DISCOVERY TRAILS – ICELAND

8 Days

The Tiananmen, a gate in the wall of the Imperial City, was built in 1415 during the Ming dynasty. In the 17th century, fighting between Li Zicheng’s rebel forces and the forces of the Manchu-led Qing dynasty caused heavy damage to, or even destroyed, the gate. Tiananmen Square was designed and built in 1651, and has since been enlarged by four times its original size in the 1950s.

Near the centre of the square stood the “Great Ming Gate”, the southern gate to the Imperial City, renamed “Great Qing Gate” during the Qing dynasty, and “Gate of China” during the Republican era. Unlike the other gates in Beijing, such as the Tiananmen and the Zhengyangmen, this was a purely ceremonial gateway, with three arches but no ramparts, similar in style to the ceremonial gateways found in the Ming tombs.

This gate had a special status as the “Gate of the Nation”, as can be seen from its successive names. It normally remained closed, except when the Emperor passed through. Commoner traffic was diverted to side gates at the western and eastern ends of the square, respectively. Because of this diversion in traffic, a busy marketplace, called “Chess Grid Streets”, was developed in the big, fenced square to the south of this gate.
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Overview

The Tiananmen, a gate in the wall of the Imperial City, was built in 1415 during the Ming dynasty. In the 17th century, fighting between Li Zicheng’s rebel forces and the forces of the Manchu-led Qing dynasty caused heavy damage to, or even destroyed, the gate. Tiananmen Square was designed and built in 1651, and has since been enlarged by four times its original size in the 1950s.

Near the centre of the square stood the “Great Ming Gate”, the southern gate to the Imperial City, renamed “Great Qing Gate” during the Qing dynasty, and “Gate of China” during the Republican era. Unlike the other gates in Beijing, such as the Tiananmen and the Zhengyangmen, this was a purely ceremonial gateway, with three arches but no ramparts, similar in style to the ceremonial gateways found in the Ming tombs. This gate had a special status as the “Gate of the Nation”, as can be seen from its successive names. It normally remained closed, except when the Emperor passed through. Commoner traffic was diverted to side gates at the western and eastern ends of the square, respectively. Because of this diversion in traffic, a busy marketplace, called “Chess Grid Streets”, was developed in the big, fenced square to the south of this gate.

Important Notes

  • All quotes are subject to availability of the hotels. No bookings are made at the time of quoting.
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  • Supplement charges may apply – where the quoted hotels are either not available / yielded contracted rates / higher category rooms available
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  • South African visas may take 5-20 working days, please book early to secure bookings
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Itinerary

Arrival in Keflavik Airport, you will be met by the representative and have a private transfer to the hotel. Welcome to Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is defined by its dramatic landscape with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. Massive glaciers are protected in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks. Most of the population lives in the capital, Reykjavik, which runs on geothermal power and is home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland’s Viking history
Overnight in Reykjavik.

Breakfast at the hotel & later proceed for an amazing tour of the “Golden Circle”. On the Golden Circle tour, you will experience three of Iceland’s most famous and impressive attractions: Þingvellir National Park, the geothermal area of Geysir and the Gullfoss waterfall.
Thingvellir or "þingvellir" in Icelandic" is the name of the national park. Here the Icelandic parliament Alþingi ("Althingi") was established in 930 AD, making it the oldest parliament in the world. Þingvellir also has a geological significance, since you can see the Eurasian and American plate meet here. They drift apart a few centimetres every year. Geysir area and see Strokkur, which spouts every 5-10 minutes, with the water reaching about 15-20 meters from the ground. The word geysir (or as written in English, geyser) originates in Iceland with Geysir.
Gulfoss waterfall or the Great Golden Waterfall is the largest two-stepped waterfall in Iceland situated in a glacial river flowing from the country’s second largest glacier Langjokull formed in massive flood around 5000 years ago.
Opportunity to witness the Northern Lights if visible can be seen from these small locations.
Overnight at a Country side Guest House / Hotel located at village Vik or Hveragerdi. (B)

Post breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed for a guided South Coast Tour. Highlights: Seljelland and Skogfoss waterfalls, Black Sand Beach, Reiyneisfjara, Black baalt formation, Northern Lights (weather dependent).
Overnight at a Country side village Guesthouse at Village Gerdi or Hofn. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a day of fun and adventure.
Scenic Guided excursion to Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, Blue Ice Cave.
Highlights: Glacier Lagoon (where 1000 year old Icebergs are visible), Diamond beach.
Included is 3 Hrs Blue Ice cave excursion with to fro Super jeep ride experience, Village Vik, Northern Lights (Weather dependent). Return to Reykjavik.
Overnight in Reykjavik (B)

Post breakfast, later you will have a guided tour of Silver Circle and Lava Caving.
Highlights : Borgarfjordur area, Hraunfossar Waterfalls, Vidgelmir lave cave guided excursion. Return to Reykjavik.
Overnight Borgarnes (Hotel B59 OR Borgarnes) (B)
Northern Lights if visible can be seen from these small locations. (Weather permitting)

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by guided tour to Snæfellsness ( most popular area because it was a part of the Game of Thrones locations as well), often referred to as mini Iceland). Highlights: Arnarstapi, Kirkjufell Mountain and waterfall (most photographed location) , Black Sand Beach, Fishing Villages.
Overnight in Reykjavik (B)

Breakfast at the hotel, later you will have a chauffeur receive you at the hotel and transfer to Blue Lagoon. Enjoy Geo Thermal Spa Experience - Included is comfort Entrance: Entry to Geo thermal Pool, Towels, silica Face mask and welcome drink.
The chauffeur will wait for max 2 hrs at the Blue lagoon.
Return transfer to Reykjavik.
Overnight Hotel Klettur or Similar (B)

Breakfast at the hotel, check out formalities and free time depending on the flight back home. 3 - 4 hours prior to your departure flight you will have a private transfer to Reykjavik Airport (B)

Cost

What your tour price includes?

  • Accommodation at selected category of hotels. (Standard or Superior)
  • Daily Continental breakfast at the hotel (except on the day of arrival).
  • Overseas Travel Insurance (upto 60 yrs age group only)
  • Sightseeings as mentioned
  • Inter city travel by coach

What your tour price does not include?

  • International air ticket, Domestic ticket if any, Airport taxes & Visa charges.
  • TCS and GST is not included in the above cost and will be charged on final amount.
  • Meals other than those specified (if any).
  • Laundry, telephone, optional excursions and other items of a personal nature.
  • Mandatory tipping to Van driver of USD 5 per person per day is not included in the price.
  • City taxes / Resort Fees – To be paid at the hotel.
  • Cost of foreign exchange for personal use.
  • Cost of PCR Test is not included & any medical examination will be treated as actual
  • Any items or services not specified in the itinerary ‘INCLUSIONS’ head.

Frequently asked Questions

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and host shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

DISCOVERY TRAILS – ICELAND
From ₹210,000
/ Adult