Your short sally into Xinjiang will show you yet another and unique corner of the China tapestry. In Urumqi, Turpan and Kashgar you will see a different landscape and a different society. You will meet the Uyghur people who live in the region. You will view ancient Buddhist holyplaces and ruined cities. You will see Islamic sites and culture as lived in far western China. You will see spectacular landscapes – mountain and desert. You will soak up the variance of the local ethnicities with their unique mix of Turkoman, Han and Caucasian characteristics. You will see great architecture and engineering feats. You will visit remarkable markets and bazaars. For a moment you will be traversing in the footsteps of those who have walked the “Silk Road” for more than 2000 years. All unforgettable experiences for you, the intrepid traveler.
You transfer to your hotel.
You fly to Urumqi. In Urumqi, you will visit the excellent Xinjiang Regional Museum to see the incredibly well preserved mummies found in ancient tombs. (B/L)
You travel by car to Turpan. This is a largely Muslim city lying below sea level in a depression in the desert. Today there is an excursion to the spectacular rock formations of the Flaming Mountains and you will see the ancient Thousand Buddha Caves at Bezeklik. Following this you travel into the desert to see the mystical ruins of the ancient settlement of Jiaohe, founded over 2000 years ago. In the evening you enjoy an Ethnic Culture Show. (B/L/D)
You drive 70km to the peaceful ancient village of Tuyugou in a lush valley carved into the Flaming Mountains. Next you tour the ancient ruins of Gaochang, built in the 2nd century BC. You will have lunch with a local family. (B/L)
Travel to Urumqi by car for your flight to Kashgar. (B/L/D)
Kashgar is China’s westernmost city. Today you will visit the famous Sunday Bazaar, where tens of thousands of villagers and nomads arrive in their donkey carts, often causing traffic jams. Large numbers of minority peoples come to trade, all sporting their distinctive costumes and headgear.(B/L)
This morning you will visit the sacred resting place of Abakh Hoja, a 17th century ruler of the region, and his descendents. This tomb is the holiest place in the area, including, it is said, the burial place of Xiangfei, the emperor Qianlong’s legendary “Fragrant Concubine”. Later in the day you fly to Urumqi. (B/L)
You fly to Beijing. The remainder of the day at your leisure. (B)
You transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
| Departure | **** | |
| Every Tuesday | Twin Share | Single Supplement |
| Apr, Nov 11 | $3515 | $685 |
| May, Sep-Oct 11 | $3760 | $840 |
| Jun-Aug 11 | $3760 | $840 |
| Dec 11, Jan-Feb 12 | $3310 | $570 |
The prices of above tour are based on the basis of a minimum of 2 persons travelling together.
For more details on what is included in this tour please click here