Tibet and China
Richard Martin
“In my travels of the past twenty five years, to Switzerland,
Italy, Kiev, and China, I've discovered that traveling and experiencing
other cultures brings with it not only a knowledge of that culture
but brings about a change with the inner most part of our being.
“When traveling and seeing how others live, how they go about their
work, joining them and sharing in the foods they eat and drink,
actually living with them and taking part in their lives, I see
myself changing and growing on a daily basis. Add to this the
beauty one sees in the different vistas, the mountains, country
landscapes, the architecture of cities, the Holy Temples and Sacred
places, and there is a quantum leap in ones knowledge and understanding
of how the universe works. When I see the degree of change and
growth within myself from traveling, I want to share and give
an opportunity for others to experience their own growth and change
from traveling to other parts of the world. Whether it is watching
children or adults grow, change, and begin to see the wonders
of the world around them, or noticing the humanity within the
world, it is a pure delight.” 
Beijing, population approximately 12,510,000, is one of the world's great cities, and for 500 years has been the capital of China. Lying on an extensive plain in NE China, the city has been settled since ancient times. Beijing is China’s cultural and educational center. The Forbidden City contains the former imperial palace, which abuts Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square.
Lhasa is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. In Tibetan, it is called the The Land of Gods, and it sits on the north bank of River Lhasa at an altitude of 12,000 ft. It has a history of over 13 centuries. With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, Lhasa is famed as "the City of Sunshine." It is the center of Tibet's political, economic, cultural and religious activities.
This symbol of Lhasa is a huge treasure house for Tibetan history, religion, culture and arts, and sits on the top of the Potala Hill. The palace is over 350 feet tall and 120 feet wide.
Shigatse (also Xigatse), means "fertile land" and stands at the junction of the Yarlong Tsangpo and Nyangchu Rivers. It used to be the capital of Tsang and is now the capital of Shigatse prefecture. Shigatse has wonderful monasteries comparable with those in Lhasa, including Tashilhunpo, Sakya and Shalu. Shigatse has astonishingly high snow-capped peaks. Most of the highest peaks in Tibet, including Mt. Everest, lie around Shigatse, in Shigatse prefecture.
The city of Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang province, and the population is approximately 1,100,000. It lies at the head of Zhejiang Bay, and it’s buildings and gardens are renowned, and some of China's most famous monasteries are located nearby. Hangzhou is one of the most beautiful locations in all of China. The city is centered around the West Lake, an ancient river naturally transformed into a huge lake and park area, including the Flower Harbor, an extraordinary botanical park. There are walkways with bridges, small shrines and peaceful places where people come to relax, picnic, fish, play chess and sip tea.
There will also be an opportunity for the group to meet and be treated by Master Zhou Hong while in Hangzhou. Master Zhou is a Qi Gong healer of incredible power, depth and insight. Master Zhou makes his home in the Yellow Mountains, where he finds the Qi to be strongest. For more information about Master Zhou Hong, see www.YellowMountainCenter.com. Sessions with Zhou Hong are at an additional charge.
| Day | Date | Activity | Hotel |
| 0 | 7/25 | Depart: En Route to China | |
| 1 | 7/26 | Arrive Beijing | Beijing: Tianlun Dynasty Hotel |
| 2 | 7/27 | Beijing | Beijing: Tianlun Dynasty Hotel |
| 3 | 7/28 | Beijing | Beijing: Tianlun Dynasty Hotel |
| 4 | 7/29 | Fly to Lhasa | Lhasa: Lhasa Hotel |
| 5 | 7/30 | Lhasa | Lhasa: Lhasa Hotel |
| 6 | 7/31 | Lhasa | Lhasa: Lhasa Hotel |
| 7 | 8/1 | Lhasa to Shigatse, over land | Shigatse: Shigatse Hotel |
| 8 | 8/2 | Shigatse | Shigatse: Shigatse Hotel |
| 9 | 8/3 | Shigatse | Shigatse: Shigatse Hotel |
| 10 | 8/4 | Shigatse to Lhasa, over land | Lhasa: Lhasa Hotel |
| 11 | 8/5 | Fly to Hangzhou | Hangzhou: Overseas Chinese Hotel |
| 12 | 8/6 | Hangzhou | Hangzhou: Overseas Chinese Hotel |
| 13 | 8/7 | Hangzhou | Hangzhou: Overseas Chinese Hotel |
| 14 | 8/8 | Hangzhou | Hangzhou: Overseas Chinese Hotel |
| 15 | 8/9 | Depart for home |
With the cost of flying in China going up and down, the price of $4800 may be subject to adjustment. The final price will depend on the cost of tickets when reservations are made. The tour price includes all transportation within China and Tibet, lodging, and breakfasts and dinners.
The tour begins in Beijing on July 26. We will all meet in Beijing and fly together to Tibet. You will be responsible for making and paying for your own travel arrangements to Beijing, although information for coordinating travel can be made available.
To participate in this tour, download the application form and send to
Richard Martin
8642 Lucerne Rd.
Randallstown, MD 21133
+1 410-215-0328
email: Richard Martin
