The Takla Makan Desert constitutes one of the largest moving bodies of
sand in the world. Stretching west from the ancient Silk Road trading center of Kashgar to
the mysterious desert of Lop in the East, it's dunes conceal the ruins of numerous ancient
civilizations. Therefore, despite the popular rendering of "Takla Makan" into
English as "you go in, you don't come out," it's literal meaning in Turkic is
"covered or locked house" or "buried city."
Traditionally looked upon with
dread, caravanners related tales of strange apparitions and alluring voices, that if
succumbed to, led its members to death among the endless sea of billowing dunes. Others,
like explorers Sir Aurel Stein and Sven Hedin have trodden its sands and lived to tell
their stories.
This program offers a safe twelve
days crossing of the Takla Makan, seven of these are spent on foot, five in 4 wheel drive
vehicles. Top of the range camping equipment, experienced cameleers and reliable support
vehicles ensure that each participant fully enjoys the natural beauty and challenge of
this crossing without undue anxiety.
Leaving the southern arm of the
Silk Road at the oasis of Yutian, we traverse the desert vastness until the northern oasis
of Aksu is reached, from here we continue on to Kashgar for a few days much needed
relaxation. Exit options can either be over the Roof of the World to Pakistan or via
Guangzhou to Hong Kong.
ITINERARY:
 DAY
1: Arrive Beijing
DAY 2: Beijing
DAY 3: Beijing to Urumqi
DAY 4: Urumqi to Hotian
DAY 5: Hotian to Yutian
DAY 6: Yutian to Kunbulat
DAY 7: Kunbulat to Daheyan
DAY 8: Daheyan West
DAY 9-13: Takla Makan
DAY14: Arrive Arzhan
DAY15: Arzhan
DAY16-17: To Alar
DAY18: Alar to Aksu
DAY19: Aksu to Kashgar
DAY20: Kashgar
DAY21: Kashgar to Urumqi
DAY22: Urumqi to Hong Kong via Guangzhou
DAY23: Exit Hong Kong
Price in
USD/pax |
Above 10 pax |
6 to 9 pax |
4 to 5 pax |
Single
Supplement |
Land
Cost |
3723 |
3980 |
5293 |
461 |
Land Cost in Mainland China includes: All
transfers, all domestic flights/trains/local airport taxes, land transport, 3
meals daily, service of guide and driver, sightseeing & entrance fees, tourist class
hotels on twin share basis, tents in camping section, support horses and herders
during trekking, 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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