The classic journey through China in the footsteps of Marco Polo, from the Pamir to Kashgar,across Xinjiang to Xi'an and Beijing. For thousands of years the Silk Road was plied by merchants and camel caravans seeking the riches to be found in far-off China. It was a hard ,dangerous and often fatal route ,first chronicled in the writings of Marco Polo .If today the danger has largely gone, this journey through the Pamir and across the desert and mountains of Xinjiang still remains its fascination and historic interests. Silk Road, an ancient business route connected the Chinese civilization with the central Asia and Europe and North Africa , which is so famous in the history for the function it took .The route make your dream came true that you will have the feelings and the changes of times and beautiful nature scenery .By doing this , you find a shortcut to look into the long history and great culture . We provide you few ways to travel , one is the North Silk Road , the other is South Silk Road .
Through the South Silk Road you will have the chance to experience totally different feelings about Xinjiang. Along this route, there are Kashgar,Hotian and many oases, each has its own particular character and folklore. Kashgar is famous for its strong Islamic culture and important position both in history and at present day, not only the old architecture but also the Sunday Bazaar well-known around Central Asia. Kuqa is famous for its brilliant Thousand Buddha Caves. Turfan , the famous oasis on the Silk Road, is a cultural melting pot absorbing different style culture from both Central Asia and inland of China. Turfan attracts many tourists from home and abroad. Here is also the lowest Basin in China and the second lowest point in the world . All the cities are just like the glory pearls decorated in the Ancient Silk Road. In order to meet the different taste of the tourist we provide four types of route for you.
Day 1:Dunhuang-Ruoqiang
Starting early from Dunhuang in Gansu Province,the visitor arrives at the county seat of Ruoqiang in the evening ,passing through Yangguan Pass in the west.For this long journey,which threads across mountains and barren desert with sparse inhabitants,one has to bring enough food and drink,and better goes in company with sevveral other vehicles so as to help each other in case your car breaks down on the way.Accommodation is available at the county hostel
Day 2:Ruoqiang-Miran
Start your trip at dawn to the ruins of Miran City 70 kilometers to the northeast of Ruoqiang.Lunch is available at Xinjiang 36th Regiment of Farming and Land-Reclamation Corps.Return to Ruoqiang in the afternoon.Located to the northeast of the town of Miran,the road to the famous site of Miran City in the depth of a desert is hard and dangerous.Don't take any chances without sufficient preparation.
Day 3: Ruoqiang-Qiemo
A 370-kilometer ride southeast from Ruoqiang takes you to Qiemo.This road goes through a dessert;some sections are buried in sand.One has to get out and push the car from time to time when the wheels of the car sink in the sand.Tools such as speakes and planks should be ready for emergencies.Stay at Qiiemo Guesthouse fot the night.
Day 4:Qiemo-Minfeng
leaving Qiemo and going 300 kilometers west,one arrives at the county town of Minfeng.Large patches of Huyang poplars can be seen on the way.
Day 5:Minfeng-Niya-Minfeng
About 250 kilometers to the north of Minfeng one finds the ruins of Niya in the depth of a desert.It is believed to be the site of the Kingdom of Jingjue during the Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D.24).To get to this site one has to go on camel-back.
Day 6:Minfeng-Hetian
Going 300 kilometers from Minfeng one arrives at Hetian,stopping at the county seat of Yutian for lunch on the way.In the streets of Yutian the visitor can see the unique attire and headdresses of the Uigur women.Before dinner the visitor arrives at Hetian and accommodates at Hetian Hotel.Hetian is a strategic town in southern Xinjiang,described as a rich and feertile placce in the travels of Marco Polo.
Day 7:Hetian
Sightseeing in Hetian to appreciate the town's three treasures--jade,silk and carpets.If you are luckly enough you'll find some jade stones at the river valleys.One can buy carpets full of local flavour from Hetian Carpet Factory or at bazaars.Visit an Aidis silk factory and buy a piecce of traditionally hand-crafted Aidis silk as a souvenir.Other atrractions in Hetian include the ancient city of Meiligawat and the ruins of Yotkan
Day 8:Hetian-kashi
Going further west across the desert,one raches Shache at noon.After lunch visit Amanishakhan Tomb and then ride to Kashi to stay at Seman Guesthouse or Keniwak Guesthouse.
Day 9-10:Kashi
Sightsseeing and free in Kashi
Day 11:Kashi - Taxkorgan
Go south from Kashi to Taxkorgan Tazik Autonomous County.Lunch is a vailable at Karakuli Lake Restaurant where one can enjoy the scenery of the lake and Mount Muztagata.Then continue the journey to the county town of Taxkorgan and stay at the Pamirs Guesthouse
Day 12:Stone City
Visit the Stone City,Priincess Fort and Aoyitak Primitive Forest.
Day 13 Proceeding west from Taxkorgan
The visitor comes to Kunjirap border check-point,passing a number of ancient courier posts on the Silk Road while drinking in the beauty of the Pamirs.The Sino-Pakistani boundary tablet is located nearby,at 4,700 meters above sea level.To those who have mountain sickness,oxygen bags are indispensible.Going south from here across the Kunjirap mountain pass one enters northern Pakiatani territory,which was the site of the eastern part of the ancient Kingdom of Dayuezhi.If crossing the Mingteke mountain pass,the tourist will find himself in Afghanstan.Those who are not ready to tour Pakstan can return to Taxkorgan and stay there for the night
Day 14:Return to Kashi from Taxkorgan.
Day 15:Take a flight to Urumqi.
| Departure dates and prices |
(based on per person and shown in US dollars)
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