Middle East to Middle Kingdom Tour

ProviderChina-Highlights (桂林中国国际旅行社) Price : $ 1743 UP

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CodeXJ-6
Duration11 days
Departing cityKashgar
DestinationsKashgar, Urumqi, Turpan, Dunhuang, Xian
Attractions
Departing date
Rate
  • Day 1

    Place & Transport: Arrive in Kashgar, Flight not included
    Today's Activities: Airport to Hotel Transfer (Kashgar), Guide delivers your CH cell phone with 7 days free rental

    - Guide delivers your CH cell phone with 7 days free rental: A Free CH cell phone package includes 7 days rental cost for the cell phone and SIM card and at least 30 free minutes*, delivery and collection in China. Return the phone to your guide when you depart. A recharge at standard rate is available if the free minutes are used. Note: Our rental phones do not work in Hong Kong. You must return the phone to your guide before leaving for Hong Kong.
    * Free minutes vary from 30-60 mins depending on the destination of the calls. Ask the travel advisor for details. For more about the cell phone rental service, please click:

  • Day 2

    Place & Transport: Kashgar
    Today's Activities: Lake Karakuli
    Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

    - Lake Karakuli (2 hours): Karakuli Lake is a sparking glacial lake located at the foot of “the Father of Glaciers” – Muztagata Mountains. A railway connnecting China with Pakistan goes by the lake. The lake is famous for its beautiful scenery and clarity. Colors of its water range from light to dark under reflection.

  • Day 3

    Place & Transport: Kashgar
    Today's Activities: Id Kah Mosque, Zhiren Street, Bazaar, Kashgar Old Town
    Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at Orida Culture Restaurant

    - Id Kah Mosque (40 minutes): This 15th century mosque is one of the largest and busiest in China. As you stroll under the trees in the pleasant courtyards, you glimpse the strength and care of the local community. At midday on Fridays around 10,000 people will gather to pray and study the Koran, and prayer 5 times/day on other days. You'll be asked to remove your shoes before entering the Main Hall, which has traditional Islamic pillars,carvings and rugs strewn over the floors. Women are adviced to cover upper arms and legs, a scarf is not compulsory, but is seen as a mark of respect. This is a must visit place for tourist in Kashgar .
    - Zhiren Street (1 hour): It is close to Id Kah Mosque, an old street with an amazing range of goods being crafted for sale by hand , from strictly utilitarian cookware to exotic musical instruments. There's not much light industry in Kashgar, so everything is hand-made or imported from a very distant place. Copper, metal, porcelain, woodwork, jewellery and other goods are seen to be made and you will marvel at incredible devices like the wooden objects that prevent babies from wetting the bed.
    - Bazaar (2 hours): Famous throughout Asia, this ancient market attracts locals and merchants from all over Xinjiang and nearby countries such as Pakistan and Kirghizstan. There are wonderful, offerings of dried fruit and delicacies, clothes, shoes, leather, textiles, rugs and carpets as well as scarves, souvenirs and other goods in an eclectic mix that appeals to traveler and native alike. Open all week, Sunday's the big day when the farmers come to town, and those who still prefer to shop at the market rather than city shops. Bazaar especially Sunday Bazaar is a very interesting place so many foreigners'main purpose in Kashgar is to visit the Bazaar.
    - Kashgar Old Town (1 hour): Explore the maze of narrow streets in this oldest residential area of Kashgar. Houses were originally built along a natural slope, and extended over the years with many streets either fully or half-covered. Traditional Uighur life continues here in time-honoured fashion. Visit local families, see potteries, bakeries, embroidery, and local skills. There's a local Folk Museum, and yes, souvenirs are for sale but these are not rich people, a purchase is better than a gift.
    - Orida Culture Restaurant : The restaurant is located near the Id Kah Mosque. It specializes in Moslem food. It is well decorated in a Uygur' style. Wine is not provided here.

  • Day 4

    Place & Transport: Kashgar to Urumqi, Flight No. TBA
    Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Kashgar), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Urumqi), Heavenly Lake, Boat for Cruise on the Heavenly Lake,
    Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

    - Heavenly Lake (1 hour): Heavenly Lake (Tian Hu) is a beautiful blue mountain lake. The blue lake water is finely contrasted with steep forested hills, high meadows and snowy Heavenly Mountain peaks behind. There you can walk, take electric carts, cable cars and a boat cruise on the lake.
    - Boat for Cruise on the Heavenly Lake (40 minutes): It is a different way to visit Heavenly Lake by boat.

  • Day 5

    Place & Transport: Urumqi
    Today's Activities: Mt Nan Pastures and Terai Camp, The Terai Camp
    Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

    - Mt Nan Pastures and Terai Camp: Mount Nan pasture is very big attractive mountain valley, with grassland and pastures, surrounded by forested hills and mountains,with West Baiyanggou, Juhuatai, East Baiyanggou, Mount Zhaobi, Miaoergou and Daxigou from west to east. You can rent a horse to explore further (riding experience is recommended), or just take in the local activities. If you got fortunate, you can watch the activities of horse race, sheep catching and girls' whip.

    It is a typical area,where many Kazakhs continue their traditional way of life here, herding cattle and sheep. You can also visit a local house or yurt to sample Kazakh food and drink, including butter tea. Xinjiang's pastureland is different from inner mongolia's, we are mountain pastureland so you cann't see a large scale flat grassland here.
    - The Terai Camp (30 minutes): A special experience of Kazak nomad life here, have a cup of milk tea and taste some really local food.

  • Day 6

    Place & Transport: Urumqi to Turpan
    Today's Activities: Our guide and driver will escort you from Urumqi to Turpan, Astana Tombs, Tuyoq Village and Tuyugou Canyon, Suleiman Minaret, Grape Valley
    Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

    - Astana Tombs (40 minutes): It is located in the Gobi Desert in the north of Gaochang, 40 kilometers away from Turpan city. At the Ancient Tombs of Astana, thousands of treasure historical relics had been unearthed, including mummy, writing, inscription, painting, earthen figurine, stone wares, pottery wares, wood wares, bronze wares, iron wares, gold wares, silver wares, cotton, silk, wool, ancient coins and so on. Therefore, the Ancient Tombs of Astana is called the "Gaochang's live history record and underground museum in the Turpan area." Although there are almost 500 tombs in this area only three tombs opened to tourists.One have two mummys the other two have murals.
    - Tuyoq Village and Tuyugou Canyon (1.5 hours): The Tuyugou Great Canyon is 46 kilometers away from Shanshan county in the east, 47 kilometers from Turpan city in the west and 13 kilometers from the Gaochang Ancient City in the southwest.Among the canyons in the Flame Mountain which extends nearly one hundred kilometers, the Tuyugou Great Canyon is the canyon with the longest culture and the most mighty and majestic natural landscapes.

    Tuyoq is a traditional village of vineyards, orchards, narrow streets and irrigation channels tumbling between ancient mudbrick houses and shady trees against the backdrop of the bare, red Flaming Mountains. An easy and pretty walk takes you to a group of very ancient caves carved into the mountainside. You can stop and enjoy the surroundings, or climb the steep stairways to view some of the caves, parts of their frescoes still visible, with both Buddhist and Nestorian connections.
    - Suleiman Minaret (40 minutes): Also known as Sugong Tower, it is the biggest ancient tower existing in Xinjiang and the only ancient Islamic minaret in the country. It is located 2 kilometers southeast of Turpan's center.
    - Grape Valley (1 hour): This is one of most famous scenic spots in Turpan. With its shady vineyards and trees, this provides a welcome place of relaxation amidst the hundreds of square kilometers miles of grey desert. Take a seat under the vintage trellises and savor various grapes. Every year over 300 tons of raisins are dried in drying rooms on nearby slopes. Located 4 km northeast of Turpan's center.

  • Day 7

    Place & Transport: Turpan to Overnight train, Train No. T190 Dep 22:31 - Arr 06:40
    Today's Activities: The Karez Wells, The Ruins of the Ancient City of Jiaohe, Hotel to Train station Transfer (Turpan)
    Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

    - The Karez Wells (40 minutes): This irrigation system of wells connected by underground channels is considered to be one of the three great ancient projects in China. The Karez Wells Folk Garden and Museum is located adjacent to Turpan, 3 kilometers east of the city center. The famous fruit and vineyards of these hot, dry desert communities owe their existence to the Karez wells, ancient underground irrigation channels fed by wells that tap into the snowmelt from surrounding mountains. These systems are still maintained and functioning today. A small museum provides an insight into their intriguing history and construction, and takes you below ground for a first-hand view.
    - The Ruins of the Ancient City of Jiaohe (2 hours): The Jiaohe Ruins are the biggest, oldest and best-preserved city of its construction in the world. Jiaohe was built by the ancient Cheshi people in the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC) and the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). Located in the Yarnaz Valley, 8 km (5 mi) west of Turpan, it was dug out of and constructed from the yellow-gray parched ground of a narrow 30-meter-high, 1.5-km-long vertical sided island in a river. It is a good vantage point for seeing the surrounding landscape of vineyards and orchards followed by desert and mountains.

  • Day 8

    Place & Transport: Overnight train to Dunhuang
    Today's Activities: Train station to Hotel Transfer (Dunhuang), The Mogao Grottoes, The Singing Sand Mountains and Crescent Spring
    Meals: Chinese Lunch

    - The Mogao Grottoes (3.5 hours): Constructed over a millennium, from the 4th to the 14th centuries, the caves hold the world's richest treasure house of Buddhist sutras, murals and sculptures, including the world’s third largest giant Buddha. Photography is strictly prohibited. They are located 17 km (11 mi) southeast of Dunhuang on the east face of the Singing Sands.
    - The Singing Sand Mountains and Crescent Spring (2 hours): Crescent Spring (Yueya Quan) is in the Singing Sand Mountains (Mingsha Shan), 6 km (4 mi) south of Dunhuang. It is an oasis in the desert. The spring's name derives from the crescent-shaped lake formed by the spring water between two huge sand dunes. Although the area is very dry, the pool doesn't dry up as one might expect.

  • Day 9

    Place & Transport: Dunhuang to Xian ( ), Flight No. TBA
    Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Dunhuang), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Xian), Shaanxi History Museum, Ancient City Wall
    Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at Qianzhou Restaurant(Xiao Yanta Branch)

    - Shaanxi History Museum (1.5 hours): The history of Shaanxi is said to be the history of China, and this museum is quite simply one of the nation's best. Four major galleries in large, Tang-style buildings house a vast and impressive collection, beautifully displayed. Most of the item labels are in English, although some other information on the exhibitions is not, but your guide can help here. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
    - Ancient City Wall (30 minutes): The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete city defenses still around. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City, it s surrounding the city centre. You can walk or pay extra cost to rent a bike (CNY40 per person), rickshaw (CNY45 per person for 45 minutes) or an electric cart (CNY40 per person) around the full 14km circuit, with great views of the city on either side. If the weather is not good for biking on the city wall, we will substitute a visit to the Bell Tower. Your guide will be very glad to take you the Bell Tower after you have been to look at the city wall
    - Qianzhou Restaurant(Xiao Yanta Branch): Qianzhou Restaurant is well-known for its local flavors and ingredients originating from Qian County. The style, Qianzhou Four Treasures is considered to be famous nationally. The specialties are of ancient origin from the Tang Dynasty and leave customers with great culinary memories.

  • Day 10

    Place & Transport: Xian ( )
    Today's Activities: Big Wild Goose Pagoda, The Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Muslim Street, Shadow Play in the Gao Courtyard
    Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at A Wa Shan Zhai Restaurant(Qinling Branch)

    - Big Wild Goose Pagoda (1 hour): A major Buddhist site, the simple, elegant brick Pagoda stands in the grounds of the attractive Da Ci'en Temple. The Pagoda was built in the 7th century to house the Buddhist materials that Xuanzang (Tripitaka) brought back from his epic journey to India. The Temple complex has several large halls with some great Buddhist statues and murals.
    - The Terracotta Warriors and Horses (2 hours): Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars. 1.5 hours from Xian, there is also an excellent museum and film about the history of the vaults. Photos (no flash) are allowed. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
    - Muslim Street (1 hour): The Muslim quarters lies 100 meters west of the Bell tower in downtown Xi'an. The 500 meters long avenue paved by bluestones are dotted with many unique stall, souvenir shop, café and bars which are mostly run by Muslim people. Tourists, especially from overseas come and shop here.
    - Shadow Play in the Gao Courtyard (1 hour): Shadow Play is a traditional folk art using beautifully made flat puppets whose shadows are projected onto a white, rear-lit screen. The performance is accompanied by Chinese instruments and story-telling. The show lasts for about 15 minutes. The performance is performed by local people in a traditional Chinese dwelling in the Muslim quarter, called Gao Courtyard. Gao Yuesong, the owner of this courtyard, was a high ranking official in Ming Dynasty. The Gao Courtyard is quadrangle shaped example of this traditional Ming Dynasty home constructed in wood and brick in the traditional way.
    - A Wa Shan Zhai Restaurant(Qinling Branch): A Wa Shan Zhai Restaurant was established in 2004, mainly specializes in Hunan and Sichuan cuisine. It provides delicacy by using the material from xancin, obtaining a nationwide reputation from customers. It would be a nice choice to dine while traveling the nearby Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses.

  • Day 11

    Place & Transport: Depart Xian, Flight not included
    Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Xian)
    Meals: Breakfast

Tour Price : 1743.00000
Supplement : 279.00000
Tour Size : 2
TourPrice inclusions and exclusions :

Price Inclusions:

  • Entrance Fees:
    To scenic spots as listed in the itinerary.
  • Phone Rental Package:
    7 days rental cost for the cell phone and SIM card, and at least 30 mins of FREE international calls.
  • Meals:
    All meals as specified in the itinerary.
    If the restaurant indicated is not available on the day, your guide will arrange another restaurant from our list of approved restaurants. Breakfast is usually a western style buffet. We endeavor to ensure that a choice of western and Chinese breakfasts is supplied, however there may be occasions when only a Chinese breakfast is available in some remote locations.
  • Private Transfers:
    Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in Kashgar, Urumqi, Turpan, Dunhuang, Xian by private air conditioned vehicle with a driver and English-speaking guide (as listed above).
    Your comfort is our priority! to get a description of the vehicles that we use for our tours.
  • Guide:
    As outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city, who will remain with you throughout your time in that city. A new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available.
  • Hotels:
    Hotel fees are based on two people sharing one room with twin beds.
    All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast. All rooms are air-conditioned with private facilities unless specified.
  • Transportation:
    Kashgar To Urumqi Transfer via: Flight, TBA (Our arrangements)
    Turpan To Dunhuang Transfer via: Train, T190 (Our arrangements)
    Dunhuang To Xian Transfer via: Flight, CZ6895 (Our arrangements)

  • Airport Tax for Domestic Flights
    Airport Tax and Fuel Fee for Flights if applicable
  • Service Charge & Government Taxes:
  • Insurance
    The insurance is China Life Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance.
    to learn more about the insurance coverage and the sum insured.
  • Luggage Transfers:
    Between airports/railway stations and hotels.
  • Arrangements:
    The tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

Price Exclusions:

  • Personal Expenses:
    Expenses of a purely personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary.
  • Meals:
    Any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary.
  • Single Room Supplement.

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