Muztagata Peak (7546 meters) along the Indian/Pakistan southern branch of the ancient silk road. Now a major paved highway for trade from modern China to Pakistan. This landmark uniquely rounded land mark covered with a thick covering of glaciers now has some “nomad tents” set up to accommodate overnight tourist.

When we arrived we were greeted with a crystal clear view of the famous landmark but soon after a Taklamakan infamous dust storm soon obliterated the view. Still a wonderful worthwhile sight. It was the only “faraway” sight we saw the rest of the expedition.

“Golden Eyes” of the Uygar minority group.

Some of the local Uygar people are beginning to adopt more conservative customs of dress…but from my observation the brightness and color of even the most conservative costumes were even more eye catching.

Typical street scene on market day. Hansom and rugged Turkish men and the lovely flowers of ethnic ladies dresses.

Uyger children show the true beauty of the people of the region.

Uyger child washing up after cleaning the walnuts of their casing during autumn walnut harvest. The joys of childhood and youth in full bloom.

Peaceful village lane beauties along the ancient Silk Road near the seldom visited town of Hotan.

The ancient and modern Silk Road still offers “hard seat” services on trains, ox carts, horses and bicycles, it seems, as well.

Canyon researcher and tour adviser Richard D. Fisher meets and befriends directors of museums and local tourist services along the south branch of the seldom visited Southern Branch of the Silk Road.

At long last a view of some of the canyonlands along the Silk Road. There is still a great deal of research to be done here in this region on canyons. Information about canyons, as is typical, was totally lacking about the canyonlands and many other details before our September 2010 expedition.  We now have a very good idea about the locations of the canyonlands including the “Grand Canyon” of the Silk Road as well as the locations of the museums, cultural and archaeological sites. This place was named “Colorful City” ???

Silk Road canyonlands beauties Maria Gates, expedition sponsor and personal supervisor, with her traditional “Chinese Beauty” model, Karen, and her friend and our excellent interpreter Monica. “What a wonderful afternoon to enjoy the great beauty of nature with ladies of equal attractiveness”…commented expedition photographer Richard D. Fisher. Or perhaps as they say “life is hard but some one has to live it”… to the fullest.

While photography is strictly prohibited in the museums as is typical in all the world we were able to obtain permission to use some representations for our web page to promote tourism. We were also able to establish trust and friendships where photography policies
may be more liberal in future trips to the region. We certainly established the knowledge and friendships necessary to further develop and enjoy future and more valuable information on this fascinating region and it’s geographical, cultural and archaeological treasures.
The “Grand Canyon of the Silk Road” is still out there and we now know where it is….

The photographers self-portrait silhouette.