We had a wonderful time in Tibet. We have learned a lot about this unique destination because of the wonderful guide Degyi who is so knowledge and always available towards our tours. We stayed at the Shangri-La Hotel Lhasa, and we would never imagine a Tibet travel could be so nice and amazing without the help of Degyi.
Also, thanks a lot to our Tibetan driver Mr.Wongdun for his safe driving and a good sense of service along the way.
We shall return Tibet in the near future!
P.B. and A. A - Europe
Tibet Travel
June 2018 (Private Tibet Journey from Kathmandu)
Tour Name: Tien Shan Botanic Holiday Tour Code: M71D349 Duration: 12 Days & 11 Nights Destination: Urumqi, Sayram Lake, Yining (Ghulja), Xiate Prairies, Tekes, Qiongku Shitai, Kelajun, Xinyuan, Tangbula, Narat, Bayanbulak Features: Tien Shan, or Tian Shan, is a large mountain range in Central Asia. The Chinese Tien Shan lies in the middle of Xinjiang and its west embraces the Ili Basin. Tien Shan is home to thousands of wild flowers and is the foremost botanic region in Central Asia. This holiday takes you to see the wild flowers and plants in the Tien Shan mountain range in West Xinjiang. Departure Date: From May to July Tour Price: From $ P.P |
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Itinerary Day By Day: | ||
Day02 Urumqi - Sayram Lake (B, L, D) A flat paved road leads us westwards to Sayram Lake. On your way you can see the Tien Shan Mountain Rage to the south. We will have a lunch break at a small town Kuitun. We carry on the drive and find the Tien Shan Mountain is just in front of us. After half an hour drive we reach Dushanzi Great Canyon, walk in the canyon. After the walking, we will drive farther for another 4 hours to Sayram Lake. Overnight at a local lodge | ||
Day03 Sayram Lake - Ghulja (B, L, D) Means "Lake on the Mountain Ridge" in Mongolian, also be called "SanTai Lake", the name Saram derived from three posthouse at the East Bank of the Lake in the Manchu Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The lake is 2,073m above sea level, 90km perimeter, 30km from north to south and width 20km, and the inmost depth is 90.5m. The lake is embraced by the Tien Shan Mountain and meadows at the lakeside grow numerous wildflowers. We will observe the flowers in the morning, what we can find are Adonis tianschanica (Adolf) Lipsch, Papaver nudicaule Linn, Prunella vulgaris Linn and Ranunculaceae etc. In the afternoon you will drive down along the Apple Gorge to Ghulja (Yining). Have botanical stops at the Apple Gorge and enjoy lavender fields near Huocheng. On arrival Yining you will have some walk at the Old Town. Overnight at Twin Star General Hotel | ||
Day04 Ghulja - Xiate (B, L, D) Located beneath the HanTenGeli Mountain, called as "Hantu AmanTai", the 120km long Xiate Ancient Trail which connects north and south Tien Shan Mountain Range, is the shortcut for the people in Ghulja going to South Xinjiang. The Xiate Ancient Trail, one of the most treacherous sections of the historic Northern Silk Road, is famous for its flower-filled prairies, snow-capped mountains and glacier-fed rivers. Lush prairies, pine-covered valleys and sky-scraping snow-capped mountains form an untapped wilderness to make the Xiate Ancient Trail a jewel of Xinjiang. It is the best season in JUNE and JULY to find the wildflowers and other botanical plants in Xiate. We will drive to Xiate National Park and walk on the ancient train for flowers and enjoy spectacular landscapes of the forests and glacier. Overnight at local yurt lodge | ||
Day05 Xiate - Qiongku Shita (B, L, D) This morning we can have some time for the botanical discovery at Xiate. Then we will have a leisure drive towards Qiongku Shita, a beautiful ancient village famous for its well preserved residential building complex at the Yili River Basin. During the drive we will find Kazak yurts and wildflowers at roadsides and in the forests passing through. On arrival we will make a botanical walking on the meadows. Overnight at a local lodge | ||
Day06 Kelajun Grassland (B, L, D) Have a day walking and horseback riding to Kelajun Grassland for flowers. Kelajun Grassland sits in the south of Kelajun Mountain in Tekesi County. Means "Black Prairie" in Kazak language, Kelajun covers an area 1,000 square km, which is a highland pasture, the terrain is gentle and view is amazing. Thanks to the richness of rainfalls and sunny weather, the wildflowers are in full bloom here and there on the meadows. We have many botanical opputnities on the trail to Kelajun. At night we can enjoy a bonfire party. Overnight in camp | ||
Day07 Qiongku Shita (B, L, D) Morning explore on the grassland for flowers and other botanical observations. Later of the day we will walk and riding the horse back to the village Qiongku Shita. Overnight at a local lodge | ||
Day08 Qiongku Shita - Xinyuan (B, L, D) We have a drive northeast to Qiaxi through high spruce woodlands and onwards to Xinyuan. We can see lots of wild flowers on the way. Overnight at a local hotel | ||
Day09 Xinyuan - Tangbula (B, L, D) We will leave in the morning for Tangbula Scenic Area, en route see Papaver rhoeas (red poppy) and wild tulip.The drive out of Xinyuan is pleasure as we meet big and tall birch trees at the roadside. Tangbula Scenic Area consists of primitive forests, pastures, running streams and beautiful mountains. We will explore in the forests and great canyon for botanical finds. Overnight at a local lodge | ||
Day10 Tangbula - Bayanbulak (B, L, D) This morning we will climb up Aktas Mountain for flowers in the meadow. Nicknamed as the "Small Huashan", Aktas is steep while the meadows below the peak is home to Tulipa iliensis Regel. After that we carry on the drive to Bayanbulak. On the way we will stop at Narat Grassland for flowers. The meaning of Narat is "the place where sunshine first appears" in Mongolian language. Overnight at White Swan Guest House | ||
Day11 Bayanbulak - Urumqi (B, L, D) Visit Bayanbulak Grassland in the morning. Bayanbulak means "many springs" in Mongolian language and it is well known for a large population of wild swans and it is good place for photographers to take photos of nine turned and eighteen curved rivers. The Bayanbulak Grassland is the second largest grassland in China boasting luxuriant verdant grass, numerous flocks of sheep and varied plants. Being a far-flung and level prairie, it also abounds in varieties of grass, and is studded with numerous lakes and encircled by snow mountains. The Swan Lake is located in this grassland. Actually, it is made of a group of small lakes. You could go up to the Bird Watch Platform built there to appreciate the splendid spectacle of swans, lakes, mountains, clouds and blue sky. Later of the day we head back Urumqi and make several stops for flowers on the way. Overnight at Bayinhe Hotel | ||
Day12 Depart Urumqi (B) Free till transfer to airport for departure flight. End of the Tien Shan Botanic Holiday in Xinjiang. | ||
Price inclusions:
Tour costing varies upon group size, travel season and hotel accommodation levels etc. For price details please email us at info@splendidchinatours.com
01). All accommodations based on two persons sharing one room (single occupancy is subject to supplement);
02). China internal flights with airport tax or train as stated in the program;
03). Round-trip transfers between airports or railway stations, hotels, and scenic spots in each city by private air- conditioned vehicles with experienced licensed drivers;
04). All admission fees and activity expenses as listed in the itinerary;
05). Botanical trips as stated in the itinerary
06). Daily meals as specified in the itinerary: B denotes breakfast, L denotes lunch, and D denotes dinner (SD signifies special dinner);
07). Services of a local English speaking guide throughout (other languages can be arranged upon request, supplement may apply);
08). Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour;
09). Governmental taxes and fees.
Price excluded:
01). International airfare to/from China;
02). Chinese Visa fees;
03). Expenses of personal natural such as laundry, telephone, drinks, mini bar etc;
04). Personal shopping, optional activities and excess baggage charges;
05). Gratuities for local tour guides, drivers and hotel bellboy etc;
06). International travel insurance;
07). Services and activities that are not mentioned in the itinerary.