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Overview

In this 18 days in-depth tour, you are going to comprehensively enjoy the most beautiful natural landscapes in northern Xinjiang and the most historical cultural landscapes in southern Xinjiang.

Meanwhile, you will take a  high-speed train from Urumqi to Dunhuang, feeling the modern atmosphere of the silk road. 

Mogao Grottoes, Kanas Nature Reserve, Hemu village, Pamir Plateau, Xinjiang International Bazaar......all the must-see sights are included!

Highlights

  • Walk around the crystal-like Kanas lake, a fairyland to discover the mysterious water monster.

  • Pay a visit to the UNESCO world heritage site - Mogao Grottoes to appreciate the exquisite artworks and the amazing Buddhist culture.

  • Catch a glimpse of the special ancient ethnic architecture, funeral culture, economy, politics and living habits in Yarkant.

  • Enjoy the stunning scenery in heavenly lake where to see lush forest, snow-capped mountain and nomadic culture of local kazakhs.

  • Have a silent conversation with Jiaohe Ruins and listen to its stories.

  • Drive through the magnificent Pamir Plateau and enjoy the gentle wave and breeze on Karakul Lake.

Itinerary

Day 1Kashgar Arrival

Today your flight will touch down in Kashgar, We will meet you at the airport exit with a welcome board and then transfer to the local hotel check in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this city.

Transport: Car
Accommodation: Overnight in Kashgar

Day 2Kashgar-Taxkorgan

Today we will go to the Karakul Lake. Driving on the China and Pakistan Highway. You can enjoy the magnificent Bulongkol Lake also known as Baisha Mountain (white Sand Mountain) is located in the Pamir Plateau, a large plateau in the Pamir mountain range at an altitude of about 3500 to 5000m with mountains up to more than 7000m, located next to the Karakoram Highway, so it is one of the must stop spot on the way to Karakul lake.

The beautiful Karakul Lake where the herds of livestock around the lakeside are reflected in lake Kirghiz herdsmen usually settle down and graze their herds before shuttling you onward to Kashgar. After visiting, drive back to Kashgar in the late afternoon.

Transport: Car (320kms, 6hrs)
Accommodation: Overnight in Taxkorgan
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3Taxkorgan-Kashgar

Today, before driving back to Kashgar, we will visit the Stone Fortress. The city is oval in shape and the city walls were built with sun-dried bricks on stone foundation. It is 1285 metres in circumference outside. 

Over the past few years, new wooden pathways have been constructed to allow tourist to walk these beautiful grasslands, known as the Golden Grassland. From here you can get even better photos of the Stone Fortress. Walking around the pastureland to see Local Tajiks customs. 

Transport: Car
Accommodation: Overnight in Kashgar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4Kashgar-Yarkent

Today meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby, we will visit the Idigar Mosque, the largest Mosque in China and the most sacred mosque for the locals to practise their Islamic activities. around 10:30 we have to visit the Old Town when the open ceremony ready to greeting all the tourists with the culture show, further exploration to the special culture and experience the lifestyle.

Following a lunch in the local restaurant, continue the tour to the Apak Hoja Tomb, which is the holiest place in Xinjiang and an architectural treasure. Kashgar city tour ends with the wandering to the bustling Handicraft street, dazzling jewelry, primitive pottery,unique musical instrument, daily resources of the locals. Then drive to Yarkent for overnight stay.

Transport: Car (190kms, 2.5hrs)
Accommodation: Overnight in Yarkent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5Yarkent-Hotan

Today after breakfast, we will drive to Yarkent and stroll around the Yarkent Intangible Cultural Heritage Park, pay a visit to the Yarkent King Tombs. This city forms an oasis at the western end of the Taklimakan desert as a trade center. Mainly inhabited by Turkic-speaking Muslims, it has more than 120 mosques. The Uygurs are excellent at dancing. The "12 Mukams" (opera) is an epic comprising more than 340 classic songs and folk dances. After liberation, this musical treasure, which was on the verge of being lost, was collected, studied and recorded by Amannisha who is the concubine of Yarkent King. She died aged 34. After visiting, we stroll around the Yarkent Old Town, to explore the local lifestyle. 

Then in the afternoon, we will drive to Hotan.

Transport: Car (316kms, 3-4hrs)
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotan
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6Hotan-Alaer

After breakfast, the first site we will visit today The Atlas Silk Workshop is open every day and tours are free, and demonstrate the entire process from cocoon to weaving. Which has a showroom where you can buy Atlas silk by the meter or made into scarves, bags, dresses and other items.airport transfer and welcome back to Xinjiang again, Maybe Stunning North Xinjiang....Then enjoy a walking tour at the Yuetegan Ancient City, The entire scenic area is mainly colored in white, which is a typical Moroccan style and full of exotic charm. The architectural style refers to historical literature on the ancient state of Khotan, integrating modern architectural aesthetics. It is a great place to take some fabulous photos.

Then drive through Taklmakan Desert Highway to Alaer. Alaer means "green island" in Uyghur language.

Transport: Car (450kms, 6hrs)
Accommodation: Overnight in Alaer
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7Alaer-Kuqa

Good morning! Today we will drive about 4 hours to Kuqa. Our first stop in Kuqa will go to the Tianshan Great Canyon, which is the excellent geological park all over the world. It recorded the whole process of crustal movement in Xinjiang during the past 400 million years. Ending the visit to Tianshan Great Canyon, we will go to the Kizil Grottoes, as the one of the four grottoes in China, it is the oldest one, but many architectures and murals are in well preservation. here you will learn more about the culture and history of Buddhism and ancient Qiuci Kingdom. Tonight we will stay in Kuqa.

Transport: Car (230kms, 4hrs)
Accommodation: Overnight in Kuqa
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8Kuqa-Korla

Morning breakfast at the hotel, drive in the deep of Tianshan Mountain, enjoy the beautiful scenery and drive to Korla, known as the "City of Pears" and the "City of Petroleum". Visit the Iron Gate upon arrival which was a very important pass in the ancient Silk Road. and then Walking along the Peacock River after dinner to feel the local's city life style.

Transport: Car (300kms, 4hrs)
Accommodation: Overnight in Korla
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9Korla-Turpan

Today we will drive to Turpan. When arrival to enjoy the sunset of Jiaohe Ruins with a history of 2,300 years lies between two rivers on a loess plateau atop a cliff of over 30m. It is one of the best preserved ruins of its ancient era in China, it was include in the World Heritage List on June 22, 2014.

Transport: Car (320kms, 5hrs)
Accommodation: Overnight in Turpan
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10Turpan-Urumqi

Sightseeing in Turpan. A must and first visit is the oldest Uighur village Tuyoq Village located in the very center of Flaming Mountain Canyon. It used to be the holy site of Buddhism and Islam. The village consists of four parts: Canyon scenery, Thousand Buddha Caves, Maza tomb and the old buildings of the ancient village. Then explore the special kind of irrigation system Karez Well. Following is the visiting to Sugong Minaret, a conduit for cultural exchange between different ethnic and religious groups. Thereafter, we will drive back to Urumqi, passing by the wind power station which is the largest one in Asia spreading at the foot of Tianshan Mountain. Arrive in Urumqi, you will have a chance to visit the Xinjiang International Bazaar, the largest bazaar in Urumqi. You'll find a bustling market filled with fruit, clothing, crafts, knives, carpets and almost anything that you can imagine.

Transport: Car (200kms, 3hrs)
Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11Urumqi-Heavenly Lake-Fuhai

Morning your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel. you will enjoy the tour of the picturesque Heavenly Lake, 2000m up in the Tianshan mountain range. which is surrounded by the snow mountains, blooming wildflowers, evergreen pine trees. 40-minute scenic shuttle bus ride that twists though the dramatic mountains. Then you can either walk to the lakeside in 10mins or take the electronic cart. There are 3 options suggested. Boating cruise to take the incredible view of Tianshan Mountain. Trekking along the lake in the fresh air. or you can explore further uo to the Maya Mountain by the cable car to enjoy the magnificent view of the Mountains.

Then we will drive to Fuhai for overnight stay.

Transport: Car (520kms, 6-7hrs)
Accommodation: Overnight in Fuhai
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12Fuhai-Hemu

After enjoying your breakfast in the hotel, we will travel to Hemu. It is a Tuwa village nestled in a quiet valley in Kanas, dotted with Tuwa wooden huts and livestock in pens. Hemu village is one of the only three remaining Tuwa villages and also the largest and most remote one. Some people call Tuwans as a primitive tribe wandering in the depths of Xinjiang. The morning fog in Hemu is another must-see attraction in Kanas. The fog can be seen almost everyday here, so that it matches different seasons and presents distant charm. Gorgeous sunrise in Hemu is also worth expecting!

Transport: Car (240km, 4hrs)
Accommodation: Overnight in Hemu
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13Hemu-Kanas

Your guide and driver will pick you up in the morning, and then drive along the mountain road to Kanas Nature Reserve, China's only European-like ecological site that has been awarded the title of the "Pure Land of the World" due to its unspoiled natural scenery. En-route, visit Kanas Lake. Upon arrival change the shuttle bus to the inside of the Reserve to enjoy the beautiful scenery, head to the Fish Pavilion, enjoy a view of Kanas. Later afternoon back to Jiadengyu district to check into the hotel. Dinner and rest.

Transport: Car (120km, 3hrs)
Accommodation: Overnight in Kanas
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14Kanas-Urho

After buffet breakfast in the hotel, you will travel to Burqin, enjoy the scenery of Five-colored Beach, Walk into the colorful Beach, you will feel as if in a dream world. The unique lava landscape consisted of purplish red, vandyke red, yellow and light green mudstone, sandstone and gravel. this is the most beautiful colorful Beach, masterpiece of nature, and miracle of Burqin.

Then travel along the Gurbantunggut Desert to the Urho Ghost City, also known as Wuerhe Wind City", a unique wind-eroded geological area commonly referred to as "wind city" because of the frequent howling winds.

Transport: Car (360km, 4.5hrs)
Accommodation: Overnight in Urho
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15Urho-Urumqi

Driving back to Urumqi. Afternoon you will head to Xinjiang Regional Museum, where are many archaeological treasures of the Silk Road and Xinjiang's minority cultures. You will learn about the history of Xinjiang and its peculiar ethnic customs.

Transport: Car (470kms, 5hrs)
Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 16Urumqi-Dunhuang

Say farewell to Xinjiang, and then continue to take a bullet train to Dunhuang Liuyuan South Station. When you arrival, we will pick you up and transfer you to Dunhuang downtown. The rest of the date is free for you to explore this city.

Transport: Train (D576/10:17-14:24 or similar)
Accommodation: Overnight in Dunhuang
Meals: Breakfast

Day 17Dunhuang

Today is another day for culture adventure. You will meet your guide at the hotel lobby. Our first stop is the "cultural treasure" — Mogao Grottoes. Start with the 4D movie tracing back to the thousands of years Chinese history. Then we will visit 8 grottoes with the introducing of the professional guide. Here you can enjoy the magnificent grottoes and mural art, and get to know the history of Buddhism in Dunhuang through explanation and film display, which is the best option for tourists to travel here. 

Afternoon we will head to Echoing Sand Mountain. When there is wild wind, the sands will be blown up and make a loud sound. There is also a Crescent Lake that has been in existence for hundreds of years without ever being buried by the sand. The camel riding in the vast desert and sand sliding are highly recommended.

Transport: Car
Accommodation: Overnight in Dunhuang
Meals: Breakfast

Day 18Dunhuang Departure

Transferred to the airport and catch your flight back home. Thanks for traveling with us.

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Month Arrival Date Departure Date Price Book The Tour
Nov Nov.04,2024 Nov.21,2024 from 2660 Free Enquiry

Includes

  • Private transportation with good AC 

  • Excellent English speaking guide service

  • 4star Hotel with breakfast(2persons shared one room)

  • Entrance fee listed in the itinerary with shuttle bus 

  • Travel permit to Karakul Lake and Taxkorgan

  • 2nd class train from Urumqi to Dunhuang Liuyuan South Station

  • 2 bottles of water each person on daily use

  • Allowance for the guide and driver

  • Government tax 

  • Travel insurance

Excludes

  • Personal expenses 

  • Tips to the guide and driver

  • Lunch and dinner throughout the itinerary

  • Some other activities such as boating, camel riding, culture show etc.

  • Flight arrive in Kashgar and leave from Dunhuang

  • No guide service on airport transfer only

Trip Notes

  • We always offer friendly and supportive discount for seniors and Families with little kids.

  • You are able to visit Xinjiang during Ramadan. All the restaurants are open

  • Complimentary 2 bottles of water each person on daily use.

  • You will need Travel permit to Taxkorgan and Bayinbuluk


Transportation

Comfortable Vehicles with good aircondition, Friendly and professional Drivers.

2pax- 5seats. 4pax - 7seats. 6pax - 12seats. 9pax- 17seats. 12-15pax - 33seats.


Accommodation

All the hotels we selected are 4 star well-located in the city center with good and proper breakfast for our clients. 3star hotel in some remote towns where 4stars are not avilable. NO SMOKING rooms will be booked for you


Guides

Our guides are very friendly, knowledgeable, helpful. And our group tours will be escorted from Xinjiang China Travel.


Climate and Altitude

Generally speaking End March—End Oct are the best time to visit Xinjiang. From mid April to mid of August is the best time to explore the vast grassland in Yili River valley which borders with Kazakhstan.Mid may to Mid Oct is the best time to explore north Xinjiang of Kanas Nature park. End March to Mid June, Sept and Oct are the perfect season to South Xinjiang for its pleasant weather and sweet fruits.  No need to worry about high altitude along the Xinjiang. We will prepare Oxygen bags if required. We offer beneficial Cancellation Policy to our customers.

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2660 USD