This tour is for the more adventurous traveller who is prepared to go off the beaten track in search of the Silk Road Legend. Located in China’s northwest desert region, the Silk Road was an ancient trading route for merchants and their camel caravans. You’ll depart Beijing for Xi’an and visit some of China’s historically famous attractions including the incredible Terracotta Warriors. Your expedition then tracks west to re-trace the steps of the ancient traders across the challenging terrain from Dunhuang through to Urumqi. You’ll be fascinated as you examine the ancient remains and humbled by the descendants whose traditions and culture haven’t altered in thousands of years.
Duration
11 Days, 10 Nights
Route
Beijing - Xi’an - Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi - Kashgar - Urumqi - Beijing
Fitness Level
Average
Tour Price
From AU $3,405 per person - twin share, detailed prices below
Inclusions
10 nights accommodation with Breakfast (B), Lunches (L) and Dinners (D) as per the itinerary, accredited English-speaking tour guide, transportation for all specified transfers and tours, 5 domestic economy class air tickets, 1 soft sleeper train ticket, entry fees to shows and attractions as per the itinerary.
Exclusions
International airfares and taxes, visa application fees, personal expenses such as telephone, dry cleaning, taxi fares etc, gratuities to guides and drivers, optional activities, shows, meals or any items denoted by ** throughout the itinerary
Day 1
Depart Beijing on a flight for Xi’an where you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Please note no meals have been arranged for this day.
Day 2
The highlight of today’s tour is one of China’s most amazing archaeological discoveries - the Terracotta Warriors. Marvel as you study the 6,000 plus life-sized clay soldiers and their horses. Later you’ll visit the Wild Goose Pagoda and wander through the old Muslim town and Grand Mosque. (BLD)
Day 3
Time permitting, you’ll visit the ancient City Wall before heading to the airport for a flight to Dunhuang - the oasis city of the Gobi Desert. On arrival you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel^. (BLD)
Day 4
Today’s tour is concentrated on the Mogao Caves that have a history of more than 1500 years. Also known as the Mogao Grottoes, the honeycomb of caves are set into a cliff wall about 25km southeast of Dunhuang. The vast collection of sutras, murals and sculptures represents the world's richest treasure house of Buddhist artefacts that is spread over a very large area. (BLD)
Day 5
After breakfast visit Dunhuang Museum and take a wander through the local market. In the afternoon, travel to Crescent Moon Lake and the Singing Sand Dunes. In the evening you’ll transfer to the station to board a soft sleeper overnight train to Turpan. (BLD)
Day 6
Arrive around 6AM and be met at the station by your local guide and transferred to your hotel^. A busy schedule has been planned for you to tour the Old City, the Bazaar and City Mosque. Later in the day venture to Grape Valley, the Emin Minaret, Jiaohe Ruins and the underground irrigation channels called Karez. (BLD)
Day 7
A full day has been organised that includes the red slopes and gullies of the Flaming Mountains and the artistic murals of Bezeklik Buddhist Caves. Later you’ll investigate Astana Tombs and the well-preserved ruins of ancient Gao-chang. (BLD)
Day 8
This morning depart Turpan after breakfast and transfer to Urumqi airport for a flight to Kashgar where you’ll be met on arrival by your local guide and transferred to your hotel^. (BLD)
Day 9
A fabulous day lays ahead where you’ll spend the morning exploring the bustling Kashgar Bazaar. This busy market place has been a hub of trade for all kinds of goods and wares for a staggering 2 millenniums. Later in the day visit the Idakh Mosque, the Mausoleum of Abakh Hodja and the Silk Road Museum. (BLD)
Day 10
After breakfast fossick around the old town and visit a local Kashi family. Later in the day, transfer to the airport for a flight to Urumqi. On arrival you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. (BLD)
Day 11
Your final day includes a tour to the crystal clear waters of Heavenly Lake. Surrounded by spruce trees and grassy hills, the lake is a very scenic retreat. Later you’ll transfer to the airport for a flight back to Beijing. (B)
Tour Prices per person twin-share in AU$
Travel Dates
Total People Travelling
4 Star Hotel
2-3
$4,829
01 Mar 2019 - 30 Nov 2019
4-9
$4,399
10 or more
$3,595
01 Dec 2018 - 28 Feb 2019
2-3
$4,639
4-9
$4,209
10 or more
$3,405
5 Star Upgrade^
Add an extra $250 per person twin share^
Single Supplement
$605 for 4-Star Hotels or $815 for 5-Star Hotels^
Important
^ 5-Star hotels only available in Xi’an and Urumqi. Turpan has only 3-Star hotels. Please note that public holidays and seasonal demand directly effect availability, fares and accommodation pricing. To enable us to refine your travel plans and provide you with an accurate quotation, please send us some key details via our Enquiry Form. Prior to making a booking, please visit our Terms and Conditions page to view our policies related to travel in China. We strongly recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance prior to your departure to safeguard against unforeseen events. LetsdoChina.com is a registered Safe Travel Charter Partner with the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and is an authorised agent to issue travel insurance to our Australian clients. Visit our Quick Quote site where you can also purchase an online policy. For further information, please go to our Travel Insurance page and also find other useful links regarding advice on safe travel practices.
When travelling to a foreign country, it's best that you are well informed and well prepared. See the Good to Know section for our comprehensive guide to China.