Join us to find the hidden wonders of the Himalayas. (Photo credit: Ralph Oberg)

Back by popular demand!

Big savings on ANY 2011 trip

We had such a big response to our special offers of late last year that we're bringing them back for a limited time. If you've ever wanted to go to Asia, now is the time to book your trip! Book ANY 2011 trip with us before April 15 and save $150! Add that to discounts of up to $150 that we are giving on specific treks, and a $100 refer-a-friend bonus and you can save up to $400! Check out our Deals Page for details on trips to Nepal, Bhutan, India and more!

NEW for 2011:

South India Coast to Coast with Pam Perry

	Delight in the magic of South India

Have you ever wondered what the fuss about India is? Perhaps it the ancient temples or the luxurious heritage hotels… the lush spice gardens or jungle reserves? Is it the history or the mystery that excites you? No matter what, you will find it all on our South India Coast to Coast trip this fall. Travel from Chennai in the southeast to Cochin in the southwest, over the Western ghats and through misty mountain forests and verdant tea plantations. This 12 day/11 night trip is November 13-24, 2011 with our very own India specialist Pam Perry starts at $3,495 per person. Contact us to learn more and reserve your spot today!

Climb for a Cause with
3 Summits

3 Summits for Nepal, founded by Grand Asian Journeys' own Jwalant Gurung in 2005, raised $15,000 in 2010 to build the secondary school wing of the Bindawasini School. Prior to this, Chandeni Village in the remote Kavre district of Nepal only had a primary school and students had to walk an hour each way to get there. We offer sincere thanks to all who donated and made education accessible to these grateful students. The tradition will continue in 2011 as we raise additional funds to build another school in a remote village in Eastern Nepal, a three day walk from the nearest road. In order to achieve that goal, 3 Summits needs to raise $30,000 - more than double last year. If you are interested in making a tax-deductible donation or joining the 3 Summits team, please contact Jwalant by clicking here.

Trek Everest Base Camp for FREE!

In the spirit of generosity and to encourage enthusiastic fundraising (!) for 3 Summits, Grand Asian Journeys is offering a free Everest Base Camp Trip (valued at $1,995) to the highest fund-raiser (US$3,500) for 3 Summits for Nepal 2011. Contact us for details on climbing Mount Rainier with 3 Summits this summer.

Journey to magical, mystical Bhutan

Bhutan is a fascinating Himalayan kingdom and about the furthest you can get from the frantic hum of the outside world. Few countries can boast such stunning natural beauty, and even fewer have protected their culture so well. Most Bhutanese remain subsistence farmers, but it is impossible to call them poor, especially when the government measures progress in terms of "Gross National Happiness."

Because of its unique geography, in the past getting to Bhutan was practically impossible for Westerners. The first roads in the country weren't built until the 1960s, and only a handful of adventurers made it to the central valleys before 1974. If you are interested in being one of the few Westerners to see this last bastion of Buddhism, check out one of our scheduled Bhutan departures this fall. Join either our Sacred Peaks & Valleys: Jhomolhari Trek or Stepping Back in Time: Majestic Bhutan, journeys that will both depart this October with our own Pam Perry as host. And, if you'd rather do it on your own, contact us to create a custom itinerary just for you. We promise Bhutan will excite and enchant you!

Trekking to Dolpo – the last frontier?

At the edge of the Tibetan plateau is Dolpo, a sacred hidden land. Arguably the most challenging and also the most fascinating trek in the entire Himalaya, the Upper Dolpo trek is regarded by Jwalant Gurung – Grand Asian Journeys' Chief Adventure Officer – as his favorite in Nepal. Thirty days of walking over several high mountain passes through some of the highest ancient Tibetan villages on Earth in this magical land is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Besides enjoying the desert-like surreal landscape and soaking in the unspoiled Tibetan culture, this adventure also allows you ample opportunities for reflection and meditation. You will be sharing the trail with Tibetan caravans and local herdsmen but very few, if any, Westerners.

Join us this September on our Crystal Mountain Trek: Upper Dolpo
Date: September 15 to October 19, 2011 (35 days/34 nights)
From US$ 4,845 per person

TRAVEL ALERT:

	Does your credit card have this symbol on it?

RFID is the acronym for Radio Frequency Identification. Essentially, it is a small microchip that is placed in credit cards, new passports, and other forms of ID. It is much like a barcode, but with one significant difference; barcodes need to be precisely placed under the scanner in order for the information to be read. RFID doesn't and this is what makes them so vulnerable to identity theft. Anyone with the correct equipment is able to scan your information from the RFID chip placed in your credit card. To protect your passport and credit cards consider carrying them in special RFID protection cases, available at travel stores or online. Protect yourself!

Testimonial

"I feel as if I have new friends in Nepal as my adventure was so much more than my original expectations. The Grand Asian Journeys team really delivered exceptional customer service – months before I started the trip they were always very responsive. Answers were always spot on and informative. I kept Jwalant apprised of my training and found that his advice was key to successfully enduring the Everest region. They definitely provide the personal touch and you won't be disappointed!"

-Kevin Noe

Space available!

May 12 – Mustang: The Kingdom of Lo Manthang Trek
(21 days/20 nights, $3,595 special price) Explore this ancient forbidden Buddhist kingdom.

June 5 - Kanshung Everest Trek
(25 days/24 nights, from $3,645) Approach Everest from the less-traveled Tibetan side.

Biking the Himalayas?

Looking for a new kind of Nepal adventure? Grand Asian Journeys is one of the first outfitters to offer mountain biking trips in the Himalayas. Check out our recent blog post for details.

Travel like you planned it yourself...

...but let us do the work! Contact us to create your dream trip to Bhutan, India, Nepal, Tibet or China. Browse our website for inspiration and then let us create a trip just for you.

Got Travel Insurance?

We use and trust Travelex to have the best trip interruption, cancellation, medical and evacuation protection for your journey. Click here for a quote.

Referral Bonus

If it's not you who wants to travel, but you know someone who'd benefit from our professional and personalized service and world-class journeys, refer them and get yourself a $100 REI Gift Card as a special thank you.

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