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18 |
Trek |
DAYS |
Voir les photos
Holiday Overview
Holiday Overview
Highlights
- Badain Jaran Desert: the third biggest desert in China
- Great Wall hiking: Jiayuguan, Overhanging Great Wall
- Khara Khoto Ruins: the largest and most complete existing ruins of the ancient city on the Silk Road
- Mogao Grottos: Treasure House of Buddhist Art
- Rainbow Mountains: "The world's top ten magical geographical wonders"
Brief Itinerary
- DAY 01 ARRIVE DUNHUANG
- DAY 02 DUNHUANG / JIAYUGUAN
- DAY 03 JIAYUGUAN / EJINA QI
- DAY 04 EJINA QI / KU REI TU
- DAY 05 START TREKKING IN BADAIN JARAN DESERT
- DAY 06 TREKKING
- DAY 07 TREKKING: THE SECOND HIGHEST SAND DUNE
- DAY 08 TREKKING: LOCAL FAMILY VISITING
- DAY 09 TREKKING
- DAY 10 TREKKING: CHAKA SALT LAKE
- DAY 11 TREKKING: THE HIGHEST SAND DUNE & BADAIN JARAN TEMPLE
- DAY 12 TREKKING TO THE LAST CAMPSITE
- DAY 13 SURFING IN THE DESERT / ALXA YOUQI
- DAY 14 DRIVE TO ZHANGYE
- DAY 15 ZHANGYE / STAY IN WUWEI
- DAY 16 WUWEI / LANZHOU
- DAY 17 LANZHOU SIGHTSEEING
- DAY 18 LANZHOU / BEIJING
Map & Itinerary
Map & Itinerary
This tour is ideal for anyone who loves to take challenges! Badain Jaran Desert spans the provinces of Inner Mongolia and Gansu. Being the third biggest desert in China, it’s located in the Alxa Plateau, about 1200 meters above the sea level. It is also features over 100 spring-fed lakes that lie between the dunes. We will start with the sunset at Euphrates Polar Forest in Ejin Banner. Followed by 9-day hiking, camel riding and camping in the Badain Jaran Desert in Inner Mongolia, we will live like the merchants who traveled along the Silk Road in the ancient time. Climb the world's highest sand dune, have a unique view of 6 lakes in the desert, enjoy desert sunrise and sunset as well as experience the thrilling 4WD car surfing in the desert. Not far from the desert are the cities of Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye and Lanzhou. All of them are important stops on the Silk Road and full of important historical sites. We’ll tour the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, visit the fortress at Jiayuguan, take a long hike through the stunning scenery of the Zhangye Danxia Landform etc.
Holiday Itinerary
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ARRIVE DUNHUANG
Board your flight to Dunhuang, an important stop on the Silk Road and famous for the Buddhist caves. Your experienced CAT guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to check into the hotel. After a short rest, you will visit Mogao Grottoes, a national treasure of exquisite murals and Buddhist statues. The carvings were started in the Jin Dynasty (3rd - 5th century A.D.) and continued in the following dynasties. Now, there are altogether 735 grottoes, 45,000 square meters (about 53,820 square yards) of murals and 2,415 colorful Buddhist statues.
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Accommodation 4-star hotel in Dunhuang
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Meals BL
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DUNHUANG / JIAYU GUAN
After breakfast, you will drive to Jiayu Guan (380km, about 5 hours). Upon arrival, visit the First Fire Tower of Great Wall which is the west end of the Ming-dynasty Great Wall. The 56-meter-high (184 feet) tower stands on a cliff of the Great Gobi Desert, with the Talai River flowing past and boasting a distant view of the majestic Jiayu Pass. Your next stop is the Overhanging Great Wall, which was built in the Ming Dynasty. Finally, visit the famous Jiayuan Pass. Reputed as 'the Greatest Pass under Heaven', Jaiyu Pass is one of the most important and majestic military fortresses along China’s Great Wall. If the time permits, visit Wei & Jin Ancient Tomb to explore the ground floor of its murals and brick Graves known as "the world's largest underground gallery".
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Accommodation 4-star Huayuan Hotel
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Meals BLD
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JIAYU GUAN / EJINA QI
After breakfast, drive to Ejina Banner (440km, about 6 hours) whilst enjoying the scenery on the way. Today you will also visit the Khara Khoto Ruins, the "black water city" in the desert. Located 25 southeast of the Hubu Town of Ejina Banner, the Khara Khoto Ruins are the largest and most complete existing ruins of the ancient city on the Silk Road. The city was founded in 1032 and became a thriving center of Tangut Empire trade in the 11th century.
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Accommodation 4-star hotel in Ejina Qi
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Meals BLD
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EJINA QI / KU REI TU
Drive via Alatan Abao to Ku Rei Tu (400 km, about 7 hours). At the border of the Gobi Badain Jaran Desert, meet with your trekking crew (desert guide, camel herder and chef) who will guide your trek. If the time permits, you may pay a visit to Ku Rei Tu Temple. Overnight, you will camp in a tent.
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Accommodation Camping
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Meals BLD
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START TREKKING IN BADAIN JARAN DESERT
After breakfast you will start hiking at around 9:00am, the camel herder will help to transport the luggage and catch up with you later. Today you will walk about 21 km, which may be tiring. At around 13:00, you will meet the camel herder again. After lunch, you can ride a camel if you like. At around 16:00, you will arrive at the first camp site. The rest of the day will be free time. You will stay overnight in a tent.
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Accommodation Camping
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Distance 21km hiking
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Meals BLD
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TREKKING
It will be easier today as the trek will be only 15 km. We will arrive at the second camp site at around 14:30. The rest of the day will be free time. We will stay overnight in a tent.
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Accommodation Camping
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Distance 15km hiking
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Meals BLD
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TREKKING: THE SECOND HIGHEST SAND DUNE
Today we will trek about 15 km. At around 15:00, we will reach the third camp site. Upon arrival, we will climb up the second highest sand dune in the Badain Jaran desert (1 hour).
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Accommodation Camping
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Distance 17km hiking
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Meals BLD
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TREKKING: LOCAL FAMILY VISITING
After 14 km of trekking, we will reach a camp of a family that organizes camel caravans. There is a well and you can rest.
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Accommodation Camping
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Distance 14km hiking
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Meals BLD
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TREKKING
Our trekking today will be comparatively easy. We will arrive at the fifth camp site after about 12 kilometers’ hiking.
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Accommodation Camping
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Distance 12km hiking
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Meals BLD
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TREKKING: CHAKA SALT LAKE
Start hiking at 09:00. Around noon we will reach Chaka Salt Lake. At the lake there is a guest house and we will eat lunch by the lake. Here we can observe several species of birds, which use the lake as an intermediate stop during migration. After lunch, continue trekking about 4 km to the foot of the highest sand dune, Bielutu. Before we reach the sand dune, there is also another larger salt lake where we can take some pictures.
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Accommodation Camping
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Distance 18km hiking
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Meals BLD
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TREKKING: THE HIGHEST SAND DUNE & BADAIN JARAN TEMPLE
After breakfast, we will begin to climb the highest sand dune, called Bielutu. The sand dune is 425 m high and 1,559 m above sea level. From the top we have a unique view of 6 lakes. Afterwards, walk down, and once we have continued to trek about 9 km, we will reach village of Gacha at about 15:00. In the afternoon, visit the Badain Jaran Temple, which was built in 1755. We also have the opportunity to observe the monks’ ceremonies in the monastery.
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Accommodation Camping
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Distance 20km hiking
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Meals BLD
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TREKKING TO THE LAST CAMPSITE
Get up early, so we will not miss the chance of photographing our beautiful surroundings at sunrise: an ideal and unique photo opportunity for our trip. Then after a trek of about 21km, we will reach the last camp. Along the way, many salt lakes can be seen.
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Accommodation Camping
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Distance 21km hiking
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Meals BLD
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SURFING IN THE DESERT / ALXA YOUQI
After breakfast, you will be picked up by the desert jeeps and experience the thrilling and exiting car “surfing” in the desert. At around 13:00 you will arrive at the city of Alxa You Qi. After lunch, check in at the hotel, and then the rest of the day is left for you to relax or stroll in the city.
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Accommodation Camping
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Distance 21km hiking
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Meals BL
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DRIVE TO ZHANGYE
Transfer to Zhangye. Enjoy your leisure time here. Visit the Bell & Drum Tower and the Wooden Pagoda if you like. After a great day you’ll stay in a nice 4-star Huachen International Hotel or similar and have a good rest.
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Accommodation 4-star Huachen International Hotel in Zhangye
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Meals BL
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ZHANGYE / STAY IN WUWEI
After breakfast, you will visit the Giant Buddha Temple, which contains the largest indoor reclining Buddha in China - nearly 35 meters from head to toe. The Temple was built in 1098 AD, and was extended and renovated during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Further on to Zhangye Danxia Geopark, the Rainbow Mountains. It enjoys the honors of "The world's top ten magical geographical wonders". Upon arrival, start hiking along the north part of Danxia Landform, enjoying the great view of Qilian Shan and memorable sunset. China Rainbow Mountains are magnificent with gorgeous colors, which developed at about 200 million years ago. We will see lots of precipitous red cliffs, most of which are several hundred meters high, and multicolored ridges of weathered strata, sometimes stretching to the horizon. It is the best place for photography. Afterwards, set off for Wuwei (280km, 3.5hrs) and check in at your hotel there.
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Accommodation 4-star hotel in Wuwei
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Meals BLD
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WUWEI / LANZHOU
Tour around the Lai Tai Han Tomb, built about 1,800 years ago. It is famous for the bronze statue, “Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow”. After that, let us cross the great Yellow River and the Hexi Corridor towards the ancient city of Lanzhou (290km, about 4.5hours) where we’ll stay at a lovely 4 star hotel.
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Accommodation 4-star hotel in Lanzhou
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Meals BL
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LANZHOU SIGHTSEEING
Today's highlights are Gansu Provincial Museum and an excursion to Bingling Temple Grottoes, 75km southwest of Lanzhou. Listed as part of the ancient Silk Road for the World Heritage candidate, Bingling Temple Grottoes, filled with stupas, murals and Buddhist sculpture carved into natural caves, were a work in progress between the 4th and 10th centuries. Taste traditional and local foods at the local market.
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Accommodation 4-star hotel in Lanzhou
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Meals BL
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LANZHOU / BEIJING
The guide will pick you up and escort you to the airport to take your flight to Beijing.. It has been great and our CAT look forward to seeing you on another adventure trip!
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Meals B
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Price Policy
Tour Price Policy
Additional details
1. Before you pay deposit to book the tour, we haven’t made any reservation yet. The train, flight tickets and the hotel may different from the itinerary listed.
2. The visiting order of the scenic spots in the itinerary may change according to the traffic condition and other unforeseen things.
3. Tourist insurance is a must before going, please provide us the confirmation of insurance company when sign up.
The price includes
1. Entrance Fees: to scenic spots as listed in the itinerary
2. All the activities fee mentioned in the itinerary: Hutong rickshaw in Beijing; Sichuan Opera show in Chengdu;
3. Private Transfers: Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing during the trip by private air conditioned vehicle with a driver.
4. Meals: All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), include Peking duck dinner in Beijing; Hot pot dinner in Chengdu.
5. Guide: As outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city, who will remain with you throughout your time in that city. A new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available
6. Hotel: hotel fees are based on two people sharing one room with king-size bed. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast
7. Internal flights
** Day 11/ Flight from Yichang to Shanghai (based on economy class);
8. Trains
** Day 04/ High speed train from Beijing to Xi’an (based on 2nd class);
** Day 06/ High speed train from Xi’an to Chengdu (based on 2nd class)
** Day 06/ High speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing (based on 2nd class)
9. Arrangements: the tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges
10. Travel Agency Liability insurance
The price does not include
1. International airfare or train tickets to enter or leave China
2. China entry visa fees
3. Excess baggage charges
4. The medicine for the sickness or accident while on the way
5. Personal expenses: expenses of a purely personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary
6. Meals: any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary
7. Single room supplement
8. Please notice that the price will be much higher during the festival of Labors’ Day, National Day, spring festival
9. Tips to tour guide and driver (recommended USD10-15/guest/day).
10. Tourist accident insurance. NB - you are strongly suggested to buy travel and health insurance before you start out from your home country.
Payment conditions
To confirm your reservation, you must pay a deposit of 30% of the total amount due via the payment link that your local agent will share. The balance is due 30 days prior to departure. The quoted exchange rate is valid for the next 7 days – if the deposit is not paid within this time, the quote will be re-calculated.
Terms and conditions for cancelation
i. Cancellation of the Tour by CAT (local agent):
CAT reserve the right to cancel the postpone tour at any time up to the date final payment is due under the following condition: in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. And in this case, all money paid by the participants will be refunded. If the tour is postponed, CAT will offer all those who have signed up the opportunity to have the same tour for a later time, but the price may be changed according to the season. We will notify you of any change, and give you a reasonable period
of time to make your decision. Consumers may, but are under no obligation to, take the tour under these new terms. After final payment has been made, we may cancel the tour only if, in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. Since cancellation in this case involves factors which may arise suddenly and are entirely outside our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, civil unrest and epidemic disease, we cannot guarantee a full refund in this case. This is because payment will already have been made to finalize the arrangements and reservation.
ii. Cancellation of the Tour by Consumer:
Any cancellation must be made by sending an email to the local agent. The cancellation fee varies according to how many days prior to departure the cancellation is made:
· More than 30 days prior to departure: 5% of the total holiday cost
· Between 30 and 22 days prior to departure : 25% of the total holiday cost
· Between 21 and 8 days prior to departure : 50% of the total holiday cost
· Between 7 and 3 days prior to departure : 75% of the total holiday cost
· Less than 3 days prior to departure and after the departure date: 100% of the total holiday cost
All cancellations must be in writing and will be effective upon receipt by CAT. No refund will be made to those participants who break the journey regardless of the portions of the package unused. If, owing to serious illness or injury, the participant withdraws from the tour, a refund will be subject to the consent of the local travel agent.
No refund will be made to those participants who have failed to secure valid travel documents such as passport or visas.
