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From the Itinerary: Today you’ll explore the fourth century Bezeklik caves and Astana tombs, ancient burial grounds for nobles and aristocrats. More than 400 tombs have been excavated and the best-preserved artifacts have been collected in an “underground museum.” Later you can pop a cork or two in Grape Valley, on the western slope of the Flaming Mountains (russet sandstone mountains that sparkle under the blazing sun). Grapes were introduced to the area in ancient times because of Turpan’s hospitable climate. Grapes here have never suffered from plant disease or pests, so no chemicals or pesticides are applied. You’ll be able to taste some of those grapes and some of the wines made from them. TURPAN OASIS HOTEL (B,L,D)


Day 06 - July 30th - Turpan

From the Itinerary: Today you’ll explore the fourth century Bezeklik caves and Astana tombs, ancient burial grounds for nobles and aristocrats. More than 400 tombs have been excavated and the best-preserved artifacts have been collected in an “underground museum.” Later you can pop a cork or two in Grape Valley, on the western slope of the Flaming Mountains (russet sandstone mountains that sparkle under the blazing sun). Grapes were introduced to the area in ancient times because of Turpan’s hospitable climate. Grapes here have never suffered from plant disease or pests, so no chemicals or pesticides are applied. You’ll be able to taste some of those grapes and some of the wines made from them. TURPAN OASIS HOTEL (B,L,D)

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Day 6 - Turpan Breakfast out under the hotel's grape trellis with Michelle, Bill and Tahleen. Off to four burried mummies at the Astana Tombs. Many homes have beds out front on the street and on the roof. We took photos with Chinese astonomical sign charaters that depict our birth years. No pictures were allowed inside the underground tombs. Next stop was an over look at the Flaming mountain. Finally we stopped at the Bezeklik Caves. The cave ceilings had 1000 Budda faces painted on them, but all of them had been defaced by Muslims or during the Cultural Revolution. Dave and Tahleen mounted camels to get their pictures taken. Daves camel handler lead his camel around a little and then wanted 60 yuan for the ride. Our guides had to mediate the argument and Dave ended up paying 20 yuan. "Buyer beware" around here. We ate lunch at a Muslim resturaunt. Very good and lots of food. Some homes have beautiful doors. Many homes have beds on the roof for sleeping in this hot climate. Very few bugs. Dinner in hotel. Very good. Free beer tonight. Jim Huddle gave an eclipse presentation. Dave Makepeace played two eclipse DVD's he created. In the evening Bill took us to a city park that was liteup and had some dancing going on.