East Tibet on the Silk Road
Price: TBA
duration: 17 Days
Recommended months:
May – August
Added value:
The only trip that combines the Tibet Plateau and its Tibetan inhabitants, with the Muslim minority in China and the Turkmen peoples of the Xinjiang region on the Silk Road
A tremendous Tibetan shamanistic festival, interspersed with trance rituals and intense activity.
A rare opportunity to experience the barley harvest in Tibet and the grape harvest in Turpan, at the height of the agricultural season in the most beautiful time of the year.
The Buddhist caves at Bing Ling Si, Dunhuang, and Turpan
From the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau to the endless expanses of historic Silk Road. Cultural treasures, authentic encounters, snow mountains, and desert oases.
Recommended months
Recommended group size
tour type
Notes
Intro
From the vast expanses, the snow-capped peaks, the turquoise pools of the Tibetan Plateau, and the vast meadows, through the loess plateau and the colorful mountains of northern China on the Silk Road to the desert landscapes immersed in the lush green of the desert on the edge of the Gobi desert – this trip is the ultimate and dizzying combination of scenic and ethnic diversity of the kind that only “The silk Road” can offer the traveler. From the Tibetans to the Loess Plateau dwellers (Hui, Sala, Dong Xiang) and the Uighur desert dwellers on the ancient “Silk Road”. Buddhist monasteries, mosques, churches – all these represent the tremendous cultural strata of the “Silk Road”.
The massive cultural assets, the rock-hewn grottoes, hundreds of thousands of square feet of wall paintings and sculptures, which began 1,500 years ago, and which have been preserved to this day in the heart of the most powerful and diverse landscape in the world. All this – against the background of a shamanistic, bewitched, and mysterious Tibetan festival.
This trip is the result of decades of experience of Dragon Path. To ensure the success of the trip, and true to our way of offering only the best, this trip has been upgraded at every possible level to allow the traveler to enjoy all this tremendous wealth at the highest level of travel possible.
Day 1-2 | Chengdu and Dujiangyan
We will start our journey with a flight to the capital of Sichuan province, Chengdu, through an intermediate destination. Upon arrival at Chengdu airport, we will pass through immigration and continue on a short journey towards the city of Dujiangyan. We will spend the night there.
Day 3 | Dujiangyan to Songpan
After breakfast, we will explore the city of Dujiangyan, visiting the site of the world’s oldest and largest water diversion and irrigation system. We will then embark on a short journey to the local panda reserve and continue a 4.5-hour drive through the eastern foothills of the Tibetan Plateau. The landscape will gradually change, with terraced rice paddies giving way to majestic snow-capped mountains and traditional Chinese villages transforming into Tibetan-style villages. We will reach our destination for the day, the ancient town of Songpan. After a short tour of the town, we will have dinner and stay overnight.
Day 4 | Songpan to Jiuzhaigou
After breakfast, we will embark on a two-hour journey to one of Tibet’s most beautiful nature reserves, Huanglong. The terraced white travertine pools formed by the natural springs create a stunning landscape. Following the visit to Huanglong, we will continue our drive through the impressive mountainous scenery of the eastern Tibetan Plateau until we reach the famous Jiuzhaigou Valley Nature Reserve, known for its turquoise lakes nestled at the base of forested mountains. Upon arrival, we will check in to our hotel and have dinner.
Day 5 | Jiuzhaigou
A full day dedicated to exploring the vast and diverse Jiuzhaigou Valley. We will visit renowned viewpoints and take impressive walks along the turquoise lakes, surrounded by towering mountains. We will also stop at local Tibetan villages and enjoy a lunch in the heart of nature. In the evening, we will return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 6 | Jiuzhaigou to Langmusi
After breakfast, we will embark on a breathtaking journey from the Tibetan landscapes to the more religious regions. We will travel through the grasslands of Zoige, encountering Tibetan nomads and their vast herds of yaks. Continuing our descent from the mountains, we will arrive at the picturesque Langmusi, a town situated on the border between Sichuan and Gansu provinces. We will explore the monasteries and the surrounding villages, concluding the day at our hotel in Langmusi.
Day 7 | Langmusi to Linxia
This region is crucial for Tibetan Buddhism. In the morning, we will explore the magnificent Langmusi Monastery before heading to the most important monastery in this part of the world, Labrang Monastery, with over 2,500 active monks. We will visit the town of Xiahe, the home of Labrang Monastery, and stroll through its market streets. Crossing the great mountains, we will transition from Tibetan regions to Muslim areas, reaching Linxia, the capital of the region, in the evening. We will check in to our hotel for the night.
Day 8 | Linxia to Binglingsi and Tongren
Today marks the beginning of our in-depth exploration of the ancient Silk Road in China. We will start by visiting the Buddhist caves of Binglingsi, witnessing the spread of Buddhism in the region and the historical conflicts between nomads and settled communities that shaped cultures and nations. After exploring the caves, we will travel through the agricultural areas of eastern Tibet and towards Qinghai province, passing through the vast grasslands of Ganjia, villages with barley and wheat fields, and traditional gas extraction activities if fortunate. Crossing colorful sandstone formations, we will reach the central area of Tongren. Upon arrival, we will pass through temples and monasteries, witnessing preparations for the festival taking place in the town and its surroundings. We will then check in to our hotel for dinner and rest.
Day 9 | Tongren and “Sixth Month” Festival
Every year, during the harvest season, locals celebrate and bless the new crop, ensuring the success of the upcoming agricultural year. The festivities include traditional dances, music, drumming, and trance ceremonies, connecting with the spirits through the local shaman’s entry into trance. We will move from village to village, meeting the locals, sharing lunch with them in their homes, and witnessing the lively traditional dances of Tibetan men and women, in a celebration of sound, color, and sensory stimulation. We will spend the night in Tongren.
Day 10 | Tongren to Xining
We will continue our tour, exploring the villages and monasteries of Tongren. We will join another lively and unique festival before continuing in the afternoon through the majestic mountain ranges, Tibetan villages, and Hui Muslim minority villages until we reach the capital of Qinghai province, Xining. Upon arrival in Xining, we will embark on a short tour of the city before checking in to our hotel for the night.
Day 11 | Xining to Zhangye
The historical Silk Road was a sequence of oases between the Gobi Desert and the Qilian Mountains. After breakfast, we’ll embark on a journey through the Qilian Mountains that separate Tibet from the Gobi Desert to Zhangye. We’ll explore Zhangye and visit the Giant Buddha Temple (Dafosi), the largest in China. Continuing outside the city, we’ll reach one of China’s famous scenic spots – Danxia Landform. Layers of colorful sandstone have formed unique shapes over a long period. We’ll wander around until after sunset and then head to our hotel near the site. Overnight stay in Danxia.
Day 12 | Zhangye to Jiayuguan
In the morning, we’ll explore the lesser-known Bing Gou, a sister park to Danxia. Millions of years of erosion have created various shapes and formations in the red sandstone. After breakfast, we’ll continue our journey to Jiayuguan, the most strategic point on the Chinese Silk Road, where the Gobi Desert meets the Qilian Mountains. We’ll visit the Jiayuguan Fort, a crucial fortress guarding against nomadic invasions. In the evening, we’ll explore the town and stay overnight in Jiayuguan.
Day 13 | Jiayuguan to Dunhuang
After breakfast, we’ll visit the Wei and Jin Tombs, ancient burial caves containing some of the most precious treasures along the Silk Road. We’ll then travel through the Gobi Desert towards Dunhuang. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the city and check into our unique hotel. Overnight stay in Dunhuang.
Day 14 | Dunhuang
After breakfast, we’ll visit the extraordinary Mogao Caves, showcasing Buddhist paintings sponsored by wealthy merchants. These caves, hidden from the outside world until the 20th century, represent the vibrant cultural exchange along the Silk Road. In the evening, we’ll visit the Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Lake, where massive dunes rise between 150-260 meters, creating a surreal landscape. Those interested can ride camels or try sand surfing. We’ll end the day with dinner and relaxation. Overnight stay in Dunhuang.
Day 15 | Dunhuang to Turpan
After breakfast, we’ll take a high-speed train to Turpan, a crucial junction connecting the Chinese Silk Road with the influences of Central Asia. Turpan, located 149 meters below sea level, is known for its extreme heat during the day and pleasant evenings. We’ll explore the Karez irrigation system and visit the Emin Minaret, glowing in shades of red during sunset. Afterward, we’ll stroll through Muslim burial sites towards the Flaming Mountains. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Turpan.
Day 16 | Turpan to Urumqi
We’ll embark on a special tour around Turpan, visiting historical sites such as the Tuyug Desert, Huoyanshan Mountains, Bezeklik Caves, and the ancient city of Jiaohe. In the late afternoon, we’ll take a high-speed train to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. After arrival, we’ll have dinner and rest at the hotel. Overnight stay in Urumqi.
Day 17-18 | Urumqi to Beijing and Back home
After breakfast, we’ll have a short city tour of Urumqi before taking a flight to Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing, we’ll explore the city, have dinner, and attend our farewell party. Later, we’ll head to the airport for our return flight.
המחיר כולל
- Accommodation in hotels as specified in the program on a bed-and-breakfast basis
- Domestic flights as detailed in the program
- Full board based on full dinners and light lunches (except on transfer days, when lunch will not be possible)
- All the sites and shows that are written in the program, including entrance fees
- Travel in an air-conditioned bus
- English/French-speaking local guides accompany the trip
- Mineral water on the bus
The Price does not Include:
- International Flight
- Tips for service providers
- Meals that are not included in the itinerary
- Drinks during meals
- China entry visa – $115 in cash to be paid at the border crossing
- Personal expenses (shopping, etc.)
- personal insurance
- Everything that is not under the section “The Price Include”
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