Legend of
the Silk Road
The fascination and mystery that drew the adventurers of old still attracts modern-day travelers to these far-flung regions of China. They come to explore the remote deserts and mountains, to see the relics and remnants of the past. The mosques and minarets of Islam where calls to prayer are still echo today in the most distant towns along the Silk Road.
Itinerary – 9 Days/8 Nights Lanzhou (1N), Jiayuguan, Dunhuang (1N), Turpan (1N), Kashgar (1N) & Urumqi (2N)
Day01 Arrive Lanzhou
Upon arrival in this capital city of Gansu Province, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure
Day02 Lanzhou – Jiayuguan (B/L)
Today you will have full day excursion to the Binglingsi Caves located 75km to the southwest of the city and isolated by the waters of the Liujiaxia Reservoir. Also called the Thousand Buddha Caves, it has a spectacular setting with soaring cliffs composed of eroded rock with numerous natural cavities and is an unusual sight of Gansu. Visit the Provincial Museum if time permits before taking an overnight train to Jiayuguan.
Day03 Arrive Jiayuguan – Dunhuang (B/L)
Upon arrival in this ancient outpost – considered as the western most tip of the Great Wall, you will be met and have tours to Jiayuguan Fort. Built in 1372, the fort was the last major stronghold of the empire to the west. Continue to the Overhanging Great Wall, a section of both comfortable flat and tiring oblique surfaces. Then you will be traveling for around 5 hours by road to Dunhuang.
Day04 Dunhuang – Liuyuan – Turpan (B/L)
In the early morning, climb up to the massive Singing Sand Dunes for a great view of the Crescent Moon Lake on the way. Visit the Mogao Grottoes that is renowned as the site of the greatest trove of Buddhist art the world has known. Over 1,000 caves were cut out of cliffs between the 4th and 14th century. Then you will be transferred to the train station for overnight train to Turpan
Day05 Arrive Turpan (B/L)
Upon arrival in the early morning, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After breakfast have a full day tours to the Gaochang Ruins – once capital of the Uighurs when they moved into Xinjiang region from Mongolia in the 9th century. Followed by visit to the Bezkelik Thousand Buddha Caves in the heart of the Flaming Mountains. In the afternoon visit the Grape Valley and Karez – actually the underground irrigation channels and rate as one of the ancient China’s greatest public works project
Day06 Turpan – Urumqi -Kashgar (B/L)
In the morning drive to Urumqi – the capital city of Xinjiang Autonomous Region. Visit the Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum that contains some interesting exhibit relating to minority groups and the Hongshan Park and Pagoda. Take an evening flight to Kashgar.
Day07 Kashgar – Urumqi (B/L)
A must-see is the Sunday bazaar for a bargaining extravaganza. In the afternoon visit the Idkhar Mosque with a distinctive feature and the Abahoja Tomb that is also called the Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb. Take an late evening flight back to Urumqi
Day08 Urumqi (B/L)
You will have a whole excursion today to the Heavenly Lake. Located on the northern slope of Mt. Tianshan, this small, deep-blue lake is surrounded by hills covered with firs and grazed by horses.
Day09 Depart Urumqi (B)
You will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey
City |
Hotel |
Season |
Superior |
Superior |
2 Up |
S/S |
Lanzhou |
Legend
**** |
Apr – Jun & Oct, 09 |
2279 |
370 |
Dunhuang |
VIP Building of Dunhuang
**** |
Turpan |
VIP Building Of Oasis
*** |
Jul – Sep, 09 |
2405 |
496 |
Kashgar |
Barony
**** |
Urumqi |
Sheraton
***** |
