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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.
Afterwards, we will head to the Old Town, where a cultural show will welcome visitors. Visiting a Uyghur family is a great chance to discover the region’s unique traditions and experience local life.
Our tour will end with a visit to Handicraft Street, where you can explore local crafts like jewelry, pottery, and musical instruments. Afterwards, enjoy some downtime at a nearby tea house, soaking up Kashgar’s rich culture.
After our enriching day, we will bid farewell to Kashgar and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Urumqi.
B, L, D, Stay in Urumqi
Today, we will journey to Heavenly Lake (天池), nestled in the Tianshan Mountain range. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the lake offers breathtaking views. You can take a leisurely walk along the lake in the fresh air or ride a cable car up Maya Mountain for a stunning view of the surroundings.
After a 1.5-hour drive back to Urumqi, we’ll visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar(新疆国际大巴扎), the world’s largest bazaar. This vibrant marketplace combines Islamic culture, architecture, and entertainment, offering a vast selection of goods like fruits, clothing, handicrafts, carpets, and 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 first stop is the ancient Tuyoq Village(吐峪沟), nestled in the heart of the Flaming Mountain Canyon. This unique village offers a blend of canyon scenery, the Maza tomb, and well-preserved ancient buildings.
We will also visit the Jiaohe Ruins(交河故城), one of China’s best-preserved ancient city ruins. These ruins offer a glimpse into the past, revealing the architecture and layout of a former Silk Road city.
B, L, D, Stay in Turpan
This morning, we will depart from the hotel and head to the Karez Well(坎儿井), an ingenious ancient irrigation system unique to the region. Here, you can explore this remarkable engineering feat while enjoying a cool respite from the summer heat.
Next, we will visit a local gem in the Gaochang District: a charming collection house known as “Turpan’s Grandpa Antique Museum.” The friendly 71-year-old owner is always eager to share stories and engage with visitors.
Our itinerary will also include the impressive Emin Minaret(苏公塔), the largest Islamic minaret in China. This architectural marvel showcases exquisite brickwork and reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region.
After our explorations, we will transfer you to the train station for your bullet train to Liuyuan South Station(柳园南站). Upon arrival, the guide and driver will meet you to downtown Dunhuang for your 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.
Following our exploration of the grottoes, we will head to Echoing Sand Mountain(鸣沙山) and Crescent Lake(月牙泉). The mountain gets its name from the unique sound produced by the sand when strong winds blow across it. You’ll also find the picturesque Crescent Lake, which has miraculously remained untouched by the surrounding sands for centuries.
In the evening, we’ll take a stroll through Shazhou Night Market(沙洲夜市). You can enjoy local culture, try traditional foods, and explore the lively stalls at your own pace.
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.
Next, we’ll explore the Great Wall Museum(长城博物馆), which opened in 1989 as the first comprehensive showcase of the Great Wall’s culture and history. The museum features exhibits on construction techniques and strategic importance. Be prepared for about two hours of walking and climbing due to the many steps between towers.
After our visit to Jiayuguan, we will drive to Zhangye Linze County(about 2.5 hours), where you will stay at the Kaoshan Tent(靠山大营), conveniently located near Zhangye Danxia Park. This unique accommodation offers an opportunity to experience the stunning landscapes of the region up close.
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 exploring the park, we will continue our journey to Mati Temple(马蹄寺), a significant cultural site in the region. Following our visit, we will check into a hotel located within the scenic area, allowing you to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
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
Today is the last day of our journey. We’ll take a scenic train ride to Chaka Salt Lake(茶卡盐湖), offering stunning views along the way. Chaka Salt Lake is a standout destination in Qinghai Province’s Qaidam Basin and has been named one of the top places to visit.
After exploring Chaka, our Silk Road adventure will conclude. We’ll drive back to Xining, a four-hour trip, so please schedule your flight for after 7 PM. We hope you have a smooth journey home!
B, L, Depart from Xining
April–October: mild weather for deserts and mountains.
Turpan offers a rich cultural experience. You can explore the ancient Uyghur village of Tuyoq to see traditional architecture and life. Visit the charming "Turpan's Grandpa Antique Museum" for a personal cultural experience. The Emin Minaret and Karez Well showcase local ingenuity, providing insights into the region's history and traditions.
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 design activities for all ages: camel rides at Echoing Sand Mountain, interactive storytelling at Karez Wells, and easy hikes at Heavenly Lake. Our guides adjust pacing for kids, and hotels include family-friendly amenities.
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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