The Silk Road

18 days - from $3895

The journey of a lifetime on the legendary Silk Route, across the deserts of western China to Kashgar For centuries, traders have plied the so-called ‘Silk Road’, a long and hazardous adventure linking the markets of western Europe to the ancient Chinese capital of Xian. This tour re-traces part of that epic journey, travelling along the fabled Hexi Corridor, then out across the deserts of western China, with a detour to amazing Xiahe, a place of pilgrimage for Tibetan Lamaism.

Many spectacular sights are witnessed during this journey, including the awe-inspiring Forbidden City in Beijing, various sections of the Great Wall of China, the renowned Terracotta Warriors and the superb Buddhist painting at Dunhuang. The scenery is varied and even hostile in places, but always hauntingly beautiful. Most of all, this tour represents a cultural odyssey. From the heart of the Han Chinese homeland, you travel west, meeting numerous ethnic groups such as the Mongols and the Turkish-speaking Uighurs of central Asia, en route to the remote oasis town of Kashgar.

Highlights

• Kite flying in Tiananmen Square, Beijing
• Relax under the grape trellises of Turpan
• Shop and snap at Kashgar market
• The dunes and Buddhist caves of Dunhuang
• The emperors, eunuchs and concubines of the Forbidden City, Beijing
• The mercury rivers and terracotta warriors of Xian

Itinerary:

Day 1: (Sat) Arrive in Beijing and transfer to hotel.2-4: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and Great Wall. Overnight train to Xian.5-6: Terracotta Warriors. Overnight train to Lanzhou.7-8: Bus to Bingling Temple (Buddhist caves), then on to Xiahe. Walking tour of Labrang Monastery.9: Drive to Lanzhou. Overnight train to Jiayuguan.10: Visit Wei-jin dynasty tomb, Hanging Wall and Jiayuguan Fort.
11-12: Bus to Dunhuang. Visit Crescent Moon Lake, Singing Sands and Mogao Caves. Overnight train to Daheyan.13: Turpan – Astana Graves, Gaocheng Ancient City, view of Flaming Mountains, Grape Valley and Emin Minaret.14: Turpan – Jiaohe Ancient City and Karez Wells. Drive to Urumqi.15: Visit Lake of Heaven and Urumqi museum. Fly to Kashgar.16: Explore Kashgar – Old Town, Abakh Hoja’s Tomb, Id Kah Mosque and Sunday bazaar.17: Flight to Urumqi and connection to Beijing.18: Trip ends in Beijing this morning (Tue).
Included: Local tour leader, local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.
Not Included: Departure taxes, departure transfer, visas, other meals, insurance, tips, items of a personal nature, cost of any optional tours and activities during free time.
Meals: 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Valid From: 01 Jan 09
Valid Until: 31 Dec 69
Starts/Ends: Beijing to Beijing
Trip Reference: PCSR