Share:
Welcome to Xinjiang! Upon arrival at Urumqi airport, our local guide will meet you and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to rest.
Stay in Urumqi
After breakfast, head to the stunning Heavenly Lake (天池), a crystal-clear alpine lake nestled in the Tianshan Mountains. Enjoy scenic spots like West Small Tianchi, and the famous South Mountain Snow View. In the afternoon, drive to Fuyun and check in at your hotel.
Driving Distance: Approx. 600 km / 7 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Fuyun
Explore the Keketuohai National Geopark(可可托海国家地质公园) today. Though it’s not a sea, its beauty rivals any ocean. Ride a shuttle bus through birch and pine forests along the Irtysh Grand Canyon. Capture memories at Shenzhong Mountain. In the afternoon, continue to Burqin and enjoy the lively Riverbank Night Market.
Driving Distance: Approx. 350 km / 5 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Burqin
Today, travel to the enchanting Hemu Village(禾木村), often called the “Back Garden of God.” Surrounded by white birch forests, streams, and wooden cabins, this village is home to the Tuvan people and offers stunning natural scenery straight out of a fantasy film.
Driving Distance: Approx. 160 km / 3 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Jiadengyu
Wake early to hike to Hemu’s viewing platform for a sunrise view over the misty river and wooden homes. Then, head to Kanas National Geopark(喀纳斯国家地质公园). Walk along the mysterious Kanas Lake and take in the postcard-perfect scenery. Later, visit Colorful Beach(五彩滩), a unique rainbow-hued landscape along the Irtysh River. Return to Burqin for the night.
Driving Distance: Approx. 200 km / 4 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Burqin
After breakfast, drive past the Karamay oil fields and arrive at Urho Ghost City(乌尔禾魔鬼城). Take a shuttle through the wind-eroded rock formations in this famous Yadan landform area. Learn about the unique geology of the region before continuing on to Kuitun.
Driving Distance: Approx. 460 km / 5.5 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Kuitun
Drive west to Yining, known as the “City of Flowers.” On the way, stop at Sayram Lake(赛里木湖), known as the “last teardrop of the Atlantic.” This alpine lake offers areas for viewing grasslands, wildlife habitats, and stunning ecological scenery. Cross the impressive Guozigou Bridge(果子沟大桥), where we will slow down to let you take photos. In the evening, arrive in Yining for free time to explore the charming city.
Driving Distance: Approx. 460 km / 5.5 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Yining
After breakfast, head to Kalajun Grassland(喀拉峻草原) in Tekes County. At 1,600 to 2,000 meters above sea level, Kalajun offers rolling hills, dense forests, and wide open meadows. From May to September, the grasslands are lush and dotted with colorful wildflowers. In summer, the landscape is vibrant and full of life.
Continue to Zhaosu County, famous for its stunning rapeseed flower fields. With open plains, clear blue skies, and snowy peaks in the distance, the vast fields of yellow rapeseed and sunflowers create a breathtaking natural tapestry. This is the largest rapeseed field in China.
Driving Distance: Approx. 170 km / 3.5 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Tekes
In the morning, drive to Nalati Grassland(那拉提草原), a 5A-rated scenic area. Take a shuttle into the alpine valley and enjoy the sights of endless meadows, forested hills, and grazing livestock. Experience the rich Kazakh culture and hospitality. This is where you’ll see the classic view of “boundless sky, vast wilds, and flocks of sheep.”
Driving Distance: Approx. 300 km / 4 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Nalati
Today, drive along the famous Duku Highway(独库公路) to the scenic spot of Qiao’erma(乔尔玛), where Duku meets Yining. This route cuts through the Tianshan Mountains and offers spectacular views. Continue to Dushanzi Grand Canyon(独山子大峡谷), carved by the Kuitun River after it emerges from the mountains. The steep cliffs and dramatic folds in the canyon walls offer a stunning contrast with the surrounding grasslands.
Driving Distance: Approx. 300 km / 5 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Dushanzi
Return to Urumqi and visit the International Grand Bazaar(国际大巴扎), the largest of its kind in the world. This landmark blends Islamic architecture with Central Asian culture. With over 3,000 shops, an 80-meter observation tower, and a grand mosque, it’s a hub for traditional crafts, local snacks, and cultural performances. A great place for shopping and soaking up the atmosphere.
Driving Distance: Approx. 300 km / 4 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Urumqi
After breakfast, drive to Turpan, known as the “Hottest City in China.” On the way, pass by the Dabancheng Wind Power Station, Salt Lake, and Chaiwopu Lake. Visit the ancient Karez underground irrigation system(坎儿井), one of China’s three greatest engineering feats. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local Uyghur restaurant.
Next, explore the Flaming Mountains(火焰山), famous for their fiery appearance in the heat. Continue to the elegant Emin Minaret(苏公塔), a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The pagoda’s unique tapering shape and circular brickwork make it an architectural gem.
Driving Distance: Approx. 250 km / 3.5 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Turpan
Drive through scenic landscapes to Bosten Lake(博斯腾湖), one of the largest inland freshwater lakes in China. Surrounded by reeds, lotus flowers, and water birds, the lake is a peaceful retreat. Continue your journey to Korla, an oasis city blending Han and Uyghur cultures.
Driving Distance: Approx. 400 km / 6 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Korla
Explore the dramatic Kuqa Grand Canyon National Geopark(库车天山神秘大峡谷), with its towering red cliffs and narrow passages. This magical place is often compared to Utah’s slot canyons. Then visit the historic Kuqa Grand Mosque(库车大寺) before your tour ends. We will assist with your onward journey.
Driving Distance: Approx. 350km / 4.5 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Kuqa
In the morning, visit the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves(克孜尔千佛洞), one of the oldest Buddhist cave complexes in China. Marvel at murals and carvings dating back to the 3rd century. Learn about the cultural exchange along the Silk Road through the artwork and stories preserved in these caves.
Driving Distance: Approx. 400 km / 5 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Aral
After breakfast, drive to Hotan and visit the White Jade River(白玉河), historically famous for its rich deposits of jade. The river yields various types of jade including white jade, green jade, yellow jade, and the prized “mutton-fat jade” from the riverbed. During the dry season, treasure hunters come in search of jade in the exposed riverbanks.
In the evening, visit the Hotan Night Market (和田夜市) to enjoy local street food and traditional Uyghur music and dance performances.
Driving Distance: Approx. 600 km / 8 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Hotan
After breakfast, visit the King of Walnut Trees(核桃树王), planted in the 7th century and over 1,300 years old. Despite the passage of time, the tree remains tall, lush, and full of vitality—an enduring symbol of longevity and natural grandeur.
Continue to explore the Tuancheng Folk Street (团城民俗旅游区), where traditional Uyghur-style buildings line broad, orderly streets. Wandering here, you’re sure to be captivated by the intricate architecture, doors, and windows.
Later, visit the the Amannishahan Memorial Mausoleum(阿曼尼沙汗王陵). This site honors the consort of the famous 16th-century poet and musician. The structure merges a mosque with a mausoleum and follows classical Islamic design.
Driving Distance: Approx. 400 km / 5 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Shache
After breakfast, drive to Kashgar and visit the famous Kashgar Old City(喀什古城), often referred to as a “living museum of folk culture.”This 5A scenic area is made up of 13 main streets and 99 narrow alleys, featuring traditional homes and bustling shops.
Next, visit the Id Kah Mosque(艾提尕尔清真寺), built in 1442. This iconic site is one of China’s largest mosques and a significant cultural landmark of Islamic architecture, recognized nationally as a protected heritage site.
Continue to the Abakh Hoja Tomb(香妃园). Built around 1640, it houses the remains of five generations of a prominent religious family. The mausoleum is named after Apak Hoja, a famous missionary, and is also associated with his descendant Iparhan, better known as the Fragrant Concubine—a favored consort of Emperor Qianlong. Her tomb lies here, adding to the site’s historic and romantic allure.
Driving Distance: Approx. 250 km / 4 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Kashgar
After breakfast, journey to the breathtaking Karakul Lake(喀拉库勒湖), meaning “Black Lake” in the local language. Located at an altitude of 3,600 meters, this high-altitude lake covers 10 square kilometers and plunges to a depth of 30 meters. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of Kongur, Kongur Tiube, and Muztagh Ata, the lake offers one of the most spectacular views on the Pamir Plateau. After exploring, return to Kashgar for an overnight stay.
Driving Distance: Approx. 200 km / 4 hours
B, L, D, Stay in Kashgar
After breakfast, transfer to the airport or train station based on your departure schedule. Your incredible Silk Road journey concludes here—wishing you a safe trip home!
B
The best time is May to October, with pleasant weather and rich scenery. Autumn is especially beautiful with colorful landscapes and harvests.
Don’t miss lamb kebabs, big plate chicken, nang bread, lagman noodles, pilaf, and local yogurt with dried fruits.
Top winter spots in Xinjiang include: Kanas Lake – Snow-covered forests and frozen lake views. Hemu Village – Peaceful wooden houses in a snowy alpine setting. Tianshan Mountains – Dramatic snowy peaks and ski resorts. Altay Region – Skiing, winter sports, and pristine nature. Nalati Grassland – Icy grasslands with stunning mountain backdrops.
It usually includes hotels, transportation, English-speaking guides, entrance tickets, and meals.
Urumqi - Korla - Kuqa - Aral - Hotan - Shache - Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Kashgar
Urumqi - Korla - Kuqa - Aksu - Kashgar - Taxkorgan - Kashgar - Urumqi
Urumqi - Fuyun - Burqin - Jiadengyu - Kuitun - Yining
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
Let's co-create your adventure along the Silk Road.
Tell us your vision for a Silk Road tour, and we'll make it a reality this year.
Let your Silk Road tour tell a thousand-year-old story.
Top Destination
Information
Copyright © 2009-2025 AsiaSilkRoadTours. All Rights Reserved.
Real nature adventure
Rattana Keerati –
Everyday was WOW! Grassland, lakes, snow peaks. My favorite is Nalati grassland, peaceful and not crowded. Guide spoke Thai a little too – bonus points!
Unforgettable family tour
Rini Yuliani –
Took this tour with my husband and 2 kids (aged 9 and 11). Everything was child-friendly. Our guide helped with meal preferences, and even had stories for the kids about the local legends. Burqin night market was a hit – we tried so many snacks ? I can’t thank your team enough for this family-friendly experience!
Felt like I was in a painting!
Minh –
I didn’t know China had such a place! Kalajun and Sayram Lake just blew my mind – rolling hills, bright yellow fields, clear skies. Also shoutout to our guide Ms. Lili – she explained everything so well and made us feel at home. Great hotel choices too. Would love to go again with my mom next time.
A trip I’ll never forget!
Siti Nurhaliza –
Wowww ? I still can’t believe how beautiful Kanas Lake was! And that sunrise hike in Hemu Village?? Like a dream. I came with my sister and we kept gasping at the views every day. Our guide was super friendly and the food along the way was sooo tasty (esp the lamb skewers)! Highly recommend this trip if you want fresh air, mountains, and some real adventure!
Great service, no stress
Peter –
Normally I plan my trips alone, but this time I booked with this agency. Zero regrets. Everything was smooth, from airport pickup to the hotel in Turpan. Guide was punctual, friendly, and informative.
Peaceful and powerful
Paolo –
Loved the scenery. Loved the vibes. Loved the tour