China Travel Forum

[mercian]

It seems that the september weather in daytime is around 25C and at night is 0C?? I don't know if I need to bring a really warm jacket with me. and the other thing is that if we should not wear sleevless clothes there ? also in cities like Urumqi and Kasgar?? I hate to pack when I have to think about what to wear.
What about Kanas lake nature reserve? As says on the book, it is not easy to get there on your own. Can anyone give me some advice on this? should join the tour in Urumqi or try to go there ourselves.
We are thinking to go from the north then down to the west and the south to Hotan. but after Hotan, is going back to Urumqi the only way to get out of Xinjiang?
Before going to Xinjiang, we will be in Xian first. any good hostels are recommended?

What is the budget for accommodation and meals per day travelling in Xinjiang?
We are also thinking of going to a beach in southeast asia after Xinjiang (if we have enough time!) which city we should go to in China to catch a cheap flight down to like Thailand or Malaysia?? And how much would that be approx?
thanks!

[kamal]

You can basically go where you want, except in some religions settings. So It's be shorts t-shirt and thongs if the weather permits - but if you go to Kanas Lake or Karakul lake areas (amongst others) you will likely need your warm jacket as snow wouldn't be out of the question.
Kanas Lake is definitely possible solo. If you take a tour from Urumqi you will likely spend the first day on a bus, stay in Buerjin, 3 hours the next morning on a bus getting to the lake, and just 24-28 hours at the lake before they turn you around to start the long trek back again... 4 days 3 nights for just 28 hours at the lake!! The alternative is to find a longer tour (6 days 5 nights, etc) or do it yourself, which you can do using night sleeper buses between Urumqi and Buerjin. Getting from Buerjin to lake is problematic if you're on a budget (there were no buses when I was there in May 2004, but you can always ask). There will be taxis at the bus station in Buerjin offering you a lift for 400RMB or more (3 hours one way). Or you can try to hitch but if you do this go out of town first or you will just get locals offering themselves as impromptu taxis and will want 400RMB or more. If you go left out of the Buerjin bus station and hang a right at the first main intersection you will be on the road that eventually ends at Kanas Lake... go 3-4 blocks to the edge of town, then a bit further just around the corner of the trees (near the bridge) and try to hitch from here. Any passing car/truck or bus will already be going in the direction of the lake so they won't want the 'impromptu taxi' prices the Buerjin locals want. You definitely do not need a permit (May 2004) but you should have your passport.