Day 1 Urumqi Arrival
Once arrive, you will be picked up from the train or airport and taken to your downtown hotel to check in. You have the remainder of the day to yourself to enjoy Urumqi.
- Urumqi Arrival
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Day 2 Heavenly Lake → Xinjiang Regional Museum → Grand International Bazaar
Savor your breakfast before setting off on a 1.5-hour drive to the breathtaking Heavenly Lake. Continue your journey with a 40-minute shuttle bus ride through the stunning Tianshan mountain range, winding your way to the lake’s edge. Here, you can choose to hike around the lake’s shoreline, embark on a leisurely boat cruise, or for a more adventurous experience, take the cable car up to Maya Mountain for a panoramic view of the majestic Bogoda Peak.
After having a traditional lunch in a Yurt, hosted by the local Kazakh community, you will return to Urumqi and visit Xinjiang Regional Museum. The museum is home to a wealth of archaeological findings from the Silk Road and artifacts representing the diverse cultures of Xinjiang’s ethnic minorities. Gain insights into the region’s rich history and unique traditions. If time permits, stroll through the bustling Grand International Bazaar, where you can savor a flavorsome dinner amidst the vibrant atmosphere.
- Urumqi
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Day 3 Salt Lake → Turpan → Tuyoq Village → Bezeklik Grottoes → Flaming Mountains → Jiaohe Ruins Sunset
Today, start an early morning journey, driving for approximately 3 hours to Turpan. On route, you will catch a glimpse of the Salt Lake‘s shimmering expanse near Dabancheng, and the sprawling wind power station at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains.
Upon reaching Turpan, make your first stop at the ancient Uighur village of Tuyoq, nestled in the heart of the Flaming Mountain Canyon. This village, once a sacred site for both Buddhism and Islam, is a tapestry of canyon landscapes, the storied Thousand Buddha Caves, the Maza tomb, and the village’s own historic architecture.
After indulging in a traditional Uighur lunch within the serene surroundings of a grape yard, continue to the Bezeklik Grottoes, a historical Buddhist hub of the Gaochang region. Explore the 57 caves adorned with murals that speak of a rich past, with the backdrop of the iconic Flaming Mountains.
Conclude the day with a visit to the Jiaohe Ruins, a 2,300-year-old archaeological gem situated between two rivers on a loess plateau, atop a 30-meter-high cliff. These ruins stand as one of China’s most intact ancient settlements, offering a breathtaking sunset view.
- Turpan
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Day 4 Karez Well Irrigation System → Sugong Minaret → Train to Kuqa
Begin your day by venturing to the remarkable Karez Well Irrigation System, renowned for nurturing some of China’s finest melons and grapes. Then, proceed to the Sugong Minaret, a symbol of cultural and religious harmony that has served as a bridge between diverse communities.In the afternoon, you will be escorted to the train station to board your train to Kuqa.
After arriving in Kuqa, a private transfer will take you to your hotel, where you can relax and prepare for the next day’s adventures.
- Kuqa
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Day 5 Kizilgaha Beacon Tower → Subash Ruins → Kuqa Old City
Today, you can choose an optional excursion to the Kizilgaha Beacon Tower, situated 10 kilometers from Kuqa. This historical tower, integral to the Silk Road’s security for caravans and a deterrent against invasions, stands as a round earthen structure with a wooden roof, its silhouette rising against the desert backdrop, an emblem of the region’s distinctive landscape. Next, proceed to the Subash Ruins to immerse yourself in the enigmatic ambiance of a bygone era that spans over a millennium.
Afterward, make your way back to the heart of Kuqa and wander through the Kuqa Old City, where the rhythms of local life unfold, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
- Kuqa
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Day 6 Kizil Grottoes → Tianshan Grand Canyon → Train to Kashgar
Enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast at the hotel before we set out for the Kizil Grottoes, a quintessential example of the Qiuci cave art. Following this, we’ll explore the Tianshan Grand Canyon, a globally renowned geological park that chronicles the geological history of Xinjiang’s crustal movements over the past 400 million years.
Once we’ve marveled at the natural wonders, we’ll embark on a train journey to the city of Kashgar. Upon our arrival, you’ll be comfortably transferred to your hotel to relax and recuperate for further explorations.
- Kashgar
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Day 7 Kashgar Day Tour: Id Kah Mosque + Old Town + Open Ceremony of Maxilap Show + Handicraft street + Sunday Bazaar
Today, immerse yourself in the vibrant city of Kashgar with a comprehensive exploration. Begin with a visit to the Id Kah Mosque, the largest in China and a revered site for local Islamic worship. Then, wander through the historic Old Town, where you can witness the ceremonial opening of the Maxilap performance, a lively event in this authentic Uighur neighborhood.
Next, stroll down the handicraft street, a hub of artisanship with numerous workshops showcasing the finest handicrafts of Kashgar and Central Asia, making it a treasure trove for art connoisseurs.
Finally, make your way to the bustling Sunday Bazaar, a marketplace that merges two distinct sections. Thrive in the energetic atmosphere as vendors and buyers engage in the age-old art of bargaining, offering a fascinating insight into the local trading culture.
- Kashgar
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Day 8 Karakul Lake → Taxkorgan
Today, you will travel to Taxkorgan, a remote yet significant town in the western extremity of Xinjiang Province, China, nestled against the borders of Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. This area, historically recognized as a vital “old Silk Road” thoroughfare, served as the principal conduit between China and Western Asia.
During your travels, you’ll encounter the stunning Karakul Lake, where the tranquil waters reflect the grazing livestock and the nomadic lifestyle of the Kirghiz herdsmen who call these shores home.
Spend a night immersed in the distinctive culture of the Tajik people, partaking in their unique traditions. Savor local delicacies and milk tea offered by the hospitable herdsmen.
- Taxkorgan
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Day 9 Stone Fortress → Kashgar
Today, you will return to Kashgar, with a stop en route to explore the ancient Stone Fortress. This fortress, with its oval layout and walls constructed from sun-baked bricks atop a stone base, spans an impressive 1285 meters in perimeter. Take a leisurely walk around the surrounding pastures to immerse yourself in the local Tajik customs and their traditional way of life.
- Kashgar
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Day 10 Flight to Hotan → Hotan Museum → The Atlas Silk Workshop → Flight to Urumqi
After a delightful breakfast, you will be sent to airport and catch a morning flight to Hotan, a city steeped in history. Upon arrivial, you will visit the Hotan Museum, which centrally located and home to a vast collection of 10,000 cultural artifacts, including over 400 priceless pieces from the ancient cities of Niya and Yotkan.
Subsequently, visit the Atlas Silk Workshop, renowned for its showroom where you can purchase Atlas silk in various forms, whether by the meter or crafted into elegant scarves, bags, dresses, and more.
After you fully explored Hotan, you’ll be escorted back to the airport to catch your return flight to Urumqi.
- Urumqi
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Day 11 Urumqi Departure
After a satisfying breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport or train station according to your departure schedule.
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