Destinations

BHUTAN: Explore this Buddhist kingdom hidden in the Himalayas between India and Tibet, a magical land of magnificent mountains, delightful people, pure air, imposing architecture, exciting religion and superb art. Bhutan's pastoral landscapes seem unreal. Prayer flags dot the hills, fluttering in the wind, allowing Bhutanese to maintain constant communication with the heavens. Buddhism is everywhere, determining attitudes, molding thoughts. Everyone is aware of their moral and spiritual influence in the world's only country which practices the Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism. Call for private arrangements or join one of our escorted tours in October or November, 2003.

BORNEO: Primitive, wild and ancient, Borneo conjures up images of headhunters, jungles, white rajahs, strange plants and animals. Here Sultans still rule and wild animals roam dense jungles filled with exotic birds, plants and animals. Borneo is almost 300,000 square miles: the world’s third largest island with a population of 17 million. One of the oldest islands in the Indonesian archipelago, it was once linked to the Southeast Asian mainland. The island is divided by three countries – Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Indonesia (Kalimantan), and the tiny kingdom of Brunei. Call for packages that include Kalimantan, Brunei, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Sipadan, Kuching, Miru and Mulu. Although hot and humid throughout the year, it is best to avoid the heavy monsoon which hits Sarawak from December-February.

CAMBODIA: Home to the astounding ruins of Angkor, dating from 802 A.D., and remnants of one of SE Asia’s greatest civilizations. The seeds of Khmer civilization were sown 800 years earlier when Indian adventurers arrived bringing religion, culture and a system of writing to the indigenous people. The states of Funan, later Zhenla, and others grew, flourished and warred until finally coalescing into Cambodia in 802AD. Over the next 500 years, the Khmer empire expanded its influence and territory, absorbing surrounding states including their chief rival, Champa and built the great monuments in the area of Siem Reap. Visitors to Cambodia's persent-day capital can visit the National Musuem, the Silver Palace and learn about its recent history. Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with a cool, hot and wet season. The cool season is from November to February; the hot season is from March to May with occasional rain and the rainy season from June to October tends to be warm and humid.

CHINA: The earth’s most highly populated country has the world’s highest mountains, deepest valleys, deserts, plains, pine forests, tropical rain forests, and rivers among the world’s longest. About the size of Europe, the Middle Kingdom borders Mongolia, Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam, with 12,000 miles of coastline and a culture of traditions dating from 220BC, when the first emperor united China. It takes a few trips to absorb landscapes, history and culture of the Han Chinese as well as the 66 million minorities, who live along the borders. EastQuest arranges trips to all parts of China including the Silk Road, Tibet, Inner Mongolia, Yunnan and Guizhou, the Yangtze River as well as the classical cities of Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing. The best time to visit is May and September-October, when the weather is mild and dry. In winter, the north is cold and dry; in summer, the south is hot and rainy (especially Hong Kong).

Rath Yatra, Orissa

INDIA: Experience India, a vast subcontinent of over 900 million people, stretching 2,000 miles north to south, with an astonishing array of languages, religions and cultures. A land of exotic enchantment, religious mystique, and great natural beauty, India offers royal palaces, desert fortresses, beach resorts, hillstations, temples and wildlife parks. Call for our India flyer with detailed itineraries and prices, or to discuss a customized itinerary. EastQuest arranges travel to all parts of India including Pushkar, Ladakh (“Little Tibet”), Darjeeling, Shimla, Sikkim and the Palace on Wheels. Its tropical climate has three seasons: hot (March-May), monsoon (June-October) and cool (November-February). Join our yoga tour to India November 28-December 13, 2003.

INDONESIA: There are 13,677 islands that stretch for 3,200 miles along the “Ring of Fire” volcanic belt. A fertile country of rice-terraced mountains and a steady supply of rainfall keep the land green and lush while its talented artisans enrich the art and culture. Visit the popular islands of Bali and Java, or explore the less visited island of Sulawesi, where Torajans still practice ancient animistic beliefs. Journey to Lake Toba in Sumatra or relax in Lombok, Bali’s neighbor. The true adventurer will be drawn to Irian Jaya’s stone age culture and Kalimantan, to enter the heart of Borneo. Being on the equator, the climate is hot and rainy all year round. Even during the wettest months (December-February), sudden hard rains are followed by 4-5 hours of sunshine. Join our family tour to Bali this summer or call for individual packages.

Kyoto

JAPAN: Japan, comprised of four islands, is known as one of the cleanest and safest destinations in the world today. A democracy where the emperor is still head of state, and the Japanese imperial family, which traces its line back to 660 B.C., the world's longest-reigning monarchy. Japan is a land of Buddhist and Shinto traditions and great art, where masters of the arts are designated living cultural treasures. Japanese food is superb, fresh and bursting with subtle flavours, presented in a way to delight the eye as much as the mouth. From the bustling streets of ultra-modern megalopolis Tokyo, to the scenic geisha–inhabited neighbourhoods of Kyoto, from the pristine scenery of Hokkaido in the North to the cultural experiences of kabuki theatre and sumo wrestling, Japan has something to offer every visitor. Most of Japan's islands lie in a temperate seasonal wind zone similar to the East Coast of the United States, which means that there are four distinct seasons. Summer (June-August), can be rainy, very hot and humid. From August-September, there may be typhoons, although most storms stay out at sea. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), are considered the best times to travel in Japan.

LAOS: Travelers to Laos are attracted by the country’s relaxed pace and traditional way of life, where animistic traditions blend with Buddhism. Vientiane and Luang Prabang offer the best accommodations. Those willing to rough it will be rewarded by venturing out to the countryside where they visit hilltribes, ride elephants, cruise along the Mekong or learn about Laotian textiles in a village known for its own specific design of woven silk and cotton. Throughout most of the country, the climate of Laos is warm and tropical. Temperatures are at their highest (March-May) at the time of the Laotian New Year, just before the rainy season (May to October). During the dry or cool season (November-February) nights can be cool, especially in mountainous areas such as Luang Prabang, the Plain of Jars, Saravane and Houeixai. The best time to visit Laos is between November and February when both the temperature and precipitation are at their lowest.

MALAYSIA: Long known to ancient mariners as “The Land Where the Winds Meet,” Malaysia has lured travelers since the dawn of time. Indian, Arab and Chinese traders sailed to her shores in search of gold, spices and jungle exotica. In the twilight world of the great rain forests, nomadic tribes hunted with blowpipes, collecting heads as trophies. Lured by their lust for gold, the Portuguese were the first to conquer this ancient land, followed by the Dutch, and then the English. Today Malaysia is a land of astonishing variety for each historical era has left its imprint. With its potpourri of Malays, Chinese, Indian and countless native tribes, the country is as varied as the population, a kaleidoscope of ever changing images. From the deep green of a Sarawak jungle to the lime green of a Kedah rice field, from sleepy East Coast villages to ultra-modern Kuala Lumpur, from the peace of an idyllic deserted island to the bustle of crowded, smoke-filled temples in old Malacca, Malaysia has it all. The tropical climate is affected by SW monsoons from April-November, while the NE monsoon blows from November-February.

MYANMAR: This Buddhist country of serene landscapes, traditional lifestyles, and amazingly friendly people lures those seeking a glimpse of what Asia once offered – a world of harmony between the senses and spirit. Arriving from Bangkok, set your watch back 30 minutes, and your mind back 30 years as the country has remained in relative isolation since the early fifties. Those who visit are drawn by the traditional lifestyles of her kind and naturally dignified people. Visit Rangoon’s Shwedagon; Pagan’s spectacular temple ruins; Mandalay, the country’s cultural heart; and Inle Lake’s ethnic hilltribes. Call for extensions to Mrauk U, Bago, Mogok, Kyaiktiyo, Lashio and other areas. Cruise along the Irrawaddy on the Road to Mandalay or the Pandaw or float above Bagan's ruins in a hot air balloon. Its tropical climate has three seasons: hot (March-May), monsoon (June-October), and cool (November-February).

Himalayan Expedition

NEPAL: The tiny kingdom if Nepal is bound on the north by Tibet and the Himalayas, and on the south by the teeming jungles of India. Kathmandu, the capital, founded in the 8th century, lies in a valley at 4,500 feet. Within the valley are actually three cities, each of which was once a separate kingdom with its own distinctive character - Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Once a Royal Hunting Preserve, Chitwan is now one of the finest protected forests and dense grassland regions in Asia and the home of magnificent and rare wildlife. Tiger Tops and Chitwan Jungle Lodge are both located here and offer a wide variety of activities in the jungle, with opportunities to observe the wildlife up close. Most treks depart from Pokhara, a one hour flight from Kathmandu, the trekking season runs from October to March/April and start from easy 4 day treks to longer, more difficult treks to the Everest region, Mustang and the Annapurnas. Nepal’s rainy season falls during the summer: June-August.

THAILAND: Journey to the ancient kingdom of Siam, a land of tropical rain forests, broad rice plains, forest clad hills and white sand beaches. Let your eyes feast on orange temple roofs, golden spires, the brilliant hues of Thai silk, fertile rice paddies, exotic hilltribes and beautiful women, as your palate explores the fragrantly spiced cuisine and exotic fruits of this Buddhist land. Call for packages to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son. Explore the beaches of Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Koh Chang. For more active travelers, EastQuest offers trekking, mountain biking, white-water rafting, kayaking, scuba diving, yacht charters and elephant safaris. Its tropical climate has three seasons: hot (March-May), monsoon (June-October) and cool (November-February).

VIETNAM: From the urban hustle of Hanoi and the mountains of Sapa in the north, down through imperial Hue to vibrant Saigon and the fertile Mekong Delta, Vietnam is bursting with life, excitement, and wonder. The cuisine is outstanding, accomodations charming and the people warm and friendly. Call for packages that include overnight trains to Sapa, cruises on the Mekong and over to Cambodia or around Halong Bay by junk or kayak. Due to the elongated shape of the country, weather in Vietnam can vary significantly from north to south. In the north, the dry season runs from November - April and the wet season from May - October. In general, the central region is warmer and more humid than the south during the rainy season and cooler during the dry season. In the tropical south, there are three seasons: the cool season from November - January, the hot season from February - April and the rainy season from May - October.