Imperial Majesty & Avatar Peaks: Beijing & Zhangjiajie Adventure
Journey Through Millennia of History, Culture, and Breathtaking Landscapes
Introduction
This comprehensive 21-day expedition traces the ancient Silk Road from China's Gobi Desert through the majestic Karakoram mountains into the vibrant heart of Pakistan. Experience the convergence of civilizations, religions, and cultures along one of history's most important trade routes, where Buddhist caves meet Islamic architecture and desert caravans give way to mountain fortresses.
Detailed Itinerary
Section 1: China's Silk Road Legacy (Days 1-11)
Dunhuang: Gateway to the Silk Road
Day 1: Arrival in Dunhuang - Airport arrival and hotel transfer - Camel riding adventure at Echoing-Sand Dune - Visit the miraculous Crescent Lake oasis - Overnight at Dunhuang Hotel
Day 2: Dunhuang - Turpan - Explore the magnificent Mogao Caves, world's largest Buddhist art sanctum - Visit Dunhuang Museum - High-speed train to Turpan - Overnight at Mercure Hotel Turpan Downtown
Turpan: Ancient Cities and Ingenious Engineering
Day 3: Turpan Exploration - Discover Jiaohe Ancient City, the world's oldest preserved earthen city - Visit the remarkable Karez Well underground irrigation system - Admire Sugong Pagoda, Xinjiang's largest pagoda - Overnight in Turpan
Day 4: Turpan - Urumqi - Explore Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Caves and their magnificent murals - Visit Ancient City of Gaochang with its impressive layout - Experience the intense heat of Flaming Hill - Travel to Urumqi - Overnight at Excemon Xinjiang Yilite Hotel
Urumqi and Beyond: Xinjiang's Cultural Crossroads
Day 5: Urumqi Discovery - Morning excursion to Southern Pastures (West White Poplar Gully) - Experience traditional prairie landscapes - Visit Xinjiang Regional Museum with precious cultural relics - Overnight in Urumqi
Day 6: Urumqi - Korla - Travel to Korla county-level city - Explore historically significant Tiemen Pass - Overnight at Bosteng Hotel
Kuqa and Aksu: Buddhist Heritage
Day 7: Korla - Kuqa - Scenic drive to Kuqa - Visit Ruins of Subash Ancient Buddha Temple (700 years old) - Explore Silk Road cultural convergence points - Overnight at Ku Che Grand Hotel
Day 8: Kuqa - Aksu - Discover Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves with 135 preserved caves - Study unique Buddhist murals and art styles - Travel to Aksu - Overnight at Hongfu Jinlan Hotel
Kashgar: China's Westernmost Jewel
Day 9: Aksu - Kashgar - Drive to Kashgar, China's westmost city - Settle into hotel for two-night stay - Overnight at Mehood Lestie Hotel
Day 10: Kashgar Immersion - Visit Id Kah Mosque, Xinjiang's largest mosque - Explore Abakh Khoja Tomb, exquisite Islamic architecture - Experience vibrant local bazaar with Uygur folk customs - Overnight in Kashgar
Day 11: Kashgar - Karakuri Lake - Tashkurgan - Journey to stunning Karakuri Lake with white mountain reflections - Explore Stone City ruins at Silk Road junction - Experience Tajik culture and traditions - Overnight at Tashkorgan Hotel
Section 2: Crossing the Karakoram to Pakistan (Days 12-21)
Border Crossing and Hunza Valley
Day 12: Tashkurgan - Khunjerab Pass - Pakistan - Transfer to Khunjerab Pass connecting China and Pakistan - Cross border to Sost, met by Pakistan guide - Travel to Gulmit upper valley of Hunza - Optional: Sightseeing of Karakorums and Borit Lake - Overnight at Marcopolo Hotel
Day 13: Hunza Exploration - Travel to Hunza Center - Visit Baltit Fort, former palace of Hunza King - Panoramic views of snow-covered mountains and valleys - Explore Hopper Glacier with mineral-rich waters - Experience local bazaar culture - Overnight at Hunza Baltit Inn
Day 14: Free Day in Hunza - Leisure day for personal exploration - Options: Rest, independent sightseeing, or local cuisine tasting - Overnight in Hunza
Gilgit and Karakoram Highway
Day 15: Hunza - Gilgit - Travel to Gilgit - Visit 7th-century Kargah Buddha rock carving - Explore mountain town with unique local customs - Overnight at Gilgit Serena
Day 16: Gilgit - Besham - Journey along Karakoram Highway following Indus River - Arrive in Besham - Overnight at PIDC Motel
Pakistan's Cultural Heartland
Day 17: Besham - Peshawar - Travel to Peshawar - Visit Museum with extensive Buddha collection - Explore Qissa Khawani Bazaar with professional story-tellers - Experience multi-cultural atmosphere - Overnight at Peshawar Grand Hotel
Day 18: Peshawar - Islamabad - Drive to Islamabad with stop at Taxila Museum - Explore Taxila archaeological sites with ancient city remains - Visit Damn-E-Koh viewpoint for Islamabad panorama - Tour Shah Faisal Mosque, world's largest mosque - Overnight at Rawalpindi Shalimar
Day 19: Islamabad - Lahore via Khewra Salt Mines - Visit Khewra Salt Mines, world's second largest salt mine - Explore illuminated tunnels and model caves - Travel to Lahore - Evening food street experience with Punjabi cuisine - Overnight at Leaders Inn
Lahore: Mughal Magnificence
Day 20: Lahore Discovery - Visit Badshahi Mosque, masterpiece of Mughal architecture - Explore Lahore Fort with numerous historical buildings - Tour Lahore Museum featuring fasting Buddha statue - Experience Shalimar Garden, perfect Mughal walled garden - Evening flag lowering ceremony at Wagha Border - Overnight in Lahore
Day 21: Departure from Lahore - Airport transfer for homeward flight - Conclusion of 21-day Silk Road to Karakoram expedition