China Expeditions

In far southwestern China near the border of Tajikistan in Xinjiang Province soars the whaleback peak of Mt Muztagh, at more than 7000 metres one of the largest and most dominant mountains in the predominantly rugged province.

This spectacular peak is the focus of a circuit of it and its satellite ranges during ajourney and exploration of the area’s cultural gems..

Starting in Beijing with a flight to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Province, and then a flight to the old market town of Kashgar, this tour offers a balance of trekking and minority culture, remarkable scenery and, of course, interesting dining in China’s Muslim belt …

In Kashgar, the stronghold of the Uighur minority, during an overnight pause there is a hint of the market delight in store on our return as we stroll alleyways: knife salesmen abound, carpets are offered by ebullient proprietors who rush from premises, watermelon is sold at a knock-down price, vendors of Oriental spices are dwarfed by their offerings, the clang of sheet-metal work competes with the cacophony of market noise and buzz.

But this shall wait …

A four-hour bus ride from Kashgar, an ascent through stunning semi-arid ranges and up a gorge system to a plateau brings us to the meadow-desert environment of Mt Muztagh, suddenly brought into view past the Muztagata range.

Here at 3000 metres we pause for tea and nan at our host’s yurt while awaiting the assembly of camels and loading of supplies and equipment by drivers for the 10-day trek.

These people are neither Han Chinese nor Uighurs but owe their ancestry to nearby Tajikistan, having moved across the porous border to settle as shepherds in both lowlands and high-altitude meadows..

The retreat of winter snow ushers in a brief summer and with it the Tajiks arrive from their lowland villages with goats and cattle to occupy stone huts beneath Muztagh’s flanks.

Setting off in camel train we trek across valley into an adobe village and ascend to a scattering of Tajik stone huts.

In meeting these people, observing the women making yoghurt and cheese and the men busy tending their animals, it is a reminder that old ways persist in this globalised planet and here, too, there is charming hospitality..

Heading southwest the trek negotiates semi-arid valleys and hills to cross a pass and into another valley system on Muztagh’s flank, progressively concluding a circuit of the peak.

On the way we scramble onto lower peaks for grand views..

Returning to Kasghar the tour coincides with the famous Sunday markets.

In the morning we visit the animal market, an astonishing assembly of cattle, sheep and goats in their thousands.

Villagers arrive in donkey cart with tethered animals and conduct sales roadside, or inside a market compound.

Here, with pride, vendors groom their sheep and goats.

Smoke rises from the nan-bread and kebab stalls, knife and whip salesmen, saddlery and other vendors vie for the attention of the rural visitors.

The early afternoon takes us to the general Kashgar market, a huge street-side offering of all manner of products in an atmosphere swarming with humanity.

A mosque dominates, watermelon feasts are commonplace, shoe vendors, artisans, craftsmen, fruit merchants, garlic sellers and literally a plethora of products are on offer..

Back to Beijing we have in store the best highlights of the capital: Tiananmen Square, the Imperial Palace (Forbidden City), the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, an alleyway district – and rickshaw ride peek at the residents – shopping and a farewell dinner at the Old Beijing Restaurant..

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive Beijing, free time.
• Day 2: By air to Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Province. Overnight.
• Day 3: By air to Kashgar, overnight.
• Day 4: By bus to Mt Muztagh, commence trek in camel train.
• Day 5-15: Circuit of Mt Muztagh
• Day 16: Return to Kashgar, overnight
• Day 17: In Kashgar, evening flight to Urumqi. Overnight.
• Day 18: Flight to Beijing
• Day 19: Sightseeing in Beijing
• Day 20: Sightseeing in Beijing
• Day 21: Departure from China.