This
is an epic journey which takes us right around the Taklamakan desert on both the northern
and southern arms of the Silk Road. It is a rare chance to experience the immensity of
this fearful desert, as well as the fascinating peoples who populate its oases.
The Taklamakan is one of the
World's largest deserts. It's name roughly translates , "You go in, but you don't
come out". From Kashgar in the west , caravans used to set out north and south to
circumvent the endless sea of dunes that comprised the awesome desert beyond. On reaching
the thriving Buddhist centre of Dunhuang, votive offerings were made by the traders in the
temple and caves of this once thriving Buddhist centre.
Beginning in Urumqi we cover this
ancient trade route in four wheel drive vehicles along the northern road to the
fascinating oasis of Kashgar in time for the Sunday market, Central Asia's largest bazaar.
We then head south to Hotan, an historic centre for jade and silk. from where we'll make a
side trip to Melikawat, one of the many 'lost cities' that lie beneath the shifting sands.
From Charklik the road is subject to the fierce 'Buran' sand storms that batter the
region, and we are forced to proceed more slowly past remote villages and great expanses
of barren desert. We'll have a rare chance to visit the Buddhist sites at Miran which date
from the 3rd and 8th centuries and with luck we'll catch a glimpse of wild camels,
antelope, and ass.We'll spend two nights in a traditional saray inn and camp out for three
under the stars. We finish our land journey at the former junction town of Dunhuang, and
fly to Xi'an the ancient capital of ImperialChina and end of the Silk Road.
ITINERARY:
 Day
1: Arrive Beijing
Day 2: Beijing to Urumqi
Day 3: Urumqi to Korla
Day 4: Korla to Kucha
Day 5: Kucha to Aksu via Kizil
Day 6: Aksu to Kashgar
Day 7: Kashgar
Day 8: Karakol Lake
Day 9: Kashgar to Hotan via Yarkand
Day 10: Hotan
Day 11: Hotan to Niya
Day 12: Niya to Cherchen
Day 13: Cherchen to Charklik
Day 14: Charklik to Miran
Day 15: Milan to Sorkuli
Day 16: Sorkuli to Lapeiquan
Day 17: Lapeiquan to Dunhuang
Day 18: Dunhuang
Day 19: Dunhuang to Xi'an
Day 20: Xi'an
Day 21: Xi'an to Guangzhou
Day 22: Guangzhou to Hong Kong
Day 23: Leave Hong Kong
Price in
USD/pax |
Above
10 pax |
6 to 9
pax |
4 to 5
pax |
Single
Supplement |
Land Cost |
4324 |
4238 |
5004 |
843 |
Land Cost in Mainland China includes: All
transfers, all domestic flights/trains/cruises/local airport taxes, land transport, 3
meals daily, service of guide and driver, sightseeing & entrance fees, tourist class
hotels on twin share basis, a welcome and a farewell banquet. In China Hong Kong includes: All
airport transfers, bed and breakfast, tourist class hotel on twin share basis.
Landcost excludes: International
flights and related airport taxes, supplementary trips and services not mentioned,
personal expenses, visa costs, tips to tour guide and driver, supplement cost for those
who wants to accommodate on a single basis. |
| Booking Information |
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