2003 international trips - Sierra Club Outings

Sierra, Sept-Oct, 2002

China: From the Great Wall to the Silk Road. September 1-19. Join this journey to the east side of one of the world's oldest and most important trade routes. We'll visit Beijing, Urumchi, Kashgar, Dunhuang, Lanzhou, Xian, and Shanghai. A highlight of this trip is a visit to see the Qin Terracotta Army. Built from 221 to 210 B.C., these impressive clay soldiers of China's first emperor remained hidden more than 15 feet below the surface until discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well. Leader: John Bird. Price: $3,495 (13-16)/$3,845 (12 or fewer); Dep: $200, [03600A]

Bhutan's Valleys, Peaks, and Passes. October 3-23. Experiencing life in this Buddhist kingdom is a rare privilege you won't want to miss! Join us for 10 days of trekking to the base of the highest unclimbed peak in the world, Gangkar Puensum. While horses and yaks carry our gear, we'll walk through villages and farms, into alpine forests, and onto passes flowing with prayer flags. Afterwards, we'll stay in comfortable hotels, take day trips through breathtaking valleys, and visit monasteries, temples, and local markets, Leader: Kate Froman. Price: $5,095 (13-16)/$5,495 (12 or fewer); Dep: $200. [03605A]

Bangkok to Hanoi: An Overland Journey through Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. November 1-15. Tour Bangkok's golden temples, catch the overnight train to Chang Mai, and visit Chang Rai and the Golden Triangle in Thailand. We'll boat down the Mekong River from Huay Xai, Laos, to the World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang; raft the Nam Song at Vang Vieng; and visit Nakai-Nam Theun National Park in Laos. We'll cross the Vietnam border at Cau Treo and board the overnight train from Vinh to Hanoi. We'll finish our adventure with a cruise on Halong Bay. Leader: Jim Sumrall. Price: $1,995 (11-14)/$2,365 (10 or fewer); Dep: $200. [03610A]

Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Chitwan, Nepal. November 3-18. Join us to view the snow-capped Annapurnas from ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples at Muktinath. We'll revel in the high mountain desert as we descend into the world's deepest gorge, following the Kali Gandaki River and enjoying amazing views of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri Range of high mountains. We'll ride elephants in Chitwan National Park and look for scarce tigers. This is a moderate trip for adventurous people of all ages. Leader: Gene Goldberg. Price: $1,895 (10-12)/$2,395 (9 or fewer); Dep: $200. [03615A]

Vietnam: Cultural and Natural Wonders of the North. November 19-December 4. Join us as we journey to the northernmost reaches of Vietnam, a mystical country with a rich and tragic history. We'll visit handicraft villages, the old quarter, and museums and monuments around Hanoi. We'll explore Ba Vi and Ba Be National Parks, and marvel at the Ban Gioc waterfalls. Around Sapa at the foot of Mt. Fansipan, we'll trek into the mountains and stay in H'mong and Zao minority villagers' homes. We'll cruise on Halong Bay before returning to the bustling city of Hanoi. Leader: Jim Sumrall. Price: $1,575 (11-14)/$1,975 (10 or fewer); Dep: $200. [03620A]