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
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Day 2 Burqin → Hotel
Enjoy a delightful buffet breakfast at the hotel, then join our knowledgeable tour guide for a scenic drive to Burqin. Along the way, take in the picturesque views or pause for a brief respite.
Upon reaching your destination, you’ll be transferred to your hotel.
- Burqin
- B
Day 3 Kanas Nature Reserve → Three Bays → Fish Pavilion → Kanas
Prepare for a day of awe-inspiring beauty as you traverse the mountainous roads leading to the spectacular Kanas Nature Reserve, a Xinjiang gem that offers majestic mountain vistas and the chance to explore glistening snow-capped icebergs.
Indulge in ample time to hike through the famed Three Bays—Moon Bay, Dragon Bay, and Immortal Bay—each offering a glimpse of a mountain lake so breathtaking, it defies comparison. Behold the lake’s enchanting hues that shift with the seasons, from the clearest blue to the deepest green, and even to gray. After getting off from the shuttle bus, you can opt for a panoramic viewpoint from Fish Pavilion, or embark on a serene cruise across the waters.
In the evening, transfer to hotel and rest.
- Kanas
- B
Day 4 Hemu Village → Hemu
After a hearty breakfast, start the journey to the picturesque Hemu Village, traversing lush grasslands and winding mountain paths lined with towering pines. Upon reaching Hemu Village, take a leisurely walk along the Hemu River, delving into the heart of the expansive meadows.
Immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Tuwa people and marvel at the pristine natural beauty that surrounds you. For a truly unique experience, spend the night in a rustic home crafted from coarse timber, offering a taste of primitive charm.
- Hemu
- B
Day 5 Five-colored Beach → Burqin
Enjoy breakfast before setting off on a scenic 4-hour drive to Burqin. As you arrive, be prepared to be captivated by the sunset at the five-colored beach, where the landscape transforms into a surreal dreamscape. Stroll through this vibrant shore, a stunning tapestry of purplish red, vandyke red, yellow, and light green mudstone, sandstone, and gravel – each hue a testament to the unique lava formations.
As evening falls, take a gentle stroll through Burqin’s streets, soaking up the local atmosphere and savoring the delectable local snacks that await you in this charming town.
- Burqin
- B
Day 6 Urho Ghost City → Urumqi
Enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast at the hotel before we set out for the Urho Ghost City, a renowned yardang landform in China. This eerie landscape has been sculpted by the relentless wind, creating a dramatic terrain of eroded shapes that evoke the imagery of pagodas, temples, and various creatures.
Once we’ve explored this natural wonder, we’ll continue our drive back to Urumqi.
- Urumqi
- B/D
Day 7 Tuyoq Valley → Lunch in the Local Uygur Family → Bezekilik Thousand Buddha Caves → The Ruins of Ancient City of Gaochang → Turpan
Setting off early and take a 3-hour drive to the verdant oasis of Turpan, passing by a sprawling wind power station and the seemingly endless Gobi desert. Our initial destination is the Tuyoq Valley, a time-honored oasis-village. Here, we’ll savor a lunch hosted by a local Uygur family, followed by an exploration of the village’s traditional charms, enveloped by lush grapevines and enriched by tales of global adventurers. Next, we’ll venture to the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, an intricate complex of Buddhist grottoes that spans from the 5th to the 14th century. Located northeast of the Taklamakan Desert, near the ancient Gaochang ruins in the Mutou Valley, these caves offer a glimpse into the region’s spiritual past.
Capping off our day is a visit to the Ruins of Ancient City of Gaochang, once a pivotal hub for Xinjiang’s ancient political, economic, and cultural activities. The remaining structures, built across different eras, provide a fascinating look into the region’s layered history.
- Turpan
- B/L
Day 8 Karez Well Irrigation System → Sugong Minaret → Xinjiang Regional Museum → Grand International Bazaar
After breakfast, 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.
Drive back to Urmuqi , 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
- B
Day 9 Heavenly Lake → Flight to Kashgar
In the morning, drive 1.5-hourto the Heavenly Lake. From there, board a 40-minute shuttle bus that winds through the stunning Tianshan mountain range, bringing you to the lake’s edge. Choose your adventure: trek around the lake’s shores, embark on a tranquil boat cruise, or ascend to Maya Mountain via cable car for a breathtaking view of Bogoda Peak. A lunch of local flavors awaits at a Kazakh Yurt. After bidding farewell to Urumqi, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your flight to Kashgar.
Upon touchdown, you’ll be greeted by our guide. Check-in at your hotel and rest.
- Kashgar
- B/L
Day 10 Karakul Lake → Kashgar
After breakfast, drive to Karakul Lake. Visit the stunning Karakul Lake, where the tranquil waters reflect the grazing livestock and the nomadic lifestyle of the Kirghiz herdsmen.
Back to Kashgar in the late afternoon.
- Kashgar
- B
Day 11 Kahgar City Tour: Id Kah Mosque + Old Town + 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
- B
Day 12 Kahgar Departure
After a satisfying breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport or train station according to your departure schedule.
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- B
