2009 Itinerary (subject to change)

Departure: flight from US (LAX) to Kunming, China via Bangkok.

Days 2 - 3: Kunming - adjustment to food, life, and each other in Yunnan's capital city.

Days 4 and 5: Dali: one of last year's favorite visits; enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Erhai and a visit to the unbelievable island temple.

Day 6 and 7: Lijiang. We drive to Lijiang via Tiger Leaping Gorge. Lijiang is am ancient Naxi city now a world heritage protected site.

Days 8 and 9: Shangri-La (Gyalthang or Zhongdian), our host city. Our first visit here is to get accustomed to the city and the altitude (each day since arrival we have ascended). Mandarin classes will start, lectures on TIbetan culture and the Chinese influence will be heard (and witnessed),

Days 10 and 11: Trek to the Meli Mountain Glacier

Days 12 to 16: Diqin (Dechen) Tibetan Charity School. These days are spent living, eating, and teaching Elglish to the kids of the Diqin school.. an exceptional experience.

Days 16 - 27: Gyalthang and our homestay. The typical day here is spent in Mandarin classes each weekday morning and then various projects and excursions in the afternoons. Evenings, nights, and some afternoons are spent with your host families. For details on the excursions and service work, have a look at the orientation and travel pages.

Day 29: A short flight from Lijiang to Kunming and a loooooong flight home is tody's agenda... or start of Crossroads Adventure option