The Silk Road -Journey to Kashgar
For centuries the Silk Road was the thread that linked east and west. From as early as 200 BC, the silk merchants of Xian, China's ancient capital, set off with their camel caravans on the long trek to distant Constantinople. They skirted the Gobi and ferocious Talkamakan deserts. They crossed the roof of the world, over the Pamirs and Karakorams. This tour allows you to follow their footsteps, to trace the legendary route taken by Marco Polo from west to east. Conditions of travel have improved since the Italian's day, but in some of the remote places where accommodation is comfortable but spartan, a spirit of adventure is required.
DAY
1.Beijing
Arrive at Beijing in the afternoon. Transfer to your hotel.
2.Beijing
A fascinating tour of Beijing's ancient Hutongs (alleys, old courtyard houses) followed by a visit to Jinshan Park for a superb view over the Imperial City. Nearby, we visit the Forbidden City, the labyrinth of palaces, home to the emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the evening, we enjoy a Chinese acrobatics performance.
3. Beijing
Travel north to spend the morning at the jewel in Beijing's crown-The Great Wall at Badaling, while the afternoon is spent touring the beautiful Summer Palace , the largest imperial garden in Beijing.
4.Beijing-Urumqi
The morning is devoted to Temple of Heaven, the very perfection of Ming architecture, where the emperors performed the annual rituals which ensured China's well-being. Fly to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, China's huge western province. Upon arrival, we transfer to your hotel.
5. Urumqi-Kashigar
The highlight of our visit to Urumqi is an excursion to Heavenly lake. Only an hour's drive from the city, it lies on snow-capped Mount Bogda at almost 2000 metres above sea level. The sapphire-blue lake is set amidst steep slopes of pine forests and meadows of wild flowers where Kazak nomads camp. The views from the cruise boat are breath-taking. In the evening we will board a short flight to Kashigar. Stay in Kashigar.
6. Kashigar
Hemmed in by deserts and Pamirs, Kashigar is a fabled city with a rich mix of peoples and cultures. Mosques and veiled women give it a Middle Eastern flavor. In the morning we visit a school, and a workshop where traditional carpets are made. We also tour the old town, a warren of twisting alleys and white-washed walls, in a donkey cart taxi. Stay in Kashigar
7.Kashigar-Urumqi
No visitor to Kashigar should miss the Sunday Barzaar. In this teeming market, we can buy anything from herbal medicines to carpets, from a cradle to a camel. In the afternoon we can visit the town center. A tour takes us from the vast Id Kah Mosque to the tomb of Abakh Khoja in the country lanes. In the evening we fly back to Urumqi.
8.Urumqi-Turpan
This morning is spent in the Nanshan Pastures where nomadic tribesmen herd their yaks and sheep. We will have the opportunity to visit a family in their tent for a taste of traditional nomadic hospitality. A short coach journey takes us through the desert to the Oasis town of Turpan, famous for its melons and vineyards. Here Marco Polo first encountered spaghetti, an idea he took home to Italy. Stay in Turpan.
9. Turpan-Dunhuang
Today's tour includes visits to the ruined city of Gaochang, and the underground tombs of Astana, the legendary Flaming Mountains, and Bezekli Caves whose walls are adorned with Buddhist frescoes. We will also see the Emin Minaret, one of the finest buildings on the silk road. In the evening we board the overnight train to Dunhuang.
10. Dunhuang
Dunhuang oasis was a strategic staging post on the Silk Road, and the end of the Great Wall. A leisurely day includes visits to Minsha Hill and Crescent Moon Lake set in an amphitheatre of sand dunes. In the evening, we can sample a local snack and a drink at the pavement cafes in the main streets. We stay in Dunhuang for 2 nights.
11. Dunhuang
We tour Dunhuang's most famous monument-the Mogao Caves, popularly known as "Thousand Buddha Caves", an art gallery in the desert, the walls of the caves are lined with Buddhist frescoes and sculpted figures, said to be the finest examples of Buddhist art in the world. Mixing Indian and Chinese styles, they are a remarkable record of Silk Road civilization. Stay in Dunhuang.
12.Dunhuang-Lanzhou
We fly to Lanzhou on the banks of the Yellow River.a city tour takes us to the White Pagoda Hill with its many pavilions offering views of the Yellow River and the city below, the provincial museum with the world famous Galloping horse, and the Five Spring Park. Stay in Lanzhou
13.Lanzhou-XiaHe
We travel by coach to Xiahe, in an area known as Little Tibet. Though beyond the boundaries of Tibet proper, Xiahe is the site of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The monks will show us around the golden-roofed temples with their rich decorations. We also visit the grasslands to the west of the towns where Tibetan normads are camped. With luck there will be an opportunity to ride a yak. We stay for a night.
14.XiaHe-Lanzhou
We return to Lanzhou via Linxia, a colorful vibrant town whose rich ethnic mix is a legacy of the Silk Road. We can visit the Tomb of the first Arab missionary who brought Islam to China, tour the shops of Bel Dajie with their carpets, prayer mats, leopard skins, saddles and Baoan Knives. Overnight in Lanzhou.
15.Lanzhou-Xi'an
Fly to Xian, the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, and transfer to your hotel for two nights stay. Home to 11 Chinese dynasties, Xian is one of China's most historic towns. In its heyday, under the 8th century Tang dynasty, its streets were crowded with merchants from every corner of the globe. Stay in Xian for two nights.
16.Xi'an-Shanghai
A full day excursion to the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, guarded by the famous Terracotta Army, 7000 life-size clay statues, each individually crafted, complete with chariots and horses. We also visit the Huaqing Hot springs and Banpo Neolithic Villages. Back in the city, we visit The Big Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening we attend an dinner performance of Tang era music and dance.
17.Shanghai
Visit the ancient city wall, and the Grand Mosque before flying to Shanghai. Our afternoon city tour includes: a stroll along the Bund , Nanjing Road, visits to Jade Buddha Temple and Yu Garden. In the evening, you are free to explore the night of the city.
18. Shanghai-Home
More city tour or shopping before transfer to airport for the flight to your home.