Dates Aug 29–Sep 19, 2006
Leader James Martin
and local guides
Fee $5,795 from Beijing, China
Deposit $400
Limit 16
Terms and Conditions

China is a living museum. It is a nation of distinct ethnic groups that still maintain their own customs, languages and lifestyles—many of which have never been documented in Western media. Our tour this year will follow the exotic Silk Road from its eastern terminus at Xian, where we will see the buried terra cotta soldiers in an emperor’s tomb, to the western Chinese terminus on the Pamir Plateau, once called “the roof of the world.” For seventeen days we will negotiate narrow mountain corridors, traverse the rims of glaciated valleys, fly across the enormous expanses of the Gobi Desert and be refreshed by the beauty of natural oases.

Vivid Buddhist murals in hidden grottoes, breathtaking scenic juxtapositions of lush oases in the midst of high desert, and ice bound mountains in flaming sunset hues will capture our imaginations and challenge our photographic and artistic abilities. Photographic subject matter will also include the fascinating traditional dress and daily activities of eleven different minority groups, including the Uighur people of the high plateaus.

More adventurous than most of our Photo Safaris, this trip will take us to altitudes above 15,000 feet. We will spend a night in yurts on the edge of Kalakuli Lake, another night on a train taking us from the end of the Great Wall to Turpan, and a third night in tents at the edge of the Taklamakan Desert.

We’ll join the throng in the Sunday Market of Kashgar where fine leather boots, embroidered felt and fur caps, jeweled knives, savory flat bread and lamb kabobs are offered for sale. Prepare for a challenging and extraordinary photographic expedition!



Day 1
Depart from home.

Day 2
Arrive in Beijing. (D)

Day 3
Fly to Xian. (D)

Day 4
This day’s highlights include the Ming city wall at sunrise and the Great Mosque at sunset. (BLD)

Day 5
Visit the Xian Museum and view the buried “terra cotta army” of the emperor’s tomb. (Unfortunately, government restrictions prohibit photography here.) Fly to Dunhuang, an oasis town established in 111 B.C. (BLD)

Day 6–7
The Mingshi sand dunes—vivid yellow against brilliant blue skies—offer spectacular photo opportunities. We will also visit the Mogao Caves where the artistry of the Buddhist statuary and murals represents early Indian influence in the 4th century through the distinctive Chinese representations of the 10th century. Drive to Jiayuguan at the end of the Hexi Corridor in the Gobi Desert. This is the last outpost of the Great Wall. (BLD)

Day 8
Photograph the Great Wall at sunrise and sunset. Take the overnight train to Turpan. (BLD)

Day 9
We drive today to the Tuyugou Valley and photograph in this Oriental Mecca, opened to tourism just a year and a half ago. (BLD)

Day 10
Drive to Urumqi, one of the most isolated cities on earth. It is over 2,050 miles from the nearest large body of water. Explore the brooding ruins of an ancient city and a thriving grape farm en route. (BLD)

Day 11
Drive to Heavenly Lake, gaining 9,500 feet in altitude on our journey. (BLD)

Day 12
Sunrise photography at Heavenly Lake, then we return to Urumqi and fly to Kashgar. (BLD)

Day 13
Explore the Sunday Market with its Turkic cultures, as well as the Id Kah Mosque, one of the largest in China. These are the same streets walked by Marco Polo around 1280 AD! (BLD)

Day 14
The Karakorum Highway takes us to Kalakuli Lake on the Pamir Plateau. Stay in yurts in high meadows (over 12,000 feet) beneath Mt. Muztagata (24,757 feet), also known as “Father of Ice Mountains.” (BLD)

Day 15
Morning at Kalakuli Lake, then return to Kashgar. (BLD)

Day 16
Drive to Khotan. (BLD)

Day 17
We relax today and photograph the people at their traditional embroidery work. (BLD)

Day 18
Drive to Minfeng and, in late afternoon, photograph stunning sunset views of the Taklamakan Desert. Overnight in comfortable tents. (BLD)

Day 19
After sunrise photography, drive to Kucha. (BLD)

Day 20
Photograph the KizilyaThousand Buddha Caves, return to Kucha and fly to Urumqi. (BLD)

Day 21
Fly to Beijing. (BLD)

Day 22
Depart for home. (B)


Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070
Phone: (206) 463-5383   Fax: (206) 463-5484    Email: info@photosafaris.com
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