The Silk Road evokes exotic images of long caravan lines stretching across vast sand dunes and dusty travelers relaxing in the shade of a desert oasis. It also took tradesmen and monks, across mountains, deserts and seas from Europe to Asia. The commercial system of oasis settlements across the desert enabled the spread of goods, religious beliefs (Buddhism, Islam & Christianity), science and technology. The Silk Road and its many towns and cities were forever immortalized in Marco Polo's accounts of his travels.
This journey explores one of the less visited branches of this network of ancient trade routes. We start with Khotan, home to beautifully handcrafted silks that are famous across Central Asia for their rich colors and intricate designs. Weather permitting, we will camp in the Taklamakan for a night, which is an amazing opportunity to experience the awesome isolation of the desert. The Taklamakan Desert is the largest in China and second largest in the world. It was titled as the "Sea of Death" by Sven Hedin early last century.
We then move on the Kashgar, the remotest outpost of China with the famous Sunday market. From here we drive along the famous Karakorum Highway through the majestic scenery of the Pamir Plateau meeting Khirgiz Nomads. We will explore the beautiful Karakul Lake flanked by the 2 giant snow-capped peaks of Mt Kongur and Muztagh Ata. You will get right up to Khunjerab Pass, the border of Pakistan and China. At 4780m, it is the world's high highway and the scenery is indeed superlative!
During this adventure trip, you will have chance to experience travel by bus, jeep, camel and even donkey cart down busy highways and unpaved back roads rarely visited by tourists.
DAY 01BEIJING or SHANGHAI / URUMQI / KHOTAN
Fly
Beijing/Urumqi
CA1293
0815/1230 - Daily
Shanghai-Hong Qiao/Urumqi
FM9219
0835/1340 - Daily
Upon arrival, be met & transfer to visit Xinjiang Regional Museum which has strong ethnic features. There are over 50,000 items in the collection relating to folk customs, historical relics and 21 mummies, some of them are Caucasian race over 4,000 years. After a short rest, transfer to the airport for flight to Khotan
Fly
Urumqi/Khotan
CZ65819
2030/2210 - Daily
Upon arrival, be met & transfer to your hotel.
Khotan was an early center for the spread of Buddhism from India into China. It fell to the Arabs in the 8th century, and grew wealthy on the proceeds of the caravan trade that traveled the route between China and the West. It was conquered by Genghis Khan in the early 13th century.
(Lunch & dinner included)
DAY 02KHOTAN / DESERT
Today, is a highlight as we travel deep into the seemingly endless desert. We drive 30 km (one hour) to the edge of the Taklamakan Desert and then hop on a camel! Your journey on camel back will last about 6 to 7 hours. As you travel through the glorious desert on the back of your two-humped dromedary, you will gain a momentary taste of the rigors of an ancient caravan journey. Similarly, as you camp overnight in the desert and you sit beneath the enormous desert night sky, warming yourself around a campfire - you can begin to appreciate your relationship to the vast and uncompromising wilderness around us.
(Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner included)
DAY 03RAWAK RUINS / KHOTAN
This morning, you de-camp and continue your camel ride to visit the ruins of the Rawak Temple, it is the ruins of the earliest pagoda of China. It is located in the desert, north - west of Jiya Township, Lop County. It is the only temple which has a Gandara style (similar form to an Indian temple). The Uygur word "rawak" means "pavilion".
Return to Khotan Hotel for a short rest. Then, continue your visit to Malika-awat Ruins. This ancient city lies 25 km southwest of Khotan, on the west bank of the Jade Dragon Kashgar River. Situated on a 1500 m long belt, it is believed to be the ancient city of the Yutian Kingdom; although there are disputes as some claim it used to be a monastery compound. From 1977, potsherds (ancient remnants of pottery), ancient coins and other items have been excavated. Our last visit is the Hetian Jade factory.
You will enjoy a special dinner at an orchard tonight.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
DAY 04KHOTAN / KASHGAR
Prepare for a long day of traveling as we drive 520 km along the southern rim of Taklamakan Desert to Kashgar.
Arrive at Kashagr late afternoon. This quaint oasis town, often visited today, was once the center of civilization in the Tarim Basin. On the way you will visit the magnificent mausoleum of Yarkant king, and the old streets of Yarkant city. Yarkant once was a famous Silk Road town for traders. You will also visit Yingsar hand-made knife factory before you arrive to Kashgar.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)
DAY 05KASHGAR / KARAKUL LAKE
This morning, visit the outstanding Sunday market, the biggest in Asia. It attracts 50,000 people to view, thousands of donkeys, camels and sheep, as well as a huge range of merchandise, this will be a memorable experience (or visit the other daily commodities market 2 km from the town).
You will then drive along famous Karakorum highway for 200km.On the way you will pass by Mahmud Kashgary tomb who was a famous linguist around 11 century. Karakorum Highway starts at Kashgar & ends in Pakistan going some of the most stunning terrain on earth. Arrive at Karakul Lake, flanked by a 7000m giant & beautiful snow capped mountains Muztagh-ata & Mt. Kongur. This area is also occupied by local Kyrgyz people as pasture land. So you could also see local nomadic life there by Yaks.
Stay overnight in the yurt for the adventurous or a hotel in Tashkurghan.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)
DAY 06KARAKUL LAKE / KHUNJERAB PASS / TASHKURGHAN
Enjoy breakfast by the Lake, free hike in the morning, then drive 1 1/2 hour to Tashkurghan (100 km) to visit the Stone City. After a short rest, we drive about 2 hours to the Khunjerab Pass (4693 m), which is said to be the highest border crossing in the world between Pakistan & China. The scenery at the pass is indeed incredibly beautiful. It is so silent, with a light wind, rolling green meadows, and snow within arms reach. You could breathe the crystalline air here and gaze at cloud-laced peaks.
Return to Tashkurghan for the night.
(Breakfast, lunch included)
DAY 07TASHKURGHAN / KASHGAR
Drive all the way to Kashgar (5-6 hours). Free at leisure on your own.
(Breakfast, lunch included)
DAY 08KASHGAR / URUMQI
In the morning we do a city tour including the old town and Handcraft Street of Kashgar, like its name Kashgar was so called as the center of hand crafts such as iron, wood, cooper and gold products. You feel like you are not in China while you walk through the old town of Kashgar. After lunch take a flight back to Urumqi.
Fly
Kashgar/Urumqi
CZ 6806
1820/1955
(Breakfast, lunch included)
DAY 09URUMQI / BEIJING or SHANGHAI Visit the International Great Bazaar, the largest Uigur bazaar in Urumqi, where you'll find a bustling market filled with fruit, clothing, crafts, knives, carpets and more...Enjoy shopping!
Late in the afternoon, transfer to the airport for fight
Fly
Urumqi/Beijing
CA1298
1935/2310 - Daily
Urumqi/Shanghai- Hongqiao
FM 9219
0835/1340 - Daily
(Breakfast included)
XIAN
Xian is arguably the start point of the ancient Silk Road. And by itself, was the seat of the Emperor for more than 10 dynasties and over 1000 years. It is home to some of the most spectacular sights in China - the thousands life-sized terracotta warriors is the must see attractions.
DAY 01BEIJING or SHANGHAI / XIAN
Fly
Beijing/Xian
MU2124
1045/1235 - Daily
Shanghai- Pudong/Xian
FM9203
0835/1110 - Daily
Upon arrival, met & transfer to hotel. Half day city tour to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda & the Hanyang Tomb - a joint tomb of the fourth Emperor of the Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-220A.D.) and his Empress.
(Lunch included)
DAY 02XIAN
Today, visit one of the greatest sights of China - the Terra Cotta Warriors, thousands of life-sized soldiers, each with different expressions and horses, all companions for the burial of the first emperor of China - he is also builder of the Great Wall.
After lunch, we visit the Big Goose Pagoda and the excellent Provincial History Museum.
This evening, be treated to the spectacular Tang dynasty show with dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)
DAY 03XIAN / DUNHUANG Spend the morning on the old City Wall (biking on the wall if you like) before exploring the winding alleys of the Muslim Quarter with its unique Great Mosque.
Transfer to the airport for flight
Fly
Xian/Urumqi
CZ6960
1910/2210 - Daily
Continue with Day 01 as above.
(Breakfast included)
TOUR PRICES PER PERSON:
- These prices are based on min. two adults traveling together sharing one room.
- The prices stated can only be indicative and may be adjusted once we know your date of travel, number in your party and if you have any other specific requirements.
- All tours & transfers in private air-con vehicle with English speaking guide and all entrance fees are included.
- Camel into the desert;
- Camel man;
- Chef;
- Special permit for ruins.
- Travel insurance.
COST EXCLUDES
- Beverages in the restaurants where meals are included
- Gratuities to guide and driver
- Personal and other expenses such as bar bills and laundry not stated in the itinerary.
Hotel Description
In Xian Sofitel on Renmin Square Xian: is located in the grounds of Renmin Square and is a grand hotel which adheres to the local Chinese 5 star platinum standards, making it the most luxurious hotel in the city. www.sofit el.com/sofitel/fichehotel/gb/sof/5949/fiche_hotel.shtml
Hyatt Regency Hotel: this 5-star hotel is within Xian's ancient city walls and is close to the shopping districts of the city. www.hyatt.com/
Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza Hotel: Only 10-minute walking distance to the center of downtown, the hotel is conveniently located immediately outside famous South Gate of Xi'an. It is convenient to visit the City Wall and the shopping district of the city. With its modern architecture reflecting the new, outward- looking Xian, the hotel is surrounded by picturesque landscape and local attractions including the City Wall of the antique city, and only 35 km from the world-renowned Terracotta Warrior Museum. www.ginwaplaza.com/english/ind ex.asp
In Urumqi Sheraton Urumqi Hotel: the best 5 star hotel in Urumqi. Hotel rooms with scenic views of snow-capped mountains, high speed internet access & rainforest shower head. 5 specialty restaurants offering an array of cuisines ranging from traditional Chinese and Asian delicacies to Halal and international cuisines. (www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton)
Hoi Tak Hotel: A 5 star hotel situated in the business district, with elegant architecture and interior design. Some of the rooms have a panoramic view of the famous snow capped "Tianshan Mountains" and overlook the city. Hotel has indoor swimming poor, each room has internet access. (www.hoitakhotel.com)
Kempinski Hotel: Located in the business and shopping center of Urumqi, the Kempinski Hotel Urumqi is a luxury hotel providing a European flavor and top notch facilities. It is only a 15-minute drive from the South Railway Station and 30-minutes from the airport.
In Khotan: Wenzhou Hotel: this hotel has been supplanted by the Zhejiang Hotel next door, and if you have the extra few dollars you're better off there. While the renovated rooms are still worth the outlay, the standard rooms on the fourth (without air-conditioning) and fifth floors are only for those on a tight budget who don't mind putting up with some unsavory smells!
In Kashgar: Tianyuan International Hotel Kashgar: the hotel located in the city center of Kashgar, close to the People's Square and the People's Park, only 10 minutes driving away from the Kashgar Railway Station.
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BEIJING or SHANGHAI / URUMQI / KHOTAN
KASHGAR / KARAKUL LAKE