Silk Road with Edmund Capon

On this exceptional trip, and in the company of Edmund Capon, you will trace the journey of Buddhism along the northern Silk Road. Our remarkable tour commences in Kashgar, and takes you along the Chinese part of the ancient route from west to east, reflecting the journey of Buddhism itself from India into the heartlands of China.

Our journey covers along around a millennium from the 3rd to the 13th centuries, travels through spectacular scenery with a cosmopolitan history, and makes encounters with the lasting material legacy of the Buddhist faith in this remote part of the ancient world.

About your escort:
Edmund Capon is one of Australia's most respected, admired and recognisable figures in the Arts. Edmund is known for his Directorship of the Art Gallery of NSW, a position he held for 33 years until his retirement in 2011. Prior to his appointment at the Gallery he was the Assistant Keeper, Far Easter Section of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

Edmund Capon is an expert in the field of Chinese Art and Archaeology and has written extensively on the arts in China. He has produced and presented documentaries and during his tenure at the Gallery developed it as a centre for Asian art display and education, including the opening and rebuilding of a new Asian Gallery wing.

Edmund was awarded the Doctor of Letters honoris causa from the University of NSW in 2000, from Macquarie University in 2010 and the University of Sydney in 2013 and has been honoured by the governments in Britain, France, Italy and Australia for his contribution to the art and culture.

Dates:

17th May – 2nd June 2014 [SOLD OUT]
20th Sept – 6th Oct 2014 [SOLD OUT]

Trip Highlights:

• Sunday Markets in Kashgar
• Visiting Kizil, one of the most inspiring and beautiful Buddhist sites in the region
• Ancient ruins of Subashi
• Exploring the remarkable Kumtura Caves
• Stunning landscapes at Heavenly Mountains, Urumqi
• Mogao Caves - China's most magnificent Buddhist grottos
• Travelling in the company of Edmund Capon, one of Australia's pre-eminent art scholars

Trip Duration: 17 days | Grade: Adventure Touring | Accommodation: 14 nights hotel and 2 nights train (soft-sleeper) | Meals: 16 breakfasts, 15 lunches and 16 dinners |

Trip Cost: $6290 (joining Kashgar)

Download detailed trip notes here