghu Lake, sacred to the local people, for a lunch stop. Continue through Nanzong Pass to our ending point at

Xidang Village. Check in to hotel; hot showers, a celebration dinner and bonfire party. Overnight at hotel.

Late wake up and bruch at hotel. Check out and free morning to explore Xidang and the surrounding area.

Highlights include the Xidang market, tea houses and the Buddhist temple. Lunch at a local restaurant. After-

noon private bus transfer to Shangri-La. Check in to the world-class Shangri-La Hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Wake up and breakfast at Shangri-La Hotel. Check out of hotel and guided tour of Square Street in Shangri-La

Old Town. Lunch at the Silent Holy Stones restaurant followed by a private bus transfer to Dêqên Shangri-La

Airport. Depart for home or other local trip options: Tiger Leaping Gorge or Yubeng Backpacking Adventure.

INCLUSIONS + EXCLUSIONS


1. TRANSPORTATION

Round-trip transportation from staging city. Transfers will be on air-conditioned charter bus and reputable airlines. We will en-sure all land vehicles are in excellent condition and will only use drivers who maintain a clean safety record.

2. MEALS

Mongolian-style menu with special consideration toward health and wellness. Packed meals (for transport and travel) may be ap-plied according to the actual schedule. Please notify Peninsula Outdoor School of any food allergies and special dietary requirements at the time of booking.

3. ACCOMMODATION

While traveling rural or remote areas, we carefully choose hostels and guesthouses that can ensure a high standard of hygiene and comfort through simple accommodation. All accommodation will be provided on a double or triple shared basis and is based on availability.

4. INSTRUCTORS AND EQUIPMENT

Peninsula’s instructors are hand-picked for their hard- and soft-skills set. We understand that the most capable backpacker does not translate into the most capable backpacking instructor without the educational insight and sensitivity to help a group reach its course outcomes. We recruit and train outdoor educators that are well-traveled, well-read, experienced and passionate about what they do. Our teaching staff are an integral part of delivering courses that are safe, fun, and successful.

We recognize that the quality of trip equipment is often directly related to the overall experience of a group. Our equipment is supplied by a curated list of brands and manufacturers here in China and selected for quality and reliability.

5. PREMIUM INSURANCE

AIG Premium Domestic or International Journey Safe Plan, which covers all outdoor adventure activities on our programs. For more detailed information on this policy please contact our office or visit www.aiginsurance.com.cn

6. LIST OF INCLUSIONS

Trip cost includes: round-trip and local transportation, all accommodation, all meals, water refills, all group equipment, pro-fessional outdoor instructors and logistics staff, preparation assisting before backpacking, group first aid kits, and all associated entrance fees (if applicable).

7. LIST OF EXCLUSIONS

Trip cost excludes: visa arrangements, personal gear, personal expenditure and other unlisted expenses.

TERMS + CONDITIONS



1. CONFIRMING YOUR BOOKING

Before a booking can be considered confirmed, a group representative responsible for the party must sign the contract the

contract and forward the initial 20% non-refundable deposit for each paying member of the party. This deposit will secure the

booking.

A mobilization payment of 60% of the total booking cost must be paid 30 days prior to arrival. If the mobilization cost is not

received by the due date, this will be considered a breach of contract, entitling us to treat the contract as cancelled by you.

The final balance must be settled prior to the commencement of the expedition. Please contact your region’s account manager

for more details.

2. CANCELLATION POLICY

In the event of a cancellation by a paying member of your party sooner than 30 days prior to departure, deposit payments may be transferred to a substitute member. Please note that this type of arrangement is not possible the initial deposit will be retained by us. For group cancellations please refer to the list below:

60-30 days prior to the program: 20% of program fees 30-7 days prior to the program: 40% of program fees Less than 7 days before the program: 100% of program fees

NB: If any cancellation brings the number of participants down below the minimum number required to qualify for a particular group price, the price will be adjusted accordingly.

508, Building K, Culture + Creativity Industrial Park

888 Minfu Road, Shenzhen, GD, China 518131

W www.peninsulaos.org

T +86 755 2900 7272

F +86 755 2900 7279

E [email protected]

Documents

Peninsula Outdoor School Expeditions Catalog 2014/2015