Historic Capitals & the Spring of Pamir

Fly west from Xi’an to Kashgar, in Southern Xinjiang, arriving in one of the historic Silk Road’s great crossroads. After checking in, settle into a local Uyghur-style dinner, discovering the region’s distinctive flavours and culinary tradition.

With a history stretching back more than two millennia, Kashgar flourished at the meeting point of trade routes connecting China with Central Asia and beyond. Its identity reflects this rich cultural heritage, from Islamic architecture and lively bazaars to traditional crafts, music and food.

Tonight is just a first introduction. After a first taste of Kashgar’s hospitality, settle in for the night in this historic Silk Road city. Tomorrow, we’ll have time to explore the old city and experience more of Uyghur culture.

Leaving Kashgar behind, we follow the legendary Karakoram Highway into a landscape of increasing scale and beauty. The bustle of the Silk Road gradually gives way to vast mountain horizons, barren slopes and winding roads, as we venture deeper into the highlands of the Pamir.

At Baisha Lake, pale sand hills descend towards extraordinary shades of turquoise and blue, creating a striking contrast against the rugged mountains beyond. The scenery feels almost otherworldly, shifting with the light and inviting us to discover more than the familiar viewpoints along the road.

Our aim is to venture beyond the usual stops, following lesser-known paths and rugged tracks in search of the lake’s sandy shoreline. The route itself becomes part of the adventure, revealing new perspectives of this remarkable landscape. As evening approaches, settle in for an overnight stay beside the lake, surrounded by the immensity of the Pamir.

Continue along the legendary Karakoram Highway, crossing the vast landscapes of the Pamir Plateau towards Karakul Lake. Framed by rugged mountains and immense open skies, its dark turquoise waters mirror the snow-covered peaks, with the majestic silhouette of Muztagh Ata rising dramatically beyond.

Known as the “Father of Ice Mountains”, Muztagh Ata soars to over 7,500 metres, its enormous glaciers and sweeping slopes dominating the horizon. Leaving the familiar viewpoints behind, venture deeper into this remote mountain wilderness, following a rugged route towards the glacier itself. Here, the landscape takes on a wilder character, bringing us face to face with the raw beauty and immense scale of the ice world.

After this high-altitude adventure, continue towards Tashkurgan, a remote mountain town nestled among the great ranges of the Pamir. Arrive in the evening and settle in for the night, surrounded by the dramatic scenery of this remarkable frontier region.

Bid farewell to the highlands of Tashkurgan and follow the Karakoram Highway back towards Kashgar. Winding through mountain valleys and along familiar stretches of this legendary road, enjoy one last chance to take in the dramatic scenery of the Pamir before returning to the Silk Road city.

If time allows before our flight, we will pause for a well-deserved moment of relaxation with a spa treatment in Kashgar, easing out of mountain adventure mode and into the next chapter of the journey.

Then, take to the skies for Chongqing, a dazzling urban world of illuminated towers and neon-lit streets. After days immersed in remote landscapes, arrive in one of China’s most extraordinary cities, ready for a striking change of pace.

After arriving late the previous evening, enjoy a slow start, with the morning free to rest and recharge. Later, venture into Chongqing, China’s wartime capital during the Second World War, where a turbulent past meets extraordinary urban landscapes and everyday traditions.

Find a moment of calm at Luohan Temple, where incense drifts beneath glass towers, before discovering the city’s wonderfully unconventional geography. At Liziba, a metro train passes straight through a residential building, while the multilevel square of Kuixinglou challenges all sense of direction.

Discover a metropolis that seems to reinvent the meaning of up and down at every turn. Yet beyond its futuristic architecture, neighbourhood life continues at its own pace, revealing the contrasts that make Chongqing so captivating, from its historic roots to its ever-changing skyline.

Continue exploring Chongqing’s extraordinary urban landscape, where steep hillsides and layered streets constantly challenge your sense of direction. At Baixiangju, wander through a maze of walkways, staircases and open terraces where the famous “first-floor illusion” comes to life.

Delve into Chongqing’s culinary culture with a hotpot experience inside a former air-raid shelter. Later, cross the Yangtze aboard the historic river cableway, taking in sweeping views of bridges, towers and the layered cityscape that defines this metropolis.

As night falls, Hongya Dong comes alive with illuminated façades, glowing lanterns and neon reflections, creating a spectacular finale to our exploration. After sharing one last evening in this extraordinary city, we’ll accompany everyone back to their hotel, say our goodbyes and bring our journey together to a warm close.