Central Silk Road Tour - In de voetstappen van Marco Polo
Reisbeschrijving (Engelstalig)
During many centuries, the mythical Silk Road has been a link between the East and the West. Merchant caravans were coming from Europe via Central Asia to the heart of the Chinese Empire. This trip will allow you to put your feet in the footsteps of one of the most famous travelers ever, Marco Polo. From the Chinese part of Central Asia, Xinjiang province to Beijing, you will discover two different faces of this fascinating country. Meet the various nationalities: Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Pakistanis, Russians and Uzbeks.
Day 1 – Brussels to Beijing
A Joker representative will meet you and the rest of the group at the Délifrance counter in the departure hall of Brussels/Zaventem International airport. You will find the Délifrance at the end of check-in row number 10. The Joker representative will help you check-in. During your flight from Brussels to Beijing you are not accompanied by a representative. The exact time of departure will be informed the latest 3 weeks prior departure.
Day 2 –
Upon arrival in
In the evening we will enjoy a typical Beijing Roast Duck dinner.
Day 3 –
After breakfast we will visit the Tian’anmen square and the 
The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It now houses the Palace Museum. For almost five centuries, it served as the home of the Emperor and his household, as well as the ceremonial and political centre of Chinese government. Built from 1406 to 1420, the complex consists of 980 surviving buildings with 8,707 bays of rooms and covers 720,000 square meters. The palace complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by Unesco as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. 
Later that day we explore the Temple of Heaven. It is a complex of Taoist buildings situated in southeastern urban Beijing. The complex was visited by Emperors for annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven for good harvest. After dinner we After dinner we finish our trip with a performance of the Beijing Opera, a national treasure, with a history of over 200 years.
Day 4 – Urumqi & Turpan (B)
We will be picked up early in the morning and transferred to the airport for our scheduled flight to Urumqi, in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This is the largest province of China, 1.6 million square kilometers. This area is mainly inhabited by Uighur, Han, Kazak, Hui and Mongolian minority nationalities. The natural scenery and historical sites along the ancient Silk Road fill Xinjiang with mystery. 
Day 5 – Turpan (B, L, D)
Turpan is a famous historical city. The climate is dry and hot and it seldom rains. This is the reason why thousands of artifacts have been well preserved.
We will visit the ruins of the ancient city of Jiaohe. The centre of Turpan is an oasis, a small city set in a vast tract of grain fields and grape vines. Despite the concrete-block architecture of the city centre, it's a pleasant, relaxing place. Moving further out of town, the narrow streets are lined with mud-brick walls enclosing thatch-plaster houses. Open water channels run down the sides of the streets; the inhabitants draw water from these and use them to wash their clothes.
The Bizalkik Thousand Buddha Caves stand high on the cliffs of west Mutou Valley under the Flaming Mountain. Of the 83 original caves, 57 caves currently remain. The murals cover an area over 1, 200 square meters in more than 40 caves. We drive through the Grape Valley, located in the Flaming Mountain. The valley runs 8 kilometers from north to south. This green paradise of 400 hectares is covered with many layers of grapes.
Day 6, Turpan-Korla 380 kms - 5 to 6 hrs driving (B, L, D)
After breakfast we will start our journey towards Korla. Enroute we visit the Boston Lake, the biggest freshwater lake in China. It is known as the Western Sea and has clear blue waters and endless surging waves formed by the wind. We enjoy a nice Uyghur lunch. After a few hours driving we arrive in Korla, the city of pears. No more than 10 kilometers from Korla, one can find the Iron Gate Pass. Named so, because this pass is difficult to access, with steep cliffs on either side with impossible terrain to climb
Day 7, Korla-Kuqa 280 kms - 4 to 5 hours driving (B, L, D)
After breakfast we head towards Kuqa following the track of the Central Silk Road. There’s a saying in XinJiang province: “Turpan is famous for its grapes, Hami for its sweet melons and Kuqa for its beautiful girls”. Many ancient ruins can be found in this area. Including the masterpiece of Islamic art, the Grand Kuqa Mosque. For many years this site has been a religious court.
Kuqa has two districts: the new town area and the old town area. The old town is on the east bank of Kuqa River. Kuqa city is small and you will easily find a bridge leading directly to the main square, where the daily bazaar is held. There are many alleys in the old town and it is quite an experience to stroll through them on your own. The gates of the residents are always open and you can get a glimpse at their courtyards.
The ancient city of Subashi, now a desert ruin, is a large Buddhist monastic complex located 30km (19mi) north of Kuqa. It was occupied from Han times, and abandoned during the Islamic period (12th century AD). In the Tang dynasty it was visited by the great Buddhist traveling monk, Xuanzong. 
The archaeological site extends for more than half a kilometer on either side of the Kuqa river.
Day 8, Kuqa-Aksu 360 kms - 5 to 6 hrs driving (B, L, D)
After breakfast we explore the Kizil Thousand Buddha caves. Next, we continue our journey towards Aksu. This is the third biggest city of the province and is located aside the Asku river and the Tiensjan mountain.
Day 9, Aksu-Kahsgar 470 kms - 7 to 10 hrs driving (B, L, D)
This will be a long day of driving but loaded with overwhelming views. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Taklmakan desert, officially part of the well known Gobi desert. Oasis villages are scattered around. In the late afternoon we arrive in Khasgar and visit the famous Kashgar Bazaar.
The traditional bazaar was originally held on Sundays, but it currently is divided into two sections, one is the livestock district that is only open on Sundays and the other is the ordinary district especially busy on Sundays although open every day. At present, there are more than 20 large scale bazaars in Kashgar, of which the one located at the East Gate of Kashgar City is the largest. This bazaar also named 'International Trade Market of Central and Western Asia' is the largest international trade market in Northwest China, taking up an area of 41 acres, composed of 21 specialized markets including over 4,000 fixed booths and a food street.
It was noted as 'the Largest Fair in Asia' in ancient times. At the fair, you can enjoy and buy various things such as general merchandise, handicrafts, livestock, local specialties, vegetables, coats, and second hand items as well as many other kinds of things from cattle and horses to needle and thread. Since Khunjerab Pass and Tuergate Port were opened, a large number of foreign merchants have come with a great deal of goods.
Arts and crafts of Pakistan, scarves of Turkey, dry fruits of Saudi Arabia all can be bought at a reasonable price here. 
Day 10, Kahsgar (B, L, D)
Even in the 21st century, the name Kashgar still sparks images of a remote desert oasis, the sole outpost of civilization leading from the vast deserts of Xin'jiang to the icy peaks of the Karakoram. A city filled with exotic bazaars and colorful silks.
Kashgar’s old city retains an intoxicating air of the exotic, mainly due to its fascinating ethnic mix of Uyghurs, Tajiks, Kyrgyz and Uzbeks.
Some things haven't changed since medieval times- blacksmiths, carpenters and cobblers use hand tools in the old quarter and the Id Kah Mosque draws the town's faithful as it has since 1442. Markets with rows of shimmering silks, knives and jewelery waiting for your attention and narrow backstreets lined with earthern-walled homes begging for exploration.
Day 11, Kashgar-Karakul-Kashgar 400 kms - 5 hrs driving (B, L, D)
A one day side trip to the gate way to Pakistan. We drive to the Karakul High mountain lake, following the Karakoram Highway. At interesting points we stop to take pictures. The lake is popular for its unreal scenery and the clarity of its reflection in the water, whose color ranges from a dark green to azure and light blue. 
There are two Kirgiz settlements along the shore of Karakul lake, a small number of yurts about 1km east of the bus drop-off point and a village with stone houses located on the western shores. We do a short walk along the lake. Enjoying the extraordinary scenery of the Pamir Plateau we drive back to Kashgar.
Day 12, Kashgar-Urumqi (B, L, D)
In the morning we fly back to Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang. This place has grown into a modern city, emerging as a metropolis. It is a busy passageway to the inner lands of Asia. After lunch we will explore the International Bazaar.
Day 13, Urumqi-Beijing (B, D)
After breakfast we fly to Beijing. We are expected to arrive around noon. We drive to the Olympic Parks and can have an outside view of the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube. 
Day 14, Beijing (B, D)
After breakfast we will drive to the Juyong Pass section of the Great Wall. Juyong Pass, located about 60 kilometers from Beijing, is a renowned pass of the Great Wall. Beside a military stronghold, it is a beautiful scenic spot. Flowers and lush trees dot the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon we discover the Summer Palace, the largest and best preserved imperial garden in China.
Day 15, Beijing-Brussels (B)
Flight out of Beijing leaves in the morning
Additionele Informatie
Where do we eat
Whether you're travelling up a mountain, across a desert or through a suburb in China, you'll find people greeting you with 'Chi fanle ma?' Literally translated as 'Have you eaten rice yet?', this continuous inquiry reveals the significance of food in Chinese culture.
Cooking in China is divided into four schools: Northern, Eastern, Western and Southern. The differences among them arose not only from geographical, climatic and cultural differences, but also from historical circumstances. When reading the itinerary one has a clear overview on the meals included.
For your information: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Uyghur cuisine includes all the trusty Central Asian standbys such as kebabs, pilau(plov) and dumplings(chuchura), but has benefited from Chinese influence to make it the most enjoyable region of Central Asia in which to eat. Uyghurs boast endless varieties of Laghman, though the usual topping is some combination of mutton, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, green beans and garlic. Suoman are noodle fried with tomatoes, peppers, garlic and meat. Suoman goshsiz is the vegetarian variety. Suoman can be quite spicy so ask for lazasiz (without peppers)I f you prefer a milder version. Kebabs are another staple and are generally of a much better standard than the shashlick of the Central Asian republics.
Breads are a particular speciality, especially when straight out of the oven and sprinkled with poppy seeds, sesame seeds or fennel. They make a great plate for a round of kebabs. Uyghur bakers also make wonderful bagels(girde nan). Xin'jiang is also famous for its fruit.. The best grapes come from Turpan.
Sustainable Travel
This way of travelling is about minimising your impact and maximising your understanding with people and the environment. It’s about making a positive contribution and having the best trip ever.
Environmental matters:
- Do not buy souvenirs from endangered species.
- Keep a distance when observing wildlife
- Many local people do not have access to fresh water. Please bare this in mind when bathing and taking showers. Do not waste precious water.
- Take your litter. Do not leave bottles, cans, plastic, cigarette butts.
Economic matters:
- Enjoy the local food. By eating those local products you support the farmers from the area.
- Support local skills, and buy locally made crafts.
Cultural matters:
- Before you leave, be aware that the Chinese culture is different from your own. You do not have to agree with everything you see and hear, but try to see things from the locals’ point of view.
- Always ask permission to take pictures of people or religious properties.
- Do not show of your wealth such as jewellery, camera’s, etc…. In most areas there is a big gap between rich and poor. Bare this in mind.
- Dress yourself properly.
Prepare yourself:
- Learn some words in the local languages. People will be surprised and excited.
- Have a look at the website www.greenseat.be and consider compensating your carbon emission.
Visa Requirements
A single entry visa is required by all European nationals. Visas are refused to those the authorities consider to have a proscribed profession, as a journalst.
Please apply for your Chinese visa in time at the appropriate Chinese Embassy in your country. Failure to do so may mean that you are not able to travel.
Our Transport
- In Beijing we use a private bus.
- From Beijing to Urumqi we schedule a domestic flight
- From Kashgar to Urumq and Beijing we also use domestic flights
- In Urumqi / Turpan / Korla /Kuqa / Aksu / Kashgar we use a private bus
Tour Leader
Your group trip is accompanied by an English speaking tour guide in China and local English speaking guides. They will inform you about the places you are travelling. Sometimes local guides will join the group for short durations to provide you with more in depth information about the highlights of your trip.
Group Size
The minimum group size to guarantee this trip is 6 travellers. Maximum 15 travellers are allowed.
Uyghur Habits
- Chinese people are friendly. However do ask permission first before taking photos as some of the people believe your behaviour will do harm to their religious soul.
- Visit sacred places. Please do note that in most places you are expected to take off your shoes.
- In Kashgar, The Muslim Uyghur women dress in long skirts and heavy stockings like the Uyghur women in Urumqi and Turpan, but here one sees more female faces hidden behind veils of brown gauze. It is wise for women travellers to dress as would be appropriate in any Muslim country, covering arms and legs. This should be second nature for travellers who have come from Pakistan but it may come as a surprise if you've come from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakstan or eastern China.
- Visit monastery. Please always walk clockwise around the religious shrines, stupas, Mani stones and prayer wheels. However, if you visit a Bon monastery, then walkcounterclockwise! The monks take off their shoes upon entering a chamber. To show respect please do the same.
- Entering a chamber during the chanting session is allowed on condition that there should be no disturbance to the monks
- While in a Tibetan monastery, please don’t smoke, drink alcohol or make big noises. Also, please don’t touch, step over or sit on any religious scripts of any forms.
- Sky burials. Tibetans do not believe in burying or cremating dead bodies. The remains of the dead are cut up by funeral priests at dawn to feed vultures, in the belief that these birds take the spirits to heaven. Strangers are forbidden to attend the ceremony.
Where do we sleep
- 4 nights accommodation in Beijing at the 4* Grand View Garden Hotel or similar
- 2 nights accommodation in Turpan at the 3* Turpan hotel or similar
- 1 night accommodation in Urumqi at the 4* Xin’jiang hotel or similar
- 1 night accommodation in Korla at the 3* Tian Hong hotel or similar
- 1 night accommodation in Kuqa at the 3* Kuqa hotel or similar
- 1 night accommodation in Aksu at the: 3* Friendship hotel or similar
- 3 nights accommodation in Kashgar at the 3* Xin’long hotel or similar
Prijzen, Data en Boeken
General
All information listed in this trip dossier has been compiled with good care. Nevertheless, changes may occur. You will be travelling in a different country with a different culture. Sometimes it will be necessary that our tour leader has to make alterations.
Price and Date
Price: TBD
Single supplement: € TBD
Boeking Code: CNCD030910
Leaving : Dates for 2011 TBD
Group Size
The minimum group size to guarantee this trip is 6 travellers. Maximum 15 travellers are allowed.
Book with Confidence
This trip is operated by Joker. Joker is a member of the Belgian Garantiefonds Reizen, IATA, the Belgian Association of Travel Agents (VVR) and the federation of Belgian Tour Operators (BTO). The Belgian license number is A1679.
The general travel conditions of the Geschillen Commissie Reizen and the special travel conditions of Joker apply to this trip. You agree with the terms and conditions upon booking.
Download your Booking Form over here