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Grand Silk Explorer
Prices From: $7060 AUD
Tour Code: PAGS
Countries Visited: China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
On arrival in Beijing you are transferred to your hotel. In the evening you meet your tour leader and the other group members for a pre-tour briefing. This is generally followed by an optional group dinner at a local restaurant - Peking Duck is often a popular choice.
Days 2-4: Beijing
Beijing offers endless opportunities for exploration. The enormous Forbidden City, built more than 500 years ago and off limits to commoners for almost all that time, is a truly amazing place. Its size might surprise you (it is huge!), but what makes it fascinating is that every square metre is interesting, ranging from intricately carved walkways to colourful, painted ceilings. The Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven are two other fine examples of extraordinary workmanship. We also travel to Simatai, a largely unrestored and, as such, more authentic section of the Great Wall, not crowded with hordes of other tourists. Being perched on this incredible engineering feat and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience. There is also ample free time in the itinerary, allowing you to make your own discoveries. Our hotel is located in the south of the city and a walk in any direction will unveil all sorts of wonderful surprises. There are good shopping opportunities at the various markets around the city, such as the centrally located Dashilan Market. In the evening, you have the chance to enjoy a performance of the unique Beijing Opera (optional). We leave Beijing on the overnight train, travelling in ‘soft-class’, four-berth compartments. The 14-hour trip is a great opportunity for our group to get to know each other.
Meals included: 3 breakfasts
Xian is a wonderful place to explore. Food options are excellent here, ranging from delicious Muslim fare to great little dumplings in Chinese cafes. Widely regarded as the first capital of a united China in 221 BC, the city is rich in history. A half-day tour to the renowned Terracotta Warriors introduces us to these entombed statues, considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th Century. Over 6000 of them were individually sculpted from clay, each having a different costume, height, and even facial expression. They are standing in battle formation, facing east in order to protect the tomb of China's first emperor, the great Qin Shihuang. Peasants digging a well only discovered the underground vault, which was home to this army for two millennia, in 1974. Xian also has a wonderful Muslim Quarter. A free day can easily be spent wandering the narrow streets where we find quaint shops, lively markets, groups of white-bearded men in skull caps sipping tea in dingy cafes, and the Great Mosque, one of the most important in China. On the late afternoon of Day 6, we catch the overnight sleeper-class train to Lanzhou.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch
After an early arrival (6.30 am) in Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, we transfer to a bus and travel to Bingling Temple to view some fascinating Buddhist caves. Our journey continues on to Xiahe, a major centre for Tibetan Lamaism. We spend two nights in this amazingly remote town set in a beautiful mountain valley, with the highlight being a visit to the impressive 18th century Labrang Monastery. There are many monks walking around the streets, some of who are on pilgrimage from Tibet. We travel back to Lanzhou by bus and board another overnight train bound for Jiayuguan.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts
Upon entering the Hexi Corridor, we travel on a strip of desert surrounded by mountains on both sides. We arrive in the early afternoon at Jiayuguan (Jiayu Pass), the traditional last outpost on the edge of the ancient Han Chinese Empire, and visit Jiayuguan Fort, which actually marks the end of the Great Wall. The heavily industrialised modern town stands in stark contrast to the desert scenery. We also visit the Hanging Wall (another section of the Great Wall) and the Wei-jin Dynasty’s Number 6 Tomb.
Days 11-12: Dunhuang
We journey across the desert landscape by bus to the oasis of Dunhuang, another important stop on the Silk Road. After a night in Dunhuang, we get up to experience the sunrise over desert sand dunes and see Crescent Lake. Nearby are the stunning Mogao Caves, which house some of the best Buddhist murals in the world. The first cave was carved out and painted in 366 AD, but they had been largely forgotten until a Taoist monk stumbled upon them in 1907. Currently there are more than 492 caves, most containing murals, and over 2,415 coloured statues, in an area covering more than 45,000 square metres. Central in every cave are the painted murals, featuring numerous personages such as the ‘Flying Apsaras’, the goddesses of fragrance and music often depicted dancing and playing a musical instrument. After Mogao, we catch a bus to Lieyuan and transfer to another overnight train.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts
After arriving in Daheyan, we transfer by road for 50 minutes to the delightful oasis town of Turpan. The Turpan Depression is second only to the Dead Sea in Jordan as the lowest point on Earth. The temperature soars here to an average of as much as 40° Celsius during summer, hence its name ‘Fiery Land’. It is a small city, but the surrounding area is full of interesting places such as Gaocheng and Jiaohe, once great cities on the Silk Road. Once upon a time, Gaochang was the capital of the Uyghur people and the ruins are very impressive, with the temples, pagodas and courtyards still distinguishable even though they were abandoned over 700 years ago. The Atsana Graves nearby are where the dead people of Gaochang were buried. Turpan is well known for its seedless, white variety of grapes grown in the surrounding fields. To provide irrigation to this arid land, the local people have devised a unique subterranean waterway. The Karez Wells are fed from melted snow and conducted to the channels that wind their way beneath the city. Another famous Buddhist site found on the western side of the Flaming Mountains is the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. Unfortunately most of the artworks were removed and taken to Germany (where they were subsequently destroyed in bombing during the Second World War), so the caves are just a sad reminder of their former glories.
Day 14: Urumqi
Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, a multi-national province with many languages, customs and colourful ethnic traditions. The city is China’s gateway to central Asia, with air links to all the former Soviet states, and is widely regarded as ‘the city farthest from the ocean’. Lake of Heaven (Tianchi) resembles a little piece of Swiss alpine scenery with hills covered by fir trees and the area dotted with tiny Kazak settlements. The local people live in tent-like structures made from animal skin, known as yurts. In winter the road becomes impassable due to snow.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
We fly across the Taklimakan Desert to Kashgar, also known as Kashi, the ‘crown jewel’ of the Silk Road. Situated at an altitude of 1,289 metres at the end of the spectacular Karakoram Highway, the city is still an important trading centre. It first fell into Chinese hands nearly 1,000 years ago when extensions to the Great Wall and explorations along the Silk Road opened the area to trade. When the Han Dynasty collapsed, an interregnum followed until the town was captured briefly for the Tang Dynasty before falling again, this time into Arab hands. The great Genghis Khan occupied the city in 1219, and Marco Polo was reputedly a visitor here in 1265. With the downfall of the Mongols, the town was incorporated into Tamerlane’s empire before entering another period of instability, this time lasting 350 years. The colourful Sunday Market sees the town come alive as merchants from near and far bring in their wares. It is a photographer’s dream with the endless stream of fascinating faces and varied activities taking place. We also take a city tour that includes the Abakh Hoja Tomb, the Id Kah Mosque and the (fast-disappearing) old town.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts
An early start as we head up into the mountains and across the Torugart Pass (3752m). This ancient gateway takes us through some spectacular scenery. The drive takes about 4 hours with the second part on unpaved roads. We reach Chinese customs (at an elevation of approximately 2000m) before heading into non-man's land for a further 70kms. At the next checkpoint we say goodbye to our Chinese hosts as they introduce us to our Kyrgyz team who will escort us through Kyrgyz border formalities. Once all the paperwork is completed, we continue on to the beautiful 13th Century caravansarai at Tash-Rabat. There is plenty of time to relax here with a free day to enjoy trekking in the area or simply enjoy the stunning setting of our camp.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunchs, 2 dinners
After breakfast we drive to Son-Kul Lake, a beautiful spot where many nomadic herders choose to make their summer camp. With gentle pastures set against a backdrop of dramatic mountains, this is the perfect place for an afternoon hike - perhaps dropping in on a local family along the way. We stay for two nights in traditional felt tents (yurts) and sample some traditional dishes from our Kyrgyz hosts.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunchs, 2 dinners
From Son-Kul's pastures we wind our way across country towards the village of Kochkorka. Here we are welcomed by local families who are our genial hosts for the night. By using these homestays we are supportting a community initiative, but the pleasure is all ours with fabulous home-cooked meals and laughter ringing well into the evening.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
A more leisurely day today as we get our first glimpses of turquoise Lake Issy-Kul and explore the Barskoön Gorge on foot. Our day is relaxed and we share a picnic lunch in these idyllic surrounds. We continue this evening to our simple guesthouse at Tamga village on the southern shore. From here it is a short stroll to the local beach, where a spectacular view of mountain peaks and clear blue water awaits.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Over the next two days we follow the shore of this impressive lake - so large it never freezes, hence the name Issyk-Kul - meaning 'Hot-Lake' in the local language. From Tamga via the iconic red sandstone formations of Jeti-Öghüz Canyon to Karakol, where traditional wooden houses are laid out European style. Along the north shore to Cholpon-Ata, where sandy beaches and ancient petroglyphs await us.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunchs, 1 dinner
After breakfast we start on the road to Bishkek. Along the way we stop at the 11th Century Burana Tower, a minaret in the old city of Balasagun. This was the centre of state during the reign of the Karakhanids, once-great feudal rulers of Central Asia. After joining a local family for lunch, we arrive in Bishkek, with an introductory city tour to show us the sights of the capital.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch
We travel approximately 40kms from Bishkek to visit Ala-Archa Gorge, part of a national park created in 1976 and occupying some 19,500 square kilometers of territory. With snow-covered peaks and steep spruce-forested slopes, the area is rich in flora and fauna and a pleasure to explore. On our return to Bishkek we have time to visit some of the city's sights, including the National Museum and Gallery. We then fly from Bishkek to the Uzbek capital Tashkent.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch
With most of its historic buildings flattened in an earthquake in 1966, the Tashkent we see today is a fine a example of Soviet-era architecture and city planning. As the capital of Uzbekistan, this surprisingly green city contains many interesting examples of 1960s architectural styles and enjoys a cosmopolitan mix of cuisines and influences. The ancient heart of the city still beats in the shady squares and vibrant markets of the old town. Families still live in communities of courtyards and imams from small medrassas and mosques still call the faithful to prayer. We explore this charming city with a tour that includes the Museum of History, Amir Timur Square, Barak Khan Madrassah, Kukeldash Madrassah and the Chorsu Bazaar.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
An early start as we transfer to the airport for our flight to Urgench (please note that flight schedules are subject to change at short notice). From there we travelled on to the northwest of the country to visit the museum-city of Khiva. As legend has it, this place has a history that dates back to the time of Shem, son of Noah. A settlement was certainly established here by the 8th Century AD and began to flourish in the early 16th Century. A colourful procession of conquering Khans, Silk Road traders, Great Game spies and Russian invaders has long captured the imagination of writers and poets. It is also a photographer's delight, particularly in the evenings when the sun begins to set. This beautifully preserved town is perfect for exploring on foot, with impressive walls that mark the boundaries of the old city. Upon entering through its gates we are greeted by towering minarets and numerous medressas. Our guide takes us through these many monuments, including the Kunya Ark (fortress), the Pakhlavan Makhmud complex, the Djuma Mosque and Muhammed Amin Khan Madrassah. At night we enjoy a special meal in the Bikajon-Bika Madrassah.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Khiva is enchanting at dawn, with its empty streets and sense of thousands of years of history making an early-morning stroll well worthwhile. After breakfast we embark on an 80km journey to Ayaz Kala, northeast of Khiva on the fringes of the Kyzyl-Kum Desert. Ayaz Qala and its sister ruins of Toprak Qala and Qavat Qala are relics of the Khorezm towns that existed here in the Amu-Darya Delta some 2000 years ago. The most impressive of the sites is Toprak Qala, which was settled in the 1st Century BC and later flourished in the 3rd Century AD, as capital of the region. Qavat Qala was a substantial oasis that fell to the brutal treatment of Genghis Khan's marauding troops. To its east lies Ayaz Qalam, an impressive mud-walled hilltop fortress from the 6th-7th Centuries. We also visit Qoy Qyrylghan Qala, a temple mausoleum of Khorezm Khans dating from the 4th Century BC and home of Uzbekistan's oldest known inscriptions. Our desert adventure continues this evening as we stay in traditional Central Asian yurts and swap our own tales under the stars.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Ample opportunity to relax with free time this morning. With the impressive sights of Bukhara and Samarkand ahead of us, this is an ideal opportunity to catch up on some research, or simply sit back and imagine you are a trader – relieved to have made it safely through the desert! Our own journey continues this afternoon as we drive the 450km to Bukhara through the Kyzyl-Kum (meaning 'red sands') desert. Along the way we meet the Amu Darya River – once known as the Oxus. This river bubbles up far to the south-east in the Pamirs and then runs west through the area now bordering modern Afghanistan - once famous throughout the ancient world for its lapis-lazuli mines. Curling slowly northward the river bisects the Kyzyl-Kum and Kara-Kum (‘black sands’) deserts, before stretching toward the southern tip of the shrinking Aral Sea. It was the Greeks who named this part of Central Asia ‘Transoxiana’ – literally ‘beyond the river’ – a name that echoes through the ages in literature and poetry - and the imagination of travellers.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Bukhara is widely regarded as Central Asia’s holiest city. With more than one hundred officially preserved monuments, there is a lot to see and we have an extensive sightseeing program here to make the most of our time. On our explorations over two days we visit, amongst many other sites, the imposing Poikalon complex (comprising the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Mir-i-Arab Madrassah), Samanid Mausoleum, Chor Minor and, of course, the Ark Fortress, the ancient heart of the city and the scene of several gruesome events! With its many monuments dating from the 8th to the 18th Century AD, Bukhara has a vast span of history and architecture to uncover and the meticulous restoration of many of the mosaic and majolica decorations give us a true sense of how these buildings looked in their original glory. The twilight hours lend themselves to wandering the areas around the Lyab-i-House Pool, a central gathering place where we enjoy a traditional chaikhana (tea-house) style dinner one evening. Trading domes near here still offer an intriguing and colourful array of goods including embroideries, jewellery, spices, handicrafts and all manner of Silk Road treasures. This is the place to test your haggling skills, as well as share a joke or two with friendly local merchants. This is truly a magical place and it is sure to cast its spell on us too!
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
With regret, we leave captivating Bukhara and continue east towards Samarkand, stopping en route to visit Bronze Age petroglyphs at Sarmysh Gorge. Our next destination is Nurata, formerly known as Nur and founded in the 3rd Century BC by Alexander the Great. This ancient town was once regarded as the frontier between the cultivated lands and the steppes, and the ruins of Alexander’s hilltop citadel stand testament to its ancient history. The city was also an important Muslim place of pilgrimage, reaching its peak in the 10th Century AD as devotees flocked to its many significant graves and memorials. We visit the Chashma, a complex of religious constructions that serves as the central point for such pilgrimages. After lunching in a local teahouse we continue onto Aidarkul Lake, where we again camp in yurts. The evening has a festive feel as we gather together for a traditional barbecue with our local hosts. We may be grateful for the free time the following morning as the celebrations are likely to run late into the evening! For those who are feeling active, optional camel trekking may be available. After lunch we depart for Samarkand.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunchs, 2 dinners
We have a full day of sightseeing and exploration in Samarkand, a city that evokes the romance of the Silk Road perhaps more than any other. From its founding in the 5th Century BC, this crossroads of cultures, religions, peoples and languages has been a centre of artisans and traders, as well as the prize for many a conquering army. Alexander the Great stormed its walls in 329 BC and many other rulers chose to make it their capital in the centuries that followed. Even the Soviet occupiers declared it the original capital of the Uzbek SSR in 1924, although it only kept that honour for four years! One highlight of our visit will be standing in the iconic Registan Square, with the three medrassas (Ulugbek, Sher Dor and Tillya Kari) towering over us. Close by stands Bibi Khanum Mosque built by the 14th Century ruler Timur and often compared to the Taj Mahal, as it was built as a grand and timeless symbol of a man's love for his wife. This mosque overlooks a busy and colourful bazaar, where photographers will delight in taking photos of the many bustling stalls and huge array of produce, as well as encounter friendly greetings from the local traders. Our sightseeing also includes several more key sites including the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum complex, Gur Amir Mausoleum and Ulugbek Observatory.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Our adventure in Uzbekistan is almost complete as we leave Samarkand and return to Tashkent for a final night. We still have a little more exploration to do though, and we continue past Tashkent to Chimgan, the winter sports area. Although we are definitely in the wrong season for any snow, this is still a lovely spot to pass the afternoon, and we relax with a picnic lunch and enjoy the views. Tonight we have a farewell dinner to mark the end of our travels together, and reflect on all we have seen. The trip ends in Tashkent after breakfast (Mon).
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Tour Grade:
| Start Date | End Date | Price |
| 30 Aug 2008 | 06 Oct 2008 | $7060 |
| 06 Sep 2008 | 13 Oct 2008 | $7060 |
| 30 May 2009 | 06 Jul 2009 | $7060 |
| 20 Jun 2009 | 27 Jul 2009 | $7060 |
| 11 Jul 2009 | 17 Aug 2009 | $7060 |
| 29 Aug 2009 | 05 Oct 2009 | $7060 |
| 05 Sep 2009 | 12 Oct 2009 | $7060 |
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