Chris

China, Central Asia & India specialist

My passion for travel stems from my first venture out of Europe in 1996, backpacking from Beijing to Singapore. Captivated by the sounds, sights and smells of Asia, I've been returning ever since.

China and India have drawn me back again and again (including a year in Taiwan for my Mandarin degree), and I’m always amazed at the pace of change whenever I return to China, especially. Both countries are so large and offer such variety that nearly 30 years later the sense of adventure in finding new experiences on return visits remains as strong as ever.

Joining Audley in 2006 as a China specialist, I’ve also become experienced in Central Asia and the Silk Route, as well as Tibet. My favourite Audley adventures have always featured deserts, mountains and stunning scenery, so Central Asia, China and Tibet suit me down to the ground.

Speak to Chris

Start planning your tailor-made trip with Chris

01993 838 200
Make an enquiry

I recommend visiting - Everest Base Camp, Tibet

Though the capital, Lhasa, is studded with fabulous sights and attractions, my unbeatable highlight of a trip to Tibet is seeing Everest at close quarters.

The views are simply staggering as you round the last bend on the dusty road to Base Camp and see the world's highest mountain tower above you.

The journey to Golmud and Base Camp is worth every bone-jarring minute and an overnight stay in the Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse is an ideal way to round off the day, swapping stories with other travellers in the cosy lounge.

You'll see the light change colour on the side of Everest as the sun sets, which is an unreal and magical experience.

I recommend staying at - Pig’s Inn No.2, China

Simple

While China has a wealth of uber-sophisticated accommodation in the cities, my own favourite of all hotels I have discovered on my travels is the rustic and charming Pig’s Inn. Located in the hamlet of Bishan, deep in rural Anhui Province, the family owners really get what travellers are looking for in a boutique hotel. It’s a beautifully looked after traditional courtyard residence, local cuisine is fantastic here and the occasional power-cut and rooster wake-up call serve to remind you that there is a whole different side to China, away from the urban sprawl.

I'll never forget when…

The walk from Rongbuk to Everest Base Camp was tough at over 5000 metres and with a fierce wind in my face. The feeling of actually being at Base Camp though, and faced with the magnificent spectacle of Everest in front of me made the climb well worth it.

After a long and tiring day the Monastery Guesthouse was a lovely place to rest and chat to others with a tea in the evening and prepare for the following day's drive.

Photos of Chris

Chris in Ayaz Kala, Uzbekistan
Chris outside the Forbidden City in Beijing, China
Chris visiting the Kuche Subashi ruins, China
Chris in front of Mount Muztagata, Kashgar, China
Chris in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Chris travelling toward Mount Everest, Tibet
Chris in a yurt at Lake Song Kol, Kyrgyzstan
Chris at Zighy Bay, Oman