|
|
|
|
| 8 days journey on camel’s back
TAKLAMAKAN Desert |
| Departure from Shanghai or Beijing |
Day 1
SHANGHAI / URUMQI / KHOTAN
Fly from Shanghai to Urumqi and then transfer flight to Khotan
by Shanghai Air & China Southern Airlines respectively.
Shanghai/Urumqi FM 9217 1405/1915
Urumqi/Khotan CZ 6819 2145/2325
Upon arrival in Khotan, met & transfer to Hotel.
About Khotan：
Khotan was an early center for the spread of Buddhism from India into China. It fell to the Arabs
in the 8th century, and grew wealthy on the proceeds of the caravan trade that traveled the route
between China and the West until conquered by Genghis Khan in the early 13th century.
Simple and quick dinner at the airport |
 |
Day 2
KHOTAN / DESERT
This day, the trip will be a highlight as we travel deep into the endless desert. We drive 30 km (one hour) to the edge of the Taklamakan Desert and then hop on a camel ride. Our journey on camel back will last about 6 to 7 hours. As we travel through the glorious desert on the back of our two-humped dromedary, we will gain a momentary glimpse of the ancient caravan journeys. Similarly as we camp overnight in the desert we sit beneath the enormous desert night sky, warming ourselves around a campfire - we can begin to appreciate our relation to the vast and uncompromising wilderness around us. |
 |
Day 3
RAWAK RUINS / KHOTAN
This morning, we de-camp our campsite and continue our camel ride to visit the ruins of Rawak Temple, it is the ruins of the earliest Budda pagoda of China. It is located in the desert north - west of Jiya township, Lop county and is 70 kms away from Khotan city. It is the only temple which has a gandara style (similar form as an Indian temple). word "rawak" means "pavilion". After a short rest in the hotel, we continue our visit to Malika-awat Ruins. this ancient city lies 25 km southwest of Khotan, on the west bank of the Jade Dragon Kashgar River. Situated on a 1500 m long belt, it is believed to be the ancient city of Yutian Kingdom although disputes claim it used to be a monastery compound. From 1977, potsherds, ancient coins and other items have been excavated. Our last visit is the Hetian Jade factory. Enjoy a special dinner at the fruit farm tonight. |
Day 4
KHOTAN / KUCHA
Prepare for a long day of traveling through Taklamakan Desert to Kucha. The total distance is about 700km. Estimate time of arrival into Kucha is about 8pm. Kucha, This quaint oasis town, not often visited today, was once the center of a Buddhist civilization in the Tarim Basin. On the way you will enjoy the magnificent sand dunes of Taklamakan, and desert poplar which lives without water over hundred years---called “diversified leaves poplar”, lunch on the way with local flavor. |
Day 5(THU)
KUCHA/URUMQI (TRAIN)
In the morning, we visit the ruins of the ancient city of Subashi, or "old Kucha" which located at the foot of Tian Shan, surrounded by a river. Today is Kucha’s Friday bazaar, a major market attracting Uyghurs and other traders from near and far. During the 2nd century AD, Buddhism came to eastern Turkestan (present-day Xinjiang) via the Silk Road. Ancient Quici (Kucha) was a crossroads of the great cultures of India, Persia, Greece and China, and local painters selected elements of each and combined them to make a distinct Quici painting style. After dinner, catch an overnight train to Urumqi. The train journey is about 15 hours. |
Day 6 (FRI)
KUCHA/URUMQI (TRAIN)
In the morning, we visit the ruins of the ancient city of Subashi, or "old Kucha" which located at the foot of Tian Shan, surrounded by a river. Today is Kucha’s Friday bazaar, a major market attracting Uyghurs and other traders from near and far. During the 2nd century AD, Buddhism came to eastern Turkestan (present-day Xinjiang) via the Silk Road. Ancient Quici (Kucha) was a crossroads of the great cultures of India, Persia, Greece and China, and local painters selected elements of each and combined them to make a distinct Quici painting style. After dinner, catch an overnight train to Urumqi. The train journey is about 15 hours. |
Day 7 (SAT)
URUMQI
Breakfast on the train. We arrive in Urumqi at 2pm Upon arrival check in hotel and followed by lunch in a local restaurant. This afternoon we visit local bazaar. |
 |
Day 8 (SUN)
URUMQI/SHANGHAI
This morning transfer to the airport for flight back to Shanghai.
Urumqi/Shanghai FM 9220 1435/1905
|
Day 9
Shangri la – Kunming – Beijing
Breakfast at hotel
Check out hotel in the very early morning,
Bus drive to the airport, fly back to Kunming
Transfer flight from Kunming to Beijing
Fly back to Beijing
Finish the fantastic trip |
PS:
This is only a sample outline of this trip. It is not a precise description. Changes made before or during the trip will only be made in the interest of safety or a more successful trip. If you have any special requirements, please do not hesitate to let us know. We’d like to help your School/Organization/Company etc…. customize your own trip according to your needs.
This price includes:
·Hotel accommodation (Double occupancy, AC, Independent bathroom and Hot water)
·Overnight at Tents, Yurts or Local family
·All transportation include: Bus, Train, Airfare, Camels and airport pickups and send offs
·Group meals (number of group meal will be determined according to the final schedule )
·Entrance tickets of sightseeing places
·Tour guides and local guides
·One trip leader fee covered from you school/organization/company
This package Not includes:
·Visa fees
·International Airplane tickets from your country
·Accidental medical insurance
·Personal expense such as laundry, drink, telex, telephone calls or overweight baggage charge,
shopping and tips
Please email: info@chinasportstour.com for more information if you are interested in any of our trips.
|
|
|
|
Home
