7 Days Silk Road Group Tour to Gansu & Qinghai
Tour Overview
This 7-day Silk Road group tour covers the highlights of Gansu and Qinghai in one unforgettable week. From the ancient Buddhist art of Mogao Caves and the stunning rainbow mountains of Zhangye Danxia to the mirror-like Chaka Salt Lake, experience the best of the Silk Road's eastern section. Travel with a small group, stay in comfortable 4-star hotels, and enjoy the expertise of our English-speaking guides.
Trip Highlights
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves (8 caves)
- Camel ride at the Singing Sand Dunes
- Walk the legendary Jiayuguan Fortress β end of the Great Wall
- Photograph Zhangye Danxia's rainbow mountains at sunset
- Walk on the mirror-like Chaka Salt Lake
- Visit Kumbum Monastery, a sacred Tibetan Buddhist site
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1Day
Arrive in Dunhuang
Arrive at Dunhuang Airport. Your guide will meet you and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, explore the bustling Shazhou Night Market β a feast of local snacks, handicrafts, and Silk Road souvenirs.
- 2Day
Dunhuang β Mogao Caves & Singing Sand Dunes
A full UNESCO day. Morning visit to the Mogao Caves (8 caves included), a treasure trove of Buddhist art spanning a thousand years. Afternoon camel ride and sand surfing at the Singing Sand Dunes. Watch the sunset over Crescent Moon Spring, an oasis in the desert.
- 3Day
Dunhuang β Jiayuguan
Drive through the Gobi Desert to Jiayuguan (approx. 5 hours). Visit the mighty Jiayuguan Fortress β the western terminus of the Great Wall of China, standing guard at a strategic pass since the Ming Dynasty.
- 4Day
Jiayuguan β Zhangye
Morning visit to the Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye, home to China's largest reclining Buddha (34.5m). Drive to Zhangye (approx. 2.5 hours). Late afternoon at Zhangye Danxia Geopark β the rainbow-colored rock formations are at their most spectacular at sunset.
- 5Day
Zhangye β Xining (High-speed train)
Morning high-speed train to Xining (approx. 3 hours), the gateway to the Tibetan Plateau. Afternoon visit to Dongguan Mosque, one of the largest mosques in northwest China, and stroll through the vibrant Muslim quarter.
- 6Day
Xining β Chaka Salt Lake & Kumbum Monastery
Full day excursion. Morning drive to Chaka Salt Lake (4 hours), the "Mirror of the Sky." Walk on the salt flats and capture stunning reflection photos. On the return journey, visit Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Si), one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
- 7Day
Depart Xining
Free time until your airport transfer. Your Gansu & Qinghai adventure concludes. Safe travels and εθ§!
What's Included
6 nights 4-star hotel accommodation (twin-share)
English-speaking guide throughout
High-speed train: Zhangye β Xining
Private air-conditioned vehicle & driver
Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
All entrance fees & listed activities
Airport transfers on arrival & departure
Travel insurance (China domestic)
What's Excluded
International flights to/from China
Chinese visa fees
Personal expenses & tips
Single room supplement ($280)
What Our Travelers Say
Join 20,000+ happy travelers who have explored the Silk Road with us
"Thanks to the team for making our journey safe and unforgettable. Every detail was perfectly arranged β from the desert camps to the ancient cities. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
"Special thanks to Alice for her professional arrangements. Our guides Harry and Jane were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. The drivers Zhou and Huang provided excellent service throughout."
"Amazing 13-day Xinjiang + Silk Road tour! Our guide Ali was exceptional β his knowledge of history and genuine care for every traveler made this journey extraordinary."
"Everything went smoothly as planned. The Silk Road exceeded all our expectations. We're already planning our next visit β there's so much more to explore!"
"Thank you Alice and assistant Richard for all the help! As first-time China travelers, we were nervous, but you made everything seamless."
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