The Silk Road - Xian to Kashgar
The Silk Road is the stuff of legend. Of all the trade routes in history this one conjures up the most vivid images of mystery and intrigue. For centuries the route has been frequented by resolute traders, invaded by roaming hordes and sprinkled with fragrant spices. Weird and wonderful inventions were transported on the road bringing the new and old worlds together in a clash of civilizations that changed the world. It is the true adventurer’s ultimate prize. Starting at the Road's beginning in Xian we finish up in the classic traders market of Kashgar. A once in a lifetime journey
The terracotta warriors of Xian are a formidable way to begin our journey. The history of China's dynasties is ever-present on our journey west on the Silk Road. Our first stop is Jiayuguan where Great Wall ends. This amazing monument to fear spells the beginning of the frontier. We enjoy a visit to the desert oasis town of Dunhuang before boarding our overnight train to the remote cities and towns of Urumqui and Turpan. Our journey continues on to Kashgar where the Sunday market will astound you. This truly is still a trader’s paradise. Wily tradesmen ply their goods in a business like but friendly way to all and sundry. We cap off our adventure with a stay at Lake Karakul. There is an optional add on “Beijing Highlights” tour available at the end of your Silk Road journey. A city on the move there is so much to see and do. (See below)
13 Day Itinerary | ||
Departure: | 18th October 2025 | (Saturday to Thursday) plus Beijing |
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Price: | AUD$2500 | Price includes 2 Chinese internal flights - Days 3 and 8 |
***THIS TOUR CAN BE EASILY COMBINED WITH OUR BURMA ROAD - MANDALAY TO YUNNAN TOUR*** ***This trips requires a minimum of 6 travellers to depart*** |
Day 1 - Arrive Xian Today is arrival day (no activities planned). After we meet for a group meeting we wander into the city centre and enjoy an included welcome dinner. Xian’s famous Dumpling Banquet Day 2 - Xian The Terracotta Warriors are Xian’s crowning glory but we will also make memories in the colorful Muslim Quarter enjoying delicious regional cuisine. Take some time atop the ancient city walls and wander through Calligraphy Street. We can glimpse the starting point of the Silk Road, the legendary trail we are about to follow Day 3 - Xian to Jiayuguan The morning is free to explore Xian before we board our afternoon flight to Jiayuguan. On arrival we check into our hotel and have time for an orientation walk and dinner in a local restaurant Day 4 - Jiayuguan This morning we climb one of the final, westernmost ramparts of the Great Wall against a landscape of endless desert and snow capped mountains. The Jiayuguan Pass Fort and Great Wall Museum offer a fascinating insight into the creation and history of this amazing wonder of the world. The town of Jiayuguan itself is very atmospheric and we can try the local noodles and a cool glass of homebrew at the night market Day 5 - Jiayuguan to Dunhuang We make our way through the desert to the oasis town of Dunhuang, famous as the site of China’s finest Buddhist cave art. In the afternoon we explore the town and make a visit the interesting Dunhuang Museum Day 6 - Overnight train Our first stop today is the Magao Caves. According to Tang Dynasty records a monk witnessed here a vision of a thousand Buddhas under showers of golden rays. He was thus inspired to begin the caves construction work which spanned ten dynasties. Magao Caves are known as the Caves of a Thousand Buddhas. After lunch we venture into the sea of dunes that surround the town see the mysterious crescent moon lake. Here we have time for an optional camel ride. This evening we board an overnight train to Turpan (4 berth soft sleeper) Day 7 - Turpan Turpan sits in a vast depression and is famed as the hottest place in China. The town is surrounded by a maze of grape-trellis lined dusty lanes which lead to the desert. Ancient cities, hidden ravines and vineyards this area is a full sensory experience. We will visit the Emin Minaret, the Jiaohe Ruins, the Karez Museum, an Uygur village, and the Bezelik thousand Buddha Caves Day 8 - Turpan to Urumqi to Kashgar Today is a travel day. Our driver will transfer us to Urumqi for our flight to Kashgar. Driving time is just over 3 hours. On arrival in Kashgar we transfer to our hotel in time for an evening out in our home for the next few days in the far western regions of China Day 9-12 - Kashgar Kashgar means a "gathering place of boulders" in the Uygur language. It is one of the oldest but richest oases in the remote west of China. For thousands of years, it has been regarded as the economic, political, cultural and communication centre south of the Tianshan Mountains. Kashgar was a crucial trading post along the Silk Road and its bustling Sunday Bazaar still attracts traders from around the region. The proximity to Central Asia gives Kashgar a unique blend of cultures and the old city is alive with Uyghurs, Tajiks, Kazaks and Kyrgyz, each distinguishable by their traditional headgear. As well as the unmissable Sunday Bazaar you also have a chance to explore the warren of narrow lanes which make up the old city, Id Kah Mosque and Abakh Khoja Tomb.
On day 10 we drive to the final stop on our Silk Road journey. We travel along the Karakoram Highway to remote Lake Karakul, nestled among 7000m plus peaks. He we enjoy a very remote stay on the lake and return to Kashgar the next day. A classic rural stay is a highlight of the tour Day 13 - Depart Kashgar Today our amazing journey ends in Kashgar after breakfast. For those taking the Beijing extension you will be transferred to the airport and on arrival to Beijing we will settle into our centrally located hotel and enjoy a dinner in this bustling reborn metropolis.
For this concluding their travel we will assist in arranging your ongoing flight to your Chinese hub 4 DAY 'BEIJING HIGHLIGHTS' ADD ON TOUR - Price: U$1250
Tour Includes • Airport transfers • Domestic Flight – Kashgar–Urumqi–Beijing (2 flights) • 4 star hotel accommodation in Beijing (3 nights) • 2 lunches all breakfasts • visits to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and the Great Wall Day 1 - Kashgar to Beijing We arrive by plane from Kashgar and can’t help notice the colorful bright lights and teeming crowds of this stunning city. Settle in and prepare for a sensory overload over the next few busy and astonishing days Day 2 - Beijing This morning we explore Tiananmen Square, the centre of Beijing and the largest square in the world. We enter from here the Forbidden City which is the best preserved group of ancient buildings in all of China. In the afternoon we explore narrow alleyways or Hutongs on rickshaws to experience traditional Chinese life. There are many optional choices for the evening including the famous Acrobats or the Peking Opera Day 3 - Beijing We journey today to the Great Wall of China. This magnificent man made structure built more than 2500 years ago and stretching for more than 6000km is one of the most spectacular fortifications of the ancient world. It is said that you can only truly experience the vastness of China and the essence of Chinese spirit when you stand on the Great Wall. This evening we enjoy our final meal together and what could be more fitting than the traditional and delicious ‘Beijing Duck’ (optional). What a finish to your amazing journey through the Silk Road and beyond Day 4 - Depart Beijing Today is departure day and you are free to do so at your convenience |
Trip Options
Single Travellers: | Inquire | Details |
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Extra Accommodation: | Single Inquire | Details |
Double Inquire |
***THIS TOUR CAN BE EASILY COMBINED WITH OUR BURMA ROAD - MANDALAY TO YUNNAN TOUR***
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
For tours where the start and finish points are different w can assist you with your arrangements in both locations.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement. This also applies to single travellers who we are not able to match up.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.