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Welcome to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang! Your local guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest and adjust to the local time.
Stay in Urumqi
After breakfast, drive to Bosten Lake(博斯腾湖), one of the largest inland freshwater lakes in China. Here you’ll enjoy peaceful lake views, shaded shorelines, blooming wildflowers, and a wide variety of birdlife. It’s a great spot for photography and a gentle walk by the lake. In the afternoon, continue driving to Korla, a key city on the Silk Road.
Driving Distance: Approx. 500 km / 8 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Korla
Today, travel to Kuqa, a historical city once part of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Kucha.
Visit the King Palace in Kuqa(库车王府), restored in its original architectural glory. The complex combines Uyghur, Central Plains, and Russian architectural styles.
Then explore the Kuqa Big Nang City(库车大馕城), a large cultural complex that showcases traditional Uyghur food, crafts, and performances, as well as the region’s culture.
Driving Distance: Approx. 350 km / 6 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Kuqa
This morning, visit the dramatic Kuqa Grand Canyon National Geopark(天山神秘大峡谷). Located in Kuqa County, this canyon is part of the vast Tianshan Mountains. Here, you can witness the breathtaking natural beauty sculpted by wind and water over time. Walking through the canyon, you’ll feel the awe-inspiring power of nature and experience the canyon’s mysterious and majestic charm.
Later, continue to Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves(克孜尔千佛洞), one of the oldest Buddhist cave complexes in China. The caves contain beautiful murals and sculptures dating from the 4th to 9th centuries, showcasing a blend of Indian, Persian, and Chinese influences.
After the visit, drive to Aksu for the night.
Driving Distance: Approx. 350 km / 5 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Aksu
Today, drive to Kashgar, a historic crossroads of trade, religion, and culture along the Silk Road.
Upon arrival, explore the famous Kashgar Old Town(喀什古城), a living museum of winding alleys, mudbrick houses, bustling bazaars, and Uyghur traditions. Stroll through its maze-like streets, meet friendly locals, and experience the colorful atmosphere of a truly timeless city.
Driving Distance: Approx. 520 km / 7 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Kashgar
After breakfast, drive along the scenic China-Pakistan Highway toward Taxkorgan. First, stop at Baisha Lake(白沙湖), where desert dunes meet crystal-clear water — a rare and beautiful sight.
Then, visit Karakul Lake(喀拉库勒湖), a stunning high-altitude lake framed by snow-capped mountains. Enjoy the view, take a walk along the lakeshore, and soak in the quiet beauty of the Pamirs.
Driving Distance: Approx. 360 km / 6.5 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Taxkorgan
This morning, visit the legendary Stone Fortress (石头城) — once a strategic outpost on the Silk Road. Explore the ancient ruins and learn about its role in protecting trade routes.
Then visit Golden Grassland(金草滩), also known as Aral Golden Grass Beach, a stunning alpine meadow set against the backdrop of snowy peaks. After the tour, drive back to Kashgar for the night.
Driving Distance: Approx. 290 km / 5 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Kashgar
In the morning, visit Id Kah Mosque(艾提尕尔清真寺), the largest mosque in Xinjiang, built in 1442. It remains a vital religious and cultural center for Uyghur Muslims.
Next, explore the beautiful Abakh Hoja Tomb(香妃园), known for its elegant Islamic architecture and its famous legend — the resting place of the imperial concubine of Emperor Qianlong.
In the afternoon, take a flight back to Urumqi.
B, L, D, Stay in Urumqi
Your Southern Xinjiang adventure comes to an end. Pack up your memories and head to the airport for your flight home. We hope this journey leaves you with unforgettable stories and a deeper appreciation of China’s Silk Road heritage.
B
The best time is May to October. Weather is pleasant, and landscapes like grasslands, deserts, and lakes are at their best.
Kashgar offers stunning views like: Karakul Lake – Snowy peaks reflected in a high-altitude lake; Pamirs Plateau – Vast grasslands and glaciers; Tashkurgan Grassland – Scenic valleys and stone city ruins.
Absolutely Yes. Xinjiang offers diverse cultures, Silk Road history, dramatic landscapes, and delicious food—perfect for adventurous travelers.
Yes. Xinjiang is great for hiking, especially in areas like Kanas Lake, Tianshan Mountains, Pamir Plateau, and Nalati Grassland, offering breathtaking trails and fresh air.
Urumqi - Korla - Kuqa - Aral - Hotan - Shache - Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Kashgar
Urumqi - Fuyun - Burqin - Jiadengyu - Kuitun - Yining
Urumqi - Fuyun - Burqin - Hemu - Jiadengyu - Kanas - Kuitun - Yining - Tekes - Naraty - Dushanzi - Turpan - Korla - Kuqa - Aral - Hotan - Shache - Kashgar
Urumqi - Burqin - Kanas - Jiadengyu - Hemu - Burqin - Colorful Beach - Urho Devil City - Kuitun - Sayrm Lake - Guozi Valley Bridge - Yining - Nalati - Yining - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Kuitun - Urumqi
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Learned a lot!
Chandrika Menon –
Our guide explained Silk Road history like a professor. The caves, the mosques, even the food — everything had a story. Learned so much. Thanks ❤️
So many goats ? and yaks!
Mei Lee –
Everywhere we went, there were animals! Wild and cute. The yurts, the herders, all felt so different. Loved meeting locals along the way.
Amazing journey through time!
Siti Nurhaliza –
The landscape is WILD ? like, mountains, deserts, lakes, all in one trip?? My fav was Karakul Lake, it’s like a dream. Also the old town in Kashgar? SO photogenic. Guide was super chill and helped us with local snacks too. Would totally come again!
Xinjiang is WOW!
Aditya –
Loved every day. Loved the Uyghur food. Loved the Grand Canyon.
Kashgar is a living storybook
Minh –
The streets in Kashgar Old Town… WOW. Mudbrick houses, old uncles playing chess, colorful shops, spicy smells. I didn’t want to leave ?
Silk Road dreams come true
Rakesh Jain –
Loved Taxkorgan! The grasslands, the fortress, even the long drive. Great guide, knowledgeable and very funny too. Felt like I was in a historical epic.
Nature, culture, and Kind People
Rizky –
I’m still thinking about this trip days after coming home! I didn’t expect to fall in love with Xinjiang, but now it’s a place I want to visit again. From the first day in Urumqi until we left, the tour was well-organized and smooth. Our guide was so kind and patient. She helped translate whenever we wanted to talk to locals or ask for recommendations.
I really loved the overnight in Taxkorgan. The landscape was peaceful and we saw yaks grazing in the grassland with snowy mountains behind them — like a postcard come to life. ?️ Also, Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar felt so full of history and life. I was lucky to visit during a prayer session and it was really moving.
Food was a mix of familiar and new — I tried samsa (like baked meat pies) and tons of fresh yogurt. Uyghur food is soooo good. This tour showed me a different side of China I didn’t know existed!