Year-end Countdown: South Xinjiang 探秘西域, 迎接2025
Date: 25 Dec 2024 – 4 Jan 2025
Xinjiang is a land of magnificent beauty, and the customs and traditions of Southern Xinjiang deeply attract us. Since ancient times, Southern Xinjiang has been a region where multiple ethnic groups coexist. The arts and customs of Uyghurs, Tajiks, and other ethnic groups are colorful and vibrant, creating a rich cultural landscape with strong ethnic characteristics. The hundreds of ancient cities, tombs, and caves left along the southern and central routes of the ancient Silk Road indicate the long history and vicissitudes of time. Distance does not always refer to physical distance; it can also evoke a sense of mystery and anticipation. Some mysterious and beautiful things always seem to be in a distant place, calling to us from the depths of our hearts, appearing both near and far at the same time.
Southern Xinjiang offers diverse and breathtaking natural landscapes, ranging from grasslands and deserts to forests and rivers. Its tranquil beauty and unique colors make for unforgettable memories year-round.
Southern Xinjiang offers diverse and breathtaking natural landscapes, ranging from grasslands and deserts to forests and rivers. Its tranquil beauty and unique colors make for unforgettable memories year-round.
"I want to go to Xinjiang" - Yotkan Ancient City, Shache King's Palace, Kashgar Old City, Tashkurgan County, Xiji Village - A cultural journey to experience the charm of Southern Xinjiang.
One of Xinjiang's three great mosques - The Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺);
Birthplace of the Twelve Muqam - Yarkent Khan's Palace (叶尔羌汉王宫);
Known for silk, jade, and traditional dance - Hotan (和田);
Home to China's Four Famous Swords and pottery - Yengisar (英吉沙);
The ancient Kashgar Old City (喀什老城) - a witness to over 2000 years of history;
Tashkurgan County (塔什库尔干) - an autonomous county of the Tajik people, connecting three countries;
Westernmost village in China - Xiji Village (西极村).
The World's Rooftop - Pamir Plateau (帕米尔高原)
Minority Tribe New Year's Eve Party! - Campfire countdown.
Kashgar Old City (喀什老城)
Kashgar Old City, known for its long history and rich culture, is a shining gem on the ancient Silk Road where Eastern and Western civilizations meet. With attractions like Impression Street, Iron Industry Cooperative, Uyghur Medicine Market, and centuries-old tea houses, the area blends modern and traditional elements seamlessly. The city, with over 2100 years of history, is a must-visit location in Xinjiang, embodying the region's historical and cultural significance.
Kashgar Old City, known for its long history and rich culture, is a shining gem on the ancient Silk Road where Eastern and Western civilizations meet. With attractions like Impression Street, Iron Industry Cooperative, Uyghur Medicine Market, and centuries-old tea houses, the area blends modern and traditional elements seamlessly. The city, with over 2100 years of history, is a must-visit location in Xinjiang, embodying the region's historical and cultural significance.
The Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺)
It is known as the largest mosque in the country. It is an important religious site for Muslims in the region and holds significant cultural and historical value. The mosque's stunning architecture and grandeur make it a popular destination for visitors and worshippers alike. |
Hotan (和田) Hotan, formerly known as "Hetian" or "Hetian," has also been referred to as "Huodan," "Wuduan," and "Hutan," all of which are variations of the same name. One theory suggests that its origin is from "Tian," an ancient Yuchi tribal name. Another theory suggests that it comes from the Tibetan language, meaning "Jade City." Yet another theory suggests that it comes from the Hindi words for "fence," "livestock pen," or "fortress." The "Record of the Western Regions of the Great Tang Dynasty" referred to it as "Qusadana," meaning "Land of Milk" in Sanskrit. In 1959, the name was simplified to Hotan. Yotkan Ancient City has been reconstructed based on historical records, showcasing a mix of historical architecture, diverse commerce, and entertainment options. |
Tashkurgan County (塔什库尔干)
Tashkurgan, a town in western China, is located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Situated at a high altitude near the borders of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan, Tashkurgan is renowned for its picturesque natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Stone City, a strategically important fortress on the ancient Silk Road, is built on a large rock. It is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, with the vast Golden Grass Beach at its feet. The winding Tashkurgan River flows through the city, and herds of cattle, sheep, and horses graze on the grassland, giving it a rugged and majestic beauty.
Tashkurgan, a town in western China, is located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Situated at a high altitude near the borders of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan, Tashkurgan is renowned for its picturesque natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Stone City, a strategically important fortress on the ancient Silk Road, is built on a large rock. It is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, with the vast Golden Grass Beach at its feet. The winding Tashkurgan River flows through the city, and herds of cattle, sheep, and horses graze on the grassland, giving it a rugged and majestic beauty.
Xiji Village (西极村)
Xiji Village is the westernmost point of China geographically. Simhana village is located in Jigen Township in Wufu County, Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang, this location is part of the Pamir Plateau and has an average altitude exceeding 3000 meters. It is just 5 kilometers from the Irkeshtam Port, the entry point to the Kyrgyz Republic, with a road passing by the village en route to the port. Along the way, one will pass through the convergence of the Tianshan and Kunlun Mountains, offering a magnificent and rugged scenery as far as the eye can see. |
Itinerary Overview
Day 0 - 25 Dec 2024, Wednesday
Accommodation: Hotel in Hotan(和田)
Accommodation: Hotel in Shache (莎车)
Accommodation: Hotel in Kashgar (喀什)
Accommodation: Homestay in Xiji Village (西极村) (Altitude est: ~3,000 meters)
Accommodation: Hotel in Kashgar (喀什)
Accommodation: Hotel in Kashgar (喀什)
Accommodation: Hotspring Hotel in Tashkurgan (塔县) (Altitude est: ~3,100 meters)
Accommodation: Hotel in Kashgar (喀什)
- Group departure from Singapore Changi Airport in the late night.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hotan(和田)
- Group arrival in Hotan Airport. Coach transfer to hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in Shache (莎车)
- Leaving Hotan (和田) > Shache (莎车) (Est. travel: 360km 5h). Visit Yarkent Khan's Palace (叶尔羌汉王宫)
Accommodation: Hotel in Kashgar (喀什)
- Shache (莎车) > Yengisar County (英吉沙县) > Kashgar (喀什) (Est. travel: 260km 4h)
Accommodation: Homestay in Xiji Village (西极村) (Altitude est: ~3,000 meters)
- Kashgar (喀什) > Atushi Tianmen (阿图什天门) > Xiji Village (西极村) (Est. travel: 260km 10h)
Accommodation: Hotel in Kashgar (喀什)
- Xiji Village (西极村) > Wuqia (乌恰) > Kashgar (喀什) (Est. travel: 240km 6h)
Accommodation: Hotel in Kashgar (喀什)
- Countdown party!
Accommodation: Hotspring Hotel in Tashkurgan (塔县) (Altitude est: ~3,100 meters)
- Kashgar (喀什) > Stone city > Tashkurgan (塔县) (Est. travel: 320km 8h)
- Explore Tashkurgan attractions on Day 8.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kashgar (喀什)
- Tashkurgan (塔县) > Kashgar (喀什) (Est. travel: 450km 10h)
- Coach transfer to Kashgar Airport in the afternoon.
- Home sweet home (+1 day)
Notes:
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 travel duration and distance is subjected to change according to actual traffic conditions.
- 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.
- * Please note that this trip involve risk of Acute Mountain Sickness.
What happens when one develops Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)? Read what is AMS and what are our contingency plans here. - Hiking Level of difficulty: 1. Please see Adventures Unlimited's trail grading classification here
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 2380 Early bird (before 20 July 2024)
SGD 2430 (Regular price after 20 July 2024)
SGD 2280 (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:
You are encouraged to purchase travel insurance upon the confirmation of the trip
Trip Exclusions:
SGD 2380 Early bird (before 20 July 2024)
SGD 2430 (Regular price after 20 July 2024)
SGD 2280 (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 (4wd SUV) from Day 1 to day 10
- Drivers and local experienced Chinese speaking guide
- All entrance and permit for the national scenic parks/attractions as stated above.
- All Meals except D1 breakfast & lunch, D3 & D5 Dinner, D6 Lunch and D12 Lunch.
- 1 commemorative shirt from Adventures Unlimited
- Local accidental insurance
- 10 nights accommodation as stated.
- Hotel / Homestay - Twin pax sharing (Single supplement is available with additional charge applied).
You are encouraged to purchase travel insurance upon the confirmation of the trip
Trip Exclusions:
- D1 breakfast & lunch, D3 & D5 Dinner, D6 Lunch and D12 Lunch
- Personal Travel insurance
- International air fare (Singapore to Hotan, Kashgar to Singapore)
- 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 JOURNEYS UNLIMITED PTE. LTD, Bank Name: DBS Bank Ltd SWIFT / BIC: DBSSSGSGDBS Account Number: 0721187477 (DBS Current Account) or PAYNOW 202347603G (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "YearEndNanjiang") 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.
*In the event that you cancel the booking, please note that the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
* 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
Travel Bank Credit
Beginning 1 January 2023, we help you save by giving you a 1% credit on your land tour to your personal travel bank account with us!
You can then use these credit amounts to offset any overseas trip with us or to purchase our merchandise.
Read more about our Travel Bank credit scheme here
* Please note that this trip involve risk of Acute Mountain Sickness.
What happens when one develops Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?
Read what is AMS and what are our contingency plans here.
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.
*In the event that you cancel the booking, please note that the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
* 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
Travel Bank Credit
Beginning 1 January 2023, we help you save by giving you a 1% credit on your land tour to your personal travel bank account with us!
You can then use these credit amounts to offset any overseas trip with us or to purchase our merchandise.
Read more about our Travel Bank credit scheme here
* Please note that this trip involve risk of Acute Mountain Sickness.
What happens when one develops Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?
Read what is AMS and what are our contingency plans here.
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. |