Highlights: 

Beijing- Dunhuang –Turpan – Urumqi – Kashgar - Urumqi- Beijing

Experience the breathtaking sand dunes to the Crescent Moon Lake as you ride on a camel. Witness the spectacular scenery owing to an ancient Uighur irrigation system known as Karez in the many oases along route. Stroll in the largest and most preserved ancient city in the world, the Jiaohe Ruins, with the Along the Ancient Silk Road Tour. 

Itinerary: 

Day 1

Arrive at your gateway destination of Beijing only to transfer to a flight to Dunhuang, Gansu Province. After check-in visit the UNESCO Heritage Site of Mogao Caves, housing one of the most impressive collections of Buddhist art. Later, continue to the Dunhuang Museum to take another look at ancient artifacts.

Day 2

This morning we will travel only three kilometers outside of Dunhuang to reach Echoing Sand Mountain. Here you can enjoy the superb scenery and take in the dunes as we take a camel ride to our next destination, Crescent Moon Lake, the highest peak with a dramatic lake. Next we will return to Dunhuang to take the train to Turpan.

Day 3

Arrive in Turpan, the hottest city in China. This morning we will visit the Jiaohe Ruins, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world that was originally established to serve as barracks during the Han Dynasty. Following we will visit a distinctly Central Asian form of irrigation created by the people of Xinjiang and known as Karez or head well. Next we will visit the biggest Pagoda in the province of Xinjiang, standing at 144 feet, the Sugong Pagoda.
 

Day 4

Today we will visit the Gaochang Ruins, once a Uighur capital until it burned in the fourteenth century. Then we will visit the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves dating back to the 5th and 9th centuries. Lastly, the Flaming Mountains, famous for their heat and celebrated in both Han and Uighur classics.

Day 5

On this morning we will hire a private car to journey to Xinjiang’s capital, Urumqi. After a lovely lunch in the capital we will take the afternoon to visit the Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum where you can see the ‘Loulan Beauty’ a desert mummified body. Then it is time to go to the airport for our next destination, Kashgar. 

Day 6

Arrive in Kashgar, the most southern city in Xinjiang and the area with the most economic, political, military, and sentimental significance in the province. We will visit the Sunday Bazaar, market still remains the centre of life even among such modernity.

Day 7

Today we will visit the ID KAH Mosque, dating back to 1442 and still remaining the heart of the city. Here you can experience the standard Islamic architecture of the time. Then we will move on to the Abakh Hoja Tomb, known as the home to one of the most adored Uighur rulers, Abakh Hoja. Lastly you will fly to Urumqi.

Day 8

Today you will have a morning of leisure then we will fly back to Beijing. 

Trip Cost: 
$2845 Price is per person, based on 2 pax.
Pricing, Contact & Details: 

Inclusions:

  • Private air-conditioned van in each city
  • Bottled local mineral water on car
  • Licensed English-speaking local guide in each city
  • Admissions to the sightseeing places shown above
  • Hotel accommodation in Xinjiang

Exclusions:

  • International airfares & Domestic airfare in China
  • Chinese Visa
  • Gratuities to the guides and drivers
  • Portage
  • Incidentals
  • Extra beverages
  • Meals shown on own
  • Luggage overweight (checked luggage limit for domestic flights: 20 kilos/44 pounds per person)
Terms & Conditions: 

  • A deposit of USD 500 per person is required to secure a reservation. Deposits are non-refundable, unless a trip is canceled by Destination China.
    Complete payment is required 60 days prior to departure.
    Tour prices are per person and based on double occupancy.
    Cancellation policy:
    -       61 days or more prior to trip departure - Loss of deposit
    -       Between 45 - 60 days prior to trip departure - 50% of total tour price will be forfeited
    -       Less than 30 days prior to trip departure - no refund
    The prices listed are based on the costs and exchange rates current at the time of inquiry. Destination China reserves the right to adjust rates without prior notice.