Silk Road Odyssey: Gansu's Deserts & Buddhist Art
Discover Ancient Treasures and Epic Landscapes from Lanzhou to the Badain Jarhan Desert
Day 1: Arrival in Lanzhou - Gateway to the Silk Road
Welcome to Northwestern China
Meals: No meals Accommodation: In Lanzhou
Arrive in Lanzhou, the historic starting point of your Silk Road adventure. After transfer to your hotel, the day is yours to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. We recommend sampling the world-famous Lanzhou Beef Noodles to begin your culinary journey through Gansu province.
Day 2: Lanzhou to Zhangye - Buddhist Caves & Rainbow Mountains
Mati Temple & Zhangye Danxia Geological Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Zhangye Kaoshan Camp
Journey to the remarkable Mati Temple, a 1,600-year-old Buddhist grotto complex considered one of the "three art treasures of Hexi Buddhism." Continue to the spectacular Zhangye Rainbow Mountain in Danxia National Geological Park, where fiery-red ridges and multicolored mountain folds create one of China's most breathtaking natural wonders. Overnight at the unique Kaoshan Camp surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Day 3: Zhangye to Badain Jarhan - Canyon Exploration
Pingshanhu Grand Canyon Adventure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Badain Jarhan Scientific Research Station
Explore the magnificent Pingshanhu Grand Canyon, where winding mountain walls, towering peaks, and interlocking stone forests create a mirage-like landscape. This geological masterpiece showcases some of Zhangye's most beautiful geomorphologic formations before we continue our expedition to the remote Badain Jarhan Desert region.
Day 4: Badain Jarhan Desert - Mystical Lakes & Mega Dunes
Discovering the World's Third Largest Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Mongolian Camp in Badain Jarhan Desert
Immerse yourself in the extraordinary Badain Jarhan Desert, home to the world's tallest sand dunes reaching over 450 meters. Witness the magical contrast of approximately 140 spring-fed lakes nestled between massive dunes, creating one of the planet's most captivating desert landscapes. Experience authentic Mongolian hospitality with an overnight camp deep in the desert wilderness.
Day 5: Badain Jarhan to Jiayuguan - Great Wall Frontier
Jiayuguan Pass: "First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven"
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: In Jiayuguan
Travel to the legendary Jiayuguan Pass, the magnificent western terminus of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Strategically positioned between two hills, this formidable fortress earned its reputation as "The First and Greatest Pass under the Heaven" and served as a crucial Silk Road gateway for centuries.
Day 6: Jiayuguan to Dunhuang - Ancient Frontier Passes
Yangguan Pass & Silk Road History
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: In Dunhuang
Explore the historic Yangguan Pass Scenic Area, another vital Silk Road gateway dating back to the Han Dynasty. Discover ancient watchtowers, Han Dynasty Great Wall remnants, and imagine the camel caravans that once passed through this strategic corridor. Arrive in Dunhuang, the oasis city that hosted countless travelers along the ancient trade routes.
Day 7: Dunhuang Highlights & Return Journey
Mogao Grottoes & Singing Sand Dunes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Overnight Train
Experience Dunhuang's iconic wonders starting with the magical Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Lake, where desert sands and spring waters have coexisted for millennia. Then encounter artistic perfection at the Mogao Grottoes, the world's greatest treasury of Buddhist art featuring breathtaking murals and sculptures spanning a millennium. Board your overnight train to Lanzhou as you reflect on your Silk Road journey.
Day 8: Lanzhou Departure - Yellow River Farewell
Riverside Exploration & Journey Conclusion
Meals: Breakfast
Arrive in Lanzhou and savor a final bowl of authentic Lanzhou beef noodles before exploring the picturesque Yellow River Scenic Road. Often called the "Lanzhou Bund," this beautiful riverside area showcases the city's connection to China's mother river. Transfer to the airport as your remarkable 8-day expedition through Gansu's desert wonders and cultural treasures concludes.
Service Ends.