OVERVIEW
Imagine an unreal experience hiking in total silence among mega dunes covered in snow, in a landscape dotted with frozen lakes and circled by the infinite horizon.
Escorted by your camel caravan you will cross this dreamy place, one of world’s remotest, in search for the highest dune.
A trip for wild at heart, kept in cages. A 5 d/4n exclusive hiking itinerary lead by local Mongol camel herders, hosted in their very homes.
Flanked by a camel school You will join the dream-time frozen desert experience exploring dune ranges high as much as 400mt.
Culture 
Archaeology 
Adventure & Nature 
Day 1 : Arrival Beijing (- / - / D)
Vibrant Beijing is the perfect destination to start this intrepid nine day adventure.
Upon arrival, we will be met by our guide and transferred to the hotel to check-in. We then have the rest of the day at leisure in the cosmopolitan capital ahead of a Beijing duck welcome dinner. Beijing lies just south of the rim of the Central Asian Steppes and it is separated from the Gobi Desert by a green chain of mountains over which the Great Wall runs.
It became the capital during the Jin Dynasty and experienced its first phase of grandiose city planning during the Yuan Dynasty, under Mongol emperor Kublai Khan who made the city his winter capital in the late 13th century. Despite the futuristic gleaming skyscrapers and modern development, the city contains multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian, the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Today’s relaxed itinerary provides a smooth introduction to city life.
Overnight in Beijing Novotel Hotel 4* or similar.
Day 2 : Beijing (B / L / D)
Dive into Beijing’s attractions on today’s entertaining tour.
We start at the lively Panjiayuan Market which stocks a colourful mix of second-hand goods, art and crafts. We then take a step back in time at the Temple of Heaven. This was built in 1420 as a place to pray for good harvests.
After lunch, we explore another important historic site, Lama Temple. Built in 1700, this Tibetan Buddhist complex houses intricate architecture. We continue to the Temple of Confucius which spans an expansive area of 22,000 sq-m. Dating back to 1302, it is the second largest temple constructed for Chinese philosopher and politician Confucius.
Next, we get a taste of authentic life in the hutongs (historic narrow alleyways) built during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, they serve as a window into traditional life and we visit a family living in this area to get an insight into local life.
At Slanted Pipe Street we snap up souvenirs before enjoying an evening street food tour. Today’s excursion provides a great snapshot into Beijing life, both past and present.
Overnight in Beijing Novotel Hotel 4* or similar.
Day 3 : Beijing (B / L / D)
Take the walk of a lifetime along a remote section of the iconic Great Wall of China.
After breakfast, we set off along this UNESCO World Heritage barrier. The series of ancient walls and fortifications stretch across Northern China and were constructed under the rule of several emperors. Escorted by professional hiking guides, we will access a rarely-visited section of the wall on this light-to-medium rated walk.
After working up an appetite, we enjoy lunch and return to the hotel.
We then have the rest of the day to explore vibrant Beijing at leisure before sampling more local cuisine at dinner. Today’s tour forges unforgettable memories at one of the world’s most famous defence fortifications. Please note: Snacks and water are provided during the hike.
Overnight in Beijing Novotel Hotel 4* or similar.
Day 4 : Beijing - Jinchang (B / L / D)
Trade in Beijing’s cosmopolitan skyline for the tranquillity of vast Badain Jaran Desert.
After breakfast, we check-out and board a morning flight to Jinchang. From here, we will be met by our local guide and enjoy lunch at a small town.
We then catch a bus and take a two-and-a-half hour scenic drive to the desert border, where jeeps await to take us on the last leg of our journey into the desert. The Badain Jaran is China’s third largest desert and it spans 49,000 sq-km across the areas of Gansu, Ningxia and Inner Mongolia.
We take an exhilarating ride past rolling sand dunes and barren plains, arriving at our overnight camp in time to enjoy a spectacular sunset and welcome dinner alongside our local companions, plenty of sheep.
We then enjoy a relaxing evening staring at the stars. Prepare to have your breath blown away today as we head deep into the desert.
Overnight in a local house.
Day 5 : Badain Desert (B / L / D)
Embark on the hike of a lifetime as we set off on an intrepid desert trek.
We start the day with a hearty breakfast and then set off on our 15-km hike to Lake Nuretu at about 11 am. We will be escorted by camels who will carry our luggage along the route. If you become tired, it is possible to hop on and take a breather. Lake Nuretu is a stunningly serene expanse of water flanked by date trees and wafting grasses.
A few small houses have been set up lakeside to receive visitors and we will stay overnight at this site and enjoy a well-deserved dinner, ahead of an evening hike around the lake beneath an amazing star-filled sky. This is a unique experience in the great outdoors.
Overnight in local house.
Day 6 : Badain Desert (B / L / D)
Today we hike along incredible trails that follow Lake Nuretu’s rim to Badain Jaran Desert Temple.
We recommend rising ahead of dawn to catch a spectacular sunrise reflected in the lake’s clear waters.
After breakfast, we set off on a 15 km hike and camel ride to Badain Jaran Desert Temple. We soak up enchanting desert landscapes as we make our way to this Buddhist temple that dates back to 1868. It is perched on the lake’s shore behind a huge dune that resembles a volcanic caldera.
We continue to our overnight accommodation and enjoy a well-deserved dinner.
Today’s excursion provides us with the opportunity to enjoy another amazing day of stunning scenery and hiking along remote trails.
Overnight in desert
Day 7 : Badain Desert (B / L / D)
Today we get a natural high as we ascend Asia’s highest sand dune, Bilutu.
We will soak up a stunning vista from the 600 metres-high peak. We set off to this attraction after breakfast. Camels don’t like climbing dunes so we have to make the trip under our own power.
However, the efforts will be rewarded with stunning views across rolling sand dunes that resemble a scene from another planet. We can then choose to hike back down, or take a more thrilling descent jumping and sliding down the sands.
Next, we head to the shores of Xiao Haize to relax and sip on a refreshing cup of tea as we look out over the expanse of sand that divides us from the next valley and its lake. This adventure ticks all the boxes for thrill-seekers.
Overnight in local house.
Day 8 : Badan Desert - Beijing (B / L / D)
Thrill seekers will be in their element during this dune-bashing session through the desert.
As our last full day, we recommend rising early to catch a final sunrise in this surreal setting. After breakfast, we jump in our jeeps and set off on an exhilarating drive that sees us follow trails that follow the rise and fall of the rolling dunes and we race across flat sandy plains as we return to the edge of the desert.
From here, we transfer to Jinchang Airport and board our flight back to civilisation in bustling Beijing. From Beijing airport, we will drive to our city hotel to check-in, with the rest of the day to relax or explore more of the vibrant capital.
Today’s activity is the perfect way to round out our time in breath-taking Badain Jaran.
Overnight in Beijing Novotel Hotel 4* or similar.
Day 9 : Beijing (B / - / -)
All good things must come to an end and today we bid a fond farewell to Beijing.
After breakfast at the hotel, we may have some time to explore the city ahead of our departure. When it is time, we check-out and transfer to the airport for the next leg of our journey.
We leave full of ever-lasting memories of our night and day adventure through the expansive frozen desert of Badain Jaran. We have delved into vibrant life in bustling Beijing and explored its most famed historic sites. Our incredible hike through Badain Jaran has seen us trek towering sand dunes, including Asia’s largest Bilutu and across arid plains. We have marvelled at stunning Lake Nuretu and visited charming lakeside temples while camping under star-lit skies.
End of the Tour.
Our services include :
- Tours and transfers with licenced English-speaking guiding services / assistance
- Other languages are on request and are subject to availability
- Accommodation in sharing twin / double in 4-star hotels
- Transportation for tour and transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, unless otherwise stated
- Flight in economy class as indicated in the program including airport taxes and fuel charges
- All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the program
- All applicable taxes and service charges
- All meals as indicated in the program (food only)
Our services do not include :
- Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours/ visits, unless otherwise stated
- Any meals as not indicated in program
- Porterage at the airport and at the hotels (in and out)
- Visa fee for China
- Personal insurance and SOS Evacuation – mandatory for this itinerary
B=Breakfast L= Lunch D= Dinner BL= Box Lunch
|
City |
Hotels |
|
Beijing |
Beijing Novotel Hotel |
|
Jinchang |
Local house |
|
Badain Desert |
Local house |
China, a vast and diverse country, offers travelers a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural attractions to explore. Here's a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your journey through China:
Beijing :
Forbidden City: Explore the majestic Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Great Wall: Visit the iconic Great Wall of China, one of the most impressive architectural feats in history, and hike along its ancient ramparts for breathtaking views.
Temple of Heaven: Discover the Temple of Heaven, an architectural masterpiece and sacred site where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed ceremonies to pray for good harvests.
Xi'an :
Terracotta Army: Marvel at the Terracotta Army, a collection of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
Ancient City Wall: Walk or cycle along the well-preserved Ancient City Wall of Xi'an, one of the oldest and most complete city walls in China.
Shanghai :
The Bund: Take a stroll along the historic Bund waterfront and admire the architectural diversity of colonial-era buildings juxtaposed with modern skyscrapers across the Huangpu River.
Yu Garden: Explore the tranquil Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden with pavilions, ponds, and rockeries dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
Guilin and Yangshuo :
Li River Cruise: Embark on a scenic cruise along the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing by dramatic karst limestone peaks, lush bamboo forests, and traditional villages.
Longji Rice Terraces: Visit the Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the Dragon's Backbone Terraces, and hike among the picturesque cascading rice paddies cultivated by the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minority groups.
Chengdu :
Giant Panda Breeding Research Base: Get up close to giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and learn about conservation efforts to protect these beloved endangered animals.
Jinli Ancient Street: Wander through Jinli Ancient Street, a vibrant pedestrian alley lined with traditional teahouses, souvenir shops, and Sichuanese snack stalls.
Lhasa, Tibet :
Potala Palace: Visit the awe-inspiring Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama and a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism's rich cultural heritage.
Jokhang Temple: Explore the sacred Jokhang Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple revered by Tibetans as the holiest site in Tibet.
Practical Tips :
Visa: Obtain a tourist visa before traveling to China, as most foreign nationals require a visa to enter the country.
Transportation : China has an extensive and efficient transportation network, including high-speed trains, domestic flights, and buses, making it easy to travel between cities and regions.
Language : Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas and major cities.
Currency : Chinese Yuan (CNY) is the official currency.
With its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture, China offers travelers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. From ancient wonders to modern marvels, there's something for every traveler to discover and enjoy in this fascinating country.
China
FROZEN DESERT HIKING
Reference #: WTP0378
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Imagine an unreal experience hiking in total silence among mega dunes covered in snow, in a landscape dotted with frozen lakes and circled by the infinite horizon.
Escorted by your camel caravan you will cross this dreamy place, one of world’s remotest, in search for the highest dune.
A trip for wild at heart, kept in cages. A 5 d/4n exclusive hiking itinerary lead by local Mongol camel herders, hosted in their very homes.
Flanked by a camel school You will join the dream-time frozen desert experience exploring dune ranges high as much as 400mt.