Description

Turpan: Xuanzang Silk Road with Kumtag Desert Private Tour

Tour code:

#T63223

4.45

average rating is 4.5 out of 5

(36 reviews)

12 Hours

China

Start from:

Turpan

End at:

Turpan

Type tour:

Private

Age range:

0 - 80 ages

Languages:

English, Chinese

Payments:

Pay Advance

Highlight

Visit the world's rare desert in oasis, the Xinjiang Kumtag Desert National Park
Discover the treasures of ancient Silk Road to the sun-baked ruins of Gaochang
Experience the thrill of riding 4x4s over golden sand dunes with sand-boarding
Comfortable and relaxed travel, with air-conditioned private car all the way
Providing the most considerate service and guaranteed safe travel on journey

About tour

Discover the traces left by Xuanzang on his journey to the west of China, including Thousand Buddha Caves, Canyon, Ruins, Traditional village Kumtag desert with sand surfing sunset in private inclusive.

The Kumtag Desert, which occupies 2,500 square kilometres and is situated at the southern tip of Shanshan, Xinjiang, is the closest desert to the city in China. The ideal combination of desert and oasis can be seen when you hike to the top of the desert together with an experience to journey to the west experience.

Itinerary

Day 1: Discover Xuanzang on his journey to the west of China - Turpan

Following pickup from Turpan's train station or hotel, we will first explore the Flaming Mountain Grand Canyon, which captures the essence of the landscape of Flaming Mountain, Turpan's hottest spot. Flaming Mountain is immortalised in the Chinese classic Journey to the West as a blazing mountain through which the monk Xuan Zang must pass and you can clearly see the unique landform - red sandstones that look like flaming fire, distinctive rocks that show nature's uncanny craftsmanship, and a deep gorge with crisscross valleys.

Then, continue to Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, a group of grottoes with rich murals which were originally drilled in the Southern and Northern Dynastie and have survived for approximately 15 centuries. While admiring the magnificent murals in an artistic style and listening to the old Buddhist legends, you can imagine how Buddhism spread to China's mainland via Xinjiang before go for a traditional lunch at your own expense.

Afterwards the tour visit to Gaochang ruins, which were a political, economic, and cultural centre of Xinjiang in ancient times before being burned down in a war after being in use for 1400 years, formerly known as fortress city for the Han Dynasty and Tang Dynasty army garrisons. Following that we continue drive to Tuyuk Valley, an Uighur village with many historical sites dating back over 2,600 years. Before Islam, it was a Buddhist centre. Many Buddhist caves can be found in the village, but the statues and murals have not survived. The villagers continue to live peacefully in the village, and it is clear how they conduct their daily lives in the old mud adobe houses.

For sunset, we head your trip to Kumtag Desert national park as the last stop and admire fascinating colors, light yellow, yellow, orange, red, gray, etc. The sand of Kumtag Desert is as soft as the smooth, so a desert walk is quite comfortable. the jeep experience and sand sliding includes on the ticket . After a wonderful time here, continue your sunset at the end before returning back to your hotel or train station.

Included

Tour already included

Hotel pickup and drop-off within Turpan town
Pickup and dropoff at Turpan North railway station
English Speaking driver (inclusive)
Visit all highlights as itinerary features
4x4 Dune bashing
sand surfing
Sunset viewpoint
Personalised starting tour
Private Sedan Vehicle (up to 5 seats)
Fuel fee, Tolls & Parking fee
Taxes

Tour not included

Entry fee to Tuyuk Village, 30 yuan each (required carry passport and identity check by chinese authorities)
Entry fee to Gaochang Ruins, 70 yuan each (required carry passport and identity check by chinese authorities)
Entry fee to Bezeklik caves, 40 yuan each (required carry passport and identity check by chinese authorities)
Lunch

A maximum of four participant under your group can join this tour at the same rate without incurring additional fees and sold per vehicle in private
Your receipt will be instantly sent as a PDF after full payment. You can save it on your phone. The receipt is your pass and confirmation of ticket.
The ticket is valid on the activity date as per reservation.
Some attractions require passport check, please ensure to carry a valid passport as tour operator are not responsibility for it.
The pickup can take place at anywhere within Turpan city or North Turpan Railway Station.
All prices are quoted in US dollars and may be paid using foreign currencies with any card or apple pay, bank transfer or wise.
Please be informed the entry park is usually subject to government ticket with extra fee as per exclusions which mandate a passport check and valid visa without expired during your stay
In China, WeChat and Alipay is required and norm for any payment, all international card were not valid to used for entry or local purchase.
You must carry some cash for personal expense or entry fee if you do not have WeChat or Alipay linked to your international card.
Please carry real passport for ticket purchase at government site as it is mandatory as government laws.
This activity operates in most weather conditions.
This tour duration includes pickup and drop-off.
This tour is possible for personalised starting time as per reservation date only.
Please feel free to ask any question during the tours.