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, traveling 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. 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:
- Beijing
- Great Wall
- Forbidden City
- Tiananmen Square
- Xian
- Terracotta Warriors
- Xiahe
- Jiayuguan
- Dunhuang
- Turpan
- Urumqi
- Kashgar
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: (Fri) Arrive in Beijing and transfer to hotel.
Days 2-4: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Great Wall. Overnight train to Xian.
Days 5-6: Terracotta Warriors. Overnight train to Lanzhou.
Days 7-8: Bus to Bingling Temple (Buddhist Caves), then on to Xiahe. Walking tour (Labrang Monastery).
Day 9: Drive to Lanzhou. Overnight train to Jiayuguan.
Day 10: Visit Wei-jin Dynasty Tomb, Hanging Wall, Jiayuguan Fort.
Days 11-12: Bus to Dunhuang. Visit Crescent Moon Lake, Singing Sands (sand dunes), Mogao Caves. Drive to Liuyuan, overnight train to Daheyan.
Day 13: Astana Graves, Gaocheng Ancient City, view of Flaming Mountains, Grape Valley, Emin Minaret.
Day 14: Turpan - Jiaohe Ancient City, Karez Wells, Turpan Museum. Drive to Urumqi.
Day 15: Lake of Heaven (Tianchi). Fly to Kashgar.
Day 16: Explore Kashgar - Old Town, Abakh Hoja's Tomb, Id Kah Mosque, Bazaar.
Day 17: Trip ends in Kashgar this morning (Mon).
- Included: Peregrine tour leader, local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.
- Not Included: Departure taxes, visas, other meals, insurance, tips, items of a personal nature, cost of any optional tours and activities during free time.
- Meals: 12 breakfasts,1 lunch,
- Starts/Ends: Beijing/Kashgar
- Trip Reference: PASR
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Dates:
May - September, 2007
April - June, 2008
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
China
Cultural Journey
Walking Tours
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