Shangri-La, from “Lost Horizon” is an earthly paradise; a beautiful timeless refuge
where time stands still and peace, serenity and longevity are a natural part of daily life.  
 
Join Mark Johnson and Rebecca Kali for the journey of a lifetime...a life changing journey!
 Our 40 years of experience in sharing China’s incredible heritage, cultural sites and teaching Tai Ji,
Qigong and Taoist Healing Arts ensure that you will have an exceptional experience at every level.  
 
Our tours are rich, fulfilling and safe. They are life expanding journeys
that will broaden your vision of the world at the depth YOU are seeking!
 
We give personal attention to EVERY detail; including the time and space for you to
REALLY experience some of the most spiritual sites in the world at a deep and meaningful level.
A friendly relaxed atmosphere and personalized care are hallmarks of our tours.

Our Journey to Shangri-La 2010 will visit
Shangri-La – Beijing – Lijiang – Chengdu – Lhasa – Nam-Tso Lake - Tibet
 
Including 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Great Wall, Forbidden City &Temple of Heaven in Beijing
Potala Palace in Lhasa, Lijiang Old Town in Yunnan & Panda Sanctuary in Sichuan Province
Fitness level required =  "normal"/moderate

Comments from Previous Tour Member:
“I really enjoyed EVERY MINUTE. It’s true! I loved the whole thing.
There were high points every single day.
Amazing agenda. So rich...so full. I was mesmerized at each turn,
so many cultural norms to observe, besides all the exquisite locations we visited.
Thank you so much for ALL you did to make this fantastic trip happen.”   K. Kunkel

Highlights of our Journey to Shangri-la

● Experience the wonder of Shangri-La, in the novel Lost Horizon, Shangri-La is a Himalayan kingdom located in a verdant valley encompassed by snow-capped mountains, an earthly paradise isolated from the outside world where people find peace and are almost immortal. Some say Shangri-La is really a state of mind...finding peace within and cultivating vital good health at any age.  You may find both on our journey to Shangri-La, a town in northern Yunnan, near Tibet.

● Shangri-La, our destination, like Shangri-La from the story is a peaceful and incredibly beautiful land guarded by a Lama Temple. We stay in a lovely traditional Tibetan guest house located right between the Zongzanlin Monastery, built by the 5^th Dalai Lama in 1679 and a small Tibetan village.  You will have time to explore with our group and on your own and experience the incredible sights, sounds, and the amazing energy of this unique and magical land.  

● Explore Tibet, the roof top of the world where we stay in a beautiful Tibetan style hotel in the heart of Lhasa where the Pilgrim’s Circuit goes right past our door. Tour the Potala Palace once home of the Dalai Lama; Jorkang Temple, considered the most beautiful and sacred temple in Tibet. 

● Learn about the daily life of Tibetan people as we visit traditional old style villages and are welcomed as guests of a Tibetan family in their home. Learn about Nomad Culture as we visit the Tibetan Grass Lands, Nomadic Herders in their tents, ride Yaks and picnic along the shore of incredibly beautiful turquoise Nam-Ttso Lake, the highest salt water lake in the world.

● Learn about Tibetan Medicine at the Tibetan Traditional Hospital; visit a Buddhist Nunnery near our hotel; shop for traditional art and handcrafts at Barkor, the famous 1,000 year old open market, right in the center of Lhasa; enjoy Tibetan Banquets and Dancing Shows

● Enjoy the picturesque old town of Lijiang with its cobble stone streets, stone bridges gracefully arching over canals fed by glacial streams overlooked by Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Visit Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Museum, Baisha Village, learn about the traditional life style of Naxi and other matriarchal cultures. Enjoy delectable food unique to Yunnan and Naxi Traditional Orchestra. Lijiang is one of the most charming spots in the world.

● Visit Chengdu, in SW China, where we will tour the Giant Panda Research Center and bamboo park, learn about Giant Pandas, Red Pandas and how we can support the survival of these endangered species Even have an opportunity to hold and photograph adorable baby Pandas.  (with donation to Panda research) Enjoy the  Sichuan Opera with Mask Changing Shows and Hot Pot Dinner and other world famous Sichuan Cuisine.

● Beijing:  Explore the Forbidden City, with 890 buildings, it was China’s royal palace for 6 centuries;  Temple of Heaven, where the emperor prayed for good harvests is a masterpiece of architecture and landscape; explore the Great Wall, one of the wonders of the world, stretching from the Yellow Sea in the east to the Gobi Desert, in the west.

● Benefit from (optional) daily Tai Chi and Qigong sessions including: Eight Extra Meridian Qigong, Anti-Ageing and Longevity Qigong, Stress Reduction Techniques, Five Element Theory, Daoist Inner Alchemy, Medical Qigong, Eight Brocades, Qigong Healing for yourself and others, Acupressure, Meditation and more....

Comments from Previous Tour Member:
“Dynamic. Expansive and enlarging. A learning experience.
It opened my mind and my heart. I especially enjoyed the meditation with the monks
and the opera in Chengdu. I loved visiting the Tibetan family in their home.
Learned much about China and it’s influence in the world.
I appreciate both Rebecca and Mark for your energy and your devotion”  B. Molle

Journey to Shangri-La Trip Fee:  (17 days -  May 7 to 23, 2010)
$3,900. trip fee without international airfare

 The trip fee (without international flight tickets)
 includes:
- all transportation within China including airfare, bus, boats and private van
- all lodging (double occupancy accommodation)
- study tuition
- excursion and sight seeing fees
- translator fees
- most meals, including our private banquets
- admission charges to temples and tourist sites

 Trip members traveling to China on their own will meet us in Beijing on May 8th, trip ends in Chengdu on May 23.  (Our airline ticket agent can assist you in arranging discount group rates on your international flight).
Call us and ask about our "a la carte" one week extension package for this tour.

 Single room where available is $550 US extra

CALL 1-800-341-8895, or 218-365-6330
or click here to send us an e-mail: E-MAIL
TO RECEIVE THE JOURNEY TO SHANGRI-LA DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
OR TO REGISTER

Panda Picnic

Pandas at Play
Adorable Pandas at play and enjoying lunch of delicious bamboo.

Visiting the Pandas at the Giant Panda Research Base is a favorite part of our tours. The Giant Panda Research Base is home to Giant Pandas of all ages as well as the smaller Red Pandas, Black Necked Cranes and White Storks. The beautiful park includes walking trails through bamboo forests and other natural Panda habitat. Fourteen species of bamboo, three hundred other plant species and ninety species of birds also make their home there.
The mission of the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base is to increase the world’s Panda population and further understanding of this beautiful and amazing, endangered species. Our trip members will have an opportunity to hold and photograph adorable baby Pandas.
Our "Journey to Shangri-La" tour, May 7-23, 2010 and May 6-22, 2011 will include the Giant Panda Research Base in Chengdu. Please call 1-800-341-8895 for information.