The Silk Road(Trip #59901)

Tour Overview

Imagine following in the footsteps of ancient merchants and rubbing shoulders with traders from across Central Asia. This trip takes in the northern caravan routes between China’s capital, Beijing, and the far western trading post of Kashgar. Along the route we stop at historically important towns and experience the diverse cultures of this vast region.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1, BEIJING
Arrival day.

Day 2, URUMQI
Fly west across Northern China to Urumqi. There’s time to visit the sites of interest, such as the city’s museum with its extraordinary mummies. (B)

Day 3, KASHGAR
Flight across the Taklamakan Desert to Kashgar, a vital stopping point for traders. (B)

Day 4, KASHGAR
A free day to explore this fascinating city. (B)

Day 5, KASHGAR
We have a full day to enjoy the wonderful Sunday market. Join the locals for fresh dumplings and tea, watch the horse traders race their prospective animals, and see the shepherds buying and selling their flocks. (BD)

Day 6, KUQA
We take an afternoon train arriving in Kuqa in the evening. (B)

Day 7, KUQA
A full day excursion to visit Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and the ancient city of Subashi with its backdrop of colourful mountains. (BL)

Day 8, KUQA - TURPAN
A free day before we board the soft sleeper train to Turpan. (B)

Day 9, TURPAN
Arrive in Turpan where the rest of the day is free to explore this delightful oasis town.

Day 10, TURPAN
Today we visit the atmospheric ruined cities of Gaocheng and Jiaohe, as well as the nearby Grape Valley where we can sample the local wines and raisins. (BL)

Day 11, TURPAN
Free time before we transfer to Daheyan for the soft sleeper train to Liuyuan. (B)

Day 12, DUNHUANG
Arrive in Liuyuan and transfer to Dunhuang. The rest of the day is free to explore this oasis town or perhaps hire a bike and cycle through the nearby fields and villages.

Day 13, DUNHUANG
Visit the amazing Buddhist Mogao Grottoes. In the afternoon we visit Crescent Moon Lake and have the opportunity to take a camel ride into the sand dunes of the Taklamakan Desert. (BL)

Day 14, JIUQUAN
Travel by bus to the delightful small town of Jiuquan. (B)

Day 15, JIAYUGUAN
Transfer the short distance to nearby Jiayuguan. In the afternoon we pay a sunset visit to the ‘Overhanging Wall’. (BD)

Day 16, JIAYUGUAN
An excursion to the end of the Great Wall and Jiayuguan Fort, spectacularly situated in the heart of the desert with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. (BL)

Day 17, BEIJING
Fly to Beijing for our final dinner together. (BD)

Day 18, BEIJING
Tour ends. (B)

Notes
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is very difficult to arrange onward travel from Kashgar. Our tour therefore includes all internal flights in China necessary to start and finish in Beijing, for maximum convenience.