Marco Polo followed this long path, as did 20th century explorers
in search of "lost treasures" of early Buddhism. Today,
the Silk Road offers travelers a fascinating mix of dramatic landscape
along with a rich cultural heritage that includes the world's greatest
repository of Buddhist cave art. On this trip, we will follow the
part of the Silk Road route taken by Marco Polo to share the wonders
he experienced during this journey. We begin our trip in Dunhuang,where
we stop for a full two days so that we not only have enough time to
fully explore the Buddhist caves which are generally held to be one
of China's greatest cultural attractions, but we can also spend some
time exploring the surrounding desert by camel.
Further west, through the enchanting oasis of Turpan, the ancient
ruins of lost Silk Road cities, to Urumqi - a fascinating melting
pot of Uygur and Han cultures, and then fly over the Taklamakan desert
to Kashgar where the largest bazaar in Central Asia is held every
Sunday.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Beijing/Lanzhou by air)
Take flight from Beijing to Lanzhou, and further on to the flight
from Lanzhou to Dunhuang, meet and greet at the airport, transfer
to the railway station for the night train to Dunhuang
DAY2. Dunhuang
You will visit the world famous Mogao Grottoes which is called¡°the
World Famous Treasure House of Arts¡± , another must for you is riding
camel to visit Whistling Sand Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring if
the time is available.
Day 3 Dunhuang/Liuyuan/Turpan
Driving to Liuyuan about 128km, taking evening train from Liuyuan
to Turpan, Overnight on the train.
Day 4 Turpan
Arrive at Turpan in the morning, visit Gaochang Ruins, which were
must prosperous along the Silk Road in ancient times, Astana Ancient
Tomb, Mezklik Budda, Karaz Well, Grape Valley, Suliman¡¯s Minaret,
stay in Oasis Hotel or similar.
Day 5 Turpan/Urumqi/Kashigar(by air)
We will also visit the Bezeklik Caves, another set of Buddhist cave
temples carved out of a cliff face. On our way to the caves we will
drive past the Flaming Mountains; in the afternoon we will drive all
the way to Urumqi. It¡¯s about 300km highway, visit Jiaohe Ancient
City on the way, take night flight to Kashgar, stay in Seman Hotel
or similar.
Day 6 Kashgar/Urumqi(by air )
Visit the Sunday Bazaar, which is the biggest one in Xinjiang, and
Apakkhoja Tomb & Great Mosque, take night flight back to Urumqi,
stay in Holiday Inn or similar.
Day 7 Urumqi
Visit the Heavenly Mountain, Heavenly Pool and Nanshan Pasture, stay
in the same.
Day 8 Urumqi/Beijing(by air)
Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Beijing
Suitable time: All the year around.
| Price in USD/pax |
2-5pax |
6 - 9 pax |
Single Supplement |
| Land Cost |
2240 |
1965 |
360 |
Land Cost includes: land transfer service, 3 meals daily, service
of English guide, experienced driver, scenic spots admission fee,
3-4 star hotel in big city and the best hotel in the rest region (twin
share), all domestic flights/trains/local airport taxes;
Land Cost excludes: tips to tour guide and driver, international
flights and related airport taxes, supplementary trips and services
not mentioned, personal expenses, visa costs, single supplement cost
for those who wants to accommodate on a single basis, the extra cost
due to the unforeseen events;
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