The Silk Road of China
18 days, Beijing to Kashgar
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Geographically and culturally, Northwest China is about as far away from “traditional China” as you can get without crossing the border. The source of the Silk Road – the ancient trade route that helped create the modern world – is unlike anything you’ll find in Beijing or Xi'an, and this 18-day adventure crossing the country via rail takes you deep into the China few ever see. Otherworldly experiences abound, both on train and off: watch the sun rise over the dunes outside Dunhuang, explore the world of the Muslim Uyghurs, spend the night in traditional yurts near Urumqi, and venture into the Taklamakan Desert to Kashgar. There’s more, of course, but we’ve got to keep a few secrets, right?
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Rail
Get closer to the big cities, isolated communities, and stunning landscapes of the world's greatest destinations via train-based adventures on iconic rail routes.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Visa Requirements
Countries visited during this trip have special visa requirements applicable to many nationalities.
View Visa & Entry Requirements18 days
Beijing to Kashgar
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
Itinerary
Day 2Beijing
Take a guided tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City with free time in the afternoon to explore.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Beijing/Xi'an
Visit the spectacular Great Wall of China. In the evening, board an overnight train to Xi'an.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Xi'an
Arrive to Xi'an and take an orientation walk. Later, visit the Terracotta Warriors. Opt to visit the Silk Road monument, cycle around the city walls, or explore the Muslim Quarter.
Day 5Xi'an/Jiayuguan
Enjoy a free day in Xi'an to enjoy the city and sights. Take an overnight train to Jiayuguan.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Jiayuguan
Arrive in Jiayuguan and visit the westernmost section of the Great Wall.
Day 7Jiayuguan/Dunhuang
Take an express bus to Dunhuang for a guided visit to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mogao Grottoes.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Dunhuang/Turpan
Opt to visit Mingsha Sand Dunes to see a beautiful sunrise, and enjoy a camel ride and some dune sledding. Make good use of free time before boarding an overnight train to Turpan.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Turpan
Arrive in Turpan, the lowest point in Asia. Enjoy a city tour with a local guide, including the ancient Karez water system.
Day 10Turpan
Enjoy a free day to continue exploring. Opt to visit the Flaming Mountains or Jiaohe ruins.
Day 11Turpan/Heavenly Lake
Drive into the stunning Tian Shan Mountains (Heavenly Mountains) for an overnight in a yurt with the local Kazakh minority people. Spend the day hiking, horseback riding, or just relaxing and soaking in the views.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 12Heavenly Lake/Urumqi
Spend the morning enjoying nature before heading to Urumqi, the capital of the province.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Urumqi/Hotan
Over the next two days, travel by train to Hotan, a small town in the Taklamakan Desert. Watch the scenery go by, make friends with the locals, and catch up on your reading.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Hotan
Arrive in the evening to Hotan. Start exploring this small town.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 15Hotan
Take a village tour by donkey cart to see what life is like in this small town. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to tour the market or check out some abandoned ancient towns and ruins.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 16Hotan/Kashgar
Enjoy one last train ride to Kashgar, arriving in the evening.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 17Kashgar
Enjoy the Sunday markets in Kashgar, including the famous Sunday bazaar and fascinating animal market.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 18Kashgar
Depart at any time.
What's Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in a Yurt, Heavenly Lake
- Great Wall excursion and entrance (Beijing)
- Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour
- Terracotta Warriors tour (Xi'an)
- Great Wall visit (Jiayuguan)
- Mogao Grottoes (Dunhuang)
- Turpan guided sightseeing tour
- Yurt stay in the Tian Shan Mountains
- Taklamakan Desert train
- Hotan village and workshop tour by donkey cart
- Kashgar orientation walk
- Sunday bazaar and animal bazaar visit
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotels/guesthouses (11 nts), yurt (1 nt, multi-share), sleeper train (5 nts).
Meals
12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Allow USD460-600 for meals not included.
Transportation
Train, private van, subway, taxi, public bus, donkey cart.
Staff & experts
English-speaking Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Departures
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
Please Contact Us to inquire about dates for next season, or to discuss other tour options.