Trekking & Climbing in the Southern Clouds

Itinerary

Day 1 – Tuesday 
Location: San Francisco
After meeting and greeting your flight leader and the other students joining the Dali Language Programs, we’re off to Hong Kong! This is an easy, non-stop ride across the Pacific – and most students find that after dinner and a movie, they’re able to manage dozing off to sleep for a while. So sit back, have a chat with your new friends, and enjoy the flight!

Day 2 – Wednesday
This day is ‘lost’ as you cross the International Date Line. But don’t worry– you’ll get it back when returning home!

Day 3 – Thursday
Location: Dali
Arrive at Hong Kong International Airport, where you’ll meet your program leaders and have time for a long awaited stretch. You will have a few hours in the airport before connecting onwards. Next, we’ll grab our bags (preferably small and manageable!) and check-in for our connecting flight to Kunming. The flight takes about 1 ½ hours, and then you will be setting down in Mainland China! Arriving into Kunming International Airport, you will meet up with the rest of the staff awaiting your arrival, and hop on a bus for the 4.5 hour ride up to the 1,000 year Old Town of Dali.  After dropping your bags off and washing up from the long flight, you will grab your first dinner in China, enjoy a relaxing massage and then head back to your hotel and rest up for the night – welcome to China!

Day 4-7 – Friday -- Monday 
Location: Meilli Snow Mountain Range
After a nice rest, it’s time to hit the road again and head out to your campsite for the next 4 days.  While the travel time may be a bit to get out there, once you arrive you know it will be worth it.  After setting up your campsite, you’ll go survey the area and then come back for some food.  During this time you’ll start to learn about the people who call this home – ethinically they are very similar to Burmese and Tibetans.  This is a perfect opportunity for you to really soak in the fact that you have traveled to a place few other foreigners have ever been to before.

The next few days are all about leadership as you set out for morning and afternoon starbust treks, which will set you out from your campsite and bring you back.  For each trek we will spend some time before setting off, looking at maps and finding an interesting place to burst off to and then we will choose two students to lead, equipping them with compasses and a strong support staff.  Each trek will bring a lesson in a cultural experience as stduents gain confidence and figure out how to confront difficult positions head on.

Day 8 – Travel to Shuanglang -- Tuesday
Location: Shuanglang
Now it’s time to move onto a 1,000 year old fishing called Shuanglang.  Here you will stay lakeside and rest up from your travels and treks.  This village is great for serenity as the local Bai people move about peacefully and are happy to greet you with a smile.

Day 9 – 11 – Wednesed - Friday
Location: Shuanglang
For these three days, you will rock climb near Chicken Foot Mountain.  As you climb up and away from Erhai Lake, you will arrive at one of the best views of Dali and the first rock climbing routes set up in Dali.  Led by certified Western and Chinese climbers, beginners will learn the fundamentals of rock climbing and advanced students will learn how to lead on their own.  Proper technique and safety is crucial here so our expert staff will make sure nothing is left to chance and each student safely climbs at their own pace.

Day 12 – 13 – Saturday - Sunday
Location: Tiger Leaping Gorge
Now, it’s off to one of the highest gorges in the world for a two day hike at Tiger Leaping Gorge.  As you make your way through the 28 switchbacks to the top of the gorge, you will hear about the story behind Tiger Leaping Gorge and once you have summitted it, you will spend the night at the top.  As the sun sets on the first day of your hike, it will paint beautiful colors on the stone and cool breezes will pass by.  The next day you will wake up and hike down to a guesthouse where you will have some time to recover from an enriching hike.

Day 14 – Monday 
Location: Dali
You will head back from Tiger Leaping Gorge to Dali and have a day to bike ride around and grab another massage in this funky town.  A perfect place to pick up local souveneirs and catch up on some hardy Bai food, this will be your last full day in the land of the Southern clouds, Live it up!

Day 15 – Tuesday 
Location: Dali to Kunming to Hong Kong
Today it’s an early start. After breakfast it’s time to pack up everything and get ready for the journey onward! At 8:30, you will hop on the bus and begin the 4.5 hour journey back down to the city of Kunming. Once arriving into Kunming, you will fly to Hong Kong, this is a full travel day so there are no activities planned but be rest assured there will be plenty of chatter as we see who has the courage to bungee jump. 

Day 16 – Wednesday
Location: Macau/Hong Kong
We will wake up early to head over on a ferry destined for Macau.  Once we get to Macau we will head straight to the Macau Sky Tower where every student will be able to head to the top and for the brave can choose an optional free-fll bungee jump, controlled bungee jump or SkyWalk, which is where you are strapped to the Tower and can walk on it’s upper ring’s edge.

Then we will head back to Hong Kong and spend the final night bargain hunting in the ‘New York City of the Easts’ bustling street markets and celebrate your last night in China by taking in the sights from atop Victoria’s Peak

Day 17, Thursday 
After a final breakfast, we’ll take the subway to the airport, where its time for an emotional goodbye with your friends (can you believe it’s only been 17 days?) who you’ll feel like you’ve known for life. From here, you’ll either fly home or continue on to your next adventure with Rustic Pathways!

An Important Note about Schedule Changes:
Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external tours incorporated in our trips, the addition of new activities into a trip, or the substitution of an old activity for a new activity. The itinerary shown here provides a good outline of the anticipated daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur

Southern Cloud’s Packing Lists

The Most Important thing you can bring is an open mind and big heart.  The Chinese people are incredible hosts; with the right attitude you will have the chance to experience this firsthand, sharing endless stories and cups of tea.

IMPORTANT: PACK LIGHT! Domestic airlines in China have a check-in baggage weight limit of 20 kilos (about 44 lbs). If your bags weigh more than this, the airline may charge you an excess baggage fee for every kilo over the allowed limit. In past years, we have had students incur SIGNIFICANT charges for excess baggage.

Since this program is trekking and climbing intensive, it’s imperative you pack Smart and Light!

Most Important Items:
• Hiking Shoes - 1 pair (This is a must have and they should be well-worn in before you come here to avoid blisters.)  Also be aware to not bring shoes that you aren’t prepared to get very dirty and wet.
• A Hiking-Style Backpack that is easy to carry up stairs or on a long trek and has a built in rain cover for it.

What we will Provide For You:
• All Rock Climbing Gear
• Tents, Portable Stoves and all Other Big Camping Gear

Carry-On Luggage: A small backpack is the best carry-on bag:

• Passport or ID Card - you can't get on the plane without this
• Photo Copy of Passport (2 additional photocopies should be carried in checked luggage)
• Sunglasses
• Medications (Must alert staff)
• Digital Camera, 35mm camera and/or disposable camera - Be aware that cameras can easily get broken, lost, or stolen in China so only bring a camera which you are prepared to part with.  Also, don't forget to bring your chargers, batteries and memory cards.  You can also bring your USB cords for downloading pics for emails. (For all ipod photo / video users, try and practice putting pictures onto your ipod at home before coming out here)

(TIP: BRING ALL OF YOUR FILM IN YOUR CARRY-ON, AND ASK THE STAFF AT EVERY X-RAY STATION TO WALK THE FILM AND YOUR CAMERA AROUND THE MACHINE. DO NOT PACK YOUR FILM IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE!)

Checked Luggage: We reccomend a hiker’s-style backpack.

• T-Shirts with sleeves (6 t-shirts) – we really hope you pack less cotton and more quick-drying materials
• Long Pants (2 pairs - I suggest something lightweight i.e. linen or a quick drying material)
• Underwear (7 pairs): again cotton will become very uncomfortable if it gets wet in a rainstorm
• Socks (5 pairs)- quick drying and comfortable
• Long Sleeve T-shirt - Two - they help keep off the sun and keep in a little warmth in the evenings
• A Rainproof Jacket that can also stand up to the wind
• Shorts (3 or 4 pairs) - not too short or tight, as this is offensive in Chinese culture.
• Sandals that are strapped (Chaco's or Teva's are recommended) – Flip flops are nto acceptable to hike in.
• Hat or cap for sun
• Towel (1 towel - NOT white) – A quick drying, small one is perfect
• Medications (must alert staff about these) - bring with you any medications that you will need while you are away. You will need to tell staff what medications you have brought during your orientation period. This is done privately, but it is essential that you disclose to your staff all medications you are carrying.

Toiletries (Please pack all items that could leak in a PLASTIC or ZIPLOCK bag and remember only a limited amount of them can come on the plan with you, so unless you really need them, throw them into your checked luggage.)

• Deodorant: You will have a very hard time finding deodorant in the woods
• Toothpaste and Toothbrush
• Contact lenses and accompanying supplies - if you use contacts, bring all of your contact solution with you
• Sunscreen
• Chapstick- make sure that it has sunscreen in it. Lip balm without sun protection actually attracts the sun. Burt's Bees has some nice products.
• Sunburn cream or Aloe Lotion - if you are someone who is prone to sunburn, we suggest that you bring a small tube or bottle of sunburn relief cream just in case you get too much sun.
• Hand Sanitizer- one bottle. Always use this before you eat as many germs are passed from your hands to your mouth and keeping your paws clean helps keep you healthy wherever you are traveling!

Optional:

• Snacks – comfort food that won't melt - granola, dried fruit, etc. You don't need much, but just in case you don't like the airplane food.
• iPod or other MP3 player.  Also please remember that any nice electronic device can easily get broken, lost, or stolen in China so only bring a camera which you are prepared to part with.
• Deck of Cards - fun for the plane and with your friends in China too
• Small packs of Kleenex Tissues - public toilets in most of Asia do not supply toilet paper - you are meant to bring your own. It's always handy to have a few packs of Kleenex tissues with you when you travel in Asia, but be rest assured that if you run out or do not bring them then you can buy them on most streets for a very cheap price.
• Personal First Aid Kit - optional but recommended - all staff will have basic first aid recourses but if you prefer a specific brand or have allergies, we strongly encourage you to bring your own basic first aid supplies, such as:

          - Band aids
          - Triple Antibiotic Ointment
          - Medical Tape
          - Moleskin or preferred blister care
          - Preferred Mild Pain Reliever
          - Antihistamine (Benedryl or preferred type)
          - 2 Non-adherent, sterile dressing
          - 2 Gauze dressing
          - 5-8 After Cuts and Scrapes Wipes

• Other toiletries - shampoo, soap, etc.  (Note: You can find basic soap and shampoo all throughout China, so bring only if you have any allergies or prefer one brand over another.)
• Frisbee, Hacky-sack, Football, Soccer Ball or Volleyball

1 - How long is the flight to this country?
The direct flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong takes approximately 14 hours.  The return flight to San Francisco is a bit quicker, taking 12 hours.

2 - Will there be a flight leader to this country?
Yes. All flights between Hong Kong and the USA will have a flight leader starting when the fight leader meets the students at the airport in San Francisco.  Unless you are traveling on the Wonders of China each of your Mainland Asian flights will be unescorted -- these short, usually less than an hour and a half flights will always have Airport Coordinators to help them check in and receive them once they exit baggage claim.
 
3 - Do we need to get visas for this program?
China requires a visa for US citizens which students must obtain themselves before departure. Information about obtaining your visa is provided with your acceptance letter. If your stay in China is longer than 30 days, please contact our office for information regarding additional visa requirements. Students who are not traveling on a US passport should check online for their visa requirements.

4 – What Chinese province(s) does this program pass through?
This program will travel throughout the Northern part of yunnan Province (Meili Snow Mountains, Lijiang, Dali), located in Southwestern China and then onto Hong Kong and Macau, both are Special Administrtative Regions.
 
5 - What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?
Rustic Pathways does not make recommendations regarding immunizations.  We strongly suggest that you consult with a travel doctor or your family physician for medical recommendations based on the area where the student will be traveling (as listed above).  You can also check the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov for more information. 

6 - How does this program connect to other programs?
Throughout Mainland Asia, Thursdays are our travel days.  This allows you to connect to other programs in China or other countries in mainland Asia easily, quickly and safely.  While their flights to the starting destinations of connecting programs are often unescorted, they will be dropped off at the airport by their previous program leader and met at the arrival airport by their new program leader.  For more information about connecting to other programs, please contact our Ohio office or e-mail us at china@rusticpathways.com.

7 – How long is the flight from Hong Kong to this program?
From Hong Kong to Kunming, it is an easy 1 ½ hour plane ride and then a 4 ½ private bus ride to Dali.  The bus is very comfortable and makes no stops along the way.

8 – What is the climate in the region where this program takes place?
The climate will vary throughout the trip between hot days and cool nights but also sunny, blue skies and big wind nights.  Students should be prepared for all weathers except snow and bring the right clothing accordingly.  That includes using a hiker’s backpack with a rain cover for it, a good rain jacket that can stand up to strong winds, well-worn in hiking shoes and non-cotton shirts and pants that are quick-dry and still retain body heat. 

 9 - Is this a good program for students interested in practicing their Chinese?
No, this program is designed for the students who loves the outdoors and seeking leadership skills.  If you are looking to develop your Chinese, this program combines nicely with our family of language programs:
Intensive Chinese Language: (Private Study):
https://www.rusticpathways.com/china/intensivechineselanguage.php
Chinese Language Immersion (Group Study):
https://www.rusticpathways.com/china/chineselanguageimmersion.php
Definitive Dali Experience (Senior Study):
https://www.rusticpathways.com/china/dali.php

10- What service projects will I work on and how are the projects identified?
There are no formal service projects on this program.

11 – How physically strenuous is this program?
This is by far our most physically exhausting trip.  We highly recommend that the student who wants to go on this trip comes in with prior hiking experience and good physical shape.  Also, please do not come into this program with no hiking or running shoes.  Take the time to break them in before you come or you may suffer from blisters during the first few days.  We strongly encourage drinking a lot of water during this program and we will be happy to find you some if you request it.

12- What costs are not included on this trip?
The majority of costs associated with the program are included on this trip. Students should have extra allowance money if they wish: to buy souvenirs, artwork and handicrafts from local artisans or additional snacks or sodas from the local grocery stores. Students should bring extra money if they choose to participate in optional activities that are not included in the trip costs. There are several options at the Macau Sky Tower, including Bungee Jumping, Sky Walking and Mast Climbing.  See below for pricing information.

13 – What are the optional activities available at an additional cost on this program?
Bungee Jump (Highest In the World): about 180 USD.
SkyWalk (While tethered to the building, walk around the age of the Macau Sky Tower): about 80 USD.
Mast Climb (Climb to the very top of the Macau Sky Tower): 200 USD
SkyJump (Like Bungee Jump but a controlled descent): about 110 USD
Please note that these optional activities are subject to change.  Occasionally Rustic Pathways staff identify new opportunities throughout the summer that we feel will enhance the students overall experience.  Optional activities may also be canceled. 

14 - What kind of food will we be eating? Where?
Since Rustic Pathways program costs include all meals, we prefer to stay with a strictly Chinese food diet.  This is often not a hard compromise since it offers some of the best food in the world and each province offer amazing diversity for flavors and cooking methods.  In addition, by sticking with the local diet, your body becomes adapted to traveling in a foreign country much easier; however, should a student really crave fast food or some sweets, we allow ample time for students to use their own allowance to quench this hunger.

15 - Can we cater to specific diets?
Contrary to belief, China is not just about rice.  In fact, often Chinese people will ask you “Do you prefer noodles or rice?”  Better yet, the Chinese cuisine is one of the most suitable for vegetarians.  China’s vegetable dishes are plentiful and savory and spiciness can be increased or left out all together at a simple request.  One thing we do ask is that students are forthright about their food allergies, often China will use a lot of cooking oil and home spices, thus it’s important for us to know what you can and can not eat.  This will not mean you go a day without food; rather the simple ingredient is aksed to be left off.

16 - Will the kids be drinking bottled water?
With all your meals and activities in China, Rustic Pathways buys bottled water and soda for the students.  Drinking tea made with boiled water presents no problems and students can use tap water for brushing their teeth; however, all other times it is imperative to buy bottled water or soda, which are easily purchased at side stalls and supermarkets.

17 - What will the accommodation on this trip be like?
Accomadations will vary with the location and it is not guaranteed that each night a student will have access to a Western toilet.  Since we will be hiking through some of the most remote and ebautiful areas in China, Wetsern civilization has not yet touched these places.  While we are in Shuanglang, Dali and Macau/Hong Kong, you will move back to Western style accommodations, which means that each room will have (2) comfortable twin beds, air conditioning and western style toilets.  Sometimes the showers will have no tub but always have a drain and are not hard to operate.

18.  What are the bathroom facilities?
We will tell you straight up, public toilets in China can be frightening.  If you can avoid going to bathrooms at gas stations or in heavily trafficked locations, there are often no problems.  At your guesthouses all toilets will be Western-style and when eating in restaurants, the “squatters” are often clean and well-maintained.  The bathroom issue is a sensitive one in China since most Chinese people prefer the squatters, believing less contact offers cleaner situations; however, we understand your concerns and often can recommend the best place to go when you really have to go.
Specific to this trip, students should expect to have to go to bathroom in remote locations but our expert China and hiking guides will help you get through all this.

19 - How many girls and boys are usually on this trip?
We expect a good mix between genders.

20- What is the ratio of guides to students?
Rustic Pathways generally strives to maintain a ratio of approximately 1 guide for every 6 students. There will be a maximum of 4 guides on this program and may vary due to group size; however, there will always be one Mainland Chiense bi-lingual staff and one Western staff with Wilderness First Aid Training supervising (In addition, each group will have at least one male and one female leader.)  Lastly, our guides go through a rigorous selection process including interviews with our program managers and a full background check.

21-Is your staff qualified in First Aid?
Because safety is our number one priority, at least one guide on this trip will be a certified Wilderness First Responder, which means thta they have acquired the skills necessary to assist an injured person while in the remote context.  From this point, they also have the training of how to help prepare and escort the student to the nearest hospitl for further treatment.

22 - How often (if at all) will students be able to do laundry on this program and what will it cost?
Students should pack reasonably for this program (light is key for this program!) and as long as you are wearing one outfit a day then laundry is available at different stops along this trip (less than 24 hour turnaround) and usually costs less than $10 for a full load.

23 - How often will they have access to phone and internet?
In the first week of this trip, students should not expect to be able to use the Internet or have an opportunity to use a phone; however, one can be made available in the case of an emergency.  Towards the second part of this trip, the students will have daily opportunities to access the Internet and catch up with their parents.

Also, parents please remember that we will always send you safe arrival e-mails and should you have any further questions or ask that your child sends an update, please let us know and we’ll be happy to pass on a friendly reminder.