Kashgar To Beijing (21 Days) China & Tibet Explorer
Kashgar To Beijing (21 Days) China & Tibet Explorer
$3788
Kashgar To Beijing (21 Days) China & Tibet Explorer
21 Days Starting in Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang, China and ending in Beijing, China
Visiting: Kashgar Prefecture, Jiayuguan City, Dunhuang, Lanzhou, Lhasa, Shigatse, Mount Everest Camp, Gyantse, Chengdu, Xi'An, Beijing
Tour operator:
Tour code:
476
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Cross the whole of mainland China, starting out in ancient Kashgar and ending on the Great Wall of China! Take the high altitude train to Lhasa in Tibet, visit the Potala Palace and catch your breath at Mt Everest Base Camp. Chengdu brings us to the Giant Panda Sanctuary before heading further east to Xi'an and the Terracotta Warriors. Beijing is the final stop and surely one never to forget.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Kashgar
Location: Kashgar Prefecture
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Seman Hotel - Kashgar
Using the public buses around Kashgar, we have a full day guided tour. Kashgar is home to one of the last remaining statues of Chairman Mao, still standing in a watchful gaze across the People's Square. Other highlights we hope to see are Apak Hoja Tomb, a beautiful example of Uyghur Islamic Architecture; Id Kah Mosque, the largest Mosque in the whole of China; Handicraft Street where we can view pots being made, traditional musical instrument workshops and wood craftsmen at work. If we are lucky enough to be in Kashgar on a weekend, we will endeavour to visit the Sunday Livestock Market.
Day 2 - 6 : Kashgar To Lhasa
Location: Kashgar Prefecture, Jiayuguan City, Dunhuang, Lanzhou, Lhasa
We take the overnight train to Jiayuguan and get our first glimpse of the Great Wall of China! We have time to explore in the afternoon and we will overnight here.
Our next train journey takes us to Dunhuang, a city on the edge of the Gobi desert which is situated at a point of vital strategic and logistical importance, on a crossroads of 2 major trade routes on the old Silk Road. We visit the famed Mogao Grottoes (also known as the Qianfodong - the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas). This honeycomb of caves was constructed from the 4th to the 14th centuries, and has an astonishing collection of 492 caves, which are one of the world's richest treasure houses of Buddhist sutras, murals and sculptures.
We also take a trip to the edge of the oasis to Ming Sha Hill and the Crescent Moon Pool. Spring water trickles up into a depression between huge sand dunes, forming a crescent-shaped pond. Here we will be able to scramble up and slide down one of the giant dunes and there is the opportunity to ride on a Bactrian camel (the two humped variety) over the sand dunes.
Boarding our night train, we travel further East to Lanzhou, where we change trains and journey on to Lhasa.
Day 7 - 11 : Lhasa To Shigatse
Location: Lhasa, Shigatse
Tibet, once home to the Dalai Lama. At 3,490 metres, Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world. We will have time in the afternoon to relax and acclimatise to the altitude.
We have a full day to explore this interesting city, with our Tibetan guide. Must see sights are the Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Square and the stunning Potala Palace. We hope to also visit the Sera Monastery, where from mid afternoon monks still debate with the aid of flamboyant arm movements!
Boarding our private bus, we cross the mighty Gampala Pass (4790 metres) and we get our first glimpse of Yamdrok Tso Lake. The lake is surrounded by many snow capped peaks and in the distance, and on a clear day, you can see Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, (7191m).
On arrival in Shigatse we visit the home of Panchan Lama - Tashilunpo Monastery. Financed by local nobles, the Monastery was founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama. We overnight in Shigatse.
Day 12 - 14 : Shigatse To Gyantse
Location: Shigatse, Mount Everest Camp, Gyantse
Continuing on our bus journey we arrive at Rongbuk Monastery, which is situated at 4980 metres and is claimed to be the highest Monastery in the world.
Our accommodation tonight will be very basic, but (weather allowing) the views of Mount Everest will more than make up for any discomfort.
We visit Mount Everest Base Camp hoping for a glimpse of the peak, before driving to Tingri, a stopping point on the Friendship Highway, for our overnight stay.
We continue on the Friendship Highway to Gyantse, where there is the option to visit Pelkor Chode Monastery and Kumbum Stupa. The Kumbum, which was built in 1497, is particularly interesting as the structure contains some 76 chapels through 9 levels. We overnight in Gyantse.
Day 15 - 17 : Gyantse To Xi’An
Location: Gyantse, Lhasa, Chengdu, Xi'An
Accommodation: Hotel
Once again we cross the mighty Gampala Pass, with time to visit Yamdrok Tso Lake, before heading back in to Lhasa to catch the high altitude train to Chengdu.
This is one of the world’s classic train routes and will take us almost 2 days to complete! It was said a track could never be built at such high altitude or across such a landscape, but the Chinese have managed to achieve it! We will see snowcapped peaks, turquoise plateau lakes and grazing yaks from our window.
We arrive in Chengdu in the early morning and transfer to our hotel, where we will be based for 2 nights.
Our next stop will be the Panda Sanctuary where we can see these gentle giants. The Sanctuary was created in the 1980’s to house six sick Panda’s and has become one of the most important centres for Panda breeding research in the world.
We take the fast train to Xi’an and have an afternoon to explore the city. Xi'an is well known for its food and nightlife and there are some attractive restaurant districts to wander around in the evening.
Day 18 : Xi'an
Location: Xi'An
Highlights in Xi'an you may wish to see are the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Bell and Drum Towers or maybe check out the well preserved City Walls, dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
The Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses is probably the most famous, and there will be time for a visit if you wish to see them. These are the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century and work is ongoing at this site. Upon ascending the throne at the age of 13 in 246 BC, Qin Shi Huang began work on his mausoleum - before becoming the first Emperor of China. It took 11 years to finish and it is believed he built this vast terracotta army to accompany him into the afterlife. The museum covers over 16,000 sq metres - with armies of soldiers and their horses arranged in lines under a giant aircraft hanger type roof. There are over 7,000 figures and it really is a remarkable sight.
Day 19 - 21 : Xi'an To Beijing
Location: Xi'An, Beijing
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Xi'an we begin our last journey - by train to Beijing. After our 15 hr train journey - we will have the chance to explore China's capital and soak up the atmosphere. Beijing is a heaving, thriving place, an economic power house of Asia, and the cultural centre of China. We include a trip to visit the superbly preserved section of the Great Wall, before enjoying our last night party in some of the many bars and clubs in the city.
There is so much to see in Beijing so we recommend staying on for a few days to see all the main sights and also to relax. Well known places to visit here include the largest central square in the world - Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City, as well as the largest sacrificial complex in the world, the Temple of Heaven. You will also see the towering skyscrapers and the endless stream of traffic. Nowhere else on earth will you find such a variety of gourmet Chinese restaurants offering the very best of the eight different styles of Chinese cuisine as well as western style dishes. Then there is of course the shopping, and there are countless shopping malls and markets all over the city to pick up cheap Chinese made products. The nightlife too is worth exploring and there are plenty of pubs and clubs to visit before flying out or continuing on with your travels.
Your trip ends after breakfast on the last day of your tour, and we suggest allowing extra time to explore the city at your leisure (depending on the length of your visa).
What's Included
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Accommodation - 100% hostels/hotels
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Local English speaking Chinese guide
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China Letter of Introduction support and fees
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Guided tour of the Maogao Caves
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Guided tour around Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple (entry not included)
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Visit to Mt Everest base camp
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Yamdrok Tso Lake
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Shigatse & Gyantse (Tashilunpo & Pelkor Chode Monastery and Kumbum Stupa)
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Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding & Research Centre
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Terracotta Army warriors
What's Not Included
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Visas
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Optional Excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information
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Flights
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Airport Taxes & Transfers
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Travel Insurance
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Meals not listed as included
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Drinks
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Tips
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Local payment from US$400
Local Payment (LP) is in the addition to the Trip Price and is paid to your Tour Leader at the start of your Trip.
It covers some of the trip's day to day expenses such as food and accommodation which your tour leader pays direct to local people.
More Info
Cross the whole of mainland China, starting out in ancient Kashgar and ending on the Great Wall of China! Take the high altitude train to Lhasa in Tibet, visit the Potala Palace and catch your breath at Mt Everest Base Camp. Chengdu brings us to the Giant Panda Sanctuary before heading further east to Xi'an and the Terracotta Warriors. Beijing is the final stop and surely one never to forget.
Mode of Transport
We use a mixture of trains, private charter buses, and public buses on this trip.
Accommodation
We use a mixture of local hotels and hostels along the way. Rooms will be mostly en-suited and shared with another traveller from the trip; couples and friends travelling together will be accommodated where possible, but this cannot always be guaranteed. On some occasions it may be possible to ‘upgrade’ to private rooms and your Tour Leader can assist with this.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Where does the trip start?
The trip starts from the Seman Hotel at approximately 8am on the morning of Day 1 of your trip. Close to some of Kashgar's most popular landmarks, such as Hajifu Cemetery (1.4 mi) and Hasi Tomb (1.5 mi), Seman Hotel is a great destination for tourists. Guest rooms offer air conditioning. You can also take advantage of some of the amenities offered by the hotel, including a concierge and room service. In addition, guests can enjoy a fitness center. Trip Joining Point: Seman Hotel - Kashgar Start Time Day 1: 08:00 Address: No.337 Seman Rd., Kashgar 844000, China Telephone: +86 998 258 2129
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Are flights included in this tour?
Day 1 in your departure city, is an arrivals day. For your convenience we would advise that you arrive at the latest, on the afternoon of this day. You may wish to allow some extra time to explore your arrival city. We recommend allowing an extra day post trip before booking a return flight, just in case of any unexpected delays. One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips, without possessing an onward flight ticket - we recommend that you have a copy of your payment confirmation/receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) available at immigration to assist easy entry.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport Transfer Costs: Approximately $20 USD Transfers can be arranged. Transfer costs are payable direct to the driver in Chinese Yuan. On arrival into Kashgar airport you will be met by a local representative who will take you to the group joining Hotel. If you have not arranged an airport transfer through the hotel there are many taxi's available outside the airport. A taxi is approximately $20 USD. We recommend to change some currency into Chinese Yuan in the airport at a bureau de change or there are ATM's - hostel rates can be low. The return airport transfer can be arranged through your hotel / hostel and is not included, it is at your own expense. We regret these services cannot be arranged via the Oasis office before departure.
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What is the maximum group size?
Maximum 10 people.
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What to expect at meal times?
Around 30% of meals are included on the trip, all breakfasts. One of the great attractions of China is its cuisine! Each area offers its own unique and diverse cuisine, and Western options are generally available too, we find that most travellers enjoy having the opportunity to go out and try the local food. All budgets are catered for, from cheap meals offered on the street by hawkers through to luxurious international restaurants.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary.
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Do I need pre-trip accommodation?
Accommodation costs for any additional nights must be paid in full before travelling. To provide us with your arrival details and accommodation requests please go through your Oasis Overland account. Just log in to My Oasis Account and select the accommodation / transfer required, or contact us direct. We will require your flight number, arrival time, and arrival date so please ensure this information is forwarded to us as soon as you have booked your flight. Please book this service as soon as you have booked your flight and no later than 6 weeks prior to departure, after which a late booking fee will apply. If you have booked through a travel agent you will not have an account allocated, so please contact your agent to request pre-trip accommodation and airport transfers. Double, twin, and triple rooms will be provided subject to availability, where requested. However when not available we may need to book other rooming arrangements, and will fit these as closely as possible to your request. Those travelling solo will be put in shared rooms to reduce the costs to them, which may be twin/triple shares with other Oasis Overland travellers. Single rooms may be available in some cities for solo travellers, and we will arrange this for you on request, subject to availability. If you are arriving early in the morning and you would like to check in immediately, you may have to reserve your room for the previous night to ensure direct check in, otherwise you may have to wait until normal check in times (usually 1pm to 2pm).
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.