Xinjiang Serenade - Lavender and Trekking Through Kalajun
Date: 15 June 2024 – 27 June 2024
Xinjiang, in Northwest China, has a historically Uighur-populated region on the Silk Road. The Chinese government has incentivized Han Chinese migration, resulting in a majority Han population in the north.
Xinjiang offers a diverse landscape with deserts, arid plains, and high mountains. Its capital is Urumqi, but the Uighurs consider Kashgar as the cultural capital. The region is rich in Buddhist and Turkish archaeological remains and has a vibrant market culture.
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.
Xinjiang offers a diverse landscape with deserts, arid plains, and high mountains. Its capital is Urumqi, but the Uighurs consider Kashgar as the cultural capital. The region is rich in Buddhist and Turkish archaeological remains and has a vibrant market culture.
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
Kalajun Grassland(喀拉峻大草原) |
Kuokesu Grand Canyon 阔克苏大峡谷 |
Anjihai Grand canyon (安集海大峡谷)
Anjihai Canyon is a scenic area located in Xinjiang, China. It is situated in the Altay Mountains, near the border with Kazakhstan. The canyon is known for its stunning natural beauty, featuring towering cliffs, deep gorges, and crystal-clear lakes. The canyon's unique geological formations, including unusual rock patterns and caves, make it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. The vibrant colors of the canyon, with its red, orange, and purple hues, create a mesmerizing landscape. The best time to visit is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most picturesque.
Anjihai Canyon is a scenic area located in Xinjiang, China. It is situated in the Altay Mountains, near the border with Kazakhstan. The canyon is known for its stunning natural beauty, featuring towering cliffs, deep gorges, and crystal-clear lakes. The canyon's unique geological formations, including unusual rock patterns and caves, make it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. The vibrant colors of the canyon, with its red, orange, and purple hues, create a mesmerizing landscape. The best time to visit is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most picturesque.
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 a famous grassland in Xinjiang, located in Yili County. It is known for its stunning beauty and is a popular destination for sightseeing and photography. The grassland is backed by rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, and a variety of flora. It is a natural UNESCO World Heritage site and is devoid of tourist facilities, allowing visitors to experience its original state.
Kalajun grassland is a famous grassland in Xinjiang, located in Yili County. It is known for its stunning beauty and is a popular destination for sightseeing and photography. The grassland is backed by rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, and a variety of flora. It is a natural UNESCO World Heritage site and is devoid of tourist facilities, allowing visitors to experience its original state.
Narat scenic park (那拉提景区)
Narat scenic spot, nestled in the Tianshan Mountains and the east section of Yili River Valley, covers an area of 960km2 at an average elevation of 1800m. With an average temperature of 20℃ in summer and around 880mm of precipitation, it is a lush oasis in the vast deserts of Xingjiang. The scenic spot is adorned with sprawling grasslands, gurgling brooks, and majestic mountains, making it a true gem in China's diverse geography.
Narat scenic spot, nestled in the Tianshan Mountains and the east section of Yili River Valley, covers an area of 960km2 at an average elevation of 1800m. With an average temperature of 20℃ in summer and around 880mm of precipitation, it is a lush oasis in the vast deserts of Xingjiang. The scenic spot is adorned with sprawling grasslands, gurgling brooks, and majestic mountains, making it a true gem in China's diverse geography.
Duku Highway (独库公路)
Duku Highway in Xinjiang is renowned as one of China's most beautiful national highways. Stretching for about 197 kilometers, it connects Tekes and Koktokay, offering stunning views of the Altay Mountains. It offers breathtaking natural beauty with stunning views of the Altay Mountains, vibrant greenery, and picturesque landscapes. The best time to visit Duku Highway in Xinjiang is during the summer months between June and September for optimal weather and road conditions. |
Itinerary Overview
Notes:
Recommended flight details for both international and domestic flight will be given to confirmed participants.
The full travel itinerary will be provided to our confirmed trip participants during the trip briefing.
Not sure if you are fit enough for this trip? Read our Training Guarantee
- The daily estimated hiking duration and distance is subjected to change according to actual route/trail conditions based on a moderate pace.
- The Organizers reserve the right to cancel, postpone or amend the itinerary due to unforseen circumstances such as extreme weather conditions or terrorism or other activities that may affect the safety of the team members.
- Trekking Level of difficulty: 3. Please see Adventures Unlimited's trail grading classification here
Recommended flight details for both international and domestic flight will be given to confirmed participants.
The full travel itinerary will be provided to our confirmed trip participants during the trip briefing.
Not sure if you are fit enough for this trip? Read our Training Guarantee
LAND COST
SGD 2550 Early bird (before 09 December 2023)
SGD 2700 (Regular price after 09 December 2023)
SGD 2500 (Loyalty price, those who travelled with us during the past 12 months)*
*does not include trips to Malaysia
*1% Credit Back to your AU Travel Bank Account
SGD500 deposit will be collected to confirm your slot.
Group Size: Min. 10 to go; Max. 20 (excluding event hosts)
Trip Inclusions:
Trip Exclusions:
SGD 2550 Early bird (before 09 December 2023)
SGD 2700 (Regular price after 09 December 2023)
SGD 2500 (Loyalty price, those who travelled with us during the past 12 months)*
*does not include trips to Malaysia
*1% Credit Back to your AU Travel Bank Account
SGD500 deposit will be collected to confirm your slot.
Group Size: Min. 10 to go; Max. 20 (excluding event hosts)
Trip Inclusions:
- 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/performance as stated above.
- All Meals except D1 breakfast & lunch, D12 Lunch and dinner.
- 1 commemorative shirt from Adventures Unlimited
- Local accidental insurance
- 11 nights accommodation as stated.
- Hotel - Twin pax sharing (Single supplement is available with additional charge applied.)
- Camping tent – 2 pax sharing
- Ger/Yurt - 8 to 10 pax sharing
Trip Exclusions:
- D1 dinner, D6 - D8 Lunch, D12 Lunch and dinner
- Personal Travel insurance
- International air fare (Singapore to Urumuqi)
- Sleeping bags/sleeping liner
- Porter (RMB 20 for 1kg per day)
- 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.
Registration and Payment Details:
Step 1: Deposit of $500SGD to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, Bank Name: DBS Bank Ltd SWIFT / BIC: DBSSSGSGDBS Account Number: 0039351950 (DBS Current Account) or PAYNOW 201600903H (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "Xinjiang2024") Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to Carene at 90030030 (https://wa.me/6590030030) 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 at least 2 months before the trip. Step 5: Balance payment due date to be advised. |
Refund Policy
* The deposit will be fully refunded if the trip does not commence due to insufficient participants.
* Balance to be called for 60 days prior to start of event
- Bookings cancelled 60 -46 days prior to arrival –50% of the total amount will be reimbursed excluding the non-refundable deposit.
- Bookings cancelled 45-31 days prior to arrival – 70% of the total amount will be deducted as a cancellation fee excluding the nonrefundable deposit.
- Bookings cancelled 30 days & less prior to arrival – 100% cancellation fee - full penalty - no refund
You are encouraged to purchase travel insurance upon the confirmation of the trip
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.
3. We kindly request that you familiarize yourself with our terms and conditions prior to registering by visiting the following link: https://www.liveopenly.net/terms-and-conditions
* The deposit will be fully refunded if the trip does not commence due to insufficient participants.
* Balance to be called for 60 days prior to start of event
- Bookings cancelled 60 -46 days prior to arrival –50% of the total amount will be reimbursed excluding the non-refundable deposit.
- Bookings cancelled 45-31 days prior to arrival – 70% of the total amount will be deducted as a cancellation fee excluding the nonrefundable deposit.
- Bookings cancelled 30 days & less prior to arrival – 100% cancellation fee - full penalty - no refund
You are encouraged to purchase travel insurance upon the confirmation of the trip
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.
3. We kindly request that you familiarize yourself with our terms and conditions prior to registering by visiting the following link: https://www.liveopenly.net/terms-and-conditions
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. |