Named in 19th century by the German scholar, Baron Ferdinand von Richthofen, the Silk Road was the information super highway of its age, serving as the conduit not only for goods but also for the transmission of knowledge and ideas between east and west.
The Silk Road began at magnificent capital city of Changan (Xian today). The route took traders westwards into Gansu and along the Hexi Corridor to Dunhuang. From here the great part of the Silk Road threaded its way through West Regions. Ancient travelers left behind many historical records and invaluable relics.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Beijing or Shanghai - Xian. On your arrival in Xian we will transfer you to your hotel. Lunch in Xian followed by an afternoon sightseeing tour featuring the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Bell and Drum Tower Square. Includes: (L).
Day 2: Xian. Straight after breakfast we are off to visit the Terracotta Warriors, one of the most amazing sites you will ever see. Electric cart ride from the bus to the entrance. These 6000 life size warriors and horses were first discovered in 1974 and are one of the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century.
Later today we will see the City Wall and then walk the old streets of the Muslim area and visit the Grand Mosque. The evening is free for you to track down some tasty local food - the dumplings here come highly recommended. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 3: Xian - Dunhuang. Early morning transfer for the flight to Dunhuang, via Lanzhou. Afternoon tour to the Crescent Moon and the Sining Sand Dunes. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 4: Dunhuang - Turpan. Mogao Caves, also known as the Mogao Grottoes or the Caves of A Thousand Buddhas, are set into a cliff wall about 25km southeast of Dunhuang, the oasis city in the Gobi desert. This honeycomb of caves was constructed over a millennium, from the 4th to the 14th centuries, and represents the height of Buddhist art and the world's richest treasure house of Buddhist sutras, murals and sculptures.
During its heyday, the cave complex had thousands of caves, and today, a total of 492 grottoes, 45,000 square-meters of murals, 2,400 painted statues and over 250 residential caves remain. Visit the Museum and the local market in the afternoon. Transfer to the railway station and take overnight train to Turpan. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 5: Arrive in Turfan. Arrive around 8:22am and transfer straight to your hotel. We then take a tour of the town featuring the Old City, the Bazaar, City Mosque, the Grape Valley, Jiaohe Ruins and Karez underground irrigation channels. Uygur girls and boys are good at singing and dancing. This evening we will enjoy their performance or even sing and dance with them. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6: Turfan. Turfan was formerly Buddhist until its conversion to Islam in the 8th Century. Today we enjoy a full day tour to the Flaming Mountains, Bazeklik Buddhist Caves, Astana Tombs, Gao-chang and other places of archaeological interest. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 7: Turfan - Urumqi. Depart Turfan after breakfast and transfer to Urumqi. Visit Xinjiang Regional Museum on arrival. Afternoon visit to Nanshan Pastureland which is situated in the valley of Mt. Tianshan. Pine and dragon-spruce trees cover the mountain slopes.
While nomadic Kazakh herdsmen live, with their flocks of horses, cattle and sheep, in the clay-brick houses and white yurts which dot the green pasture land in the valleys. The most interesting thing for tourists here is to visit the local herdsman's families of Kazakh nationality. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 8: Urumqi - Kashgar. Day trip to the Heavenly Lake. Late afternoon transfer to the airport for flight to Kashgar. Transfer to hotel on arrival. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 9: Kashgar. The bazaar in Kashgar (also known as Kashi) is the biggest in central Asia. As early as two thousand years ago, it was the collecting and distributing center of goods and when you visit these extraordinary markets you will feel as if nothing has changed over time.
On bazaar day every Sunday, the traffic gets heavy on every road with crowds of market-goers coming in from all directions by horse and cart and on foot. From very early we spend the morning exploring this unique bazaar. Later in the day we visit the Idkah Mosque, the Mausoleum of Abakh Hodja and the Silk Road Museum. Includes: (B).
Day 10: Kashgar - Urumqi. In the morning we will visit the old town and visit a local family. Later in the day you will be transferred to the airport for flight to Urumqi. Includes: (B).
Day 11: Urumqi. Morning visit to the local market, Southern Mosque and Red Hill Park. Later transfer to the airport for flight to Beijing or Shanghai. Includes: (B), (L).
Notes: Turpan is famous for high summer temperatures. In June, July and August it can reach 45 degrees centigrade (113 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day. It's better to wear a long sleeved shirt to keep off the strong sunshine during the day and keep you warm at night when the temperature drops. It's also highly desirable to bring a hat and sunglasses to avoid being burnt.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner;
- Personal Guide and Driver + Private car/ van for Private Transfer and sightseeing;
- Hotels (twin share bases) as listed in the itinerary;
- Domestic flights (economy class) or trains as listed in the itinerary;
- Domestic airport taxes;
- Service Charge and Government Taxes;
- Luggage Transfers between airports and hotels.
Price Excludes:
- Entry or Exit China International transportation;
- Visa Fees;
- Excess Baggage Charges;
- Personal Expenses;
- Single Room Supplement;
- Gratuities, Tips to guides or drivers.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
China
Cultural Journey
Archeology/History
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