Mount Everest: The Pinnacle of Adventure 

While visiting China, mountaineers often decide to go and see the world’s highest mountain Mount Everest. The trip is long and takes one to many stupendous places on the way. But there is nothing more magnificent than traveling to one of the most dangerous places in the world, albeit beautiful. The mountain from afar looks magnificent, but little does one know of the dangers of climbing it. It is a challenge that every mountaineer aspires to conquer.  

The Majestic Mount Everest Invokes Awe

Mount Everest needs no introduction. The highest mountain in the world has its north face in China and its south face in Nepal. The most popular cities where the trek starts from are Kathmandu in Nepal and Lhasa in Tibet. While a trek to the summit of the mountain should be left to hardcore climbers, those who are visiting China on gap year jobs and study abroad programs stand a good chance of going on a trek ‘around’ the mountain. 

Typically a trip to China to learn Mandarin also results in visiting sites in and around the place where the Chinese language programs are being conducted. The same can be said about other gap year programs. But in case one wants, a trip to Mount Everest can be arranged.   

A trip to Mount Everest is an extensive tour which would require special preparation and would not be as simple as a “weekend” tour. Usually such a trip takes more than a week’s time but for those who love mountains and trekking, it is a magnanimous event.  Where professional mountaineers are concerned, they take their gear with them and pay hefty charges to scale the mountain.  

 But not all mountaineers would opt for scaling the mountain. There is a onetime license for every individual which can be as high as $25000. Add to this the cost of the gear and oxygen and one can easily see an expenditure exceeding $40000 for an attempt to reach the summit.   

Mount Everest is one of the most majestic places on the planet. It can be viewed distinctly from the base during the months between April and June. One can also visit the site to start climbing between September and October.   

Professional mountaineers and amateurs alike would be taken in by the sight of the majestic peak that rises above all. The tour usually starts from Lhasa in Tibet which is the closest airport. However this should not dissuade students and teachers visiting China for gap year jobs from seeing this grand architecture made by nature.   

From Lhasa one can drive to a place called Tingri, a set starting point for driving to the camping base of Mt.Everst.   

Baiba Township of Shegar Town in Tingri, a springboard for going to the base of Mt.Everest.

 One can visit the Mount Everest Nature Reserve on the way and driving with endless twists and turns, and hairpin bends for 100km before reaching the campig base of Mt.Everest. 

Driving with endless twists and turns, and hairpin bends

 In the middle of the way, then go on to the Gula Pass which is the first focal point where Mount Everest is viewed. It stands at a height of 5200 meters.    

the Gula Pass which is the first focal point where Mount Everest is viewed.

 The Rongbu, one of the highest monasteries in the world, it lies at the base of the Rongbuk Glacier.   

The Rongbu, one of the highest monasteries in the world, it lies at the base of the Rongbuk Glacier.

 The last leg of the journey starts here and ends at the base camp of Mount Everest. From there on, only professional climbers are allowed in with gear to go and scale Everest.   

The last leg of the journey starts here and ends at the base camp of Mount Everest

All others can scale a hill and behold the magnificent spectacle in front of their eyes. There are not many experiences as mind boggling as viewing one of the most beautiful yet equally dangerous places in the world.

All others can scale a hill and behold the magnificent spectacle in front of their eyes

When one visits China, the travel itinerary includes Weishan in almost all the cases. This is because Weishan County boasts of some of the most beautiful places in the country. The Weibo Mountains have been called the “Quietest Mountains in China”. The county also has some important seats of Daoism. Student travels include visiting some extremely beautiful spots. The county holds historical, religious and spiritual importance.  

Places to Visit in Weishan

Weishan County in China boasts of some of the most scenic spots in the country. Nestled in the Weibo Mountains, there are many places which are mesmerizing to say the least. It is not a surprise that study abroad programs based in Yunnan and also elsewhere in the country make it a point to take students to this area during the weekend travels. These gap year program trips are not only fun but educational as well.  

These mountains have been the summer abode of various kings. Weibao Mountain is a holy Daoist mountain. The full name of the mountain is Weibaoshan Mountain and it is considered to be “The quietest mountain in China”. The county has been responsible for cradling one of the most well-known kings of the country; Xinluo was born here and grew up to be the ruler of the legendary Nanzhao Kingdom.  

This region is the hub of natural beauty and spirituality. It is easy to see why those who learn Chinese in China want to visit this place. There is Wenchan Hall in the mountains which is dedicated to a former regional Daosit ruler. It has been designed in accordance with the Daoist geomantic principles. It is in this hall that one gets to see the “Mural of Dancing”. This is the only ancient Daoist mural that is found in Yunnan Province.  

There are almost twenty two temples in these mountains. Therefore, summer programs for high school students could easily be busy for at least two days touring just the temples. The Qingxia Temple is a famous temple which is dedicated to the highest of the Daoist Gods. It is more popularly known as the Laojun temple and has been designed grandly. The interiors are stately and pristine. There is a considerable amount of walking involved to visit different sites because these mountains have remained untouched to maintain their sanctity.

 On the way to these mountains, East Lotus Village lies in the path. This village still bears the looks of a place that must have been there centuries ago. Small streets, traditional buildings and people cooking food the traditional way are all commonplace here, a part of the day to day life. If one wants to experience the religious fervor, then the best time to visit these mountains is between the 1^st and the 15^th of the second month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Daoist pilgrims flock here for the temple fair. 

It is known to everybody that China is not only the place for learning Mandarin. It has expansive beautiful places which have become popular among students and visitors alike.

Explore Mang City, a Beautiful Extension of China 

There are a lot of tourist destinations in China, and almost all of them have transformed completely from what they were a few decades ago. Taking examples of cities like Beijing and Shanghai, and their transformation into thriving metropolitans, often tourists look for natural beauty in places while visiting, and in these cases the polish of swanky cities does not matter much. This is why lesser known spots are becoming more popular in the country, and one such place is the Mang City which lies in the border region of China and Burma. It is one of the most beautiful places in China.

 Mang City, a Developing Tourist Spot

There is no better teacher than experience and what could offer someone experience that is more pleasurable than travel? This is why study abroad programs are a popular part of the education curriculum. No matter where one goes on gap year programs, there is a lot to learn. One can opt for gap year jobs or to learn the language of that country. These activities combined with traveling help one develop tolerance for cultures alien to most. Traveling to other countries on gap year programs also helps develop understanding unlike any other. The best part is that one gets to see some of the most beautiful places in the world.  

This is particularly true for Chinese language programs and summer programs for high school students. China is the hot spot for studying abroad today. This is not only because it is a developing and potent economy but also because the nation has opened itself to the world unlike any time before. People from around the world have noticed China and accepted it as one of the big economic powers of the world. But what they do not know is that the nation is also one of the biggest on the planet and harbors natural beauty that surpasses most exotic spots.  

If someone needs to study in China during his or her gap year, then he or she is into a big surprise. The travel itinerary can be extensive and helps one tour a huge variety of places in the country. One of such exotic and beautiful destinations is the Mang City. This is a city in Luxi Province and was earlier known as Luxi City.  

This city lies west of Yunnan Province which is the cultural center of China. The province harbors 51 out of the 52 ethnic minorities in China, and therefore is the perfect place for language and culture studies. Mang City is a destination for the weekends and also is the gateway to Burma. All those students who want to visit south Asian countries like Burma would certainly go to Mang City.  

The city is among one of the most beautiful places in China, but much lesser known. Only a quarter of its area lies on the plains and the rest lies in the mountains. The city is the home to ethnicities like Dai, Deang, Acang, Lisu and Jingpo communities. With its popularity soaring as a tourist destination, gradually Mang City is also developing. From a small foot hill town in the1990s, it has become home to more than three hundred and thirty thousand people. The ethnic population, which has lived in the region for generations, comprises of half of the current population.  

Another reason why Mang City has gained importance is because of the abundance of its natural resources. The city has lush forest resources along with comprehensive mineral deposits. The availability of clean water also has helped in its rapid advancement. This is a place that would be a tourist’s perfect haven.