Heritage Mogao Caves Tour

Heritage Mogao Caves Tour Overview

Explore the Mogao Caves with its thousand-year-old Buddhist murals in the manmade grottoes. Travel through the endless sand dunes of the Mingsha Mountains, explore the night market in Dunhuang and be dazzled by stunning Crescent Moon Lake.

Explore the UNESCO-Heritage Mogao Caves

Explore the Mogao Caves with its thousand-year-old Buddhist murals in the manmade grottoes. Travel through the endless sand dunes of the Mingsha Mountains, explore the night market in Dunhuang and be dazzled by stunning Crescent Moon Lake. This extension may form part of your Silk Road Explorer tour or an add-on to any China adventure.

Touring style: Private basis with English speaking guide and driver

Best time to visit: High season runs May to October. The ideal times to visit are late spring and mid autumn when the weather is at its best.

Prices are seasonal, include hotels, breakfast, professional touring and transfers.

Day 1: Arrival Dunhuang. Mingsha Mountains sand dunes and Crescent Moon Lake

You will arrive by road from Jiayuguan or by flight to Dunhuang airport. Your driver and guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. On the way, visit the massive sand dunes of the Mingsha Mountains and the Crescent Lake. Check in at your hotel.

In the late afternoon, take a jeep to one of the highest dunes for a walk and witness the dramatic sunset. This evening, visit the night market for an opportunity to try some of the local delicacies and mingle with the locals.

Overnight in Dunhuang.

Distance and journey times:

JIayuguan– Dunhuang City (approx. 360km):5h; by flight 50min

Crescent moon lake/Mingsha- Dunhuang City (approx. 5.1km): 14min

Day 2: Mogao Caves touring

Leave with your guide by road to the UNESCO-Heritage Mogao Caves, famous for its Buddhist murals and frescos. Explore the caves housing giant Buddhas.

Visits are only permitted in the morning for foreign visitors.

In the afternoon, visit Yadan National Park by private jeep or you may choose to have a short trek.

Distance and journey times:

Dunhuang– Mogao Caves (approx. 25.6km): 42min

Mogao Caves –Yadan National Park (approx. 176km): 2h

Day 3: Dunhuang departure

You may choose to explore the sand dunes before departing for the airport or continue your journey on the Silk Road.