TAKLAMAKAN DESERT
“EXPEDITION INFORMATION UPDATE”
The timing of this expedition waits on an unsavoury combination of the settling of the political disruptions in Xinjiang combined with the restrictions imposed by China to contain the Coronavirus.
The Taklamakan desert has a fearsome reputation as China’s largest dune desert. Many have dared to venture into its interior in a quest for legendary treasures buried beneath her shifting dunes and never been seen again. Taklamakan’s literal translation is ‘the desert you go in and don’t come out’.
This forthcoming expedition, which is waiting for the unexpected delayed permits for this region will be British-led (by myself) but as a joint Anglo-Sino project. We will be crossing through the interior of the desert and travelling the full length of nearly 1,000 km over its towering, shifting sand dunes – and out the other side. The team will travel through temperatures reaching between -20c at night and above 38c by day.
Each expedition invariably offers up its own ‘cause’ and in this instance, and on the part of the Chinese, the expedition will help draw renewed attention of the Belt and Road initiative, currently gaining momentum across from China to Europe, to a global audience and, as a joint Anglo-Sino expedition, help promote relations between the two countries.
As on each of Rosie’s expeditions, physiological research will be undertaken on each team member throughout the duration of the crossing, monitoring the impact on mind and body of such an extreme undertaking. Education will also play its role via the website with specific emphasis on the role of water.
Further details of the planning and expedition resources will be posted on the website as and when political and health restrictions are lifted.
Leading Camels Back to Base
Having completed 200km, the team return from the desert in Oman in time for the winter break. Our Chinese team member, having a longer journey back to Beijing, whilst four members from UK return to London via Muscat.
Up and Over – Team Training
Due to ‘unanticipated circumstances’ as they say in the FO, Team TAK find themselves waiting for the postponed permit to cross the Taklamakan Desert. But there are no plans for idleness. In late November, the training continues and to keep motivated, the team of 5 men...
The Talents of Cat Vinton
Lucky enough to win the talents of CAT A bit of legend in the world of expedition photography, the supremely talented Cat Vinton joins the team of women crossing the Desert of Death. The Taklamakan Anglo-Chinese Expedition will test her skills. "She is driven by an...
Expedition in China
The route of The Taklamakan Anglo-Chinese Expedition 2018 will cross from east to western China, some 1000KM through the Taklamakan Desert. Setting off in 2019 a team of like-minded individuals will take on the challenge of crossing The Taklamakan Desert in Central...
Sands of The Taklamakan Desert
The Taklamakan Expedition’s Iconic Symbol - The Sands of the Desert are captured in these wonderful Hourglasses made by Lasvit and designed by Alan Chan Design world-renowned glass manufacturer LASVIT and design company Alan Chan Design - only 5 are available. The...
The Team & China
My forthcoming expedition will be a joint Anglo-Sino project, into and across the interior of the Taklamakan desert which has a fearsome reputation and is not for the faint of heart. The Taklamakan desert has a fearsome reputation as China’s largest desert. Many have...
Taklamakan Anglo Chinese Expedition 2017
Alan Yau, Park Chinois, Cerno Capital and the Taklamakan Anglo Chinese Expedition 2017 When speaking to a number of guests at a lunch hosted by Cerno Capital recently, I was lucky enough to be interviewed by Laura Winter who as a sports journalist, presenter and event...
OK Load Me Up!
The Joy of choosing the right Camels for the Taklamakan Anglo-Chinese Expedition and what to look out for. How many kilometres can a camel walk over the Dunes of the Taklamakan Desert without stopping to drink?
Communication is Everything
Testing equipment for the Taklamakan Desert Expedition from our Sponsors Securewest International The Taklamakan Anglo-Chinese Desert Expedition - This photo shows me testing equipment for my next expedition to China. Capability for on-going coverage during the...