The Grand Silk Road

Day 01: Arrive Xian – Flt
Meeting on arrival assistance and transfer to hotel
We shall meet for a ‘welcome dinner’ with a brief on the Grand Silk Road program Overnight

Day 02: Xian
Full day sightseeing tour of Xian – we shall proceed on an excursion to the site of terracotta Army and the Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum
Lunch at local restaurant
Afternoon visit the Muslim Quarters, the mosque, later visit Wild Goose Pagoda and the Shanxi Museum and in the evening visit the Bell Tower
Dinner with Tang Dynasty Show
Overnight

Day 03: Xian/Dunhuang – Flt
Morning flight to Dunhuang and on arrival transfer to hotel
After lunch excursion to Mogao Caves and visit of the Museum and later return in the late afternoon or evening time
Dinner and overnight

Day 04: Dunhuang/Urumqi - Flt
Morning visit of Minsha – the Crescent Lake and the local museum
A quick Lunch at hotel and later transfer to airport for flight to Urumqi
Arrival and transfer to hotel
Later we shall visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum – see the collection of Silk Road objects obtained from various sites and of interest are the unique mummies acquired from various sites.
Dinner and overnight

Day 05: Urumqi/Turfan – 200 kms
Morning depart for Turfan with short stops enroute with views of Tien Shan ranges till we start drifting into Turfan Oasis. On arrival transfer to hotel
after Lunch visit Jiaohe Old city ruins and a private Karez subterranean water channel
Dinner with show at the hotel
Overnight

Day 06: Turfan
Full day visit of Turfan and surroundings to include: excursion to Bezekliq Caves of thousand Buddhas, later we shall proceed to the village of Tuyogu – see the village now pre-dominantly Muslim retains its Buddhist era construction character.
Also we can see the caves of thousand Buddhas at the end of the village on a cliff.
After hearty lunch under the vineyards we shall continue our tour visit the abandoned Kara Khitan city of Gaocheng which kept changing hands from one dynasty to another finally was annexed by Uygurs in 9th AD. We shall also visit the Astana tombs to see the mummified bodies of the city elites. Later we shall visit 18th century Emin Tower and the mosque in the best of local brick architecture.
At the end of the day we shall visit the Grape valley and shall enjoy Dinner under the grape vines with a local family run restaurant
Overnight

Day 07: Turfan/Korla – 342 kms
Early start for Korla passing by Bosten Lake.
On arrival transfer to hotel
Lunch at local restaurant
Short orientation tour of Korla the new sprawling city with majestic buildings
Dinner and overnight

Day 08: Korla/Kuqa – 280 kms
Early morning departure for Kuqa and on arrival transfer to hotel
Later we shall take an excursion to Simsim Kizil caves of thousand Buddhas and later
We shall visit the City ruins of Subashi country
Meals and overnight

Day 09: Kuqa/Aksu – 258 kms
Morning depart for Aksu the town takes its name from the river by the same name ‘white water’ enroute short stops and on arrival transfer to hotel.
We shall have short visit of the town after arrival – see the city mosque and the bazaar
Meals and overnight

Day 10: Aksu/Taklamakan Desert/Khotan – 460 kms
This morning we drive early in the morning through the heart of Taklamakan desert on the new highway through the desert. Enroute stops at the site of Yarkant and Khotan rivers
We shall make picnic stop enroute the desert road
On arrival transfer to hotel
Dinner and overnight

Day 11: Hotan or Khotan:
Full day sightseeing tour of Khotan – morning excursion to Jiya countryside to visit an old silk Factory. We shall see cocoon to the making of fabric and all processes done by ancient methods of silk making. On the return we shall make a visit local carpet factory – though modern but interesting to note the hand knotting and ancient designs being produced.
Later in the afternoon visit a Jade factory – see the production of jade in various forms and Designs. Jade from Khotan was well known from ancient times
Afterwards visit Khotan Museum – see the collection of mummies, the fabrics depicting western motifs and designs reminds us of the far reaching contacts this place had once.
Our day ends at watching a popular Uighur folk show
Meals and overnight

Day 12: Hotan
morning excursion to Rawak Stupa site dating 3rd/4th AD we shall see this site which is about 25 kms from Hotan
return in the afternoon for Lunch
short visit of Hotan Bazaar and the local Mosque
dinner and overnight

Day 13: Hotan/Yarkent – 311 kms
Morning depart for Yarkant with short stop at Kargilik(Yecheng)
On arrival transfer to hotel
Afternoon visit of Yarkent town see Amanninshahan the princess singer of epic Maqam, later visit the Old Mosque and the Royal Cemetery nearby.
Afterward visit the local market of Yarkent which still retains the old traditional outlook.
Meals and overnight

Day 14: Yarkent/Kashgar – 184 kms
morning depart for Kashgar enroute we shall make short visit of Yengissar – the knife makers town.
Later continue to Kashgar and on arrival transfer to hotel
meals and overnight

Day 15: Kashgar
Full day sightseeing tour of the Kashgar – known for its famous Sunday market, Kashgar does have some other exciting sites like Apa Khodja tombs, the mosque and the Mor Pagoda in the outskirts of the city
lunch at a local restaurant
Our Grand Silk Road tour ends on grandiose Silk Road Farewell Dinner with Folk show and the best of Uighur cuisine
Overnight

Day 16: Kashgar/Urumqi – Flt
Urumqi/Departure – Flt
Transfer to airport for your destination flights
Assistance on departure

Day 01: Arrive Xian – Flt
Meeting on arrival assistance and transfer to hotel
We shall meet for a ‘welcome dinner’ with a brief on the Grand Silk Road program Overnight

Day 02: Xian
Full day sightseeing tour of Xian – we shall proceed on an excursion to the site of terracotta Army and the Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum
Lunch at local restaurant
Afternoon visit the Muslim Quarters, the mosque, later visit Wild Goose Pagoda and the Shanxi Museum and in the evening visit the Bell Tower
Dinner with Tang Dynasty Show
Overnight

Xian: Over 3000 years of history, Xian is among the oldest of cities in China. Of the four ancient capitals of China, called as Chang’an was an important city. It served as capital city of China under Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui and Tang dynasty. In 11th century BC, during the Zhou dynasty, Xian became the cultural and political centre of the China. China’s early history is marked with clans fighting each other until when King Wu led an army of 45000 soldiers defeated Shang Dynasty’s King Di Xin at the battle of Mye river and establishing himself at Fenghao, the ancient name of Xian and established Zhou dynasty. Zhou dynasty is the period of developing of the usage of Iron and bronze. Xian is also indebted to the four schools of thought whereby Confucianism and Taoism are more known flourished. After the fall of Zhou dynasty due internal clan wars there was no one left to follow the lineage ending with the rise of Qin dynasty in 221 BC unifying the fighting feudal society. The first Qin emperor ordered the construction of famous Terracotta Army and his mausoleum soon after rising to power, believing in resurrection after death. After the establishment of Han Dynasty the capital was changed to Chang’an. The preceding dynasty was Sui Dynasty which re-united the warring tribes and established his new capital nearby Xian. This dynasty did not survive long due to harsh policies and cruelties to its people. After the removal of Sui dynasty was the beginning of Tang Dynasty which played enormous role in the development of Chinese culture with reforms and an increased commercial contacts. Buddhism played a significant role in the Chinese society. Hiuen Tsang who started his journey from Chang’an to India brought back immense knowledge with Sanskrit version of Lotus Sutra, commemorated with the building of the Wild Goose Pagoda, The Small Goose Pagoda also enshrined the Lotus Sutra – these monasteries served as study rooms for the visiting Indian monks who translated them from Sanskrit to Chinese as were being done by the Hiuen Tsang till his death.

Day 03: Xian/Dunhuang – Flt
Morning flight to Dunhuang and on arrival transfer to hotel
After lunch excursion to Mogao Caves and visit of the Museum and later return in the late afternoon or evening time
Dinner and overnight

Mogao Caves: By the end of 3rd century AD deep meditation had developed to a more orthodox version of religious practices and we see appearance of cave culture in many Buddhist settlements. Like in Gandhara and then in Bamiyan valley they were quite popular where hermits reposed to their caves for a longer period of austere practices. Mogao Caves is a continuation of similar practices with a presence of around 492 cave temples. Mogao caves are situated about 25 kms from Dunhuang town at the cross roads of Silk Road in a serene oasis. These caves with murals of the life stories called Jatakas, associated with Buddha Sakyamuni.
The Lotus Sutra which developed around 1st BC in Gandhara was an important part relating to Buddha’s nirvana and the reading is greatly practiced among the Mahayana school of thought. Mogao Caves system is depicted with murals in regard to the life of Buddha, the Jatakas and his death with influence of Indian school of thought. It is interesting to note that this cave culture throws light on multi lingual and multinational presence of monks who visited the place for practicing Buddhism as many scripts were found on the murals. These caves throw light on the Silk Road activity and gives us an idea how commonly Buddhism was practiced in the whole region and how strongly they were bonded through the Silk Road.
These caves were discovered in 1900 by Wang Yuanlu, a Taoist monk who collected an enormous quantity of prayer scrolls dating from 5th to 11th AD. In 1907 the famous archaeologist Aurel Stein came here and worked on the caves taking away a wealth of Silk Road treasure buying from the self proclaimed guardian the lone monk. Later many others followed exploring various Silk Road sites. The site is now an important UNESCO site

Day 04: Dunhuang/Urumqi - Flt
Morning visit of Minsha – the Crescent Lake and the local museum
A quick Lunch at hotel and later transfer to airport for flight to Urumqi
Arrival and transfer to hotel
Later we shall visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum – see the collection of Silk Road objects obtained from various sites and of interest are the unique mummies acquired from various sites.
Dinner and overnight

Silk Road Mummies or Tarim Mummies: Tarim basin has been long, a hot bed of settlers from far off lands. The numerous mummies discovered from various sites in Taklamakan desert at the extreme eastern end of Tarim basin, was home to people coming from far off lands, from the west. The physical features of these well preserved mummies indicate that mostly, people who settled in Tarim basin were emigrants from Caucasus region and the eastern parts of Europe. Keeping in view above one may not be surprised to come across a blond with Blue or green eyes often found in the present day desert cities. These migrants may have taken the Pamir route to come to these parts. The same is true with many settlers in Badakshan part of Tajikistan, Afghanistan and northern parts of Pakistan. The dry nature of Tarim basin contributes to the preservation of these desiccated mummies dating back to 1900 BC down to 200 AD. The presence of European textile examples from the desert sites proves the fact of their origins. The greatest fact is the man’s search and need for co-habitants of other lands made him travel thousands of miles. These mummies are solutions to the enigma of migrations from the eastern parts of Europe or Caucasus regions into the western parts of China – Xinjiang “the new territories”

Day 05: Urumqi/Turfan – 200 kms
Morning depart for Turfan with short stops enroute with views of Tien Shan ranges till we start drifting into Turfan Oasis. On arrival transfer to hotel
after Lunch visit Jiaohe Old city ruins and a private Karez subterranean water channel
Dinner with show at the hotel
Overnight

Turfan: Turfan Oasis is in a depression only 30m above sea level which gives it a unique climatic conditions. It is hot in summers with Jun/Jul/Aug averaging temperatures to 37C while it has harsh winters. The advantage of summer conditions allows the oasis to produce enormous amount of grape harvest and some of the best grapes are from Turfan region. They have an interesting subterranean water way system called ‘karez’ an adaptation of old Persian water system introduced here by the migrating tribes. This is a water way system originating at a source higher and then subterranean duct leads it lower grounds with water speed generated by periodical apertures or vents as the air regulates the water.
Historically speaking Turfan is mentioned as ‘the kingdom of Gushi’ in old Chinese records dating back to 107 BC. It kept changing hands from the Han period down to Xiongnu invasions. After the fall of Han dynasty the area was an independent region until the 5th century AD when it was an independent kingdom under a Turkic Dynasty under a tribe described as Tiele by the Chinese. It was then defeated by Rouran Khagnate and then subsequently, they were defeated by the Gokturks. The rise of Gokturks in 6th AD gave a new impetus to the history of Turfan and the surrounding regions with present day Xinjiang coming under the pressure of Gokturks establishing themselves as sole rulers till the mid of 8th AD. In 7th AD Tang Dynasty conquered Tarim basin and then a struggle started for supremacy of Tarim basin between the Tibetans, Tang rulers and the Turkic people till the 9th AD. After the establishment of Kara-Khojas or Kara Khanids in 856 AD Turfan continued under their rule till the settlement of their Muslim character was achieved by the turn of 11th AD when local Buddhist populations started embracing Islam after the struggle, ended between Kara Khanids and Kara Khitans. The nomadic elements of the Kara Khanid and Kara Khitan, the Qarluk and Naiman hordes, laid foundation of the modern Kypchak Turkic speaking cultures of Kazaks, Kygyz and Tatars. While the Muslim and Persianized sedentary elements of Kara Khanid culture like Tajik, Uzbek, Afghan, Hui and Uygur speak Chagatay Turkic languages was the other group.

Day 06: Turfan
Full day visit of Turfan and surroundings to include: excursion to Bezekliq Caves of thousand Buddhas, later we shall proceed to the village of Tuyogu – see the village now pre-dominantly Muslim retains its Buddhist era construction character.
Also we can see the caves of thousand Buddhas at the end of the village on a cliff.
After hearty lunch under the vineyards we shall continue our tour visit the abandoned Kara Khitan city of Gaocheng which kept changing hands from one dynasty to another finally was annexed by Uygurs in 9th AD. We shall also visit the Astana tombs to see the mummified bodies of the city elites. Later we shall visit 18th century Emin Tower and the mosque in the best of local brick architecture.
At the end of the day we shall visit the Grape valley and shall enjoy Dinner under the grape vines with a local family run restaurant
Overnight

Day 07: Turfan/Korla – 342 kms
Early start for Korla passing by Bosten Lake.
On arrival transfer to hotel
Lunch at local restaurant
Short orientation tour of Korla the new sprawling city with majestic buildings
Dinner and overnight

Day 08: Korla/Kuqa – 280 kms
Early morning departure for Kuqa and on arrival transfer to hotel
Later we shall take an excursion to Simsim Kizil caves of thousand Buddhas and later
We shall visit the City ruins of Subashi country
Meals and overnight

Kuqa: Kumarajiva a renowned fifth century Indian translator lived in Kuqa or Kueina(in Sanskrit). This was recorded as one of the important Buddhist center practicing Sarvastivada(Hinayana) school of thought till by the turn of 5th AD Mahayana became popular and later spread over to Korea and Japan. Kumarajiva was born of Indian decent as his father was an Indian Brahmin noble who married the Kuchean princess Jiva. His father became a monk when he left India and settled in Kucha. Kumarajiva studied the Sarvastivada, Buddhist school of thought and later became follower of Mahayana school.
Kuqa was one of the important and populous center of Tarim Basin. Tokharian was then the local language but after the Uighur invasion the local language became Turkic and it continues the same to this date. Being on the northern branch of the Silk Road Kuqa was a popular destination of the caravans travelling to far off places like Bactria and Sogdiana, Persia, India and China.
Kuchean music of flute called pipa was very famous which spread onto Japan where it became the court music.
The present ruins of Kuqa, the city of Guici or Subashi was a well fortified city with numerous houses and is said to contain more than thousand monasteries and stupas throughout the kingdom. It served as an important garrison town during the Tang dynasty, was under the Tibetan domination for some time till the invasion of Uighurs who were Turkic speakers.

Day 09: Kuqa/Aksu – 258 kms
Morning depart for Aksu the town takes its name from the river by the same name ‘white water’ enroute short stops and on arrival transfer to hotel.
We shall have short visit of the town after arrival – see the city mosque and the bazaar
Meals and overnight

Day 10: Aksu/Taklamakan Desert/Khotan – 460 kms
This morning we drive early in the morning through the heart of Taklamakan desert on the new highway through the desert. Enroute stops at the site of Yarkant and Khotan rivers
We shall make picnic stop enroute the desert road
On arrival transfer to hotel
Dinner and overnight

Taklamakan Desert: ‘abandoned abode’ the local Turkic transliteration of Taklamakan as it goes is probably due to existence of many ruins in the desert and the stories related. Takalamakan is spread in an area of 337,000 sq kms which includes 1000 kms of Tarim Basin and rest as arid waste land. It is the second largest desert of the world with shifting sands. In the north it is skirted by Tian Shan ranges while in the south lies the Kun Lun range of mountains. Then in west it is bounded by the Pamirs while in the eastern part lies Lop Nor and the mainland China.
Due to the presence of numerous ruins, the horrific nature of storms and disappearance of caravans in the past gave rise to legends earning it notoriety of being the place of no return. Taklamakan was first exposed to the world with the first expedition in 1893-98 by a Swedish explorer Sven Anders Hedin who reported a detailed account of buried towns in the desert. Followed then by an expedition by the German Albert von Le Coq and then the others each reporting their experiences. Of all Aurel Stein is more famous for his exploration of the desert with more scientific approach to the buried ruins. He made good advantage of his knowledge of the Indian texts which had direct relevance to the ruined cities of the desert. He started unfurling one after another ruin, getting hold of an immense amount of a treasure trove, transporting it to Europe via India which we can see now in the museums of London and elsewhere. These desert studies were often interrupted by civil war of China. However after the Chinese revolution and now a more settled academic forum in China looks after the ruins for further studies and explorations. Now quite a few sites are open for visits though approaches at times are difficult but a visit once reading about the lost cities of the desert is always worth.

Day 11: Hotan or Khotan:
Full day sightseeing tour of Khotan – morning excursion to Jiya countryside to visit an old silk Factory. We shall see cocoon to the making of fabric and all processes done by ancient methods of silk making. On the return we shall make a visit local carpet factory – though modern but interesting to note the hand knotting and ancient designs being produced.
Later in the afternoon visit a Jade factory – see the production of jade in various forms and Designs. Jade from Khotan was well known from ancient times
Afterwards visit Khotan Museum – see the collection of mummies, the fabrics depicting western motifs and designs reminds us of the far reaching contacts this place had once.
Our day ends at watching a popular Uighur folk show
Meals and overnight

Hotan or Khotan: Also known as Hetian was an important kingdom known for its finest quality of silk and jade work. The local workers excelled in producing the finest quality of fabric and best carved jade which continues till to date. It lies in the Tarim basin north of Kunlun range giving rise to Karakash and Yanrungkash rivers – the Black and White jade river due to the washing down of these stones which are very popular among the Chinese since ancient days. Hotan lies on the southern branch of the Great Silk Road and was an important cultural and commercial center during Han to Tang dynasty. It was the suppression of Xiongu incursions during Emperor Wu’s period (147-87 BC) dividing the nomadic federation into northern and southern tribes further weakening their hold into complete submission that led to the opening of peaceful era in Tarim Basin. Han opened trade links with far off places.
The Indian historic foundations of Hotan is attributed to a legend that in 3rd BC a son of Ashoka, the Buddhist king of India founded Hotan. But Yuezhi had been in trade of nephrite jade even earlier to that of Indian story. It is difficult to say when the first Buddhists arrived in Hotan however the links with Tibet and India during the 84 BC Buddhism is reported to have introduced and in 127 AD the King of Hotan helped King Kanishka in the invasion of an Indian city of Saketa gives record of Arhat Spyi-pri propagating Buddhism in Khotan. Looks by turn of 2nd AD Hotan was transformed in to a powerful Buddhist Kingdom. The numerous mummies discovered around the present day Hotan gives us clue of the local population of a mixed race with Indo-Iranian decent known as Tocharians. Chinese pilgrims Fahien and Huen Tsang travelling through Hotan in 4th and 7th AD record prospering Buddhism. It was under Tibetan control in 674 AD, then begins the period of prosecution of Buddhists in 740 AD whereas many monks fled to Tibet and Gandhara. In 1006 AD Muslim Yusuf Qadir Khan captures Hoton and eventually begins the period Turkic assimilation whereas the traces of Tocharian was forgone in the history. Some ruins in the outskirts of Hoton could be visited to see the past history of the place which is now lost in oblivion.

Day 12: Hotan
morning excursion to Rawak Stupa site dating 3rd/4th AD we shall see this site which is about 25 kms from Hotan
return in the afternoon for Lunch
short visit of Hotan Bazaar and the local Mosque
dinner and overnight

Rawak – meaning high mansion was a stupa in the outskirts of Hoton city. This site dates from 3rd/4th AD with a main stupa and the stupa court below. The monastic establishment now mostly destroyed by rising sands. When Aurel Stein visited the site in 1901 it was mostly destroyed by treasure hunters. Few debris recovered from the site indicate some of the statues were gilded with gold a practice which had started around 4th AD. This is traditional Gandharan style of monastic establishment and the statues were of Greco-Roman style. Today however what is left springs out of sand dunes a towering remain which could have been a majestic establishment. Most of the finds were taken away by the treasure seekers though Aurel Stein did not excavate this site in detail.

Day 13: Hotan/Yarkent – 311 kms
Morning depart for Yarkant with short stop at Kargilik(Yecheng)
On arrival transfer to hotel
Afternoon visit of Yarkent town see Amanninshahan the princess singer of epic Maqam, later visit the Old Mosque and the Royal Cemetery nearby.
Afterward visit the local market of Yarkent which still retains the old traditional outlook.
Meals and overnight

Yarkent: This was an important kingdom located at the southern part of Taklamakan desert. The Great Silk Road passed through the town towards Kashgar while a section bifurcated towards the present town of Taxkorgan in the Pamirs. Yarkent was an important Buddhist kingdom lying on the important cross roads with a route arriving from Tibet and the other from India whose effects were integrated into the local culture of Southern Silk Road cities. The Tocharian tribes ruling the kingdom had been working in submission with the Chinese rulers and particular the Han Dynasty was played a vital role in its influence seeking access to northwestern India and Badakshan provinces. On the other hand Xiongnu incursions were a constant problem for the Han dynasty which kept on sending punitive expeditions. In the later years constant wars of changing of rulers effected the peace in Yarkent kingdom. Xiongnu kept relentless inroads into the Southern kingdoms until the invasion of Yuezhi(Kushans) in 90 AD. This was already the era of Turkic and Mongol tribes taking supremacy in the region. Later after the fall of Sassanid rule in Central Asia and fall of Buddhist kingdoms in Xinjiang Arabs appeared on the scene establishing new ruling classes in the region.

Day 14: Yarkent/Kashgar – 184 kms
morning depart for Kashgar enroute we shall make short visit of Yengissar – the knife makers town.
Later continue to Kashgar and on arrival transfer to hotel
meals and overnight

Kashgar: The final trading post on the Great Silk Road before heading westwards crossing Tianshan mountain ranges. The Silk Road caravans after collections of product from the northern and southern cities of Taklamakan desert stopped in Kashgar. This was a resting and sorting of products which afterwards the caravans headed in their specific directions into the Pamirs and Dayuan(Ferghana valley) heading for the west. Han rulers were very much interested in the trade with the western world as they sent envoys to various kingdoms on the route seeking peace and trade with the western world. Later in the history mainly Kushans played a greater role in regulation of the trade. We see a chain of rulers worked for the success of trade which brought benefits to their countries. A new era of change in the human history started with the impact of Silk Road trade.

Day 15: Kashgar
Full day sightseeing tour of the Kashgar – known for its famous Sunday market, Kashgar does have some other exciting sites like Apa Khodja tombs, the mosque and the Mor Pagoda in the outskirts of the city
lunch at a local restaurant
Our Grand Silk Road tour ends on grandiose Silk Road Farewell Dinner with Folk show and the best of Uighur cuisine
Overnight

Day 16: Kashgar/Urumqi – Flt
Urumqi/Departure – Flt
Transfer to airport for your destination flights
Assistance on departure