Unique cultural tours
Explore the heart of Asia with a cultural tour organised by Singapore's Friends Of the Museum docent group. Visit www.fom.sg for more information.

Silk Road Sure to appeal to those with a basic knowledge of Buddhism and interest in China's history and geography, this 11-day expedition starts September 23. Visit the Great and Small Wild goose Pagodas, in Xi'an. Travel to Dunhuang - home to the fascinating Caves of 1000 Buddhas. You'll then be led across the desert, passing through Turfan, Urϋmqi, Aksu and Kashgar. This trip concludes with a visit to two new archaeological sites and the giant Loshan Maitreya Buddha, in Chengdu. Talks during this tour will mainly be on Buddhist iconography, the spread of Buddhism in China, the Lotus Sutra, Silk Road Explorers, Xinjiang, Uyghur history and culture, as well as the region's flora and fauna. Expect adventure travel with some challenging conditions, with minimal baggage only. Priced at $5,888 including airfares, meals, transport, guide entry fees and a $60 contribution to the FOM general fund.

Bhutan - Land of Hidden Treasures This 10-day journey begins November 5 in the Paro Valley, with a visit to the beautiful Taktsang, cliffside monastery. Next on the programme is a visit to Punakha, with its spectacular dzong and Chimi Lakhang monastery, then Gangtey for the Black-Necked Crane Festival, where adults and children celebrate the arrival of the beautiful but sadly endangered Black-Necked Cranes. The trip concludes with a visit to Trongsa - the royal family's ancestral home. Priced at $6,000.

Posted Aug 09