On the Gansu Silk Road
From 1595€ / person
7 days
Following Marco Polo in the Hexi corridor
Still less known than its neighbors, Gansu province stretches all the way from north to south, from Inner Mongolia to Sichuan, crossing various climates landscapes, ethnic groups and cultures. You'll discover its beautiful deserts in a part of Gansu known as the Hexi corridor: this Gansu Silk Road was also used by Marco Polo several centuries ago. You'll also meet the locals and nomads living in this particular environment with a night at a local homestay in the Badain Jaran desert.
The ancient Silk Road
You will discover a part of the Silk Road, in a magnificent region surrounded by deserts. The Hexi corridor was the junction between the East and the West, central Asia and the Chinese Empire, a long journey across arid lands.
Gansu Silk Road itinerary
This route will take you in the footsteps of Marco Polo, an emblematic figure of the region, whose statue you will also find in Zhangye. You'll discover Zhangye and the Badain Jaran desert, Jiayuguan and the end of the great wall, Dunhuang and its famous Mogao grottoes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Lanzhou – Zhangye
Today you’ll take your train/flight to Zhangye. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your driver and be transferred to the city center. Check in at your hotel and rest of the day free at leisure.
Hotel: Jiaheng Hotel
Day 2: Zhangye
You will visit the famous rainbow mountains of Danxia and you will lose yourself in Pingshanhu Grand Canyon. Immerse yourself in these grand sceneries. At the centre of Zhangye you will also discover a beautiful temple that hosts a sleeping Bouddha.
Hotel: Jiaheng Hotel
Day 3: Zhangye – Badain Jaran
In the early morning you will reach the sublime Mati temple carved in the rock. It was a very active complex in the 13th century and described at that time by Marco Polo. Then head to the Badain Jaran desert. At the entrance of the desert you will switch car for a jeep and will stay at a local family. Free time to discover the place or learn about your hosts’ way of life.
Hotel : homestay (very simple comfort)
Day 4: Badain Jaran – Jiayuguan
This morning you’ll go deeper into the desert and discover its salted lake, scattered between the dunes. Then your driver will take you to Jiayuguan.
Hotel : International Hotel
Day 5: Jiayuguan – Dunhuang
This morning, you’ll visit Jiayuguan fortress that offers an amazing view on the Gobi desert. You will also see the extreme West point of the Great Wall. You will then head to Dunhuang with your driver.
Hotel: Silk Road
Day 6: Dunhuang
Today you’ll visit the famous Mogao Grottoes, built over a millennium ago, from the 4th to the 14th century. You will walk in the desert and listen to the singing sand dunes, before spending the evening at the night market.
Day 7 : Dunhuang departure
Your Gansu Silk Road trip will end today when your driver takes you the airport. Take your flight to your next destination.
Information
Inclusions:
- 3/4* hotels + breakfast
- Private driver
- English speaking guide
- Entrance tickets
Exclusions:
- Visa
- International and domestic flights
- Meals
- Personal expenses
- Tips to drivers and tour guides
- Insurances
This is what you are looking for?