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Xi'an to Bishkek Overview

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‡ As our kitty is flexible the indicated amount is indicative only - please click here to view the kitty amount for your departure date.

Trip Validity

  • 2012-01-01 - 2013-12-31

Traverse some of the world’s hottest deserts, highest mountains and wildest tribal lands while retracing the path of ancient traders, armies and explorers along the famed Silk Road. Discover the sublime landscapes of Krygyzstan, ascend the breathtaking Tian Shan mountains, cross the Torugart Pass, and feel the heat of the Taklamakan Desert. Stay with local nomads, hike in spectacular wilderness and recall Silk Road splendour.

Trip Map


Xi'an to Bishkek Summary

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Days 1-2 Xi'an

As the start of the ancient trading route the Silk Road and an imperial centre for 2,000 years, Xi'an has a fascinating history and rich cultural sites to discover.

Day 3 Pingliang/Mount Kongtong

Pingliang is a city in China's Gansu Province that is overlooked by the beautiful and sacred Kongtong Mountains.

Day 4 Gansu Corridor, Lanzhou

With the Yellow River running through the city, Lanzhou has a number of interesting mosques, temples, parks and museums to visit.

Days 5-6 Xiahe

The colours of Tibet can be seen on the streets of Xiahe, a celebrated town for Tibetans due to the Labrang Monastery and its stunning surrounding landscapes.

Day 7 Liujiaxia

Liujiaxia lies along the Yellow River and is known for its hydroelectric power station and close proximity to the intriguing Bingling Si Caves.

Day 8 Bingling Si/Zhangye Bush Camp

Formerly known as Ganzhou, Zhangye was an important stop along the Silk Road and is close to the intriguing multi-coloured Danxia landforms.

Day 9 Jiayuguan/Great Wall

Home to a 14th-century fort and a well-preserved part of the Great Wall, Jiayuguan is a legendary part of the Silk Road marking the line between China and barbarity.

Days 10-11 Dunhuang

Once an important stop on the Silk Road and a city of incredible historical and cultural riches, Dunhuang is a spectacular desert oasis.

Day 12 Bush Camp

Continue the overland adventure towards the ancient oasis town of Turpan. Spend the night wild camping beneath the desert stars.

Days 13-14 Turpan

Once an important staging post on the Silk Road, Turpan is an attractive town famous for its vineyards, stone fruits, melons and the nearby Flaming Mountains.

Days 15-16 Urumqi & The Heavenly Lake

With the bluest of blue waters, tiered mountains of green and white, and soft, billowy clouds moving across the sky, no wonder this is called Heavenly Lake.

Days 17-18 Bush Camp

The Taklamakan Desert covers an immense area of northwest China and while a treacherous part of the Silk Road journey, stunning sunsets and sunrises have long enthralled travellers.

Day 19-21 Kashgar

Traditionally an important trading city along the Silk Road, Kashgar is still at the crossroads of trade due to its location in the heart of Central Asia.

Day 22 Karakol

Set off early to get to stunning Lake Karakol. Spend the day wallowing in the surrounds of this magnificent setting.

Day 23 Kashgar

Hike the lakeside mountains or ride the perimeter of the lake on horseback to wear yourself out before the drive back to Kashgar. Take time out in comfort this evening to relax and recuperate.

Day 24 Bush Camp

Take a good book as today's lengthy border crossing meanders through the Torugart pass and into Kyrgyzstan.

Day 25 Kochkor

Spend some time getting to know the locals of Kochkor with a traditional Kyrgyz homestay and experience a glimpse of daily life.

Day 26 Bishkek

Driving into the capital city, explore the crowded bazaars and vast bustling squares of this modern city.
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What's included in this trip

  • Start:

    Xi'an, China

  • Finish:

    Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

  • Group size:

    Min 4 , Max 21

  • Ages:

    Min 18

  • Meals:

    All meals when camping

  • Accommodation:

    Bush camp (no facilities) (6 nts), Guesthouse (2 nts), Hotel (12 nts), Yurt (2 nts)

  • Transport:

    Overland vehicle

  • Included activities:

    Bingli Si Buddah Caves, entrance, Lanzhou, Fort & Wall Entrance Jiayuguan, Guided Tour of Terracotta Warriors, Jaohe Ruins, Turpan, Kashgar - Sunday & Animal Bazaars, Maogao Grottoes, Entrance, incl local guide,Dunhuang

  • Carbon emissions offset:

    1107kg pp per trip

  • Notes:

    1. Some destinations visited on this trip do not have consulates in Australia and New Zealand. We recommend that travellers from these countries book the WESTBOUND itinerary of this trip where some visas can be obtained en route.
    2. Please note that this trip requires minimum numbers to depart, and may be cancelled up until 56 days prior to departure. The places showing on the dates and availability page are an indication only so please contact Intrepid to check if your preferred date will depart before making any final arrangements, such as booking non-changeable flights.
    3. Combination trip. Please see Trip Notes (Important Notes) for more details.
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About China , Kyrgyzstan

    • 27
    • CDVUC
    • Total price tool tip
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    •  
       
       
       
       
    •  
       
       
       
       
    • Explorer, Overland
    • Basix
Book
‡ As our kitty is flexible the indicated amount is indicative only - please click here to view the kitty amount for your departure date.

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