Nimen Hao! Welcome to Beijing, China. The capital of the most populous country on earth, Beijing is quickly shedding its historical face in favour of modernity. However, there are still plenty of places that provide great insight into the nation's ancient past as well as sights that showcase China's contemporary culture. This adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm, where you’ll collect your Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) visas and flight tickets. After the welcome meeting the evening is free to explore the city. Get acquainted with your fellow travellers over some street food, witness one of the famous acrobatic shows, or try a bowl of authentic Chinese dumplings at a local restaurant. Notes: Please ensure you obtain a double entry visa for China before arriving in Beijing and departing for DPRK. ...

The morning is free to do as you please. This afternoon meet your driver in the hotel lobby and transfer to Beijing Airport. After a short flight to Pyongyang Airport (approximately 2 hours) with Air China, you'll meet the two North Korean guides who will accompany the group during your time in North Korea. The contrast to Beijing's busy street life will be apparent when you venture out of the airport. Notes: For flights between China and the DPRK your total baggage allowance is 20kg plus one carry-on bag. Please note that at customs all electronics will be checked – all your photos on your devices will be checked, kindles will be checked. Please do not bring with you: books on North Korea, guide books, lonely planet about DPRK or the Korean situation, any Bibles or religious books/materials (this includes crucifixes etc.), A...

After breakfast at the hotel this morning, head out into Pyongyang for a city tour. Begin with a visit to the Mansudae Grand Monument. This is the largest statue in the country, with two giant effigies of President Kim Il-sung and Leader Kim Jong-il. Despite being interesting, this visiting the site is compulsory for all visitors to Pyongyang, and flowers are rested at the feet of the immortalised leaders. Continue on to take a ride on the city’s metro – with an average depth of 110 metres the North Korean capital boasts the deepest metro system in the world. The Soviet-inspired system serves 17 stations, with rumours that the track runs much longer to stop at hidden government bases and nuclear bunkers. The two stations that are regularly open to visitors are elaborately decorated with murals to covey the glory of the countr...

This morning, travel 168 kilometres south (approximately 2.5 hours) to the border with South Korea and one of the most fascinating places in the country, the demilitarised zone (DMZ). First, check in to the to the traditional Minsok Folk Hotel, which consists of 20 traditional Korean yeogwan (small, well-equipped en suite rooms), all off small courtyards and featuring a charming stream running through it. There’s no electricity during the day, but there’s usually light in the evening and hot water. This accommodation is basic, but it will allow you to experience a traditional overnight stay, where you will sleep on the heated floor with the rice-husk pillows. Head out to the DMZ, where the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, thereby pausing the Korean War. This morning, travel through the abandoned village of Panmunjo...

Breakfast in the hotel, then take a morning walking tour around Kaesong city. Head up to Janam Hill, where you can look out across the city, much like the giant statue of President Kim Il-sung here does. Return to the capital (approximately 2.5 hours), passing under the Monument of the Three Charters for the National Reunification. This is also known as the Arch of Reunification and consists of two large female statues crossing the Reunification Highway. One represents the North, the other the South, and they hold between them a map of reunified Korea. After lunch, get an insight into the personality cult that surrounds the former President with a visit to Mangyongdae Native House, where Kim Il-sung was born and raised. While this small, simple cottage might seem an odd choice to visit, the North Koreans who flock to it conside...

This morning head out of the capital and drive to Mount Myohyang (Myohyangsan), which is around two hours north of Pyongyang and one of the six notable mountains in the country. Visit the 11th-century Pyohon Temple, which is a great example of traditional Buddhist architecture. Continue on to the International Friendship Exhibition House, which displays the ‘rare and precious gifts’ given by countries around the world to Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un. You too can leave a gift in the name of diplomacy, if you desire. After lunch, head out to explore the North Pyongan province, which is bursting with idyllic landscapes and waterfalls. Hike along a trekking route of the Manphok Valley. Manphok means ‘valley of ten thousands falls’ in Korean and, unsurprisingly, the walk passes numerous beautiful waterfalls. Head bac...

Today will be your last day in Pyongyang. In the morning, board the train and depart Pyongyang at 10:10 am. Pass through Sinuiju – DPRK Customs, and arrive in Dandong, the city on the Chinese side of the border (approximately 6-7 hours). After being stamped back into China (double entry China visa required), disembark the train and walk through Chinese customs with your luggage. Board the overnight train to Beijing, which should take around 14 hours to the Chinese capital. Notes: This section of the trip will be unaccompanied, as you will bid farewell to your local North Korean guides in Pyongyang. However, the Intrepid host will remain with the group until the morning of Day 9. Some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet for the overnight train. Safe, hot drinking water is always available. It is a good idea to ...

The overnight train arrives into Beijing Central train station at approximately 08:30 am. You will be transferred back to your Beijing Hotel and the rest of the day is free time to either relax or further explore this fascinating city. There is plenty to do and see in Beijing, perhaps visit the 98 Art District on a Beijing Art and Architecture tour, pick up a bike for the day with Urban Adventures or wander around the famous Temple of Heaven Park. Of course, no trip to China is complete without visiting the Great Wall, so perhaps check out an Urban Adventure that takes you to this icon. Tonight why not get the group together for your final evening’s dinner – perhaps try some famous Peking Duck.

Your North Korea Highlights trip comes to an end today. There are no activities planned and you are free to leave at any time. Please ask your booking agent if you would like to arrange a departure transfer. As there's so much to see and do in China's capital, stay a couple of extra days is highly recommended. We'll be happy to help with booking extra accommodation (subject to availability).