The Silk Road Trail
Youll see windswept desert fortresses, endless mirages, snow-capped peaks and lively night markets. Explore medieval Tibetan monasteries and caves sheltering thousands of ancient images of Buddha. Witness the regions cultures and religions and embrace the warm Uighur hospitality.
Days 1-3 Beijing
After meeting your fellow travellers for a briefing over drinks, youll see the famous sites of Tienanmen Square, the Forbidden City and Chinas most famous landmark - the Great Wall. Explore Beijings backstreets by rickshaw, feast on Peking duck and watch an amazing acrobat display. Board an overnight train to Xian.
Days 4-5 Xian & Terracotta Warriors
Xian is where youll join the centuries-old Silk Road. See the Terracotta Warriors, Wild Goose Pagoda and Great Mosque. Admire the views from the Ming city walls and explore the bustling Muslim Quarter.
Day 6 Lanzhou
Lanzhou was once a major transportation hub and garrison on the Silk Road. Today it is a sprawling Chinese city. Explore the action on the banks of the Yellow River and climb the peak of White Pagoda Hill for incredible views of the city.
Days 7-9 Xiahe
Leave early to visit the Thousand Buddha Caves - carved into the cliffs above Liujiaxia Lake. Continue to Xiahe, surrounded by soaring mountains and filled with pilgrims visiting Labrang Monastery - the most important Tibetan monastery outside Tibet. While there try some delicious yak momos and butter tea.
Day 10 Jiayuguan
This areas vast desert landscape provides a stunning contrast to the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Visit an ancient frontier fortress and head out to some remote remnants of the Great Wall. A short climb reveals spectacular views.
Days 11-14 Dunhuang & Turpan
Dunhuang is home to sand dunes and camels, though the greatest attraction is the Magao Caves - home to some of the most ancient Buddhist art in existence. At Turpan youll get to visit the bustling bazaar, lunch with an Uigher family and explore the local vineyards.
Days 15-19 Urumqi & Kashgar
Drive through the Gobi Desert to Urumqi, then fly to the frontier town of Kashgar in time for the Sunday Bazaar and its animal trading market. Visit the Id Kah Mosque and take a fascinating backstreet walking tour.
Departures: Apr-Oct Beijing to Kashgar.
Includes: 14 nights in hotels, 4 nights overnight trains, breakfasts daily, 2 lunches, all internal flights while on tour, road transport by air-conditioned vehicles, local English speaking guides throughout, and airport transfers.
To book, call 0845 643 6561
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX100881.
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