Silk Road Backpacking (China and Northern Pakistan)

My Footprints

2011-01-01T03:49:00.008+08:00

Silk Road Trip 2007
- Chengdu and Leshan
- Xi'an
- Xiahe and Lanzhou
- Jiayuguan
- Dunhuang
- Turpan and Urumqi
- Tianchi (Heavenly Lake)
- Yining and Road to Kashgar
- Kashgar & Southern Silk Road Cities
- Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan

China Trip 2009/2010
- Beijing
- Datong
- Xi'an
- Luoyang
- Shanghai
- Hangzhou
- Huangshan

Pakistan

Silk Road Trip 2007
- Khunjerab Pass and Sost
- Chapursan Valley
- Passu
- Karimabad, Hunza Valley
- Gilgit and Fairy Meadow Trek
- Shandur Pass and Chitral
- Kalash Valley
- Lowari Pass and Peshawar
- Lahore

Iran

Iran Trip 2010
- Tehran
- Shiraz and Persepolis
- Yazd
- Isfahan

Iran - Isfahan

2010-11-20T07:57:00.001+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Yazd

Day 8...20th Nov 2010...

Iran - Yazd

2010-11-17T07:50:00.103+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Shiraz and Persepolis

Day 5...17th Nov 2010...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 395,000 IRR per person ***
Bus from Shiraz to Yazd: 65,000 IRR each
Accomodation @ Silk Road Hotel: 400,000 IRR
Food and Miscellaneous: 130,000 IRR each

Catching our morning bus from Shiraz to Yazd (6 hrs)

Stayed in Silk Road Hotel, truly a caravanserai for the travellers and a backpacker's haven!

Big courtyard for relaxation

Delicious camel meatballs!

Views of Jameh Mosque from the rooftop

They wouldn't let her go! =)

Courtyard of Orient Hotel, sister branch of Silk Road Hotel

Dinner at Orient Hotel

Our double room with attached shower and toilet

Useful information for traveling to/from Yazd
~ View Picture Enlarged ~

Respect goes a long way =)

Day 6...18th Nov 2010...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 390,500 IRR per person ***
Admission to Coin Museum: 15,000 IRR each
Admission to Khan-e Lari: 2,500 IRR each
Admission to Amir Chakhmaq Complex: 3,000 IRR each
Admission to Yazd Water Museum: 10,000 IRR each
Admission to Saheb A Zaman Club Zurkhaneh: 10,000 IRR each
Accomodation @ Silk Road Hotel: 400,000 IRR
Food and Miscellaneous: 150,000 IRR each

Ateshkadeh (Zoroastrian Fire Temple)

Dakhmeh (Tower of Silence)

Jameh Mosque

Amir Chakhmaq Complex

Day 7...19th Nov 2010...

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Isfahan

Iran - Shiraz and Persepolis

2010-11-15T06:09:00.160+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Tehran

Day 3...15th Nov 2010...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 250,000 IRR per person ***
Admission to Arg of Karim Khan: 5,000 IRR each
Admission to Vakil Mosque: 5,000 IRR each
Admission to Nasir al-Mulk Mosque: 15,000 IRR each
Admission to Tomb of Hafez: 5,000 IRR each
Accomodation @ Anvari Hotel: 280,000 IRR (excluding breakfast)
Food and Miscellaneous: 80,000 IRR each

Arg of Karim Khan

Fortress of Arg of Karim Khan

Interesting picture of Karim Khan himself above the fort's entrance

Large open courtyard filled with citrus trees inside the fort

Beautiful stained glasses

Scene of Karim Khan welcoming his visitors

Traditional bathrooms beneath the courtyard

Love the symmetry!

Vakil Mosque and Bazaar

Northern and southern iwans of Vakil Mosque

Ceiling of the iwans are decorated with colorful tiles

Vaulted prayer hall

Neatly carved columns

Always looking for symmetry! =)

Shop outside Vakil Mosque

Lots of shops in Vakil Bazaar selling beautiful Persian carpets

And many varieties of spices

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque

Entrance of Nasir al-Mulk Mosque

Courtyard views of the mosque

Northern iwan

With fine stalactite moulding

Stunning stained glasses from inside the prayer hall

Colorful lightings on the floor

Painting of Ruhollah Khomeini

And Ali Khamenei

Ambient settings in one of the rooms

Tomb of Hafez

The Tomb of Hafez and its associated memorial hall, the Hāfezieh, are two memorial structures in memory of the celebrated Persian poet Hafez, who was born in Shiraz and is one of the most famous Gnostics and poets of Iran. Many people still come to pay homage to this master of poetry. The mausoleum itself is located in a lovely garden, and has an atmosphere of peace and calm that is quite unique.

Beautiful garden near the entrance

Octagonal pavilion of Hāfezieh where Hafez's tomb lies

Lots of locals coming to pay their respect in the evening

Hāfezieh with its ambient night lighting

Stayed in Anvari Hotel for the first night, but shifted to Sasan Hotel (more preferred) next door for the second night

Double room in Anvari Hotel with attached shower

Day 4...16th Nov 2010...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 510,000 IRR per person ***
Day Tour to Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rustam: 170,000 IRR each
Accomodation @ Sasan Hotel: 360,000 IRR
Food and Miscellaneous: 160,000 IRR each

Persepolis

Persepolis was the capital of the Persian Empire under the Achaemenid Empire around 2500 years ago. To the ancient Persians, the city was known as Pārsa, which means "The City of Persians". Built by Cyrus the Great and Darius the Great, it was eventually destroyed by Alexander the Great when he stormed through the Persian Empire.

Took a day tour from Pars Tourist Agency to Persepolis

Small kid selling coconut sweets

Views of Persepolis from afar

Royal palaces

Walking towards the Grand Stairway

Xerxes' Gateway aka Gate of All Nations

Up the Grand Stairway

Each step was shallow so that Persians could walk up gracefully in their long elegant robes

Gate of All Nations up close

Lamassu (winged bull with Persian head) guarding the gateway

Cuneiform inscription in Old Persian, Neo-Babylonian and Elamite language

Columns that were used to support the grand hall of the Gate of All Nations

Another pair of Lamassus which are in better conditions

Impressive Gate of All Nations from far

Fearsome creatures that used to adorn the top of the columns

Broken segment of a column

Unfinished Gate to the Palace of 100 Columns

Pair of bulls that used to adorn the top of the columns

While some were used to guard the entrance into different halls

Ruins of the Palace of 100 Columns

Relief of Ahura Mazda can be commonly seem as Zoroastrianism was the state religion

Another relief showing the King on the throne

The King vs the Evil Creature

Soldiers of the different subject nations

Looking up towards the Tomb of Artaxerxes II

Reliefs of Persian Soldiers near the Apadana Staircase

Impressive reliefs at the Apadana Staircase

Showing arrival of delegates of different subject nations to meet the King

Each group of delegates brought along different types of tributes

Intricate floral design

Persian and Median soldiers

Zoroastrian symbol for Nowruz, signifying a new year (spring equinox) when the powers of the fighting bull (personifying the Earth) and the lion (personifying the Sun) are equal

Another inscription that annouced that the Apadana Palace was started by Darius the Great

Remaining tall columns of the Apadana Palace, the greatest palace of Persepolis

The Winter Palace

With its reliefs and inscription

Another relief of Ahura Mazda above the entrance to Xerses' Hall of Audience (Tripylon)

A beautiful bull head in front of the museum

Remainings of the Treasury which was plundered by Alexander the Great

A huge stone with reliefs showing the King with his delegates and soldiers

Tomb of Artaxerxes II on the hill above the Treasury

Reliefs showing the King reaching to his God Ahura Mazda in his afterlife

Definitely worthwhile to climb to the hilltop to have a panoramic view of the enormous scale of Persepolis!
~ View Picture Enlarged ~

Naqsh-e Rustam

Naqsh-e Rustam is an archaeological site where four tombs belonging to the Achaemenid kings are carved out of the rock face. The tombs are known locally as the 'Persian Crosses', after the shape of the facades of the tombs. From left to right, the tombs are believed to be of Darius II (423-404 BC), Artaxerxes I (465-424 BC), Darius I the Great (522-486 BC) and Xerxes I (486-465 BC) respectively.

Panoramic view of the "4 Persian Crosses"
~ View Picture Enlarged ~

Tomb of Darius the Great

Reliefs showing the King reaching to his God Ahura Mazda in his afterlife

Most famous of the Sassanid rock reliefs which depicts victory over the Roman emperors

Ka'ba-ye Zartosht, meaning the "Cube of Zoroaster"

Ka'ba-ye Zartosht against the backdrop of Naqsh-e Rustam

Dinner at Sharzeh Traditional Restaurant, perfect Iranian atmosphere with music, singing and dancing!

Interesting barley soup

Double room in Sasan Hotel, with attached toilet and shower

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Yazd

Iran - Tehran

2010-11-13T09:04:00.107+08:00

Day 1...13th Nov 2010...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 433,000 IRR per person ***
Taxi from IKA Airport: 250,000 IRR
Admissions to Golestan Palace's Attractions: 23,000 IRR each
Accomodation @ Firouzeh Hotel: 370,000 IRR
Food and Miscellaneous: 100,000 IRR each

Golestan Palace

Golestan Palace is the oldest historic monument in Tehran, and belongs to a group of royal buildings that were once enclosed within the mud-thatched walls of Tehran’s Historic Arg. It became the official residence of the royal family during the Qajar Dynasty, where one can still see the glories and excesses of the Qajar rulers.

Looking across the garden towards the open-fronted audience hall

Ivan-e Takht-e Marmar (Marble Throne Veranda)

Exquisite marble throne supported by human figurines

Qajar-era painting

An intriguing carving at the front of the hall

Colorful decorations on the walls

As well as on the ceilings

Central palace of Shams-Al Emarat (Edifice of the Sun)

Wonderful workmanship!

Pictures depicting the rulers' daily life can also be found on the walls

One of the soaring badgirs (traditional air-conditioning units)

Serene garden at the backyard

Ever present portraits of Iran's Supreme Leaders (Ali Khamenei and Ruhollah Khomeini)

Grand Bazaar

Tehran's Grand Bazaar is the largest market in Iran and the 10km of covered alleys are home to just about every consumer items you can imagine. The various commodities are grouped together, with alleys dedicated to spices dealers, goldsmiths, cobblers, tailors, tobacconists, and of course priceless silk hand woven Persian carpet merchants.

Street outside Grand Bazaar

One of the gates to the Grand Bazaar

Really crowded!

Magnificent ceilings

European-styled buildings near Hassanbad metro station

Roadside stall selling sweet beetroot dessert

Inside one of Tehran Metro stations

Posters marketing non-alcoholic beer

Imam Khomeini Square

Chelow Kabab, the national dish of Iran

Entrance of Firouzeh Hotel where we stayed

Double room with attached shower

Mousavi, the ever friendly hotel manager who is always enthusiastic to help in any ways possible =)

Who wants to be a Millionare!

Day 2...14th Nov 2010...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 310,000 IRR per person ***
Admission to National Museum of Iran: 10,000 IRR each
Admission to National Jewels Museum: 30,000 IRR each
Overnight VIP Sleeper Bus from Tehran to Shiraz: 180,000 IRR each
Food and Miscellaneous: 90,000 IRR each

Entrance to National Museum of Iran

Neighbouring Museum of the Islamic Period

One of the government buildings

With an interesting wall mural

Taleghani Metro Station for U.S. Embassy (aka Den of Espionage)

Tehran's U.S. Embassy was the site of the notorious Iran hostage crisis during the Iran Revolution

Delicious burgers and sandwiches after eating too much kebabs...

Central bus terminal where we took an overnight VIP sleeper bus to Shiraz (12.5 hours)

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Shiraz and Persepolis

China - Huangshan

2010-01-07T07:36:00.163+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Hangzhou

Day 13

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 353RMB per person ***
Bus from Tunxi (Huangshan City) to Tangkou: 15RMB each
Shuttle Bus from Tangkou to Yuping Cable Car: 13RMB each
Yuping Cable Car up Huangshan: 65RMB each
Admission to Huangshan: 150RMB each
Accommodation @ dormitory west of Paiyunlou Hotel: 80RMB each
Food and Others: 30RMB each

Overnight train from Shanghai to Huangshan City

Mount Huangshan
- Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Listed as Hillman Wonder of the World (Bronze)

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is named in recognition of the legendary Huang Di, who was the reputed ancestor of the Chinese people and made magic pills for immortality here in Huangshan.

There is a Chinese saying: 五岳归来不看山，黄山归来不看岳.
Wu Yue (五岳) is the collective name given to China's most important mountains, namely Mount Taishan in Shandong Province, Mount Huashan in Shaanxi Province, Mount Hengshan in Shanxi Province, Mount Songshan in Henan Province and Mount Hengshan in Hunan Province. It is said that you won't want to visit any other mountains after seeing Wu Yue, but you won't wish to see even Wu Yue after returning from Huangshan. This may give you some ideas of the beauty and uniqueness of Huangshan.

Mercy Light Temple(慈光阁) at the bottom of Huangshan

Great snow scene after the heavy snowing yesterday

Happily playing with the snow =)

Huangshan's Lianrui Peak (蓮蕊峰) @ 1,776m

To the right is Lotus Flower Peak (蓮花峰) @ 1,873m, the tallest in Huangshan

Huangshan's Heavenly Capital Peak (天都峰) @ 1,810m

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Huangshan's pine trees and mountains

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Cheese!

Guest-Greeting Pine (迎客松) that bows down and welcome all Huangshan's visitors

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Huangshan's strange rock formations

Looks like a pear from one angle

But looks like a mobile phone from another!

Clouds flow like a river in a deep valley

Simply magnificent!

Climbing up the steep slope to Bright Summit Peak (光明頂)

Sedans for the tired ones =)

Finally reaching the top of Bright Summit Peak (光明頂) @ 1,841m

Misty surroundings

Huangshan's weather station that strangely look like a soccerball!

Lots of snow around

We bought cheap crampons at the base of Huangshan for walking on these icy pathways

Beautiful black and white contrast!

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Snow flakes on the tree branches

Surviving autumn leaves that bring bright colors to the black and white surroundings

Flying Rock (飛來石) in the middle of nowhere

Small pavilions along the way for people to rest in

Beautiful backdrop =)

Views from Cloud-Dispelling Pavilion (排云亭)...looks like heaven!

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Day 14

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 233RMB per person ***
Shuttle Bus from Yuping Cable Car to Tangkou: 13RMB each
Bus from Tangkou to Tunxi (Huangshan City): 15RMB each
Food and Others: 30RMB each

Overnight Train from Huangshan City to Shanghai: 175RMB each
*** Click for more trains details ***
~ Train Code: K8420
~ Type: Hard Sleeper (Lower Berth)
~ Departure: 7:15 pm
~ Arrival: 9:39 am
~ Travel Time: 14Hrs 24Mins (672km)

Great panorama views from Beginning to Believe Peak (始信峰)

~ View Picture Enlarged ~

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Clouds dancing around

But disappear suddenly to reveal the valleys and mountains

Sun starting to rise through the Sea of Clouds

Truly amazing!

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Clouds start to rise and dispel

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While the morning sun illuminates the surrounding mountains with a tinge of orange

Love the combination of different silhouettes

Luxurious Beihai Hotel

Views along the way as we descend via the Eastern Steps

Locals carrying heavy building materials up the mountains

Cute snowman built by the locals

Green bamboos among the white snow

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Shanghai

China - Hangzhou

2010-01-06T08:40:00.011+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Shanghai

Day 12...

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Huangshan

China - Shanghai

2010-01-05T09:27:00.004+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Luoyang

Day 11...

Day 15...

Day 16...

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Hangzhou

China - Luoyang

2010-01-03T07:53:00.025+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Xi'an

Day 9...

Day 10...

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Shanghai

China - Xi'an

2009-12-31T07:10:00.004+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Datong

Day 6...

Day 7...

Day 8...

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Luoyang

China - Datong

2009-12-30T07:10:00.130+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Beijing

Day 5...30th Dec 2009...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 340RMB per person ***
Cab to Hanging Monastery and Yungang Grottoes: 240RMB
Admission to Yungang Grottoes: 60RMB each
Food and Others: 20RMB each

Overnight Train from Datong to Xi'an: 140RMB each
*** Click for more trains details ***
~ Train Code: 2671
~ Type: Hard Sleeper (Lower Berth)
~ Departure: 4:40 pm
~ Arrival: 9:14 am
~ Travel Time: 16Hrs 34Mins (1,006km)

Arriving at Datong train station

Snow view enroute from Datong city to the Hanging Monastery, but in the end we didn't make it there due to heavy snowing, making the road impassable...

Yungang Grottoes
- Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Listed as Hillman Wonder of the World (Bronze)

Yungang Grottoes were mainly constructed in the period between 460-525 AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty which adopted Buddhism as their state religion. Buddhism arrived here via the ancient North Silk Road, the northernmost route of about 2600 kilometres in length, which connected the ancient Chinese capital of Xi'an to the west to Wuwei and emerging in Kashgar before linking to ancient Parthia. Yungang Grottoes' designs can be traced to Indian, Persian and even Greece influence, making it stands out from the rest.

Entrance into Yungang Grottoes

Yungang Grottoes Cave 3
Seated Buddha flanked by two Bodhisattvas
~ 3D view of Yungang Grottoes Cave 3 ~

Yungang Grottoes Cave 5
17 metres tall seated Buddha, largest in Yungang Grottoes
~ 3D view of Yungang Grottoes Cave 5 ~

Yungang Grottoes Cave 7
~ 3D view of Yungang Grottoes Cave 7 ~

Yungang Grottoes Cave 9 and 10 Entrances
Carvings with Hindu influences
~ 3D view of Yungang Grottoes Cave 9 and 10 entrances ~

Yungang Grottoes Cave 11 to 19 Entrances

Yungang Grottoes Cave 11
~ 3D view of Yungang Grottoes Cave 11 ~

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Yungang Grottoes Cave 12
Delicate sculptural carvings
~ 3D view of Yungang Grottoes Cave 12 ~

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Yungang Grottoes Cave 13
15 metres tall seated Buddha, with a tiny four-armed guard supporting the right arm of the Buddha
~ 3D view of Yungang Grottoes Cave 13 ~

Yungang Grottoes Cave 19
Statue representing Emperor Wen Cheng

Yungang Grottoes Cave 20
14 metres tall seated Buddha, representing Emperor Dao Wu who is the founding emperor of Northern Wei Dynasty
~ 3D view of Yungang Grottoes Cave 20 ~

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Yungang Grottoes Cave 39
Beautifully carved central pillar with tiered roofs representation

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~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Xi'an

China - Beijing

2009-12-27T06:49:00.067+08:00

Day 2...

Day 3...

Day 4...

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Datong

Lahore

2007-06-30T08:05:00.011+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Lowari Pass and Peshawar

Day 42...

although the train journey from Peshawar to Lahore took much longer than bus, but i have always love taking train as you can have more chances to interact with the locals

i was really lucky that there was a Sufi festival going on, and it was one of the wildest and craziest night i ever had!

and i think i fell in love with Qawwali =)

getting all pumped up!

and getting into spiritual ecstasy, simply mind-blowing experience!

and the locals enjoying themselves

Day 43...

entrance of Badshahi Mosque

Badshahi Mosque is the second largest mosque in Pakistan, able to accomodate up to 55,000 people

Samadhi of Ranjit Singh hidden behind the wall

close up of the mosque architecture

the beautiful alley in the interior of the mosque

locals taking a break inside

actually Badshahi Mosque is undergoing some kind of major repairs to replace the red floor tiles of the big square

outside of Lahore Fort

Lahore Fort too is undergoing some reconstruction

Lahore Fort as seen from entrance of Badshahi Mosque

the notorious Kim's Gun aka Zamzama, and was described as “Who hold Zam-Zammah, that fire-breathing dragon, hold the Punjab!"

entrance to Wazir Khan Mosque

inside Wazir Khan Mosque

close up of one of the beautiful decorations on the wall

the huge Lahore Museum that can easily take up few hours of your time

the flag lowering ceremony at Wagah border is a exciting daily event for Pakistanis to demostrate their patroism against their Indian rival

this oldman i heard had been doing the cheer-leading for many years already, simply incredible!

crowded with people

the very ethusiatic cheer leaders

here come the Pakistanis fighters!

Pakistan Zindabad! Pakistan Zindabad!

the actual flag lowering ceremony with the Pakistan and India flag crossing one another

look, that is India! haha

Day 44...

walking thru one of the many shopping streets in Lahore

there are quite a number of churches around too

hawker selling some local food

not only the buses and trucks are nicely decorated, the auto rickshaws are too!

one of the few gates that leads to the old city

you can find anything, from colorful pink flowers

to goats' heads and internal organs!

frequently we get Qawwali performances at our hostel (Regale Internet Inn) during the night

Day 45...

Day 46...

tons of polices on the streets after the government almost declared a state of emergency due to the mosque seizure...
i guess i left Pakistan at a right time as all hell broke loose a few days later, leaving many dead and injured...=/

Day 47...

Lowari Pass and Peshawar

2007-06-28T05:00:00.009+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Kalash Valley

Day 40...

many twists and turns up the Lowari Pass (3200m)

locals cutting ice blocks out of the glacier!
now we know where the ices from the streets come from lol @@

traveling thru glacier is full of fun and excitement

Day 41...

Peshawar's main population is the Pashtun people, largest tribal group in the world, and among them, many are Afghan refugees

auto rickshaw is the best mode of transport

goldfish, anyone?

lots of "dental clinic" in the old streets!

amazing display of curry pyramids! =p

shy Pashtun boys

men making the Shalwar Qamiz

delicious local foods, but always know what you are going to eat...

cos goat heads are popular dishes too! @_@

Naans fresh from the tandoor is heavenly

in Pakistan, you can find many different types of cap in different areas, i collected at least 5 different types haha

eager to have their picture taken haha

finally i found some fried fishes for dinner after many weeks without them!

and of cos some kebabs for dinner too =)

smile! =)

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Lahore

Links to this page
http://www.thespicespoon.com/blog/afghan-aubergine/

Pakistan - Kalash Valley

2007-06-26T07:39:00.143+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Shandur Pass and Chitral

Day 38...26th Jun 2007...

Visiting Kalash valleys is definitely an interesting and unique experience. The Kalash or Kalasha, are an indigenous group of the Hindukush, settling in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. The Kalash are thought to be the direct descendants of either Greek settlers of the Alexander the Great's army, or even Alexander himself. Though often overstated, instances of blond hair or light eyes are not unusual and add to the romanticized notion of a European connection.

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 680PKR ***
Jeep from Chitral to Bumburet Valley: 50PKR + 200PKR (Toll Fee)
Entry to Kalash Museum: 100 PKR
Accomodation @ Ishpata Inn: 100PKR
Food and Others: 230PKR

A cute Kalash girl, the niece of my wonderful host Taj Makedon in Brun village, Bumburet Valley, one of the 3 isolated Kalash Valleys

Small but informative Kalash Museum, definitely a must to understand the Kalash people and their culture

Beautiful golden wheat field during the harvest season

Kalash houses, usually built one on top of another

Me chatting with a elder Kalash woman

Cute Kalash girl with blond hair, hugging a couple of chickens
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Aren't they cute? =)

Kalash lady with some simple facial tatoo
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Beautiful and elaborated Kalash headdress

Taj brought me to visit his brother's family

The mulberries have just ripen, so it is time to collect them! =p

Great smile! =)

Fresh from the trees, sweet and yummy!

Taj's brother, the man who was doing all the hard work on top of the tree haha

And his friendly aunt
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

And their daughters, also dressed in traditional Kalash clothings

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Getting impatient at me constantly snapping at them? Haha...

So shy!
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

A Kalash girl hiding up on the tree
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Taj surrounded by them, always eager to check out their own pictures

Took a walk up the valley to Krakal Village

Kalash woman with her chubby baby
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Always eager to check out their own photos! haha

Another cute pair of Kalash girls
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Traditional stairs to go up the house

Making the traditional paratha for our dinner
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Kalash woman with her boy

So innocent looking =)

Day 39...27th Jun 2007...

Did a trek up to Donson Pass (2970m) to cross from Bumburet Valley into Acholgah Valley, and onward to Rumbur Valley. Acholgah Valley is isolated and rarely visited as it is separated from Bumburet and Rumbur Valleys by high mountains and have no road access at all.

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 400PKR ***
Accomodation @ Kalash Home Guest House: 200PKR
Food and Others: 200PKR

Simple map of the Kalash Valleys (quite near to Afghanistan in fact)

Met a few Kalash locals along the way, some carrying firewoods

Some dragging logs back to their village to construct their home

View of Bumburet Valley from Donson Pass

Small Kalash houses littered across the Acholgah Valley

Interesting to see people transporting logs using the most native way!

But it sure looks dangerous!

And of cos tough and tiring

Even the Kalash boys do their part in helping out =)

Finally reached Rumbur Valley after some scary trekking!

Harvests neatly tied and stacked

More pictures of Kalash girls in their traditional costumes
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

This two girls were so shy that they ran away upon seeing their own photo!

Kinda rare to see a Kalash man working in the field I thought

My host Ingineer Khan, someone who had contributed much to the Kalash tribe and had definitely did the same to part of my life

His wife making more paratha for dinner haha

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Lowari Pass and Peshawar

Links to this page
http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalash
http://gklimov.livejournal.com/53263.html
http://face-no-more.livejournal.com/233859.html

Shandur Pass and Chitral

2007-06-24T07:13:00.003+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Gilgit and Fairy Meadow Trek

Day 36...

small town of Gupis enroute to Chitral

the day long trip from Gilgit to Chitral passes by many beautiful green valleys and mountains

approaching the Shandur Pass (3810m)

Shandur Pass is one of the highest polo ground in the world, flanked by many mountain peaks of the Hindukush

the local kids love to gather around the bus whenever we stop

Day 37...

the frequent break during a long journey for the all important chai =p

glimpses of the Chitral Fort

and the Shahi Mosque

my new Chitrali friends who insisted on treating me to dinner lol

some delicious local snacks, i love the fried potatoes especially haha

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Kalash Valley

Gilgit and Fairy Meadow Trek

2007-06-19T05:07:00.019+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Karimabad, Hunza Valley

Day 31...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 618PKR ***
Mini-bus from Karimabad to Gilgit: 60PKR
Accomodation @ Medina Guesthouse: 100PKR
Local Transport, Food and Others: 428PKR

magnificient view of Rakaposhi from Aliabad, enroute to Gilgit

"Suzukis" (the vehicle on the right) are common in the town of Gilgit as public transport

a hearty meal of meat karahi with chapati (of cos!) before heading off for the long Fairy Meadow trek the next day

Day 32...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 723PKR ***
Jeep from Gilgit to Raikot Bridge: 100PKR
Accomodation @ Jhel Village: 100PKR
Local Transport, Food and Others: 523PKR

first sighting of Nanga Parbat (8125m) as we trek from Raikot Bridge all the way up to Jhel instead of taking the expensive jeep ride!!!

we also pass by the small village of Tato

we meet many shepherds along the way, trying to guide their goats thru the narrow jeep track

Day 33...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 220PKR ***
Accomodation @ Beyal Camp: 100PKR
Food and Others: 120PKR

heading towards Nanga Parbat early in the morning

really too much goats along the way lol

Philippe accompanied by the many goats haha

a young shepherd

the view just gets better and better!!!

at Fairy Meadow, we met a group of university students trekking up to the Nanga Parbat basecamp too =)

the local kids

almost reaching Beyal camp

really fantastic views of Nanga Parbat from Beyal camp...it is like standing just right in front of you!

u can get a good view of Rakaposhi too in the distant

and a even closer look of Nanga Parbat and Raikot Glacier after trekking further up towards the basecamp

view of Nanga Parbat during sunset

and of far away Rakaposhi

you can't really see me!

neither can you see us! lol

Arnault and Philippe

Philippe and me, one of the best sceneries i have seen in my life!

Day 34...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 130PKR ***
Accomodation @ Tato Village: Free!
Food and Others: 130PKR

waking up in the morning to this kind of view is the best thing you can ever wish for!

and yeah, this is my first Himalayas mountain! absolutely euphoric! =p

me, Philippe (Canadian) and Arnault (French)
we hooked up in Gilgit and decided to do this trek together

we met the group of university students again in Beyal Camp

a local boy there wearing the traditional Hunza cap
he does not even look Asian at all!

trekking down back to the village of Tato again

the long and narrow jeep road that we trek between Raikot bridge and Jhel...
i estimate that it is almost a 1500m ascent and 15km long trek in 4 hours when we came up, match that!!!

Philippe posing while we took our break when heading down

me with my "iodine water" lol

and of cos Arnault

Day 35...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 635PKR ***
Mini-bus from Raikot Bridge to Gilgit: 100PKR
Accomodation @ Medina Guesthouse: 100PKR
Local Transport, Food and Others: 435KR

Posted by Arnault
Il était 2 heures du matin quand Chee Keong, Jean-Philippe, le chauffeur de la jeep et moi avons été réveillés par des hommes tombourinant à la porte. La porte s'ouvre sur deux hommes mitraillette à la main, longue barbe et écharpe palestinienne. La fatigue de trois jours de marche intense sous un soleil de plomb ne nous a pas laisse le temps de nous inquiéter, les deux personnages se sont installés pour dormir dans cette grande pièce ou nous avions été reçus par le chef d'un village où aucun touriste ne s'arrête. Nous étions au pied du Nanga Parbat a quelques kilomètres de Gilgit, ville aux croisements des grandes vallées du nord, le centre commercial de la KKH, toutes les marchandises y convergent, des tapis d'Iran ou du Turmenistan, les pierres précieuses d'Afghanistan, les statuettes bouddhistes du Nepal ou la camelote chinoise. Les femmes ont disparu des rues, les quelques unes qui s'y aventurent sont complètement voilées. On est loin de l'Islam modéré des Ismaeliens.

C'est à quelques kilomètres au sud de Gilgit, su la route du Nanga Parbat, il existe un point d'où l'on peut observer les trois plus hautes chaînes de montagnes du monde, l'Himalaya, le Karakoram et l'Hindu-Kush. Le mont Nanga Parbat, seul sommet au delà de 8000m qui surplombe la KKH est le dernier sommet de l'Himalaya. C'est un véritable mur de glace qui émerge verticalement à plus de 4000m au dessus du camp de base, il s'enflamme au coucher du soleil et éclaire la nuit. L'Hindu Kush fait la frontière avec l'Afghanistan et la Karakoram avec la chine, un plus haut les montagnes du Pamir se jettent aussi. On ne peut rêver de plus mythiques et grandes montagnes... Je crois que je vais laisser les montagnes du Nepal déjà sous la mousson pour un autre voyage...

Pakistanis truck driver proud of his truck

elaborated decoration on the truck

truck driver inside his truck
you can see that even the interior decoration is very detailed

another portrait of a local boy

jeep drivers at Raikot Bridge

bidding farewell to Nanga Parbat

it is really fun and exciting riding on the top of the mini-bus =p

a local sitting comfortably in the front of the mini-bus lol

nothing is too difficult to transport

trying to light a cigarette on top of the mini-bus is a tough business!

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Shandur Pass and Chitral

Karimabad, Hunza Valley

2007-06-17T05:26:00.005+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Passu

Day 29...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 861PKR ***
Mini-bus from Passu to Karimabad: 60PKR
Accomodation @ Old Hunza Inn: 70PKR
Food and Others: 731PKR

Karimabad is a wonderful place to just take it easy, with fantastic views of 4 mountain peaks which are over 7000m. Rakaposhi (7788m), Ultar (7388m), Diran (7257m) and Spantik aka Golden Peak (7027m).

Diran Peak

Ultar Peak hidden behind the clouds

Baltit Fort, most important building in Karimabad

Baltit Fort with Ultar at the background

the distant Golden Peak

and the dominating Rakaposhi Peak

360 degree views of the 4 mountain peaks surrounding Karimabad

Baltit fort from a view point

Ultar at sunset

finally, a almost clear view of Rakaposhi

and of cos, the Golden Peak which is so named because of it wonderful golden colour during sunset

Day 30...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 245PKR ***
Accomodation @ Old Hunza Inn: 70PKR
Food and Others: 175PKR

clear view of Rakaposhi in the morning

and also Diran Peak

the sharp Bublimating Peak aka Ladyfinger (6000m) as seen from Karimabad town, protruding on the right side of the picture

after trekking up to Ultar Meadow, u can get a closeup view of Ultar Peak as well as the sharp Ladyfinger Peak on the left

after trekking upwards further more, you can get a really good close view of the incredible Ladyfinger Peak

nice glacier running down the mountain

view of Diran Peak from Ultar Meadow

views from Ultar Meadow

you have to walk thru these narrow passage to reach Ultar Meadow
beside the passage is the water channel that the Hunza people used to direct water from the mountains to the villages

concentration is utmost importance if you do not want to fall down the deep valley!

clear view of Ultar Peak from Karimabad

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Gilgit and Fairy Meadow Trek

Pakistan - Passu

2007-06-15T05:19:00.108+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Chapursan Valley

Day 27...15th June 2007...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 565PKR ***
Mini-bus from Chapursan Valley to Sost: 100PKR
Jeep from Sost to Passu: Hitched a ride!
Accomodation @ Passu Inn: 150PKR
Food and Others: 315PKR

Back to Sost, enroute to Passu

A signature of Pakistan, creatively decorated trucks!!!
~ View Picture on my Flickr ~

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Really lucky to have met the very friendly Qasim Ali, who has been helping me alot since I entered Pakistan

He is also the manager of the Asia Hotel in Sost

In Passu, you can stay in Passu Inn which is conveniently located near all the 3 general stores in the whole village

Simple room of Passu Inn

Carpet-like wheat field

Passu Trek A - Crossing The Suspension Bridges

1) Walk down the KKH from Passu, and trek down to the river bank to get to the start of the 1st suspension bridge.

2) After crossing the 1st suspension bridge, trek up all the way to the bottom of the mountain before crossing the ravine.

3) Head towards the small village of Zarabad.

4) From Zarabad, trek along the pathway to the start of the 2nd suspension bridge.

5) After crossing the 2nd suspension bridge, you will be in Hussaini village. Hitch a ride back to Passu, or trek to Borit Lake if you have time to spare.

Overview of the trek on the satallite map
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Magnificient Tupopdan Peak (6106m), also known as Passu Cathedral

First sighting of Passu glacier, towered by Shisper Peak (7611m) and and Passu Sar (7478m) on the left and right respectively
~ View Picture on my Flickr ~

A Pakistanis girl in her green school uniform wanted her photos to be taken

Cairns are important markers when trekking, provided they exist haha

First of the two long suspension bridges, crossing the Hunza River

An adventure itself trying to stand on these uneven planks!

Nice views from the bridge while you catiously take your next step

Huge pile of debris at the bottom of the mountains

Feels good to be surrounded by mountains

Views of Ghulkin Glacier

From the small village of Zarabad
~ View Picture on my Flickr ~

Village of Hussaini on the other side
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View of Passu Cathedral from Zarabad
~ View Picture on my Flickr ~

Hunza River, and its riverbed

Approaching the second suspension bridge, Hussaini bridge
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You can still see the old bridge on the left which has pretty much fallen aparted
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Strong wind makes the task even harder, shaking the whole bridge sometimes!

Safely made it to the other side!
~ View Picture on my Flickr ~
~~~ Featured in CNNGO Article - 10 Insane Activities ~~~

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And to Hussaini village

Playing cricket on the rough terrain

View of Zarabad from the Karakoram Highway
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And of Hussaini
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View of the Passu Cathedral during sunset
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Day 28...16th June 2007...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 530PKR ***
Accomodation @ Passu Inn: 150PKR
Food and Others: 380PKR

Tupopdan Peak in the early morning
~ View Picture on my Flickr ~

Trekking up to Passu Glacier

Small Passu Lake below Passu Glacier

River fed by the melting Passu Glacier at its base

Closer and closer to Passu Glacier
~ View Picture on my Flickr ~

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Horrifying experience trekking on this small trail, where the cliff drops few hundreds metres down!

Up by the side of Passu Glacier finally
~ View Picture on my Flickr ~

Rewarding view of the white Passu Glacier!!!
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It says, climb here!

Broad and long Yunz Valley linking Passu Glacier and Batura Glacier

Huge Batura Glacier, stretching 57km long, and almost to the Karakorum Highway!

Summer shepherd huts above Batura Glacier

Weather starting to turn bad, time to move!

Colourful flowers

Batura Glacier, the source of another river and life

Kids swimming in the really cold water

Passu Cathedral at sunset

lots of apple tree around, riping in a few weeks time

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Karimabad, Hunza Valley

Pakistan - Chapursan Valley

2007-06-14T07:21:00.073+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Khunjerab Pass and Sost

Day 26...14th Jun 2007...

Chapursan Valley is located west of Sost, running parallel to the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan. Its remoteness sees very few visitors, but the valley's exceptional beauty makes it a trekking paradise, offering endless opportunities for exploration and to experience the renowned Wakhi hospitality and culture.

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 200PKR ***
Accomodation @ Pamir Serai in Chapursan Valley: 100PKR
Food and Others: 100PKR

Simple map of Chapursan Valley
~ View Picture Enlarged ~

Stayed in Pamir Serai, which is situated in the small Zood Khun village, 2 hours jeep ride from Sost, and be prepared for one hell of a scary ride!

Cosy Wakhi style house

Simple kitchen

And of cos my wonderful host, Alam Jan Dario =)
Only later did I found out that he was featured in Greg Mortenson’s “Three Cups of Tea”!

Always drinking too much chai and eating too much bread while chatting with the ever-friendly Alam Jan

Pamir Serai from outside

A wonderful place to roam around without any tourists at all, as it is not on the Lonely Planet yet =p
~ View Picture on my Flickr ~

Many unknown and unclimbed peaks around Chapursan Valley
~ View Picture on my Flickr ~

Locals growing lots of potatoes during summer, and u can help to plant too!
~ View Picture on my Flickr ~

2 Japaneses were having an expedition to climb some unexplored peaks, and they needed 21 porters!

Dividing the loads among themselves

And then some poker for a break! haha

Donkeys looking donkey-ish at me lol

Trekking along Yishkok Meadow towards Yishkok Glacier
~ View Picture on my Flickr ~

View of Chapursan's highest mountain above Yishkok Glacier
~ View Picture on my Flickr ~

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Passu

Khunjerab Pass and Sost

2007-06-13T08:22:00.042+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan

Day 25...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 283RMB and 450PKR ***
Bus from Tashkurgan to Sost: 225RMB
Entry fee to Khunjerab National Park: 50RMB
Jeep from Sost to Chapursan Valley: 300PKR
Accomodation @ Pamir Serai in Chapursan Valley: 100PKR
Food and Others: 8RMB and 50PKR

On the Karakoram Highway to Pakistan

NATCO minibus that will take me to Sost

Views along the Karakoram Highway

One of the few Chinese checkpoints along the way

Khunjerab Pass (4693m), highest paved border crossing in the world

Officially in Pakistan!
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

You will also pass by Khunjerab National Park

We met some serious trouble...first a landslide, destroying almost the whole road...

Then the whole highway was flooded with water!!! -___-'''

Many trucks have been stuck here for days...

We have to trek up and down the mountains for around one hour to cross to the other side of the roadblock...Luckily I traveled light, so I carried all my stuffs myself

Enterprising porters always ready to earn some quick bucks

Walking on very narrow trail...

Finally made it to the other side of the roadblock...

Porters heading in the other direction towards China

It is a tough climb with that load of stuffs

Really hard work!!!

they say they will need another week or so to clear up the mess...till then...u have to do it the hard way! lol

they have all their tents and kitchen set up already

one of the Pakistanis engineer working on site

and a Pakistanis policeman

the very simple Pakistan's Customs and Immigration at Sost

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Chapursan Valley

Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan

2007-06-11T07:54:00.208+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Kashgar and Southern Silk Road Cities

Day 23...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 72RMB ***
Bus from Kashgar to Karakul Lake: 42RMB (200km)
Accomodation in Yurt @ Karakul Lake (including 3 meals): 30RMB

*Overland Distance Covered So Far: 8,388km

Attractions Information
Karakul Lake (by Travel China Guide)
Great panorama picture of Karakul Lake (by Jeremy Snell)

View of Kongur Tagh (7649m), the highest peak of Kunlun Mountains, from just outside our yurt

And also Muztagh Ata (7546m)
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Video of the surroundings

Walking into Karakul Lake, which is 3600m above sea level, and the water is really cold!
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Mud houses near the foot of Muztagh Ata
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Sheeps having their wool cut off

You can run, but you can't hide!
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Plenty of them roaming around

Closeup of Kongur Tagh

View of Karakul Lake from a high point

Spotted some yaks too
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Great views of Muztagh Ata
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Kyrgyz yurt
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Kyrgyz boy with a cute cap
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And with his dad

Kyrgyz man wearing a traditional Kyrgyz hat

Beautiful white camel
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Nice reflection
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View of Muztagh Ata at sunset
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And of Kongur Tagh

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Our friendly and humorous Kyrgyz host

Our Kyrgyz host preparing for us yak milk tea

And a simple and delicious dinner

Sweet dreams!

Video of my Kyrgyz host and the interior of the yurt

Day 24...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 85RMB ***
Bus from Karakul Lake to Tashkurgan: 40RMB (105km)
Accomodation in Tashkurgan: 15RMB
Local Transport, Food and Others: 30RMB

*Overland Distance Covered So Far: 8,493km

Attractions Information
Tashkurgan (by Travel China Guide)

View of Kongur Tagh before sunrise

~ View Picture on Flickr ~
And Muztagh Ata

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Different stages of the spectacular sunrise over Kongur Tagh
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Lazy Clemence, all wrapped up in the cold for the sunrise haha

Packing up our cosy beds and blankets

Their cute little boy!

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Video of him trying to destroy the yurt haha

I think I kinda scare him...so sorry >_>

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Their small cemetry at the back across the road

Most natural and effective fuel, shit! and loads of them!

Love the reflections!
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My first horse riding experience!

Me and my Kyrgyz host family

Sceneries enroute to Tashkurgan

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

On the Karakoram Highway (KKH) of cos
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Tashkurgan town, where majority of the people are Tajiks

One of their favourite pastimes

Tajik women with their traditional headdresses

Tajik kids and boys

Crumbling Tashkurgan Fort

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Khunjerab Pass and Sost

Kashgar & Southern Silk Road Cities

2007-06-06T08:01:00.082+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Yining and Road to Kashgar

Day 18...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 80RMB ***
Entry to Id Kah Mosque: 10RMB
Accomodation @ Seman Hotel: 30RMB
Local Transport, Food and Others: 40RMB

A very popular restaurant with the locals, always crowded during lunch and dinner time

Large grilling station for cooking kebabs

And their curry chicken rice is really nice!

Bright yellow-tiled Id Kah Mosque
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

It is the largest mosque in China, able to accomodate up to 20,000 people

Praying gallery inside the mosque, neatly laid with carpets

Big square outside the mosque

Men sitting outside the mosque, chatting and relaxing

Alleys of Uyghur residential area in Kashgar Old Town

These alleys are like little maze

Brightly colored doors

Kids playing "basketball"

Portraits of them =)

She looks really happy =)
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

Traditional Uyghur house that has overhanging room above the alley
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Reconstruction in process

Shop selling various accessories

Dang Dang Dang!
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Sacks of many different types of beans
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Naans are important food for the Uyghurs

Id Kah Mosque again
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Quite surprised to see some women here in burka!
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Men crowding outside the mosque after their prayers

Soccer, the universal sports!

Food stalls at the night market

Day 19...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 90RMB ***
Entry to Afāq Khoja Mausoleum: 30RMB
Accomodation @ Seman Hotel: 30RMB
Local Transport, Food and Others: 30RMB

Entrance to Afāq Khoja Mausoleum, aka Xiangfei Tomb

Afāq Khoja Mausoleum itself
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

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Side views of the colorful tiled Afāq Khoja Mausoleum

Day 20...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 132RMB ***
Bus from Kashgar to Yengisar: 9RMB (70km)
Bus from Yengisar to Yarkand: 13RMB (130km)
Bus from Yarkand to Kargilik: 10RMB (65km)
Accomodation in Kargilik: 60RMB
Local Transport, Food and Others: 40RMB

*Overland Distance Covered So Far: 7,923km

Took a couple of days to explore nearby Southern Silk Road towns of Yengisar, Yarkand and Kargilik (Yecheng).
Nothing much of interests in these small towns now, as much has given way to development...

Yengisar is known for their very beautiful handmade daggers

Beautiful green farmlands

Walking through old Uyghur houses

School compound

Man's gathering

Day 21...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 80RMB ***
Bus from Kargilik to Kashgar: 25RMB (265km)
Accomodation @ Seman Hotel: 30RMB
Local Transport, Food and Others: 25RMB

*Overland Distance Covered So Far: 8,188km

These Naans from Kargilik were really tasty as they added onions to them

A small mosque in Kargilik town

Delicious Uyghur style hotpot for dinner back in Kashgar and it is really spicy and oily!

Day 22...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 90RMB ***
Accomodation @ Seman Hotel: 30RMB
Local Transport, Food and Others: 60RMB

Very interesting Kashgar Livestock Market where you can find goats, sheeps, cows, donkeys and horses for sale
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

They have really cute asses, don't they? haha

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Let's hear some horrible donkey cries!

And donkeys humping and kicking each others! lol

Test riding the horse

Deal or no deal?

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Kid wrestling with the sheep

Bad sheep gets murdered! =p

Loading up their new buys

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Counting his profits

All the necessary accessories u will need for your new livestocks

Kashgar Sunday Market is one of the largest in Central Asia

Woman in burka again

Locals love eating goat heads @@

Looks delicious?
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Many interesting stuffs in the Sunday Market
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Mr Mao statue is everywhere!

Back to old town

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This old man was selling us some color powders, and showing us by mixing his saliva with the powders! haha
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Ice delivery!

Sharpening knife

Kids playing happily

Don't hit my head! haha

Photos of Uyghur kids

Kids rushing to see their picture and I love the motion effect!
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Claus giving them some english lesson haha

Mischievous boy doing funny faces

Nice shave and massage
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Woodcarver at work
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Making traditional Uyghur skull cap

This Uyghur fastfood near Id Kah Mosque has some great foods

Cheap and nice meal! they also have a special fruits cocktail drink which is simply awesome!

Say cheese =)

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan

Yining and Road to Kashgar

2007-06-03T06:51:00.024+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Tianchi (Heavenly Lake)

Day 15...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 85RMB ***
Accomodation in Yining: 15RMB
Local Transport, Food and Others: 70RMB

Took a little trip to Yining, hoping to visit Sayram Lake and do the overland trip from Yining to Kucha across TianShan mountains, which was recommended by many for its wonderful sceneries. But things didn't turn out all that well. Sayram Lake wasn't that impressive as seen from the bus due to major road reconstruction by the lake, and the road from Yining to Kucha was closed to public bus at that time. Sighz... In the end, had to waste 2 days 1 night on the bus to get from Yining to Kashgar enroute through Urumqi again. Bad planning all in all, but I guess at least I learnt abit of the bus culture here in Xinjiang haha =)

Overnight bus from Urumqi to Yining

Kid sleeping soundly

Uyghur style "liang mian" for lunch

Family outing by Yili River

Glimpse of Yili River

Simple bed in a simple dorm

Day 16...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 192RMB ***
Local Transport, Food and Others: 5RMB
Overnight bus from Yining to Korla: 187RMB (710km + 477km)

*Overland Distance Covered So Far: 6,642km

Morning exercise before work!

Sleeper bus from Yining to Korla

Very comfortable with blanket and enough leg space

If you are lucky, u might even have your own television haha

This no smoking sign is useless! everybody still smokes! haha

Empty streets of Luntai, enroute to Korla

Day 17...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 211RMB ***
Local Transport, Food and Others: 30RMB
Overnight bus from Korla to Kashgar: 181RMB (285km + 731km)

*Overland Distance Covered So Far: 7,658km

Fried rice with beef for breakfast =)

Most public toilets in China are really gross!!!

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Kashgar and Southern Silk Road Cities

Tianchi (Heavenly Lake)

2007-06-01T08:36:00.039+08:00

~~~~~ Previous ~~~~~
Turpan and Urumqi

Day 13...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 225RMB ***
Bus from Ürümqi to Tianchi: 50RMB (110km)
Bus up to Tianchi: 20RMB
Entry to Tianchi: 90RMB
Accomodation @ Rashit's Yurt (including 3 meals): 50RMB
Local Transport, Food and Others: 15RMB

*Overland Distance Covered So Far: 4,630km

Travel Information
Rashit's Yurt

Tianchi aka Heavenly Lake surrounded by the legendary Tianshan Mountains
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

We found our Kazakh host Rashit, as recommended in Lonely Planet

Kazakh yurt by the lake

Colorful interior of the Kazakh yurt

Surrounded by beautiful Alpine forests too

Very scenic!

People always like to take picture of animal skulls lol

Claus and Marc jumping in for a swim

Cursing and swearing while they were inside...too cold! haha

Smiling happily! =)

A frozen river...you can imagine how cold it was!

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

My very first "mini" glacier!

With Claus

Will love to have such a cottage myself in such beautiful settings

There are also many eagles soaring around

Chinese workers doing hard work of laying the path of concrete slabs

Weather turning bad quickly...

And started raining heavily!

Running for a hopeful cover towards a log cabin

But noone was around, so we took shelter outside the log cabin...shivering cold...

We reckoned it was gonna take a while, so we just sneaked into the log cabin by climbing thru the small window lol...

Burglars!

And a few games of chinese chess while waiting...
But the rain didn't stopped...so we trekked in the heavy rain for 2 hours to reach back to our yurt...some really tough times...

Finally back at our yurt, all wet and cold while our Kazakh host gets the fire going for us

Day 14...

Travel Expenses
*** Total: 270RMB ***
Cable car down Tianchi: 21RMB
Taxi from Tianchi to Fukang: 10RMB each / 3 person (40km)
Bus from Fukang to Ürümqi: 11RMB (75km)
Entry to Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum: 30RMB
Local Transport, Food and Others: 55RMB
Overnight bus from Ürümqi to Yining: 143RMB (710km)

*Overland Distance Covered So Far: 5,455km

Warm Kazakh yurt that we stayed in

Me, Marc and Claus

Simple breakfast

Kazakh yurt by Tianchi, with Tianshan Mountains as backdrop
~ View Picture on Flickr ~

~ View Picture on Flickr ~

White statue of a lady blowing flute...not sure about any story about her thou

Tons of tourists near entrance of the lake

Yeah, i have been here! lol

Took the cable car down

Wonderful views of the temperate forests

Back to Urumqi again, where I took a overnight bus from Urumqi to Yining

~~~~~ Next ~~~~~
Yining and Road to Kashgar