2024-03 Tibet Stargazing and Astrophotography Tour：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YPgNwGLcA4&list=PLp4yH6of6tYV-RJD0mnq3LeNkysZ0hqoN

All participants must carefully read the following notes and terms and conditions before registering and making payment. Registration and payment imply agreement and acceptance of the related terms. 

Except in the case of event cancellation, all payments made are non-refundable and non-transferable.

The remaining balance must be paid by September 30, 2024. If the payment is not completed by the aforementioned deadline, it will be automatically considered a withdrawal, and your participation will be canceled.

The tour guide will accompany all participants on a trip from Shenzhen to Lhasa, visiting famous attractions such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. Accommodation will be provided at traditional Tibetan houses near Yamdrok Lake, allowing you to experience the Tibetan culture. In the evening, there will be a stargazing session at Yamdrok Lake, where the Galaxy Scientific Group will set up a large telescope in the pristine environment at an altitude of over 4000 meters. Participants will have the opportunity to observe deep sky objects, learn about astronomical observation and photography techniques, such as capturing star trails, nebulae, and star clusters. Later, the tour will continue to the historic and cultural city of Shigatse, exploring different natural landscapes and cultural heritage sites. Along the way, you will pass through the famous 108-turn mountain road and reach the base camp of Mount Everest at an altitude of over 5000 meters. You will stay in tented accommodations at Everest Base Camp, enjoying the beauty of the starry sky and witnessing breathtaking sunrise and sunset views of Mount Everest and the magnificent natural landscape. Returning to Shigatse, you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. The next day, you will travel back to Shenzhen and conclude the tour.

 

Stargazing Tour Dates: December 22 to 31(10 days, 9 nights)

Workshops: 

Galaxy Scientific Group will provide two introductory astronomy and photography workshops before the tour. Participants can bring their own cameras and tripods, or different equipment such as the ZWO Seestar smart telescope or equatorial mount for astrophotography.

－The workshops will cover basic astronomical knowledge, stargazing techniques, astrophotography, image processing skills, and travel tips for Tibet.

Language: Chinese

Cost: HK$26,000 per person 

－The cost includes all necessary expenses during the trip, including transportation, accommodation, entrance fees, etc. There are no hidden charges. Travel insurance is included, covering both group travel and personal comprehensive travel insurance.

－VIP customers of the Galaxy Scientific Group's eshop can enjoy a discount when registering for the stargazing tour. VIP status will be upgraded upon successful registration, providing VIP discounts on the purchase of most astronomical equipment.

Quota: 18 people (Only for residents with valid Home Return Permits), first-come, first-served basis

 

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The stargazing expedition will be led by Mr. Fong Ho-Cheung, Director of Galaxy Scientific Group, and instructors from the company.

In 2010, Mr. Fong built the first professional observatory on the plateau for the National Taiwan University at an altitude of 5,100 meters near the border of Kashmir in western Tibet. It was ranked 5th in the world in terms of altitude. The following year, he established a personal observatory at an altitude of 4,300 meters in Tibet, equipped with a 50cm Officina Stellare reflector, making him the first person to achieve these milestones in Tibet. Over the past 20 years, he has built numerous observatories and planetarium facilities for governments, scientific research institutions, and educational institutions in Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. His clients include the Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Astronomical Observatories of China, Purple Mountain Observatory, National Taiwan University, National Central University, Lulin Observatory, Taiwan Science Museum, Malaysian National Observatory, Indonesian Space Agency, Observatory of Ma Wan Solar Tower, and various schools.

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Accommodation:

－Stay at star-rated hotels in Lhasa and Shigatse (double rooms)

－Experience the Tibetan culture by staying at traditional houses near Yamdrok Lake (shared rooms)

－Stay in tented accommodations at Everest Base Camp (shared rooms)

Meals: 

－Breakfast will be provided at hotels/homestays

－Lunch and dinner will be provided at local restaurants

Stargazing Activity Notes:

－The tour guide will provide a large telescope for visual observations. As for astrophotography equipment, participants can bring simple devices such as smartphones, DSLR or mirrorless cameras, or personal astrophotography equipment. It is recommended to bring within 1-2 sets of equipment.

－Ensure that your equipment has a sufficient power supply, such as the Celestron PowerTank Lithium LT.

Important Notes:

－Traveling to Tibet involves considerations of high altitude. It is recommended to consult a doctor before participating, based on individual circumstances. For information on altitude sickness, you can refer to: https://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/tc_chi/environmental_health_risk/high_altitude.html

－Please ensure that you have a valid Home Return Permit before making payment. After payment is confirmed, participant names cannot be changed, except in the case of tour cancellation. Copies of Home Return Permits must be submitted as they are required for flight bookings and border permits.

The cost includes round-trip economy class airfare, hotel accommodation (double occupancy), Everest Base Camp and Yak Lake multi-person room, meals, transportation (tour buses and eco-friendly vehicles for Mount Everest), entrance fees for various sightseeing programs, border permits, group travel insurance coverage up to HKD100,000, and service fees for accompanying staff. No hidden charges in the tour.

－As required by the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, participants must purchase personal comprehensive travel insurance and ensure that they understand the coverage and special conditions of the policy. The tour includes group insurance (HKD 100,000 Travel Safety Insurance) and the cost of purchasing personal comprehensive travel insurance. If necessary, you can also purchase additional comprehensive personal travel insurance yourself.

－Participants agree that the Tibet Stargazing and Astrophotography Tour may be subject to weather conditions, policies, or other objective factors that may require adjustments to be made accordingly. 

－Participants agree that the instructors may take photos or videos during the journey for media publication, promotion, or educational purposes, and agree that no remuneration will be received.