7 days Silk Road Tour from Lanzhou

Tour summary

Sparkling azure waters that stretch from horizon to horizon await at the end of this 5 day Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake tour. Spend a little under a week exploring the highlights of the Tibetan world and some of its most sacred sites. From the glistening white walls of Potala Palace with its commanding view to the lively streets of Barkhor this tour will open the door to this enigmatic land. Lhasa City is the heart of Tibet, and it can be felt when there amongst the locals and pilgrims from the landscape. This tour will allow enough time to immerse yourself into to the culture and enjoy the sites. It’s also a perfect addition to any trip in Asia.

Tour photos

Day 1: Lanzhou Arrival & Drive to Yellow River Stone Forest Park 130km

Meet at airport, in the afternoon drive 2.5 hours to Yellow River Stone Forest National Geological Park, it is located in Jingtai County. After arriving at the entrance, take the shuttle bus driving in the desolate desert hills along the Yellow River, stay in Longwan village tonight.

Day 2: Yellow River Stone Forest Park- Yongtai Ancient City- Lanzhou 280km

In the morning, the battery cars transfer us from hotel to the wharf, drifting downstream by taking the sheepskin raft. After landing, enjoy donkey carts ride into the narrow road between the unique and beautiful rock ravine formations. Later, take the kart to the viewing point, appreciate the panoramic view of Yellow River and the Stone Forest. After it, returned by the same way as how we come, kart-donkey carts- motorboat(upstream). In the afternoon, drive to Yongtai ancient city, it’s also dubbed “the turtle city” for it looks like a turtle when seen above. The once military fortress is now a barren wasteland in the Gobi. After sightseeing, drive back to Lanzhou.

Day 3: Lanzhou-Zhangye High Speed Train 3.2hrs & Matisi Grottoes 114km

Take high speed train to Zhangye. Upon arrival, driving to Matisi Temple(Horse Hoof Temple), it is located in the Qilian Snow Mountain, the first caves were dug about 1,600 years ago. A miraculous view of temples hanging from the rocky hill. If time and weather allows, we can enjoy the beautiful sunset here. After it, drive back to Zhangye.

Day 4: Zhangye- Jiayuguan 260km

Drive to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, also named as the Rainbow Mountains, it is a geological wonder of the world. The mountains are of unbelievable colors, changing tone as with the height of the sun. The sightseeing bus take you to different Viewing Platforms. After that, drive to Jiayuguan.

Day 5: Jiayuguan- Dunhuang 380km

This morning visit Jiayuguan Fort outside of the city, it is last portion of Great Wall of China built from Ming Dynasty in 14th century, and an essential part of Silk Road to the west. You can choose to climb on the Overhanging Great Wall (20 minutes up). After that, drive to Dunhuang.

Day 6: Mogao Grottoes, Singing Sands Dune

Our Mogao Grottoes visit is reserved at 8am today. Traders and officials donate and create them with colorful murals and delicate buddha statues inside. They were to pray for a safe journey to the west. After sightseeing, drive back to hotel to have a rest. In the afternoon around 4pm, drive to Dunhuang Sands Dune, the wind blows the sand in the vast desert land, just as if it were singing. Climb on the sand dunes, if weather permits, you will see beautiful sunset.