The Silk Road Caravan – Practical Information

Transport – In Pakistan we use an air-conditioned minibus and occasionally jeeps. In China we use an air conditioned minibus, train, boat and domestic flights as per itinerary.

Accommodation – Good tourist class hotels throughout. Although generally clean and comfortable conditions in Pakistani and Chinese hotels can sometimes be more basic than those found in the west.  One night berth on a sleeper compartment on the train between Turfan and Liuyan.

Group and staff – Groups will be between 6 and 16 members fully escorted throughout by bilingual leader Phil Colley, assisted where applicable by local guides and drivers.

Food – Full board in Pakistan; breakfast only in China. Despite the fame of its cuisine diners can have mixed fortunes in China. Great meals can be found but generally not in the country’s hotels and hence meals are not included on this trip. There are generally plenty of small restaurants to choose from, often with English menus, and eating in China rarely proves a problem. As a rough guideline around £10 a day should be allowed for food whilst in China.

Luggage requirements – A good suitcase or strong holdall along with a small daypack or daybag. Further advice can be found in the pre- departure information sheet available on booking.

Price includes – All accommodation, transportation and sightseeing excursions as indicated in the itinerary. Full services of The Oriental Caravan leader assisted by local guides where applicable.

Price does not include – Meals except full board in Pakistan and breakfasts in China; domestic and international airport taxes; visa costs; drinks, tips, laundry and other items of a personal nature; optional entrance fees and bus/ taxi fares not included in the itinerary; international flights; departure transfer in Beijing.

Passport and visa – All nationalities require a full passport valid for six months or more from the last day of stay in China. Most nationalities, including British, require a visa to enter both Pakistan and China and these must be obtained prior to travel. For information on visa costs and procedures please contact The Oriental Caravan.

Travel insurance – It is a condition of joining this tour that the traveller be insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs) and to have adequate baggage cover. The taking out of cancellation insurance is also strongly recommended. The Oriental Caravan operates an insurance policy specially designed for this kind of travel. Please apply for details.

Health formalities – There are no statutory health requirements for visiting China and Pakistan unless arriving from an area where Yellow Fever is endemic. It is however strongly recommended that you visit a doctor prior to departure and follow their advice regarding health considerations for travel to these areas.

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