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Our journey through Kyrgyzstan comes to a close with one last stretch of adventure, captured in this trip report by Alexis, Trip Leader for Oasis Overland. From shimmering reservoirs and dramatic canyons to traditional yurt stays and encounters with nomadic culture, Alexis takes us through the highlights of the final days on the road—before the group makes the big crossing into China.
KASHGAR
Kashgar, with 2,000 years of history, was one of the Silk Road’s most important hubs, where central and southern routes converged. Geographically, it’s closer to Damascus than Beijing, bordered by Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, and flanked by three mountain ranges and a desert. Today, it lies in Xinjiang, officially the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China’s largest province and home to many ethnic groups, most prominently Uyghurs.
Arriving from Kyrgyzstan’s wide open spaces, Kashgar feels like a jolt to the system. At times, it veers more toward tourist spectacle than ancient wonder. The city tour began with the eastern gate opening ceremony — an inauthentic, overcrowded performance, yet oddly entertaining. Visiting the “old old city,” which hasn’t been fully reconstructed, and the Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine, offered glimpses of genuine history, though the “Disneyfication” of the past sometimes dulled the magic.
Still, sites like Id Kah Mosque, the largest in Xinjiang, remind visitors of Kashgar’s cultural and religious significance. What stands out most is how everything experienced on the journey so far seems to converge here — Silk Road history meeting modern China, with a fascinating blend of cultures on display.
KASHGAR TO DUNHUANG
Train travel in Xinjiang during peak season is no easy feat, and sold-out tickets meant changes to the plan. The group boarded a hard sleeper for a 21-hour ride to Korla — six bunks per compartment, not the most comfortable, but quintessentially Chinese. While some found it daunting, there’s a charm in the cultural exchanges and the rare permission to simply rest all day.
A short stop in Korla allowed time for breakfast, a wander through Longshan Park (complete with glass-bottom bridge, slide, and carnival games — panda prize included), before a flight to Dunhuang. A rain shower greeted arrival in this desert oasis, followed by one of the best parts of the journey: the Dunhuang night market, a sprawling maze of food stalls and a feast for the senses.
DUNHUANG
The day began at the Mogao Caves — “the caves of a thousand Buddhas” — one of the world’s most important Buddhist art treasures, with murals and sculptures dating back to the 4th century. Though photography isn’t allowed, the artistry and history are unforgettable.
Next came Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake, a playground of sand dunes. A helicopter ride over the desert proved exhilarating, with sweeping views of the dunes and lake. The evening brought an unexpected highlight: Ancient Sound of Dunhuang, an immersive, high-energy show that was both dazzling and perfectly tied to the region’s Silk Road heritage. Another round at the night market capped off an outstanding stay.
DUNHUANG TO JIAYUGUAN
A quick bullet train led to Jiayuguan, home to the westernmost section of the Great Wall. But first came a surprise: the group stumbled upon the opening of a nearby restaurant, complete with fireworks, warm hospitality, and a fantastic lunch. The rest of the day offered a relaxed pace with cafes, street food, and live music.
That afternoon, the Jiayuguan Pass — the literal western gateway of the Great Wall — was explored. Despite modern reconstructions and tourist trappings, standing at the edge of this monumental structure carried real weight.
JIAYUGUAN TO LHASA
From Jiayuguan, a bullet train carried the group to Xining, followed by the legendary high-altitude train to Tibet. The 20+ hour ride brought sweeping grasslands, endless yaks, and the thrill of gradually climbing into the Himalayas. By evening, the group arrived in Lhasa, ready to explore one of the world’s most extraordinary places.
LHASA
Lhasa instantly feels mythical. The Potala Palace, former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, towers above the city, both crowded and sacred. Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most revered pilgrimage site, gave a humbling contrast between tourists with cameras and pilgrims prostrating in devotion.
The old town buzzed with life, a fascinating mix of modern commerce and timeless tradition. The day ended with dinner overlooking the Lhasa River and Potala Palace — a fitting close to the first day in Tibet.
LHASA TO SHIGATSE
A short drive brought the group to Shigatse and Tashilunpo Monastery, home to over 1,000 monks and the world’s largest copper statue, preserved from destruction through clever concealment. Less crowded than Lhasa’s sites, it offered a more intimate spiritual atmosphere. The evening was spent enjoying Shigatse’s warmth and hospitality, including a hotel cat proudly serving as “Assistant Lobby Manager.”
SHIGATSE TO EVEREST BASE CAMP
The drive to Everest Base Camp began under mixed skies but ended in rare luck — clear, breathtaking views of the world’s highest peak. At 5,000 meters, sleep was a challenge, and oxygen canisters were put to use, but the reward was sunrise over Everest, an unforgettable life highlight. A visit to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest in the world, added a quiet, spiritual layer to the experience.
EVEREST BASE CAMP TO TINGRI
After a magical morning with Everest, the group descended to Tingri for rest and recovery. Though still high at 4,300 meters, the slower pace and local encounters offered welcome balance.
TINGRI TO GYANTSE
Crossing the highest pass of the journey at 5,248 meters underscored the immensity of Tibet’s landscape. The group visited Pelkor Chode Monastery, home to the unique Kumbum stupa and a rare site where all three sects of Tibetan Buddhism are practiced. Wandering through the adjacent village and gazing at Gyantse fortress were standout moments — a memorable finale to Tibet’s monastery visits.
GYANTSE TO LHASA
Clear skies revealed glaciers and snowy peaks, including the sacred Yamdrok Lake, where myth and natural beauty intertwine. Tourist crowds and photo-op animals aside, the stop was striking. The descent back into Lhasa marked the end of the high-altitude journey, capped with boarding the train to Chengdu.
LHASA TO CHENGDU
What was meant to be a straightforward 36-hour train ride turned chaotic when the final segment was abruptly canceled. Scrambling for flights in Xining, enduring long delays, and navigating logistics turned the trip into an adventure of its own. In the end, everyone arrived in Chengdu — tired but triumphant — and ready to savor city comforts.
CHENGDU
Chengdu, despite its 22 million residents, feels relaxed and welcoming. Known as China’s “happiest city,” it’s green, book-loving (a four-story book mall was packed with readers), and panda-obsessed in the most charming way. A Sichuan hot pot feast and a night of KTV (karaoke) rounded out the experience with joy and laughter. Chengdu, with its mix of mega-city energy and laid-back vibe, proved the perfect finale to this stretch of the Silk Road journey.