The Silk Route was created by the traders and armies that used to travel through Central Asia to China. They were followed by the Mongul armies of Genghis and Kublai Khan, and it is this route that we follow across western China. The gateway to China is the infamous Torugart pass, near the city of Kashgar, a wonderful place to see the diverse peoples of the region. You must be there for the Sunday Market. On this journey we cross the Taklamakan Desert, 'the desert you enter and never come out of' to the western end of the Great Wall of China and climb onto the lower slopes of the Tibetan plateau to the holy city of Xiahe, with it's remarkable Tibetan Buddhist temples and architecture. There are numerous remarkable monuments, such as the giant Buddha of Bingling Si, the Jiaohe ruins at Turpan and, of course, the wonders of Xi'an and the terracotta army.
A real journey along China's Silk Road and it's variety of cultures. Some long day drives are really worthwhile to travel through these more remote regions of China; small hotels and excellent local food are mixed with some camping.
Welcome to the amazing city of Xi'an, the ancient capital of Shaanxi province and the end of the 'Silk Road'! We will have a free day to explore the city, it's famous walls, bell and drum towers, pagodas and Muslim Quarter.
There will be a group meeting today at 6:00pm - please look out for a note from your tour leader at the hotel reception with more information about this important meeting.
Please note that many of the optional activities listed will only be possible for those with extra time in Xi'an before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Xi'an.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
We will return to Xi'an for the afternoon, where we'll have a free afternoon to further explore this incredible city.
Meals: Breakfast
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Please note that if the group and leader prefer to split the drive between Turpan and Dunhuang over 2 days, there will only be 1 night in Pingliang and a half-day exploration of Mount Kongtong.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 11
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 9
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping without facilities
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 1
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 13
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 1
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 1
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
If leaving the trip in Kashgar, today is a free day to further explore the city before leaving. If you are continuing on our trip into Kyrgyzstan, we will be exploring Shiptons Arch this afternoon - the largest natural arch in the world.
Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Kashgar. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact the Sales Team if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed.
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