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Upon your arrival in Kashgar, we’ll be there to greet you at the airport exit. From there, we’ll transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Feel free to spend the remainder of the day exploring the city at your leisure.
Stay in Kashgar
After breakfast, your guide and driver will greet you in the hotel lobby to commence your adventure.
Our first stop is the Sunday Bazaar, which has two main areas. The covered section offers a wide variety of goods, including clothing, nuts, and household items. We’ll start with the outdoor Animal Bazaar, where the atmosphere is lively and filled with vendors negotiating prices in their traditional way. Following our market exploration, we will embark on a four-hour drive along the China-Pakistan Highway, taking in the breathtaking landscapes of the Pamir Plateau(帕米尔高原).
Our journey will lead us to the Karakul Lake(喀拉库勒湖), where herds of livestock graze along the lakeshore. Afterwards, we’ll explore the breathtaking views along the route and head to Taxkorgan County for an overnight stay.
B, L, D, Stay in Taxkorgan
Before our return journey to Kashgar today, we will explore the Stone Fortress(石头城), an oval-shaped city. The walls constructed from sun-dried bricks on a stone foundation, measuring 1285 meters in circumference.
We’ll explore the breathtaking Golden Grasslands(金草滩), which offer fantastic photo opportunities of the Stone Fortress. As we stroll through the pastureland, we can learn about the customs of the local Tajik people.
B, L, D, Stay in Kashgar
This morning, meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby.We will kick off our adventure at the Id Kah Mosque(艾提尕尔清真寺), the largest mosque in China. This structure built in 1442, showcases stunning architecture and serves as a hub for Islamic activities.
Following our exploration, we will make our way to the historic Old Town(喀什古城), where a vibrant cultural performance awaits to greet visitors. A visit to a local Uyghur family offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s distinct customs and daily life.
Our tour will conclude with a visit to Handicraft Street, where you can delve into the local artisanal scene, featuring an array of crafts such as jewelry, pottery, and traditional musical instruments. Afterward, unwind at a nearby tea house, absorbing the rich cultural essence of Kashgar.
As our fulfilling day comes to a close, we will bid farewell to Kashgar and escort you to the airport for your onward journey to Urumqi.
B, L, D, Stay in Urumqi
Today, we will journey to Heavenly Lake (天池) , a picturesque gem surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offering awe-inspiring vistas. Visitors can enjoy a serene stroll along the lake’s shores, breathing in the crisp mountain air, or ascend via the Maya Mountain cable car to revel in the panoramic splendor of the surroundings.
Following a scenic 1.5-hour drive back to Urumqi, we will explore the vibrant Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar (新疆国际大巴扎), renowned as one of the world’s largest marketplaces. This bustling hub seamlessly blends Islamic culture, architecture, and entertainment, featuring an extensive array of goods including fresh fruits, traditional clothing, handicrafts, colorful carpets, and much more.
B, L, D, Stay in Urumqi
Today’s journey takes you to Turpan by car(about 2.5 hours), a historical and fertile oasis. Our journey begins at the historic Tuyoq Village(吐峪沟), situated deep within the breathtaking Flaming Mountain Canyon. This enchanting village is a treasure trove of natural beauty, featuring stunning canyon landscapes, the revered Maza tomb, and remarkably preserved ancient structures that reflect its rich cultural heritage.
Next, we will explore the Jiaohe Ruins(交河故城), a remarkably well-preserved ancient city that once thrived along the Silk Road. These ruins provide a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural style and urban layout of a bygone era, offering insights into the history and significance of this ancient trading hub.
B, L, D, Stay in Turpan
This morning, we will visit the Karez Well(坎儿井), an ancient irrigation marvel that has transformed Turpan into a lush oasis amidst the desert. This ingenious system, a testament to local ingenuity, offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat as you delve into its remarkable engineering.
Next, we will stop by a hidden gem in the Gaochang District: “Turpan’s Grandpa Antique Museum.” This charming collection house is run by a warm and engaging 71-year-old owner who is always ready to share captivating stories with visitors.
Our journey continues with a visit to the majestic Emin Minaret(苏公塔), the tallest Islamic minaret in China. This architectural treasure boasts intricate brickwork and embodies the rich cultural legacy of the region.
After a fulfilling day of exploration, we will escort you to the train station for your high-speed train to Liuyuan South Station. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will greet you and transport you to downtown Dunhuang for an overnight stay.
B, L, D, Stay in Dunhuang
Today, we will visit the Mogao Grottoes(莫高窟). Here, you can admire the stunning grottoes and murals. Discover the history of Buddhism in Dunhuang through informative exhibits and films.
After exploring the grottoes, our journey will continue to Echoing Sand Mountain(鸣沙山) and Crescent Lake(月牙泉). The mountain is named for the distinctive sound it produces when strong winds sweep across its dunes. Nearby, Crescent Lake is a breathtaking oasis that has remarkably remained unscathed by the encroaching sands for centuries, offering a serene contrast to the vast desert landscape.
In the evening, we will immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Shazhou Night Market(沙洲夜市). Here, you can indulge in local delicacies, experience the rich cultural heritage, and browse the lively stalls at your leisure.
B, L, D, Stay in Dunhuang
In the morning, we’ll meet at the hotel lobby and visit Jiayuguan Pass(嘉峪关), a historic Ming Dynasty fort marking the western end of the Great Wall. This strategic site was the last section built during the Ming era.
Our journey continues with a visit to the Great Wall Museum(长城博物馆), a pioneering institution that has been showcasing the rich history and culture of the Great Wall. This museum provides a comprehensive insight into the construction techniques and strategic significance of the Great Wall.
Following our exploration of Jiayuguan, we will embark on a 2.5-hour drive to Linze County in Zhangye. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to stay at the KaoShan Tent(靠山大营), strategically located near the breathtaking Zhangye Danxia Park. This distinctive accommodation allows you to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the region, offering an unforgettable experience amidst its vibrant landscapes.
B, L, D, Kaoshan Tent in Zhangye
In the morning, we’ll meet at the hotel and head to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park(张掖丹霞国家地质公园), known for its stunning rainbow-colored rock formations. Here, vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues create a breathtaking view, often called “Rainbow Mountain.”
After discovering the wonders of the park, our journey will proceed to Mati Temple(马蹄寺), a culturally significant site renowned for its rich history and stunning grottoes. Once we have explored this fascinating temple, we will settle into a hotel situated within the scenic area, providing you with the opportunity to unwind and appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds you.
B, L, D, Stay in Zhangye
After breakfast, we’ll depart at 9 AM to catch a fast train that runs alongside the stunning Qilian Mountains, offering breathtaking views on our way to Xining. Upon arrival, we’ll visit Ta’er Monastery (塔尔寺), home to a large community of monks. From the Thangka Sunning Terrace, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the monastery and its surroundings.
B, L, D, Stay in Xining
After a two-hour drive, we’ll start the day by cycling around Qinghai Lake(青海湖) or taking a leisurely walk through the vibrant canola fields. Known as a natural wonder, Qinghai Lake is a beautiful spot. From May to October, Tibetan nomads gather here, offering a chance to visit and learn about their traditional way of life.
After our time at Qinghai Lake, we will drive approximately 2.5 hours to Chaka, where we will spend the night.
B, L, D, Stay in Chaka
We will embark on a picturesque train journey to Chaka Salt Lake(茶卡盐湖), a breathtaking gem in Qinghai Province’s Qaidam Basin, renowned for its stunning vistas along the route. Chaka Salt Lake is a must-visit destination, celebrated for its natural beauty and historical significance.
Following our exploration of Chaka Salt Lake, our Silk Road adventure will come to a close. We will then drive back to Xining, a journey that takes approximately four hours. Please ensure that your return flight is scheduled for after 7 PM to allow for a smooth and stress-free departure. We wish you a pleasant journey home!
B, L, Depart from Xining
We recommend 8-13 days to properly experience the highlights of Xinjiang, Gansu, and Qinghai provinces, though shorter 5-7 day packages focusing on specific regions are also available.
We arrange comfortable 4-star hotels with breakfast included, with options to upgrade accommodations based on your preferences and budget.
Kashgar's Sunday Bazaar is one of the largest and most vibrant markets in Central Asia. It offers a truly immersive experience where you can shop for unique local goods, including clothing, spices, and handmade crafts. The Animal Bazaar is especially fascinating for its lively atmosphere and traditional bargaining culture.
Absolutely, we pride ourselves on flexibility and can adjust the pace, destinations, and activities to match your specific interests, whether cultural, historical, or landscape photography.
Lanzhou - Hezuo - Diebu County - Tangke County - Aba County - Hezuo - Lanzhou
Lanzhou - Zhangye - Dunhuang - Golmud - Chaka - Xining - Lanzhou
Lanzhou - Xining - Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Jiuquan - Zhangye - Wuwei - Lanzhou
Urumqi - Korla - Kuqa - Aral - Hotan - Shache - Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Kashgar
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Beautiful desert. Will return!
Lee Ming Hui –
The tour pacing was good, with enough time to appreciate each site without feeling rushed.
Absolutely fantastic!
Nurul Hidayah –
Dunhuang was the highlight – those cave paintings in Mogao Grottoes are unbelievable and riding camels on the singing sand dunes was so fun!