Laos, a land-locked country eclipsed by its neighbours, is often forgotten or seen as a laid-back, under-developed and poor nation. I have been to all the Indochina countries except Laos and am keen to see this lost ancient kingdom. I spent 19 lovely days in northern Laos and visited the Provinces of Luang Nam Tha, Luang Prabang, Xieng Khuang and Vientiane. Read more
19 Days in Laos July 17 – August 4, 2011
Categories: My Asia trips
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China (3): Yunnan July 8 – 16, 2011
Sky tree
Yunnan Province with an area of 394,100 square kilometres and a population of about 46 million (2010), is famous for its landscape and scenery, biodiversity, ethnic groups and their culture, tea and natural resources. I have been a frequent visitor to Kunming, capital city of the province since my brother Lawrence moved there in 1999. I have travelled fairly extensively in northern Yunnan. This time, I decided to travel south to Xishuangbanna and overland to Laos. Read more
Categories: My China trips
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China (2): Beijing & Shandong May 26 – June 7, 2011
After an enjoyable stay in Tibet, I flied to Beijing to get something done. I then made my first visit to the Shandong Province which has a long history and culture. Confucius (Kong Zi) was a native son of Qufu and Mount Tai where all Chinese emperors would visit as a rite of passage is a symbol of China. They are both World Heritage Sites. During my seven days in Shandong, I visited Qingdao, Yantai, Penglai, Weihai, Jinan, Qufu, Tai’an and Mount Tai. Read more
Categories: My China trips
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China (1) : Tibet May 15 – 25, 2011
After spending some 60 days in Bhutan and Nepal, I travelled overland to Tibet, China and made my way to the base camp of Mt Qomolangma (i.e. Mt Everest). I travelled over 2200km during my 11 days in Tibet including some 1500km along the Friendship Highway (National Highway 318) from Zhangmu in the Shigatse Prefecture in the southwest to Ranwuzhen in Bome County in the Nyinchi Prefecture in eastern Tibet. I have tried to visit the Namtso Lake 240 northwest of Lhasa twice without success. I am captivated by the stunning landscape and scenery. Read more
Categories: My China trips
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51 Days in Nepal (3): Kanchenjunga Trek April 19 – May 15, 2011
Kanchenjunga, World' third highest peak
I joined a 21-day off-beat trek (April 22 – May 12) to Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain at the border with India. Our party of six (two trekkers, a guide and three porters) had a most eventful trek. First, a strike by plantation workers at Ilam upset our plan to take a bus to Taplejung, the starting point of the trek. We wasted six days as a result and could not follow the circuit route as planned. Second, an accident occurred after the trek when a truck hit the rear part of our minibus and broke the right arm of one of the porters. Third, a strike in a nearby town prevented us from reaching the airport. We had to buy a new ticket to return to Kathmandu. Read more
Categories: My Asia trips, Trekking
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51 Days in Nepal (2): Mustang April 4-18, 2011
Discovery of Mustang
After my visit to Chitwan and Lumbini, I made my way to Pokhara. On April 4, I met up with 11 members of the trekking group (nine Italians including Carlo Amberto, leader of the group, Clifton, an American and Peter, a Swede) and Achut, the local guide. I had an unforgettable 50km-trek to Lo Manthang discovering the stunning landscape and majestic scenery of Upper Mustang. On the way back, we had an adventurous truck drive through the spectacular Kali Gandaki canyon. Read more
Categories: My Asia trips, Trekking
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51 Days in Nepal (1) March 26 – April 3, 2011
Chitwan National Park & Lumbini (9 Days: March 26 – April 3)
Maya Devi Temple, Lumbini
Trekking is wonderful for both the mind and the body. Nepal a paradise for trekkers – affordable, wonderful sherpas and supports and above all, fantastic routes suitable for all levels of ability. On my third visit to Nepal, I spent 51 days in this mountain kingdom before going overland to Tibet. During my stay, I visited the Chitwan National Park and Lumbini, joined a group trek to Mustang (April 4-18) and another trek to the base camp of Kanchenjunga (the world’s third highest mountain (8586m) from April 22 to May 12. Read more
Categories: My Asia trips
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8 Days in Bhutan March 18-25, 2011
Taksang Monastery
Bhutan, also known as the Land of Thunder Dragon, is the one of the most restricted and expensive tourist destinations. Given its spiritual, cultural and natural heritage, Bhutan believes it has something unique and special in the modern world to offer to visitors. It has been on my ‘must-see’ list for a long time. I made an 8-day trip to Bhutan during the Paro Tshechu and visited Paro, Thimpu, Punakha, Wangdu and Haa. Read more
Categories: My Asia trips
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8 Days in Tanzania February 3-6 & 18-22, 2011
Slave Market, Zanzibar
I began my East Africa trip on February 3 upon completion of my 28-day stay in Ethiopia. I had a painful and bloody experience in Zanzibar but was thrilled to reach Mt Meru (4566m), Tanzania’s second highest peak before returning to Hong Kong. Read more
Categories: My Africa trips, Trekking
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11 days in Kenya February 6 – 17, 2011
I travelled to East Africa after my trip to Ethiopia in February. In Kenya, I reached Point Lenana (4985m), Mt Kenya and spent five lovely days in the Nakuru National Park and Maasai Mara National Park to see wildlife.
Categories: My Africa trips, Trekking
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