Xinjiang is located in the North West of China, in the Mongolian Uplands. It is on the traditional Silk Road. The region has historically been populated by the Uighurs, a people more closely related to those in Central Asia than to the Han; however, in recent decades, the Chinese government has given money to attract Han to move to the region. Today the Han now form the majority of the population in the north while the west remains dominated by minority culture. Mandarin has become the primary language used in most major cities (although Uighur is still an official language in the region), which has resulted in a handful of ethnic clashes and tension in the area. The Uyghur people are renowned for their honesty, kindness and open-mindedness towards outlanders. Kashgar, Khotan and Aksu are the prefectures with the highest percentages of Uyghur population.
The region offers a landscape of deserts and arid plains suitable for camel treks and high mountains lined with meadows.
Its capital is Urumqi, but the Uighurs regard Kashgar (Kashi) as the cultural capital of the country. A true crossroads on the Silk Road between the East and the Middle East, Xinjiang is rich in Buddhist and Turkish archaeological remains. Crafts (carpet, knife, clothing …) and the culture of the markets is still very much alive.
Uighur cuisine is highly regarded in Xinjiang and appreciated throughout China. Do not miss to taste “undapanji”, a stew of chicken and potatoes, as well as naan, flat rolls, and “yangrouchuan”, a slightly spicy sheep skewers.
The region offers a landscape of deserts and arid plains suitable for camel treks and high mountains lined with meadows.
Its capital is Urumqi, but the Uighurs regard Kashgar (Kashi) as the cultural capital of the country. A true crossroads on the Silk Road between the East and the Middle East, Xinjiang is rich in Buddhist and Turkish archaeological remains. Crafts (carpet, knife, clothing …) and the culture of the markets is still very much alive.
Uighur cuisine is highly regarded in Xinjiang and appreciated throughout China. Do not miss to taste “undapanji”, a stew of chicken and potatoes, as well as naan, flat rolls, and “yangrouchuan”, a slightly spicy sheep skewers.
Photos from our 2019 Silk Road - Beijiang trip
Cheshi Ancient Trail (车师古道) |
Kuokesu Grand Canyon 阔克苏大峡谷 |
Cheshi Ancient Trail (车师古道)
Cheshi Ancient Trail, is an ancient road with a history of more than 2,000 years that crossing the Tianshan Mountain range, an important transportation route in the early Western Region. A total length of 200 kilometers, from the Tianshan Mountain of Dalongkou in the town of Quanzi Street, Jimsar County, Xinjiang, to the Luketun of Turpan City, it is also known as the Jinling Trail. Since Han and Tang Dynasties, the Cheshi Ancient Trail also a shortcut connected the Central part and the North part of the Silk Road, linked the Cheshi Kingdom countries, therefore it called Cheshi Ancient Road.
In ancient times, Cheshi ancient road is the most convenient path for those business travellers and military troops who came from southern Xinjiang to enter northen Xinjiang via the eastern Tianshan, where this had shortened more than 170km if detour from Urumuqi with heavy traffic along the way.
Today, some traders or businessman are still travel using this road as the transition of business between Turpan and Jimsar where they occasionally sell agricultural products also.
Trekking through the Cheshi ancient trail, give you the feel of the wonders of nature and history of the Cheshi Ancient road which is the combination of both culture and scenery of the Western Regions, the characteristics of Xinjiang and the ancient Silk Road
In ancient times, Cheshi ancient road is the most convenient path for those business travellers and military troops who came from southern Xinjiang to enter northen Xinjiang via the eastern Tianshan, where this had shortened more than 170km if detour from Urumuqi with heavy traffic along the way.
Today, some traders or businessman are still travel using this road as the transition of business between Turpan and Jimsar where they occasionally sell agricultural products also.
Trekking through the Cheshi ancient trail, give you the feel of the wonders of nature and history of the Cheshi Ancient road which is the combination of both culture and scenery of the Western Regions, the characteristics of Xinjiang and the ancient Silk Road
Dushanzi Grand canyon (独山子大峡谷)
Dushanzi Grand Canyon is formed from the sloping plain with magical scenery. The canyon has been carved out by water coming down from the nearby Tianshan mountains, a river that basically splits between two towns: Dushanzi (also known in Uyghur as “Maytagh”) and Wusu. Suited in north-south direction, start from Longkou pass and stretches to Dushanzi orchard, this great canyon is about 20 km long and the width of its bottom and shoulder is around 100-400 m and 800-1000 m respectively. The height from the bottom to the valley shoulder can reach to 200 meters. With the geographical coordinate of longitude 84 ° 44.6 ', latitude 44 ° 8.8', the pass out has the elevation 1070 meters. The bottom and shoulder of this valley are accessible for the roads and pavements.
SAILIMU LAKE (赛里木湖)
There was a touching love story about Sailimu Lake. According to the legend, the lake was formed by tears of a Kazakh young couple. One day, a devil was captivated by the beauty of a girl and kidnapped her. The girl tried escaping, but the devil found out soon and went afterher. She was forced to jump into an abyss in order to escape from the devil. Later, her boyfriend came to know about this and jumped into the abyss in hope to reunite with her. Their tears flooded the abyss and formed Sailimu Lake.
There was a touching love story about Sailimu Lake. According to the legend, the lake was formed by tears of a Kazakh young couple. One day, a devil was captivated by the beauty of a girl and kidnapped her. The girl tried escaping, but the devil found out soon and went afterher. She was forced to jump into an abyss in order to escape from the devil. Later, her boyfriend came to know about this and jumped into the abyss in hope to reunite with her. Their tears flooded the abyss and formed Sailimu Lake.
Guozigou Bridge (果子沟)
The Guozigou is a valley full of wild fruit trees. In addition to these trees in this forest interspersed with waterfalls, you may even catch a glimpse of wolves, foxes and bears in the wild. It is impossible to miss because this valley is crossed by an expressway bridge that overlooks more than 200 meters.
The Guozigou is a valley full of wild fruit trees. In addition to these trees in this forest interspersed with waterfalls, you may even catch a glimpse of wolves, foxes and bears in the wild. It is impossible to miss because this valley is crossed by an expressway bridge that overlooks more than 200 meters.
Kalajun Grassland (喀拉峻大草原)
Kalajun grassland is located in Yili County, South East of the Tekesi County, south of the Tianshan Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage nature site. About 30 kilometers away from the county seat, is one of the most famous grassland in Xinjiang. Kalajun grassland is backed by rolling hills, towering snow capped mountains, trees, flowers and other landscapes on the prairie, vast scenery beautiful, is a wonderful place for sightseeing and photography. Kalajun is an east-west mountain rolling hills, it is flanked by dense mountain gullies comb the mountain of the original ups and downs, the growth of the original dense spruce forest. Everything is in the original state, no tourist facilities.
Kalajun grassland is located in Yili County, South East of the Tekesi County, south of the Tianshan Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage nature site. About 30 kilometers away from the county seat, is one of the most famous grassland in Xinjiang. Kalajun grassland is backed by rolling hills, towering snow capped mountains, trees, flowers and other landscapes on the prairie, vast scenery beautiful, is a wonderful place for sightseeing and photography. Kalajun is an east-west mountain rolling hills, it is flanked by dense mountain gullies comb the mountain of the original ups and downs, the growth of the original dense spruce forest. Everything is in the original state, no tourist facilities.
Narat scenic park (那拉提景区)
In the depth of Tianshan Mountains and the east section of Yili River Valley, Narat scenic spot, at an average elevation of 1800m,covers an area of 960km2 with amount of precipitation about 880mm and average temperature 20℃ in summer. With wandering Kunes River flowing by, it nestles among the mountains in three sides, with lush greenery carpeted on. In the vast territory of Xingjiang which mostly are spread over by deserts, Narat, like an emerald greed jade shiningly studded a piece of golden silk, is bestowed with a large stretch of grassland, gurgling brook, imposing mountains, which pines sough in the wind.
Narat, with its natural landscape, long history and culture, distinctive ethnic customs combined, presents a concentrated illustration of China’s western frontier fortress.
In the depth of Tianshan Mountains and the east section of Yili River Valley, Narat scenic spot, at an average elevation of 1800m,covers an area of 960km2 with amount of precipitation about 880mm and average temperature 20℃ in summer. With wandering Kunes River flowing by, it nestles among the mountains in three sides, with lush greenery carpeted on. In the vast territory of Xingjiang which mostly are spread over by deserts, Narat, like an emerald greed jade shiningly studded a piece of golden silk, is bestowed with a large stretch of grassland, gurgling brook, imposing mountains, which pines sough in the wind.
Narat, with its natural landscape, long history and culture, distinctive ethnic customs combined, presents a concentrated illustration of China’s western frontier fortress.
Kazanqi Folk-custom District
The Kazanqi Folk Tourism District, a triple-A scenic spot in China, is a major site featuring Uygur people's original folk customs. The area is home to people from various ethnic groups, including Uygurs, Han, Hui, Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Xibe, Manchu, Russians, Mongols, Tatars, Tajiks and Kyrgyz, among which Uygurs account for 77 percent of the total population. Thanks to longstanding assimilation among different groups, the Kazanqi Folk Tourism District has established itself as a distinctive multiethnic region with diverse culture in Xinjiang.
In the Uygur language, "kazan" means "wok" and "qi" means "producer" or "wok vendor." Historically, the area was the production and sales center for folk handicrafts in Ili, featuring traditional craftsmanship, skilled artisans and the succession of folk customs from generation to generation. As most locals made their living by making and selling woks, they later named the place Kazanqi. The Kazanqi Folk Tourism District is known as a "folk building museum," as many types of buildings are found there, including European-style buildings, buildings with both Chinese and western elements, and distinctive century-old residential buildings. At present, there are some cultural and historical sites in the area, including the Shaanxi Hui Mosque inscribed on the list of protected buildings in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and seven others protected by the city of Yining. In addition, the area boasts another 12 mosques.
The Kazanqi Folk Tourism District, a triple-A scenic spot in China, is a major site featuring Uygur people's original folk customs. The area is home to people from various ethnic groups, including Uygurs, Han, Hui, Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Xibe, Manchu, Russians, Mongols, Tatars, Tajiks and Kyrgyz, among which Uygurs account for 77 percent of the total population. Thanks to longstanding assimilation among different groups, the Kazanqi Folk Tourism District has established itself as a distinctive multiethnic region with diverse culture in Xinjiang.
In the Uygur language, "kazan" means "wok" and "qi" means "producer" or "wok vendor." Historically, the area was the production and sales center for folk handicrafts in Ili, featuring traditional craftsmanship, skilled artisans and the succession of folk customs from generation to generation. As most locals made their living by making and selling woks, they later named the place Kazanqi. The Kazanqi Folk Tourism District is known as a "folk building museum," as many types of buildings are found there, including European-style buildings, buildings with both Chinese and western elements, and distinctive century-old residential buildings. At present, there are some cultural and historical sites in the area, including the Shaanxi Hui Mosque inscribed on the list of protected buildings in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and seven others protected by the city of Yining. In addition, the area boasts another 12 mosques.
THE ITINERARY
4th June 2020 (Thursday) – 16th June 2020 (Tuesday)
4th June 2020 (Thursday) – 16th June 2020 (Tuesday)
ITINERARY
Day 0 – Thursday, 4 June 2020
Day 1 – Friday, 5 June 2020 (Dinner)
Accommodation @ Urumuqi
Day 2 – Saturday, 6 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Campsite Shangshiyaozi (上石窑子)
Altitude: 2,500 meters
Est. hiking duration: 16km, 8 – 9hrs
Day 3 – Sunday, 7 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Campsite
Altitude: 2,900 meters
Est. hiking duration: 15 km - 20km, 8 - 10hrs
Day 4 – Monday, 8 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Guhai Hot Spring hotel (古海温泉酒店)
Est. hiking duration: 18km, 7 - 8hrs
Day 5- Tuesday, 9 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Jinghe (精河)
Est. travel duration: 7hrs (with lunch and sightseeing stops)
Day 6 – Wednesday, 10 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Yining (伊宁)
Est. travel duration: 4 - 5 hrs (with lunch and sightseeing stops)
Day 7 – Thursday, 11 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Kalajun Campsite (喀拉峻)
Altitude: 2,000 – 2,800 meters
Est. travel duration: 3 - 4 hrs (with lunch and sightseeing stops)
Day 8 – Friday, 12 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Tekesi Bagua City (特克斯)
Day 9 – Saturday, 13 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Narat Town (那拉提)
Altitude: 1,800 meters
Est. travel duration: 4 - 5 hrs (with lunch and sightseeing stops)
Day 10 – Sunday, 14 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Yining (伊宁)
Est travel duration: 4 - 5 hrs (with lunch and sightseeing stops)
Day 11 – Monday, 15 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Urumuqi
Est. travel duration: 9 – 10 hrs (with lunch and sightseeing stops)
Day 12 – Tuesday, 16 June 2020 (Breakfast)
Day 0 – Thursday, 4 June 2020
- Late night flight departure to Urumuqi
Day 1 – Friday, 5 June 2020 (Dinner)
Accommodation @ Urumuqi
- ETA noon, arrival in Urumuqi International Airport
- Coach pick-up from airport and transfer to hotel
- Free and easy, shopping at the International Grand Bazaar
- The most tempting thing here is the dazzling snacks such as the kebabs are cut, skewed, grilled; sweetened of cantaloupe and various dried grapes, and hand-picked rice roll with lamb, carrots, onions, rice, raisins, cumin powder, prepared with authentic sheep oil stir-fry, especially delicious!
- Enjoy the dinner performance at the Grand Bazaar, buffet style dinner
Day 2 – Saturday, 6 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Campsite Shangshiyaozi (上石窑子)
Altitude: 2,500 meters
Est. hiking duration: 16km, 8 – 9hrs
- Drive to Daheyan town (大河沿) after breakfast (approx. 3hrs)
- Lunch at Daheyan town (大河沿)
- Truck ride (approx. 1hr) transfer to Five-stars Pasture (五星牧场), and start trekking from the pasture to the campsite.
- Dinner at the campsite Shangshiyaozi (上石窑子), rest and relax.
Day 3 – Sunday, 7 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Campsite
Altitude: 2,900 meters
Est. hiking duration: 15 km - 20km, 8 - 10hrs
- Continue trekking to the next campsite
- ETA evening reach our campsite, rest and relax.
Day 4 – Monday, 8 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Guhai Hot Spring hotel (古海温泉酒店)
Est. hiking duration: 18km, 7 - 8hrs
- Continue trekking , descending back to the Cheshi Lodge
- Coach transfer to Guhai Hot Spring hotel
- Dinner, rest and relax
Day 5- Tuesday, 9 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Jinghe (精河)
Est. travel duration: 7hrs (with lunch and sightseeing stops)
- After breakfast, road trip to Jinghe county
- Along the journey, stopover at Dushanxi Grand Canyon (独山子大峡谷)
- ETA evening arrive Jinghe county hotel
- Dinner and early rest.
Day 6 – Wednesday, 10 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Yining (伊宁)
Est. travel duration: 4 - 5 hrs (with lunch and sightseeing stops)
- After breakfast, continue our journey to Yining.
- Sailimu Lake (赛里木湖)
- Guozigou Bridge (果子沟)
- ETA evening arrive Yining hotel
- Dinner and early rest.
Day 7 – Thursday, 11 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Kalajun Campsite (喀拉峻)
Altitude: 2,000 – 2,800 meters
Est. travel duration: 3 - 4 hrs (with lunch and sightseeing stops)
- After breakfast, road trip to Tekesi Bagua City (特克斯八卦城) and Kalajun Grassland
- Camping at the Kalajun Scenic Park.
- Dinner and early rest.
Day 8 – Friday, 12 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Tekesi Bagua City (特克斯)
- Explore the Kuokesu Grand Canyon (阔克苏大峡谷)
- Check-in hotel at Tekesi Bagua City.
- Dinner and early rest.
Day 9 – Saturday, 13 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Narat Town (那拉提)
Altitude: 1,800 meters
Est. travel duration: 4 - 5 hrs (with lunch and sightseeing stops)
- Road trip to Yili (伊犁), Narat Scenic Park (那拉提风景区)
- Check-in hotel at Nalati town.
- Dinner and early rest.
Day 10 – Sunday, 14 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Yining (伊宁)
Est travel duration: 4 - 5 hrs (with lunch and sightseeing stops)
- Road trip to Yining, Lavender Park and Kazanqi Folk-custom District
- Check-in hotel at Yining.
- Dinner and early rest.
Day 11 – Monday, 15 June 2020 (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Urumuqi
Est. travel duration: 9 – 10 hrs (with lunch and sightseeing stops)
- Road trip back to Urumuqi
- ETA evening arrive Urumuqi,
- Farewall dinner, rest and relax
Day 12 – Tuesday, 16 June 2020 (Breakfast)
- Free and easy
- Coach pickup and transfer to airport after lunch
- ETA 4pm to arrive Urumuqi International Airport
- Evening flight departure to Singapore
The event host will endeavor as far as possible to adhere to the programme of the event as advertised. The event host however, reserve the right to alter routes, time-tables, itineraries and accommodation as they deem fit.
LAND COST
Cost: SGD 2000/pax
Early bird special. Confirm your trip and place in your deposit by 25 December 2020 to enjoy $50 off.
SGD 500 deposit will be collected to confirm your slot.
Including:
Excluding:
Step 1: Deposit of SGD 500 via ATM/Bank transfer to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, DBS CURRENT A/C - 0039351950.
Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to 91020550 (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "20200604 XINJIANG ADVENTURES")
Step 3: Receipt for payment will be issued and further instruction will be provided.
Step 4: Pre trip briefing will be arranged and you will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip 3 months before the trip.
Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable)
Until 12 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
10 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
8 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
Recommended flight
Details will be given to confirmed participants.
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
Cost: SGD 2000/pax
Early bird special. Confirm your trip and place in your deposit by 25 December 2020 to enjoy $50 off.
SGD 500 deposit will be collected to confirm your slot.
Including:
- Local transportation from Day 1 to day 12
- Driver and local experienced trekking guides
- All entrance and permit for the national scenic parks/attractions/Canyon as stated above.
- 12 nights accommodation as stated.
- Hotel - Twin pax sharing (Single supplement is available with additional charge applied.)
- Camping tent – 2 to 3 pax sharing (Tent and sleeping bag are included)
- All Meals except D1 breakfast & lunch, D12 Lunch and dinner.
- Local accidental insurance
Excluding:
- D1 breakfast & lunch, D12 Lunch and dinner
- Personal Travel insurance
- International air fare (Singapore to Urumuqi)
- All other meals that not mentioned above
- All other admission/activity/performance fee that not mentioned above
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Laundry
- Visa entry if required
- Anything else not mentioned in include list.
Step 1: Deposit of SGD 500 via ATM/Bank transfer to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, DBS CURRENT A/C - 0039351950.
Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to 91020550 (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "20200604 XINJIANG ADVENTURES")
Step 3: Receipt for payment will be issued and further instruction will be provided.
Step 4: Pre trip briefing will be arranged and you will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip 3 months before the trip.
Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable)
Until 12 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
10 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
8 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
Recommended flight
Details will be given to confirmed participants.
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
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THIS EVENT IS BACKED BY ADVENTURES UNLIMITED's TRAINING GUARANTEE. We train you to get ready for this trek, or your money back* * Terms and conditions apply Find out more information about our Training guarantee here. |
