Tours > China Tour >  Silk Road

 10 DAYS SILK ROAD
Trip code: CN-SLK10


10 DAYS SILK ROAD
 The very mention of Silk Route evokes sense of romance and remoteness. Join us as we retrace the silk route. Be mesmerized by the ethnic cultural of the Tibetans, Tajiks and Uygurs that we meet along the way; awed by the impressive grottoes at Dunhuang and the impressive Terra Cotta in Xian. As you travel through the desert, imagine the caravans, and traders that plowed this route hundreds of years ago. The highlight of this trip is without doubt the Sunday market at Kashgar!

Day 01ARRIVE URUMQI
Fly to Urumqi.
Upon arrival in Urumqi, met & transfer to Hoi Tak Hotel for 1 night.

Day 02URUMQI/HEAVENLY LAKE/URUMQI/KASHGAR
Today, we make a day trip 115 kilometers east of Urumqi to Tianchi (Heavenly Lake). This small but extremely beautiful deep-blue lake is surrounded by hills covered with fir trees and alpine meadows with grazing horses of the yurt-dwelling Kazakhs who inhabit this scene reminiscent of Switzerland. Return to Urumqi for evening flight to Kashgar.
Upon arrival in Kashgar, met & transfer to Qinbagh Hotel. Kashkar is an oasis in the hostile Taklamakan Desert. It is the farthest Chinese city westernmost gate of China and was prosperous city 2000 years ago in central Asia. It now continues its role as a cultural crossroads. Traders still cross the borders from former Soviet Union and Pakistan to trade in the local market.
(Breakfast, Lunch included)

Day 03KASHGAR
Today, catch the outstanding Sunday market, which is the biggest in Aisa. With 50000 people, thousands of donkeys, camels and sheep as well as all imaginable merchandise being traded, it’s indeed a memorable experience. This central Asian spectacle is a photographer’s lifetime dream.
You will also have time to visit a Uygur Family.
(Breakfast, Lunch included)

Day 04KASHGAR/URUMQI/TURPHAN
Spend the morning visiting the Abakh Hoja Tomb and exploing Old Kashgar.
In the afternoon, fly back to Urumqi and drive about 3 hours to Turphan. Turphan lies 154 km below sea level and is therefore unsurprisingly the second lowest depression in the world! This oasis town exudes an distinct ambience of Central Asia with its bazaar, old town and mosques. Check into Oasis Hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch included)

Day 05TURPHAN
You will have all day tour of Turphan including the Jiao He Ruins, with history of over 2500 years. The city was built on a natural earth cliff and up to now, the outline of the city is well preserved and is a protective archaeological site by the UNESCO. You will also visit Karez Underground System, Grape valley (Turpan is also known in China as grape town. The seedless grape called sultana, dried into raisin is famous in South Asia).
(Breakfast, Lunch included)

Day 06TURPHAN/LIUYUAN
You have another full day in Turphan exploring the Flaming Mountain, made famous in the Chinese classic literature of "Journey to the West"; Gao Chang Ruins, an extensive ruin since the Tang Dynasty and an ancient Chinese garrison town on the silk road 1st century AD (you will be taken by donkey cart to visit the temple area); District Museum, Emin Minaret and the central bazaar.
In the evening, catch an overnight train (soft sleeper) to Liuyuan.
(Breakfast, Lunch included)

Day 07LIUYUAN/DUNHUANG
Train arrives at Liuyuan, which is about 2.5 hours drive to Dunhuang. Arrive in Dunhuang and check into Grand Sun Hotel.
We then spend a full day visiting the world famous Mogao caves, with its thousands of Buddhist caves, each with its exquisite murals. This must be the most outstanding grotto in China if not the world! You will also have time to discover the evening market.
Late afternoon we enjoy a lovely sunset on camel back around Mingsha Hills, named after the natural phenomena of rumbling sound like that of remote thunder. You will also visit Crescent Spring - a natural wonder in the Gobi desert
(Breakfast, Lunch included)

Day 08DUNHUANG/XIAN
Free at leisure in the morning. In the afternoon, fly to Xian. Upon arrival, met & transfer to Hyatt Regency.
(Breakfast & lunch included)

Day 09XIAN
Xian was the longest serving capital of China and during the Silk Route era, then known as Chang An. Beijing Forbidden City was modeled after it. Here, you get another highpoint of the trip - the Terra Cotta Warrior. This is the burial ground of the first emperor of China, the builder of Great Wall. There are thousands of life-size statues, each with different facial features! Late afternoon, we tour Xian City itself with Bell Tower, the Islamic Quarter with the unique Great Mosque & the City Wall.
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 10DEPART XIAN
Transfer to the airport for flight out.
(Breakfast included)

PRICES PER PERSON:

COST INCLUDES

• Airfare as stated in the itinerary

• Accommodation on twin/double share basis;

• Soft sleeper of overnight trains

• Meals as stated;

• All tours & transfers as stated;

• All tours & transfers in private air-con vehicle with English speaking guide and all entrance fees.

COST EXCLUDES

• Airport taxes;

• Visa;

• Travel insurance;

• Personal & other expenses not stated.

HOTEL DESCRIPTION

Yin Du Hotel Urumqi: Yin Du Hotel, Xinjiang is ideally located within the business district. It is surrounded by convenient transportation to the airport and railway station.
Add: 39 Xibei Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang, P.R. China
Tel: 86-991-4536688
Website: www.yinduhotel.com

Seman Hotel Kashgar: The hotel is located on the centre of city, and is convenience for all transportation links, The famous Aididuoer Mosque is within a short walking distance.
Add: 144 Seman Road, Kashgar, China
Tel: (0998) 2983235

Oasis Hotel Turpan: The Turpan Oasis Hotel is recognized for its standards of excellence. The traditional Islamic design of the Silk Road Turpan Oasis Hotel incorporates elements drawn from the rich history of the area and modern amenities, evoking the spirit of Turpan while providing all comforts of home. The Uygar rooms at the Turpan Oasis Hotel, which are designed with a strong ethnic flavor, feature traditional Khan bed, carpets and kilims to reflect the serenity of Xinjiang rural life. The Turpan Oasis Hotel offers a warm friendly welcome to Xinjiang.
Add: East Lvzhou Road, Turpan, China
Tel: (86-995) 8564467

Dunhuang Hotel: The Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel was built to recognize the incredible historical richness of the Silk Road. The hotel is built in a traditional Northwest castle style fully furnished with Ming reproduction furniture, so to reflect the Silk Road culture richness, and offer guest a memorable experience.
Add: 14 East Yangguan Road Dunhuang
Tel: (0937) 8822538