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Silk Road Adventure

Silk Road Adventure

China
11
3,186
summer
OverviewItineraryDates & PricingGalleryIs this tour Right for you

Overview

For centuries, Westerners have been intrigued by the Silk Road. This ancient trade route laid the foundation for trade and cultural ties between East and West, conveying goods, knowledge, and messages of peace and war across Eurasia. Traders’ camel caravans – laden with silk, tea, porcelain, and other goods from China and other parts of Asia – made their way westwards to Europe and the Middle East. Crossing vast open plains, mysterious deserts, high mountain passes, and foreign – sometimes hostile – territories, these traders put their lives in the hands of the gods, hoping to bring prosperity to their families and communities. Join this Silk Road Adventure private tour to explore the ancient trade routes the old way – overland. Starting from Badain Jaran, by the southern tip of the great Gobi desert, travel to the city of Kashgar, at the edge of China, bordering four Central Asian republics. Along this fascinating overland journey, meet people of different cultures and religions, and explore the varied landscapes and rich historical sites of these remote regions. The recommended dates for a Silk Road Adventure private tour are June to September, though July and August might be a bit more crowded (please refer to the list of Chinese national holidays below, during which these rates might not apply).

Highlights

  • Imperial Beijing to the Far West. Begin in historic hutongs before journeying deep into China’s western frontier.
  • Badain Jaran Desert. Cross towering sand dunes and surreal blue lakes on a 4WD desert expedition.
  • Danxia & Binggou Landscapes. Walk through rainbow-colored mountains and sculpted sandstone valleys.
  • Great Wall at Jiayuguan. Stand at the historic gateway where caravans once left China behind.
  • Mogao Caves of Dunhuang. Explore one of the world’s most important Buddhist art sites, carved by Silk Road traders.
  • Uyghur Life in Turpan. Visit ancient villages, vineyards, mosques, and traditional family homes.
  • Overnight Train to Kashgar. Travel like merchants once did, crossing vast distances by rail.
  • Kashgar Old Town & Livestock Market. Experience one of Central Asia’s most atmospheric cities and its legendary Sunday market.

Itinerary

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Beijing
Day 1
Arrival In Beijing
Alxa Youqi
Day 2
Flight to Zhangye and Drive to Alxa Youqi
Badain Jaran Desert
Day 3
Into Badain Jaran Desert
Zhangye
Day 4
Unique Landforms by Zhangye
Jiayuguan
Day 5
From Jiayuguan to Dunhuang
Dunhuang
Day 6
From Dunhuang to Turpan
Turpan
Day 7
Exploring Turpan and Its Surroundings
Kashgar
Day 8
From Turpan Abroad A Night Train to Kashgar
Kashgar (2)
Day 9
Exploring Kashgar
Beijing (2)
Day 10
The Livestock Market and Back to Beijing
Beijing Capital International Airport
Day 11
Departure From Beijing

Loading map...

Itinerary

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Beijing

Arrive in Beijing, the Chinese capital, home to some 24 million people and the beating heart of Chinese culture and economy. After immigration formalities, meet the local guide and drive to a hotel in the city center. After checking into the hotel, and if time permits, take a first orientation tour of the city. First, visit the Hutongs, the ancient living quarters of mandarins and high-ranking court officials during the imperial era. Then proceed to Houhai, a vast artificial lake that was once an exclusive lakeside garden for royals and is now a nightlife hotspot, home to trendy restaurants and pubs. End the day with a stroll through Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, where, behind some of the world's largest shopping malls, hidden the night food market. For the brave at heart, a delicious meal of various insects cooked in several ways awaits! In the evening, return to the hotel for the first night in China.

  • Hotel
Alxa Youqi

Drive back to Beijing airport for a morning flight to Zhangye, in Gansu Province, to embark on the Silk Road tour. Upon landing and meeting the local guide, take a two-hour drive to the edge of the desert on the border of Gansu and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Once part of Greater Mongolia, the region fell under Chinese rule during the Qing era. To date, its inhabitants are preserving much of their cultural and national heritage and identity. Arrive in the late afternoon at the sleepy town of Alxa Youqi, a mostly Mongol-inhabited settlement, and set in a simple hotel for the night.

  • Simple Hotel
  • Breakfast
Badain Jaran Desert

Badain Jaran Desert is home to the world's highest sand dunes, rising some 500 meters (1,640 feet) and featuring unparalleled landscapes. Surprisingly, this seemingly endless sea of sand extending to the horizon is dotted with nothing but beautiful blue lakes. No one knows for certain what the source of these lakes is, but it is assumed that the water comes from the Qilian Mountains via underground rivers. The challenging off-road drive through the dunes and among the lakes would lead to Soumin Jaran, a beautiful lake with a traditional Mongolian temple beside it. Visit the temple, now inhabited by only one monk, and stroll along the lake shores. After a short break at Soumin Jaran, continue the 4WD adventure through towering dunes and blue lakes back to Alxa Youqi. From here, take the 2 hours' drive back to Zhangye, arriving in this ancient hub on the Silk Road late in the evening. If time permits, stroll the night street where locals gather to enjoy a meal together.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Zhangye

Leave Zhangye and drive to Bing Guo. Located at the foot of the Qilian Mountains, this lovely park consists of marvelous sandstone formations. Take a short hike down the main valley and climb to an observation point for a breathtaking view of this unique, moon-like landscape. Then, continue to Dan Xia, a spectacular mountain with somewhat psychedelic patterns of colors in the rock. After enjoying this unique landform, board the vehicle and head back to Zhangye for a bullet train ride at speeds up to 300 km/h to Jiayuguan. Arrive in Jiayuguan late in the evening and drive to the hotel for the night.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast
Jiayuguan

Jiayuguan is known as the 'last station of the Great Wall.' Before the Qing Dynasty took over what is now Xinjiang Province, Gansu Province was China's westernmost frontier. Here in Jiayuguan, in western Gansu, the traders gathered into large convoys before leaving the protection of Chinese sovereignty, entering the Taklamakan Desert, and continuing to an alien land. Begin the day with a visit to the 'Overhanging Wall,' a fortification of Jiayuguan, and a part of the historic Great Wall. Then drive to the Jiayuguan Pass, an ancient, beautifully reconstructed fortress and the headquarters of the battalion stationed in this region to guard the Chinese frontier. Drive back to Jiayuguan train station and board another bullet train to reach Dunhuang. In the evening, stroll through Dunhuang's busy Night Market before attending a cultural show of traditional songs and dances.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast
Dunhuang

In the morning, drive to the 'Sea of Sand,' a vast sand dune just outside Dunhuang. Take a walk through the sand to Crescent Lake to enjoy the view of an old monastery, now converted into a leisure center. Then return to the vehicle and take it to the Mogao Caves. These magnificent caves are considered to be the most important site in the history of Chinese Buddhism. The construction of these grottoes was sponsored by wealthy traders as a tribute to heavenly powers. In return, the traders requested the gods to protect them and their convoys on their dangerous journey to the unknown. The grottoes then turned into a place of worship for traders and the affluent families who ruled this area for hundreds of years. Some of the earliest artwork, dating to the 4th century AD, shows an unmistakable Indian influence. This is a clear indication that the caves were among the first sites of Buddhist worship in China, as Buddhism spread from India into China's heartland. The site comprises some 2000 statues carved into the rock, over 490 man-made caves and niches, and more than 45,000 square meters of murals. In the afternoon, drive to Liu Yuan to embark on yet another bullet-train ride, the last for this trip, this time to Turpan. Arrive in Turpan late in the evening, and drive to the hotel in the city center to spend here the night.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast
Turpan

Explore the surroundings of Turpan, which, unlike most cities in the region, and especially, most trading hubs along the ancient Silk Road, is not an oasis. Turpan receives its water supply through an elaborate system of underground channels stretching from the Tian Shan mountain range. Drive out of Turpan to a traditional ancient Uyghur village perched on a mountainside, offering marvelous views over the Turpan Basin. Walk through the old village to appreciate traditional rural Uyghur architecture, then visit a local family to join them for a traditional lunch. Return to Turpan, and pause by Emin Minaret, the largest and most important mosque in Turpan. From here, take a late afternoon walk through vineyards and along large courthouses, typical of the way the local Uyghurs lived for hundreds of years. If lucky, get invited to visit one such home and have a cup of tea with the locals. In the evening, return to the hotel for a second night in Turpan.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Kashgar

Begin the day with a visit to the Turpan Museum. This recently opened museum showcases the region's rich history, featuring archaeological finds from the Turpan Basin. Some artifacts go back to the Tang Dynasty, the first dynasty to develop the trade routes commonly known today as the Silk Road. The museum also features dinosaur relics and even a few of the famous 'Taklamakan Mummies', which have effectively been baked in the hot, dry climate of the Taklamakan Desert. Next, visit the Karez Museum. The Karez is the famous irrigation system that has kept Turpan an agricultural center in the heart of the desert. From here, drive to the train station to board a 13-hours' night train to Kashgar. Overnight aboard the train in a 4-berth Soft Sleeper compartment. Note: Meals aboard trains are not provided. You are welcome to enjoy the restaurant car, or alternatively, ask your guide to take you to a local shop to get some provisions for the train ride before boarding the train.

  • Overnight on Train
  • Breakfast
Kashgar (2)

Arrive in Kashgar, near China’s westernmost border, very early in the morning. From the train station, drive directly to the hotel to complete the night’s sleep. With a late beginning of the day, set off to explore this colorful and diverse town. On the way towards Id Kah Mosque, walk through a narrow ancient street, where local craftsmen display their handmade wares. The Id Kah Mosque is the largest and most important mosque of Kashgar and is right in the vibrant center of town. Construction of the mosque began in the mid-15th century, and it has been expanded several times to its current size, now covering well over 16.5 square kilometers to accommodate the increase in the city’s Muslim population. Visit the main prayer hall and the surrounding grounds, which are all crowded during major Muslim holidays. Then drive to the town’s outskirts to visit the Abakh Khoja Tomb. This private burial site belongs to the Muslim family who once ruled over this part of China. The best-known descendant of this family is Xiang Fei, the only Muslim concubine of a Qing Dynasty emperor. The complex consists of various prayer halls, vast gardens, and, of course, the tomb, the last resting place of all the members of Abakh Khoja’s family. In the afternoon, go on a walking tour of Kashgar’s old town. The narrow streets between mud-and-brick buildings, together with the constant sounds of children playing, take one back through time to a simpler way of life. Visit some courtyards and see the unique, well-preserved architecture. From here, go back to the hotel for the night.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast
Beijing (2)

Drive to Kashgar’s outskirts to visit Sunday’s livestock market. Farmers from small villages surrounding Kashgar meet here every weekend to sell, buy, and swap horses, donkeys, cows, sheep, goats, and practically every other kind of animal that can thrive in this rugged land. Amidst constant dust clouds, people of different ethnic groups arrive on camels and in donkey carts from all over the region, not only to trade but also to meet old friends, hear the latest gossip, and sit down to share a meal with complete strangers. This market marks the end of the journey out west, and after visiting the market, take to Kashgar’s airports for the long flight back to Beijing. Arrive in Beijing late in the evening, and check into the hotel for the last night of this Silk Road tour.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast
Beijing Capital International Airport

After breakfast at the hotel, drive back to Beijing airport to end this Silk Road tour, say farewell, and board the international departing flight out of China.

  • Breakfast

Dates & Pricing

Silk Road Adventure private tour rates are quoted in US Dollars.Trips@Asia reserves the right to change Silk Road Adventure private tour rates and programs due to changes in flight schedules, changes in airfares, and other local circumstances.
Note: These China private tour rates are valid all year round, but are not valid for tours that occur (in whole, or in part) during Chinese national holidays:
New Year (1-3 Jan 2025)
Chinese Spring Festival (28 Jan-03 Feb 2025)
Qingming Festival (4-6 Apr 2025)
Labor Day Holiday (1-3 May 2025)
Dragon Boat Festival (30 May-02 Jun 2025)
Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day (1-8 Oct 2025)
Prices are based on twin share occupancy.Rates for private groups of 2 travelers and above:
2 travelers- US$4,319/ person
4 travelers- US$3,513/ person

Dates
Status
PriceNotes
30 May 2026 - 09 Jun 2026available$ 3,186Per Person (For a group of 6 or more) $593 Single Room Supplement

Additional Information

Inclusions

  • Accommodation at hotels selected including breakfast
  • 2 domestic flights- Beijing/Zhangye and Kashgar/Beijing by economy class
  • Bullet trains Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Liuyuan (Dunhuang) - Turpan by 2nd class seats
  • Overnight train Turpan-Kashgar in shared 4 berth soft-sleeper
  • Transfer by private A/C vehicle
  • Meals as indicated in the program
  • Bottled drinking water
  • English speaking guide for each area as per program
  • Entry fees for all sightseeing as mentioned on the program

Exclusions

  • International travel to and from China
  • Travel insurance
  • PCR/COVID tests, or any tests that might be required for international or domestic travel
  • Expenses that might incur due to the results of COVID tests before, during or after the tour
  • Chinese tourist visa
  • Excess luggage
  • Gratuities
  • Expenses of personal nature (food and drinks beyond those provided, laundry, etc.)

Accommodation

  • Beijing- Jianguo Garden Hotel 5-star
  • Xiang- Titan Times Hotel 4-star
  • Zhangye- Dinghe International Hotel 4-star
  • Badain Jaran - Simple Local Guesthouse
  • Jiayuguan- Holiday Plaza Hotel 4-star
  • Turpan- Houzhou Hotel 4-star
  • Kashgar- Tianyuan Hotel 4-star

Note: Note: the listed hotels are tentative. The final hotel list shall be confirmed upon booking and deposit payment.

Is this trip right for you?

You’re fascinated by history that spans continents. This trip is deeply rooted in trade routes, religions, and empires rather than modern attractions.

You enjoy vast, dramatic landscapes. Expect deserts, mountains, and remote regions with long travel days between destinations.

You’re comfortable with basic travel days. Night trains, simple hotels in remote areas, and early starts are part of the experience.

You value cultural depth over polish. Encounters with Uyghur, Mongol, and Han communities are raw, real, and unscripted.

You’re curious and observant. Markets, workshops, mosques, and old towns reward travelers who like to watch, listen, and ask questions.

You’re open to slow, immersive travel. This is a journey of distance and contrast, designed to be experienced gradually, not rushed.