Silk Road Adventure

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Beijing

Arrive in Beijing at any time.

Day 2-3 Beijing

Explore the vast expanses of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, making sure to scout the various markets scattered throughout the city. Wander through the alleyways (hutongs) in Beijing's Old City and perhaps visit the Tibetan Monastery. Walk the ancient steps of the Great Wall.

Day 4-6 Xi'an

This charming city is the traditional starting point of the westbound caravan routes and home to the Terracotta Warriors. Explore the live archaeological site. Visit the Great Mosque in the Muslim Quarter, a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and climb the city walls that surround Xi'an for an impressive view of the city.

Day 7-8 Jiayuguan

The seldom-visited far end of the Great Wall is a lonely outpost overlooking the desert, guarding China’s western frontier. Spend the day exploring its ruins and surrounding forts.

Day 9-11 Dunhuang

Dunhuang is a lovely, relaxing oasis town and nearby, lies the Mogao Caves containing China’s richest Buddhist heritage and the towering Mingsha sand dunes. Don't miss one of the greatest sunsets in the world.

Day 12-13 Turpan

Relax beneath the grape trellises or discover Uyghur culture and silk road relics in the surrounding oasis villages.

Day 14-15 Heavenly Lake

Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and green meadows, this alpine lake lives up to its name. Spend a memorable night in a local yurt. Enoy the evening feasting on local Kazak food and gazing into the fire.

Day 16-17 Kashgar

Set astride ancient trade routes, Kashgar is a true Central Asian oasis town of mosques, mausolems, bazaars and Turkic peoples. Arrive in time for the Sunday market, where people gather from all over to sell their wares. You can find anything from goats' hooves to colourful painted wooden saddles. It is in this medieval setting that our trip comes to an end.