Tour Highlights
Explore the Mogao Grottoes: Discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Buddhist cave art, ancient sculptures, and richly painted murals.
Experience the Crescent Moon Lake and Singing Sand Dunes: Admire the striking desert scenery around Dunhuang and consider an optional camel ride across the dunes.
Discover the Dramatic Yardang Landform: Explore wind-sculpted rock formations at Dunhuang Yardang National Geologic Park, where the desert landscape creates an extraordinary natural spectacle.
Follow the Ancient Silk Road Frontier: Visit Yumen Pass and Yangguan Pass, historic western gateways associated with the Han Dynasty's frontier defense system.
Visit Mengke Glacier in the Qilian Mountains: Experience the spectacular mountain scenery around one of the region's major valley glaciers.
Enjoy an Outdoor Camping Experience: Spend a night camping at Yingzui Mountain, surrounded by the rugged landscapes of northwestern China.
Day 1 Mogao Grottoes, Crescent Moon Lake & Singing Sand Dunes
The Crescent Moon Lake & Singing Sand Dunes are famous attractions in Dunhuang. From a distance make sure to listen carefully for the whistling tunes among the sand dunes. If you are feeling adventurous, take an optional camel ride (on your own expense).
Day 2 Yardang National Geologic Park, Yumen Pass & Yangguan Pass
After breakfast, take a car ride (about 180km) to Dunhuang Yardang National Geologic Park. Admire the peculiar view of Yardang Landform, which is formed by the effect of wind erosion and sand accumulation.
Afterwards, visit Yumen Pass and Yangguan Pass, China's two most important western passes. The two passes are parts of the Great Wall in the Han Dynasty, China's western frontier defense outpost built under the reign of Emperor Wu.
Later, drive back to the hotel.
Day 3 Mengke Glacier & Overnight Camping at Yingzui Mountain
After breakfast, drive to Mengke Glacier and enjoy its spectacular sight. Covering an area of 21.9 square kilometers, it is the largest valley glacier in the Qilian Mountain.
This night, camp at Yingzui Mountain. We will provide you with tents and sleeping bags (self-provided tents and sleeping bags are available too).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What can I experience on the Dunhuang Yardang Landform & Mengke Glacier Tour?
A: This 4-day tour combines Silk Road heritage, desert landscapes, ancient frontier passes, and mountain scenery, including the Mogao Grottoes, Yardang National Geologic Park, and Mengke Glacier.
Q: Can I ride a camel at the Singing Sand Dunes?
A: Camel rides are available as an optional activity at Crescent Moon Lake and the Singing Sand Dunes, subject to availability and additional charges.
Q: What should I expect from the Mengke Glacier camping experience?
A: The itinerary includes an overnight camp at Yingzui Mountain. Tents and sleeping bags are listed in the original itinerary, but camping conditions depend on weather and local arrangements.
Q: Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
A: The tour involves long-distance driving, remote mountain scenery, and overnight camping. Travelers should be prepared for outdoor conditions and changing weather.
Q: Are accommodation and meals included?
A: The package includes the meals specified in the itinerary and hotel accommodation with breakfast. One night is scheduled for camping at Yingzui Mountain. Please confirm the exact meal and camping arrangements before booking.
Q: Can I customize this Dunhuang tour?
A: Yes. CITS can arrange additional sightseeing, adjust the itinerary, or extend your trip to other destinations in China, subject to availability and additional charges.
- Private English-speaking tour guide
- Private air-conditioned van
- Land transfers between airport or railway station and hotel
- Entrance ticket as listed
- Lunch and dinner as listed
- Hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Service charge & government taxes
- Flight and train ticket
- Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, fax fee, phone bills, optional activities
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- China Visa
- Travel insurance