Back to Listing
Dunhuang
Nestled deep in the eastern reaches of the Taklamakan desert, Dunhuang was once a byword for remoteness. The new airport means visitors can arrive in just a couple of hours as opposed to the couple of months it once took the hardy desert caravan traders. It is the westernmost town in Gansu province and lies only a few miles from the Xinjiang province border. The big draw here is the Mogao Grottoes, a series of several hundred caves where a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist carvings, murals and manuscripts were discovered. When Marco Polo passed through here, he wrote of "the rumbling sands" due to the strange noise the shifting dunes make when disturbed by wind.
Features in the following itineraries
The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.
Rudyard Kipling
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
- Leslie Siben, India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Ampersand’s details preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet/direct booking age. Shalmali was a delight to work with – before and during our trip.
- Mr David Wallace, North India
- Mr David Wallace, North India
We have been on expensive and luxurious holidays in the past, but the service and communication Ampersand has provided has far exceeded those offered by other agencies.
- Susan Ford, India
- Susan Ford, India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
- Jaime Benitez, South India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka