More holiday options... See pages 18- 21 for treks and tours to Tibet Yangtse Gorges Extension Fly to Chonguing to join the Victoria Star, or her sister ships, the Prince or Queen, for a three- day luxury cruise down the magnificent gorges. Disembark at Yichang and fly back via Beijing or Shanghai. Xi'an Extension This three- day extension takes you from Beijing to all the major sights of China's ancient capital including the impressive Terracotta Warriors, the vibrant Muslim Quarter and towering Big Goose Pagoda. Full details and prices on request 0845 330 8579 China China is transforming itself from an ancient society into a modern day economic dynamo and, after many years of isolation, is opening its arms to visitors. This new found confidence, coupled with an abundance of cultural, historic and scenic sights, makes China today's must- see destination. Whether you're stepping back in time on the monumental Great Wall, walking through beautiful Tiger Leaping Gorge, meeting welcoming minority groups in Guilin, or visiting the incredible Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, China really does have something for everyone and there has never been a better time to visit. Download holiday itineraries from www. mountainkingdoms. com e: info@ mountainkingdoms. com 44 Cormorant fisherman, Yangshuo - Guilin & the Tribes of Southwest China

45 telephone: 0845 330 8579 ( local call rate, UK only) international telephone: + 44 1453 844 400 www. mountainkingdoms. com Grade: Gentle/ Moderate Grade: Moderate Central Asia China T he trip starts with sightseeing in Beijing and a visit to the Great Wall before we fly to Guizhou province. This is a land of jagged mountains and terraced rice fields, home to many ethnic minority cultures and largely untouched by the tourism and development of its neighbouring provinces. We drive and trek between remote minority villages where we will see the local people going about their daily lives, often dressed in their colourful traditional costumes. For two nights on trek we stay in village houses that have simple but clean facilities. The October departure takes in the reed- pipe Lusheng Festival, and the April departure includes the Sisters' Meal Festival. The trek finishes in Guilin, long famed for its spectacular scenery which we explore by bike, boat and on foot. T ravelling east from the Old Dragon's Head, the point where the Wall touches the sea, we trek in comfort, staying in good quality hotels en route with first rate facilities. We also spend an unforgettable night camping in a watchtower on the Wall itself where we enjoy our own private sunset and sunrise. We walk along sections of the Wall that few visitors ever see, chosen for their scenic splendour and historic interest. The views are quite stunning as the Wall zigzags into the distance across high peaked mountain ridges blanketed with spring blossom or autumnal hues. In addition we spend time exploring the many highlights of Beijing and there is an optional two- day extension to travel to Xi'an, cultural heart of ancient China and home of the magnificent Terracotta Warriors. W e take you to the most beautiful section of Tiger Leaping Gorge, but this is just one part of a varied walking holiday. We explore ancient Lijiang as well as the city of Dali where locals still practise the traditional art of fishing with comorants. We also visit the village where Joseph Rock, the renowned plant hunter, lived, see Ming and Qing architecture and walk on the slopes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Our trek takes us as high as 4,000m/ 13,120ft through high alpine meadows and virgin forest as well as past lakes and waterfalls. This region, rich in cultural heritage, is home to many minority tribes including the Naxi, Hui and Bai, revealing the varied traditions and beliefs of hidden China. Finally, there is time to shop and sightsee in Kunming and Bangkok. Guilin & the Tribes of Southwest China Trek through beautiful and unspoilt countryside and visit welcoming ethnic minority villages. Great Wall of China Trek An action packed trip walking little visited sections of the Great Wall and exploring Beijing's highlights. Tiger Leaping Gorge & Hidden China Trek A lovely trek along mountain paths and through villages, in and around China's most spectacular gorge. £ 2,495 £ 2,495 £ 3,550 £ 3,325 Land Only Land Only Flight Included Flight Included Wed 21 Apr - Fri 07 May Thu 28 Oct - Sat 13 Nov Day Walks: 4 days Local Leader Accommodation: Hotels: 11 Guesthouses / Villages Homes: 4 Optional: Single Room £ 395 Insurance: £ 145 1- 4 Fly Beijing, sightseeing, Great Wall visit 5 Fly Guiyang, drive Kaili 6- 12 Trekking & travelling between minority villages 13- 15 Drive Guilin, sightseeing 16- 17 Fly Beijing, fly London Trek | Duration: 17 Days Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 3 clients £ 1,845 £ 1,845 £ 2,095 £ 2,595 £ 2,675 Land Only£ 2,950 Land Only Land Only Flight Included Flight Included Flight Included Tue 13 Apr - Thu 22 Apr Tue 12 Oct - Thu 21 Oct Thu 06 May - Sat 22 May Thu 30 Sep - Sat 16 Oct Day Walks: 6 days Local Leader Accommodation: Hotels: 7 Camping: 1 Optional: Single Room £ 275 Insurance: £ 85 1- 3 Fly Beijing, city sightseeing 4- 9 Walking the Great Wall, drive Beijing 10 Fly London See detailed holiday itinerary for details of the Xi'an extension. On Trek: 6 days Local Leader Accommodation: Hotels: 7 Camping: 3 Lodges/ Guesthouses: 4 Optional: Single Room £ tbc Single Tent £ tbc Insurance: £ 145 1- 3 Fly Kunming, drive Dali 4- 6 Visit Shaxi, Lijang & Jade Mountain 7- 12 Trek Tiger Leaping Gorge & minority villages 13- 15 Drive Zhongdian, fly Kunming 16- 17 Fly Bangkok and on to London Trek | Duration: 10 Days Trek | Duration: 17 Days Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 3 clients Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 4 clients Grade: Gentle Festival Great Wall, Linda Denniff