WHERE THE EARTH MEETS THE SKY
And the Ancient Silk Road
Awakens the Soul
Led by Don Ernesto ORTIZ
A Spiritual Pilgrimage Exploring, the Silk Road,The Rainbow Mountains, Buddhist temples and cliffside grottoes, and The Majestic Gobi Desert, With Unforgettable Camel Rides….
June 23 to July 6, 2027
There are journeys that take us across the world…
and there are journeys that take us beyond ourselves.
Across sacred mountains, forgotten fortress cities, rainbow-colored landscapes, vast oceans of desert silence, and ancient cave temples filled with timeless wisdom, this extraordinary expedition follows the mystical Silk Road into the heart of wonder itself.
Ride camels beneath golden sunsets.
Stand beneath skies filled with infinite stars.
Walk the edge of the Great Wall where civilizations once met.
Feel the silence of the Gobi Desert speak directly to the soul.
From the sacred art of Dunhuang to the towering dunes of Badain Jilin, this is more than a cultural adventure — it is a profound encounter with beauty, mystery, stillness, and the ancient spirit of the Earth.
Some places change the way we see the world.
Others change the way we feel inside ourselves.
This is one of those journeys.
Journey Highlights
- Explore the legendary Silk Road through China’s historic Hexi Corridor
- Experience the spectacular Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye
- Visit sacred Buddhist temples and cliffside grottoes
- Spend three immersive days in the majestic Badain Jilin Desert
- Witness unforgettable desert sunsets and starlit skies
- Ride camels through the Singing Sand Dunes of Dunhuang
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Mogao Caves
- Walk the western edge of the Great Wall at Jiayuguan Fortress
- Discover ancient frontier passes and the mysterious “Ghost City” formations
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Lanzhou
Gateway to the Silk Road
Arrive in Lanzhou, capital of Gansu Province and one of the great historical gateways of the Silk Road. Resting along the Yellow River, Lanzhou offers a beautiful introduction to western China’s unique atmosphere and history.
Highlights include:
- Yellow River Mother Sculpture
- Zhongshan Iron Bridge
- White Pagoda Hill
Evening exploration of local night markets and the famous Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles.
Overnight in Lanzhou.
Day 2 – Lanzhou to Wuwei
Entering the Hexi Corridor
Travel west into the legendary Hexi Corridor, once traveled by merchants, monks, pilgrims, and caravans carrying silk, spices, teachings, and treasures between East and West.
Highlights include:
- Leitai Han Tomb — discovery site of the “Flying Horse of Gansu”
- Wuwei Confucian Temple
Overnight in Wuwei.
Day 3 – Wuwei to Zhangye
The Rainbow Mountains
Arrive in Zhangye, one of the hidden jewels of the Silk Road.
In the late afternoon, witness one of China’s most extraordinary natural wonders:
Signature Experience
- Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park at sunset
The Rainbow Mountains reveal breathtaking layers of red, gold, orange, and violet shaped by millions of years of geological transformation.
Overnight in Zhangye.
Day 4 – Zhangye Exploration
Buddhist Heritage & Cliff Temples
A day devoted to sacred sites, Buddhist history, and timeless craftsmanship. This region carries a fascinating blend of Tibetan and Han Buddhist influences.
Highlights include:
- Giant Buddha Temple — home to China’s largest indoor reclining Buddha
- Mati Si Grottoes — dramatic cliffside caves and temples carved into the mountainside
Overnight in Zhangye.
Day 5 – Zhangye Integration Day
Rest, Culture, and Preparation
A spacious day designed for integration, rest, and cultural immersion before entering the vast desert landscapes.
Highlights include:
- Tea houses and cultural walks
- Local market exploration
- Optional second visit to the Danxia Mountains for different light and photography opportunities
Overnight in Zhangye.
Day 6– Zhangye to Badain Jilin Desert
From Oasis to Mega-Dunes
The landscapes begin to shift dramatically as fertile valleys give way to the immense beauty of the Gobi Desert and the towering dunes of Badain Jilin.
Arrival experiences include:
- Gentle acclimatization walk
- Visit to a desert lake nestled among the dunes
Signature Moment
- Sunset dune climb with panoramic desert views
Overnight in the Badain Jilin Desert.
Day 7– Badain Jilin Desert Exploration
Mega-Dunes & Desert Culture
A full day immersed in one of the most spectacular desert landscapes on Earth.
Signature Experiences
- 4WD desert safari through dunes and hidden lakes
- The mysterious “singing sands” phenomenon
- Seasonal visit with a Mongolian herder family
Evening stargazing beneath extraordinarily clear desert skies.
Overnight in the Badain Jilin Desert.
Day 8 – Badain Jilin Desert
Deep Desert Immersion
A second full day in the desert transforms the experience from sightseeing into true immersion.
Highlights include:
- Sunrise photography across dunes and desert lakes
- Slow exploration of remote desert landscapes
- Optional camel encounters when available
- Extended evening stargazing and desert silence
Overnight in the Badain Jilin Desert.
Day 9 – Badain Jilin Desert to Jiayuguan
The Great Wall Meets the Gobi
After a final desert morning, continue west toward Jiayuguan, one of China’s most iconic frontier cities where the Great Wall once marked the boundary between empire and wilderness.
Overnight in Jiayuguan.
Day 10 – Jiayuguan
Western Terminus of the Great Wall
Walk the legendary threshold where the Ming Great Wall meets the open desert.
Highlights include:
- Jiayuguan Fortress
- Overhanging Great Wall
- Wei-Jin Tombs
Overnight in Jiayuguan.
Day 11 – Jiayuguan to Dunhuang
Into the Heart of the Gobi
Cross vast gravel plains toward Dunhuang, one of the Silk Road’s most celebrated oasis cities.
En route visit:
- Qiaowan Ancient City — Tang Dynasty ruins reclaimed by desert sands
- Evening visit to the lively Shazhou Night Market.
Overnight in Dunhuang.
Day 12 – Dunhuang
Sacred Art & Sunset Camel Ride
A day of sacred beauty, Buddhist art, and unforgettable desert scenery.
Morning:
- Mogao Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Late Afternoon & Sunset:
- Singing Sand Dunes
- Crescent Moon Lake
- Extended camel ride into the dunes
Overnight in Dunhuang.
Day 13 – Dunhuang
Sunrise Camel Ride & Desert Stillness
A second camel day designed not simply for sightseeing, but for deep desert immersion and reflection.
Early Morning:
- Sunrise camel ride
- Quiet contemplative time among the dunes
Afternoon:
- Tea houses
- Journaling
- Rest and cultural browsing
Overnight in Dunhuang.
Day 14 – Gobi Frontier Excursion
Passes, Ruins & the “Ghost City”
Journey into some of the most dramatic frontier landscapes of the ancient Silk Road.
Highlights include:
- Yumen Pass (Jade Gate Pass)
- Yang Pass
- Yadan National Geological Park — wind-carved formations known as the “Ghost City”
Overnight in Dunhuang.
Day 15 – Departure from Dunhuang
A relaxed morning for final shopping, tea, reflection, and quiet farewells before transfer to the airport or railway station.
End of Journey.
THE VALUE OF THIS JOURNEY
To convert US Dollars to euros or other currencies you can use:
https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/
Double occupancy US $ 3,895
Single occupancy US $ 4,395
Couples US $ 7,495
DETAIL OF SERVICES
The price includes:
- The teachings of Don Ernesto Ortiz through the trip
- French translator for the whole trip
- Professional guides
- Camel Rides
- Accommodation (double occupancy)
- Single accommodation available for a surcharge
- Comfortable, well-maintained tourist transportation
- All entrance fees to attractions
- Two bottles of mineral water per day (1 liter each)
- Oxygen cylinders (if needed)
- First aid kit
- Meals ~ TBA
The price doesn’t include:
- Round trip air ticket from your country of origin to China
- The cost of obtaining a visa for China (this may vary by nationality)
- Tips for the local team (guide, driver)
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- The possible international taxes of exit and of aerial surcharges
- Personal travel insurance
- Individual medical assistance
YOUR REGISTRATION
Seats are limited; we advise that your register as soon as possible.
Click on the Registration link to access the Registration forms and the terms and conditions.
PREPARATION OF THE TRIP
Once you register for your trip, you will receive a complete preparation list covering the practical details: clothing, money, visas, practical advice, etc.
If you need assistance or have any questions in French please contact Tina @ tinahellingrath@yahoo.fr
If you need assistance or have any questions in English please contact Alan @ alanpurves777@yahoo.co.uk
I look forward to walking this sacred path with you—sharing the journey, the teachings, and the ceremonies that connect us to the heart of Tibet and to the heart within.
In Spirit
Don Ernesto