Beijing • Great Wall • Xi’an • Terracotta Warriors • Jiayuguan • Dunhuang • Mogao Buddhist Caves • Turpan • Heavenly Lake • Kuqa • Taklamakan Desert • Kashgar • Shanghai
USD $2,999 per person (twin-share)
Tour prices DO NOT include international airfare and taxes.
A journey along the ancient camel caravan route, traditionally bringing goods into China from Persia and India, will have you travelling from the heart of modern China, through incredible landscapes and desert oasis towns to the farthest edge of western China, where it is hard to tell if you are in Central Asia or still in China!
A vendor in Kashgar, a city along the famous Silkroad
Itinerary
Day 01 / Arrive Beijing
Arrive in Beijing at any time.
Days 02-03 / Beijing
Explore the vast expanses of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, making sure to scout the various markets scattered throughout the city. Wander through the alleyways (hutongs) in Beijing’s Old City and perhaps visit the Tibetan Monastery. Walk the ancient steps of the Great Wall.
Days 04-05 / Xi’an
This charming city is the traditional starting point of the westbound caravan routes and home to the Terracotta Warriors. Explore the live archaeological site. Visit the Great Mosque in the Muslim Quarter, a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and climb the city walls that surround Xi’an for an impressive view of the city.
Days 06 / Jiayuguan
The seldom-visited far end of the Great Wall is a lonely outpost overlooking the desert, guarding China’s western frontier. Spend the day exploring its ruins and surrounding forts.
Days 07-09 / Dunhuang
Dunhuang is a lovely, relaxing oasis town and nearby, lies the Mogao Caves containing China’s richest Buddhist heritage and the towering Mingsha sand dunes. Don’t miss one of the greatest sunsets in the world.
Days 10-11 / Turpan
Relax beneath the grape trellises or discover Uyghur culture and Silk Road relics in the surrounding oasis villages.
Day 12 / Heavenly Lake
Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and green meadows, this alpine lake lives up to its name. Spend a memorable night in a local yurt.
Day 13 / Korla – Kuqa
Make your way down southwest to the farthest edge of China as we drive along the rim of the Taklamakan Desert.
Days 14-15 / Kashgar
Set along ancient trade routes, Kashgar is a true Central Asian oasis town of mosques, mausoleums, bazaars and Turkic peoples. Arrive in time for the Sunday market, where people gather from all over to sell their wares.
Days 16-17 / Shanghai
Depart Kashgar in the morning of Day 16 for your flight to Shanghai. Finish your trip in China’s modern metropolis of Shanghai.
Day 18 / Depart Shanghai
Trip Prices
Prices in US Dollars and on per person basis
- USD $2,999 Twin
- USD $3,478 Single (own room except for Nights of 03, 05 & 09, sleeper train)
Trip Dates
- Apr 18 – May 05, 2010
- May 09-26, 2010
- May 23 – Jun 09, 2010
- Jun 06-23, 2010
- Jun 20 – Jul 07, 2010
- Jul 04-21, 2010
- Aug 15 – Sep 01, 2010
- Sep 05-22, 2010
- Sep 12-29, 2010
- Sep 26 – Oct 13, 2010
- Oct 07-Oct 24, 2010
- Oct 10-Oct 27, 2010
- Oct 17 – Nov 03, 2010
Inclusions
- Group Leader Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides
- Accommodation Hotel (14 nights), sleeper train (02 nights), shared yurts (01 night).
- Transport Train, local bus, air-cond bus, walking, flight, bicycle (optional)
- Meals No meals included; Allow USD $270 for meals not included
- Sightseeing Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour, Entrance to Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors tour, Entrance to Jiayuguan Fort, Guided tour to Mogao Buddha Caves, Entrance to the Mingsha Sand dunes with Camel ride, Guided day tour including entrance to Turpan sites, Kashgar Sunday Market, Orientation walk of Shanghai Bund area
Notes
- Start / End Beijing to Shanghai
- Group Size Average 10, Maximum 15
