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The Silk Road
Trip Valid:
01/01/2008 to 31/12/2008
Duration:
22 days (Beijing to Kashgar)
Highlights:
Follow in the footsteps of ancient traders on the legendary Silk Road, Explore the sights of Beijing, Take in the view from the Great Wall, Salute the Terracotta Warriors, Ride a camel through stunning sand dunes, Pick up a local souvenir in Hotan, Bargain like mad at the Kashgar Sunday Market
Trip Code:
CSR
Guarantee:
Departure is guaranteed
Group Size:
Minimum 4, Maximum 12
Price:
Prices from USD $1685
15 Jul - 15 Sep 2008 (Beijing Olympics period): USD1905
*(plus local payment USD $450)
pricing for United States: change country
Extras:
view 2008 airport transfers and pre- & post-trip accommodation prices
Let your imagination run wild on the legendary Silk Road. The timeless treasures of an ancient civilisation meet captivating landscapes and a mix of Central Asian influences on this adventure that stretches 4,000 km across the breadth of China from the capital Beijing, to the mountains of the Tian Chi, deep through the Taklamakan Desert and culminating in the crossroads town of Kashgar, centre of trade for hundreds of years.
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passenger feedback rating: 4.65 out of 5 how does this work?
meals included: 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners
transport: Overnight train, private bus, taxi, boat, local bus, metro, walking
accommodation: Hotels (16 nts), overnight trains (3 nts), yurts (2 nts)
budget: Allow USD $300 for meals not included.
departs: Selected Mon from May to Oct
important notes:
Flights from Kashgar to Beijing (via Urumqi) on day 22 can be arranged (unaccompanied by an Intrepid leader) unless you specify otherwise. Total cost of the tickets is approximately 3500 CNY to be paid to your leader on day 1
Days 1-3 Beijing
Discover Old China on a guided tour of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
Days 4-6 Xi'an
The launching point for the Silk Road, Xi'an bursts with ancient sights including the Terracotta Warriors.
Days 7-8 Jiayuguan
Travel across the desert fringe to the Ming Dynasty fortress of Jiayuguan. Here the massive Great Wall completes its snaking journey and marks China's historic boundary.
Days 9-11 Dunhuang
Marvel at the cultivated fields surrounding the oasis town of Dunhuang and ride camels out into the desert to watch a sunrise from atop massive sand dunes. Visit the 4th century Mogao Caves, containing extraordinary Buddhist artwork.
Days 12-13 Turpan
Famous for its vineyards, Turpan was an important staging post on the Silk Road. Tour the many attractions around town, which include Emin Minaret and the ruined city of Jiaohe.
Days 14-15 Heavenly Lake
Savour fresh air and alpine wilderness surrounds while relaxing at Heavenly Lake. Stay at a local yurt, a traditional tent dwelling, and sample tasty Kazakh food.
Days 16-17 Taklamakan Desert
Take the Southern Silk Road route through the world's second largest sand desert, the Taklamakan. Visit the night market at Korla and stroll the tiny oasis of Minfeng to meet friendly locals.
Days 18-19 Hotan
Explore some of the local cottage industries of Hotan. Silk and carpet making workshops are hidden in narrow alleyways that snake through the countryside.
Days 20-22 Kashgar
Dusty lanes crammed full of shops and stalls fill Kashgar. Visit the famous Sunday bazaar and witness the bustle of one of the world's great trading spots.
Dusty lanes crammed full of shops and stalls fill Kashgar.
| start date | finish date | places available | bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 28 Jul 08 | Mon 18 Aug 08 | bookings closed | |
| Mon 22 Sep 08 | Mon 13 Oct 08 | 6 | book now |
| Mon 20 Oct 08 | Mon 10 Nov 08 | 7 | book now |
| Mon 27 Apr 09 | Mon 18 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 11 May 09 | Mon 01 Jun 09 | 7 | book now |
| Mon 25 May 09 | Mon 15 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 08 Jun 09 | Mon 29 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 22 Jun 09 | Mon 13 Jul 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 29 Jun 09 | Mon 20 Jul 09 | 7+ | book now |
The Trip Notes provide you with detailed information about your trip.
This is where you will find everything you need to know... from what's included to suggestions about what to take. This is also where you will find the most up-to-date itinerary and any late changes.
The Trip Notes provide you with a detailed outline of your trip itinerary, and important information like where to meet your group, what to pack, what's included, estimates of spending money requirements and much more. They make great reading.
These documents have been prepared by Intrepid staff to give you a brief introduction to the places you are visiting. We think it's important to understand the culture you are visiting, and the expectations of their society.
Intrepid is committed to a style of travel that is environmentally, culturally and socially responsible - we call this 'Responsible Travel'. Download this document and visit the About Intrepid section of this site for more information about how to be a Responsible Traveller.
Please also read our safety guidelines for further information on the operational safety standards you can expect on every Intrepid trip.
On 07 June the Australian Government issued an updated travel warning for East Timor strongly advising against travel to East Timor because of the extremely dangerous security situation. Australians in the country are advised to leave. The Travel Warning remains at Category 5 - Do Not Travel.
On Tuesday 07 June we have taken the decision to cancel the remainder of our East Timor trips scheduled to depart in 2006. All travellers will be notified and given the opportunity to transfer to another trip or obtain a full refund (land content only). We very much regret having to take this action and our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of East Timor during this troubled time.
We are confident of being able to resume our normal schedule of trips to East Timor in 2007 and hope that those travellers who have had to cancel their plans this year will travel with us to East Timor in 2007.
For other safety updates, please see our general safety updates page.
Every day, hundreds of happy people return from Intrepid trips, and their comments are here for you to read. We do not screen the feedback on this site, all comments are posted here as they were written (unless they used inappropriate language).
Great trip! Learned lots about China and it was great to see the diversity in people, culture and environment.
Stephen Toole
Though I generally enjoyed my trip, it was let down by the apparent lack of knowledge and preparation of the tour leader, especially in relation to the history, culture and details of each of the places that we visited.
Florence Wong
Throughly enjoyed the experience. The Silk Road was a trip I had wanted to do for some time and I was not disappointed. Varied activities and sites visited kept the trip interesting throughout. The leader and people on the trip were brilliant.
Suzanne Bliss
I thought the trip was excellent a good combination of organised sight seeing and free time.
Michele Russell
Sorry, only passengers from Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom are able to request flight quotes online at this stage.