Silk Road: Korla to Kashgar (7 days)
Spend seven days on the Silk Road, heading west to Kashgar and travelling by jeep instead of camel through the vast empty areas of Xinjiang Province.
This trip is also scheduled as a join-in group tour on the following date
Follow the link to see current trip information and booking details.
Journey to the West
One of our most popular long distance trips is the ‘Journey from the West’, starting from Urumqi and heading east to Jiayuguan. On this trip we’re going the other way, following the Silk Road west to Kashgar – a journey of more than one thousand kilometers!
Skirting the fringes of the huge Taklamakan Desert, we’ll pass through obscure Silk Road stops like Korla, Kuqa, and Aksu. We’ll take a hike to see the stunning scenery of the Baicheng Landform and the Dakziliya Grand Canyon, and will explore the Buddhist art and murals of the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves.
Travelling by jeep will give us a good look at the lifestyle of those who live in the sparsely populated areas of western China, and we’ll get an idea of what it might have been like to travel the Silk Road in days gone by—in air-conditioned comfort, of course.
Our jeep team is local to the area, and they’ve helped us pick out a few extra places to visit … places we wouldn’t have otherwise known about!
The Journey to the West is one of the four classics of Chinese literature, and is a fictionalised account of the actual journey made by Buddhist monk Xuanzang in the sixth century. Some of the historical information known about the stops we make along the way is attributed to notes made by Xuanzang on his journey.
Trip overview
Day One
Fly to Korla via Urumqi, tour Korla’s Old City.
Day Two
Drive to Kuqa, visit Old Town, Grand Mosque, King’s Palace.
Day Three
Ancient City of Subashi, Dakziliya Grand Canyon hiking, Baicheng Landform, camp overnight.
Day Four
Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, hiking.
Day Five
Drive to Kashgar, evening walkabout.
Day Six
Tour Kashgar’s Old Town, Id Kar Mosque, Qing Dynasty concubine’s tomb, Grand Bazaar.
Day Seven
Kashgar Livestock Market, fly back to Beijing via Urumqi.
See photos from our 2013 Korla to Kashgar trip »
Highlights
Korla
There has been a settlement at Korla since at least the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD), when the town there was known as Weili and had a population of around 10,000 people. A river runs through Korla, and the river valley formed a natural passage between mountains and desert—no need for the Silk Road traders to cross the high mountain ranges nearby. One of the key fortifications in the area is the Tiemen (Iron Gate) Pass, a military checkpoint from the Tang Dynasty (618–907).
The population has grown since the Han Dynasty, with a population of 470,000 recorded by the 2007 census. The majority of inhabitants are Han Chinese, and there's a substantial percentage of Uyhgurs, Mongolians, and Huis. Our jeep drivers come from Korla, and, for some of them, Mongolian is their first language.
The economy has also changed in modern times, particularly with the discovery of oil in the Taklamakan Desert. Another key product of the area is the fragrant pear, which we're sure to get a taste of!
In the book version of Journey from the West Xuanzang convinced a local river-ogre to become Buddhist, and to stop terrorizing villagers and travellers. In the actual journey, Xuanzang passed through carrying his copies of sutras.
Kuqa
Kuqa was one of the Four Garrisons of Anxi, active during the Tang Dynasty. (The other three garrisons were Khotan, to the south, Kashgar, to the west, and Karashahr, north of Korla.) The garrisons were built during a time when the Tibetan Empire was vying with China for control of the area. Later, during the eighth century, Kucha became the center of the Uyghur Kingdom.
Part of the ruined city of Subashi Click to view a larger image »
Even further back, in ‘Antiquity’ (that is, before 476 or so), Kuqa was a Buddhist center, with notes made by Xuanzang of “100 convents, with 5,000 Buddhist disciples following doctrine and rules of discipline like those of India“.
Kuchean music and dance was very popular during the Tang Dynasty, and we'll see depictions of lutes, drums, and dancing when we visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves near Aksu.
In Kuqa we'll visit the Old City, where we'll see the narrow lanes between mud-brick houses and perhaps the busy market in the Old City square, and we'll make visits to the King’s Palace, and the Mosque.
Close by to Kuqa is the ruined city of Subashi, where we'll see the remains of a huge Buddhist temple. When Xuanzang passed through, he was so impressed he stayed for two months! The use of the site peaked between the sixth and eighth centuries, at which time it was home to more than 10,000. The temple was sacked during war in the ninth century, and never really recovered, especially as the influence of Islam grew in this area during the time of the Uyghur Kingdom.
Not far from Subashi is an area with some excellent scenery. We'll set up camp at the Baicheng Landform, and will do some hiking there as well as in the Dakziliya ‘Grand Canyon’.
We'll set up camp near the weirdly-eroded Baicheng Landform, some of which is seen in the above photo.
Camping in the Baicheng Landform
The Baicheng Landform is one of the special spots our jeep team told us about, and they know a good place to set up camp. They'll cook up dinner for us, and we'll enjoy a bonfire and some stargazing, weather permitting!
Aksu
In Uyghur, Aksu means ‘White Water’, and a big river nearby is likely the reason for this name. During the Han Dynasty, and until the early Tang Dynasty, it was known as Kumo, and described as a kingdom. It's sited at a fork in the Silk Road, with a section that crosses the mountains to get to the Ili River splitting from the main line of the northern Silk Road that skirts the top of the Tarim Basin.
Nowadays, it's a fairly large town by Chinese standards, with a population of nearly 600,000. In Aksu Prefecture, there are nearly two million people, with 71% belonging to the Uyghur ethnic group. The economy is largely agricultural, with cotton, grain, fruits, oils, and beets the main products.
Near Aksu are the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, a series of caves cut into rock high on a hill. The caves were carved by Buddists between the third and sixth centuries, and are the largest of their type in Xinjiang Province. The caves have a similar style to the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, but were not as well hidden from the turmoil and treasure hunters through the years. Many of the murals remain, and three phases of influence on the artwork can be seen: Indian, Iranian, and Tang Dynasty. We'll take a closer look when we get there!
As with seemingly all the Buddhist sites in the area, Xuanzang passed through, recording the presence of tens of Buddhist monasteries and noting that the customs of Aksu were similar to those of Kuqa, but that the spoken language was “somewhat different“.
Also of interest at Aksu is the Old City, which we'll visit. We'll be visiting quite a few Old Cities along the way, building up to the visit to Kashgar.
Kashgar
Kashgar is an ancient city in the far west of China, with many historically interesting sites and a strong Muslim influence from the large Uyghur community.
The earliest recorded mention of Kashgar can be found in Han Dynasty records that date back to 125 BC. At that point it was already one of the many stops on the Northern Silk Road, and, despite wars and battles, has been populated ever since.
In Kashgar, we will visit many of the most interesting sights.
Kashgar Old City
Known as an excellent example of a traditional Islamic city, Kashgar’s Old City has undergone significant changes in recent times—some parts have been knocked down due to new regulations about building to meet earthquake and fire codes, and some sections are undergoing reconstruction.
While the Old City might not be totally as aesthetically pleasing as it used to be, it’s still very much worth a visit just to get a look at the daily life of the local residents, and to sample a little bit of the naan bread sold at streetside stalls.
The Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar.
Id Kah Mosque
With a history that stretches back until at least the 14th century, the Id Kah Mosque is an active mosque and perhaps the largest in China. While we can’t enter during the times of prayer, we'll try to time it so we can get a look inside.
Grand Bazaar
Kashgar’s Grand Bazaar covers a huge area and sells a little of everything—carpets and silk, spices, dried fruit, animal skins and fur, hats, clothing, trumpets, drums, and other musical instruments, and much more!
The Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine.
Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine
Commonly known as the Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine, it is more accurately described as the tomb of Afaq Khoja, a religious and political leader said to be a relative of Muhammad, and is one of the key Muslim sites in Xinjiang.
The mausoleum was built around 1640 for Muhammed Yusuf, the father of Afaq Khoja, and is a domed structure with four corner minarets and a beautiful cladding of glazed tiles.
The key points of the story of the Fragrant Concubine differ greatly, depending on which side is telling it. One side has it that her captivating scent caused her presentation as a gift to the Emperor, who she grew to love until her death. The other side has it that she was kidnapped, held against her will in the Forbidden City, where she plotted to kill him until she was murdered by the Empress Dowager.
Livestock Market
The livestock market is where local shepherds and farmers meet up to sell and trade livestock. We’ll visit for a look at this very interesting slice of local culture on the last day of the trip, and see if we can spot anyone using the secretive method of agreeing on a price.
Weather
Weather is expected to be dry and possibly hot, with a temperature range of 30–14°C expected
Accommodation
Aside from the camping in the desert, we’ll stay in the best hotels we can find – 4-star (or the local equivalent) at least!
You’ll be sharing a room at the hotel with another hiker. If you'd like a hotel room to yourself, it can be arranged at an extra cost of 1,325 RMB for the whole trip.
Further details about room shares and single supplement can be found in the documents we send you as part of the registration.
Flights and transport
We’ll flying to Korla and back from Kashgar, changing planes at Urumqi both times. For the rest of the trip, we’ll be in big, comfortable jeeps.
Frequent flyers: Please let us know if you would like to use your frequent flyer miles or if you are a frequent flyer member. If you would like to organise your own flights, we can provide further details.
Food
The following meat, bread, and vegetables feature prominently in the local cuisine: roast lamb, beef; naan bread; potatoes, tomatoes, green peppers. While in the cities and towns, we’ll take our meals at restaurants, and we’ll bring basic food to cook while on the road and camping.
Some of the drives are rather long, and cross a lot of empty territory. Prepare some snacks for the drives; we’ll supplement them with nuts and biscuits and water.
Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements or food allergies.
Things to bring
- Passport
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Hat
- Hiking boots or comfortable shoes for walking
- A day pack to take on outings, suitcases or bigger bags can be left at the hotel or on the jeeps
- Camera and charger, batteries
- Suncream
- Torch or headlamp
- Mobile phone, charger
- Any personal medicine or things that may be required but not available in small towns (chocolate, for example!)
It would also be nice to bring a small gift for the driver of your jeep – they’re very friendly fellows, and would appreciate the kind gesture!
Xinjiang has an unofficial time difference of two hours from Beijing. All times listed are Beijing time, but we’ll be trying to time the meals for Xinjiang time.
Deposit and Payment
First, make a deposit of 5,000 RMB per person so we can be sure of getting your flight tickets during the peak holiday season.
Pay the deposit before May 17 to qualify for the early-bird price. Please pay the balance before May 31.
Full itinerary
-
Day 1
07:30 – Meet up at Beijing Capital Airport
08:40 – Flight to Urumqi
12:40 – Arrive in Urumqi
15:30 – Onward flight from Urumqi to Korla
16:15 – Arrive in Korla
16:50 – Check in at hotel, head out to explore Korla’s Old City
19:00 – Local specialties for dinner
20:00 – Back to the hotel -
Day 2
08:30 – Breakfast at hotel
09:00 – Load baggage on to our jeeps and drive to Kuqa (about 4 hours drive)
14:00 – Arrive in Kuqa, check in at hotel
15:30 – Visit Kuqa’s Grand Mosque, King's Palace, Old Town
19:30 – Dinner in town
20:30 – Drive back to the hotel -
Day 3
08:30 – Breakfast at hotel
09:00 – 30-minute drive in jeeps to the ancient city of Subashi, walk around the ancient city
12:00 – Travel to the Dakziliya Grand Canyon for hiking and exploration (1 hour drive)
14:00 – Picnic lunch
15:00 – Drive to the Baicheng landform
16:30 – Set up camp
18:30 – Dinner at campsite -
Day 4
08:30 – Pack up tents, breakfast
09:00 – Drive to the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (1 hour in jeeps)
10:00 – Tour of Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves
12:00 – Drive to Aksu (3 hours)
14:00 – Lunch break and a hike
17:00 – Arrive at Aksu, check in to hotel
19:00 – Dinner -
Day 5
09:00 – Breakfast at hotel
09:30 – Drive to Kashgar (5 hour drive)
13:30 – Picnic lunch in a nice spot with views of mountains
14:30 – Continue the drive
17:00 – Arrive in Kashgar, check in to hotel
17:30 – Walk around Kashgar City
18:30 – Xinjiang specialties for dinner
20:00 – Back to the hotel -
Day 6
09:00 – Breakfast at hotel
09:30 – Visit Kashgar's old town
13:30 – Lunch at local restaurant
14:30 – Visit the Id Kar Mosque
15:30 – Visit the Qing Dynasty concubine’s tomb
16:30 – Visit Kashgar’s Grand Bazaar
20:00 – Dinner -
Day 7
09:00 – Breakfast at hotel
09:30 – Look about the local livestock market
12:00 – Lunch at local restaurant
13:00 – Head to the airport
13:30 – Arrive at the airport and check in
14:35 – Fly to Urumqi
16:20 – Arrived in Urumqi
18:25 – Fly to Beijing
22:05 – Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport
All times are approximate, and depend on our speed of movement.
