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"The Himalayas,"I said to myself as sky grew dark around us.

The Annapurna Circuit is most popular trek in Nepal. The entire trek lasts three weeks from start to finish, weather permitting. Most trekkers begin trek out of Pokhara (about five hours outside of Kathmandu). From there one must obtain an easy-to-process permit in order to spend more than one night on circuit. The area is administered by Annapurna Conservation Area Project, which strives to preserve cultural, and natural resources.

Without any hassle my friends and I hired a Sherpa to take us on a guided tour throughout circuit. I am thankful we did because our experienced Sherpa saved my life.

My travel companions and I edged our way along Annapurna Circuit towards our rest stop for night, trying to beat nightfall. It was December and air was cool that time of year in Nepal. The night before we left, I had come down with a simple head cold.

I never thought this trip would bring me danger.

China is a nation of contrasts. The 5,000 years of civilization are reflected in centuries old villages, temples and monuments. Then, there is cosmopolitan city of Shanghai which is flanked by new skyscrapers and thousands of neon lights.

In city of Beijing, take along your walking shoes as you visit historic sights such as Tiananmen Squar , world’s largest public square covering 110 acres. You will probably see hundreds of people waiting in a long line at square to visit Monument to People’s Heroes, which was built in 1958, where Chairman Mao Zedong lies in state. Chairman Mao, communist leader ruled country from 1949 until his death in 1976 and his influence can be seen throughout China. 1a Tiananmen Square photo

The Forbidden City entrance.

Just across street is Forbidden City, home to emperor and his royal family. Entry to Forbidden City was forbidden for common people until 1911, when last emperor, Puyi, was overthrown. The City which occupies 775,000 square feet and nearly 10,000 rooms is an architectural masterpiece that is surrounded by a moat and a 33-foot high wall designed to keep intruders out. Most of original treasures of Forbidden City have been removed, but you can stroll among vast buildings and admire the

Save The Great Wall of China for another walking day. It is one of world’s seven great man-made wonders. Originally built as a defense against enemies from north, Great Wall was constructed over a period of 2,000 years, following different routes according to need. The wall stretches 3,700 miles and has 10,000 beacon towers. Climbing to top of wall is an adventure for only most fit. But taking a few steps is all you need to view majesty of Great Wall and you can choose how far you want to climb. At base of Great Wall there are many stores to purchase inexpensive souvenirs and a coffee shop to rest your feet after extensive climb on uneven steps.

Inside The Forbidden City.

A visit to China, wouldn’t be complete with tasting national dish, “Peking Duck.” Beijing was originally called Peking and later name was changed to Beijing. There are many Peking Duck restaurants, but Quanjude Peking Duck Restaurant has been in business for last 130 years and is highly recommended. The duck is carved tableside and surroundings are clean and beautiful.

The bustling city of Shanghai is China ’s most cosmopolitan city. Here, you can visit Yu Garden, a Ming Dynasty-era, A.D. 1368-1644, garden, Nanjing Road and famed waterfront Bund, with its tall buildings and bright lights. And you can visit Old City for numerous low cost souveniers to take home! Plan to spend a few hours at modern Shanghai Art Museum with its four floors of treasures of Chinese civilization. The Chinese Acrobat Show in Shanghai is also a must-see for tourists to China .

The Bund in Shanghai.