9 Days Silk Road Express Dream Tour from Dunhuang to Xinjiang

Welcome to Dunhuang City. Getting off the plane, you will find a tour guide expert in Chinese and English is already waiting for you at the airport. Along the way to your hotel, you can enjoy the charming natural scenery and learn more about the history, culture and customs of the vast region from the guide. And you can get a nice rest once arriving at the hotel.

You'll start your morning by a visit to the world-renowned Mogao Grottoes. You can admire the exquisite murals and sculptures, immerse yourself in the charm of thousand-year-old Buddhist art, and learn about the history and culture of the Silk Road. The next stop is the Mingsha Mountains. Under the glow of the setting sun, you can ride a camel through the desert, listen to the rhythmic sound of camel bells, or climb the sand dunes barefoot, feeling the fine sand slip through your fingers. After the tour, you will set your foot on the Silk Road.

In the early morning, as the train slowly pulls into Golmud,with a hearty breakfast provided on board, a new day starts. Then you will head to the Golmud General's Building, a red structure that witnessed the construction history of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, as if narrating the passionate years of that era. Strolling through it, you can feel the weight of history and the fighting spirit of our predecessors. What you can't miss is the Qarhan Salt Lake, this vast "Mirror of the Sky" resembles a huge piece of jade inlaid in the Gobi Desert. Walking by the lake, you can experience the purity and magnificence of the salt lake. In the evening, we will continue our journey on the Express to Ruoqiang.

After arriving in Ruoqiang, the car will take you to the Milan Ancient City Ruins, the capital of the mysterious Loulan Kingdom along the Silk Road. More than just crumbling structures, it is a testament to the enduring legacy of cultural exchange along the Silk Road. In the afternoon, the car will take you to the Loulan Museum. The objects offer a glimpse into the lives of the Loulan people. Whichever the Ruins or the Museum, it'll offer you with a chance to learn about the incredible Loulan history. And you will embark on the joyous Silk Road Express excursion to Golmud.

Setting off from the Korla Station, you will be taken to the Bosten Lake. The enchanting scenery around is considered the top attraction. There, you can enjoy activities such as yacht tours, speedboat rides, horseback riding for photos, or fishing with a rod—each activity is captivating and breathtaking. The tranquil and relaxing environment makes it hard to leave, and gazing into the distance feels like witnessing a mirage.

The tour will start with the visit to the Gaotai Ancient Homes. Only here can you really feel the pulse of ancient Kashgar from the unique dwellings. It is also known as a “Living Folk Museum of the Uygur where you will have the opportunity to learn the intangible cultural heritage handicraft-making techniques which are an essential part of the Chinese culture. And what you can't miss either is the Kashgar Ancient City, a bright pearl on the ancient Silk Road. The day will be wrapped up by a feast-like Mukam-style dinner (Mukam is a intangible cultural heritage art form). And then you will embark on the wonderful Silk Road Express excursion to Tashkurgan.

You will greet the morning by having a visit to the Baisha Lake which has a picturesque natural scenery, with the snow-capped mountains and the lakes and rivers at the bottom of the mountains, forming a grand and imposing spectacle. Leaving the natural beauty behind, you will go to Tashkurgan County where you will be warmly welcomed by the local Tajik families and experience their culture and lifestyle. And you will have a nice sleep at our 5-star rated hotel.

The first stop in Tashkurgan County will be the Stone City. It once functioned as a stronghold along the ancient Silk Road which you can't miss. And you'll have nice photos at the Jincao Beach. After arriving in Kashgar in the afternoon, you will be driven to the much well-known Karakul Lake which means the “Black Sea Lake”. It is one of the few highland lakes in the world. After arriving the Lake, you are suggested to take a walk around, immersing yourself in the marvellous natural beauty. But please also hold your breath for Muztagh Ata, or the Sarikol Mountains when you see it.

Today our journey comes to an end after a good breakfast. And then your guide will take you to the airport.