13 Days Xinjiang Tour: Kashgar, Yili & Urumqi

Today you will catch the flight to Kashgar. We will meet you at the airport with a welcome board, then bring you to the downtown hotel and check in. Have a good rest.

After an early breakfast, we will depart Kashgar and drive along the legendary Karakoram Highway (China-Pakistan Friendship Highway), one of the highest paved roads in the world. Our first stop is Bulongkol Lake, universally known as Baisha Lake (White Sand Lake). This otherworldly alpine lake sits at an altitude of 3300m, surrounded by rolling pure white sand dunes and snow-capped Pamir peaks. The crystal-clear turquoise water perfectly mirrors the surrounding landscape, creating a surreal and photogenic scene. We will spend 1.5-2 hours exploring the lakeshore and capturing photos.

Continuing south along the highway, we will reach Karakul Lake (3600m), the crown jewel of the Pamir Plateau. The lake is framed by the majestic Muztagh Ata (7546m), known as the "Father of Ice Mountains", and Kongur Tagh (7649m). You will see herds of yaks and sheep grazing peacefully on the lakeside meadows, and you may visit a local Kyrgyz yurt camp to experience nomadic life and taste traditional milk tea. We will stay here for 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the breathtaking mountain and lake views.

In the late afternoon, we will drive back to Baisha Lake to watch the golden sunset over the sand dunes and lake. This is the most magical time of day at Baisha Lake, when the white sand turns warm orange and the water glows with different shades of blue.

In the morning, depart from Karakul Lake (3600m) and set out on a scenic drive along the Panlong Ancient Road, a breathtaking 30-kilometer mountain road renowned for its more than 600 sharp S-shaped and U-shaped bends. This dramatic route offers sweeping views of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and winding ridges, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Continue the journey to Bandier Blue Lake, an enchanting alpine lake known for its striking turquoise waters that mirror the surrounding peaks and rugged landscapes. Spend some time here to admire the serene beauty and capture memorable photos of this hidden gem in the Pamir Plateau.

In the late afternoon, return to Taxkorgan.

Today you 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. Thereafter, we will drive back to Kashgar. Upon arrival

We will pay a visit to the famous Sunday bazaar (available on Thursday and Sunday), The outdoor Animal Bazaar is the first bazaar we visit, where the farmers and buyers arriving by donkey cart, truck, bicycle, horseback, motorbike or on foot, with their animals. It's loud, lively and cheerful as they arrive.

Today we will fully explore the ancient city of Kashgar, a living museum of Silk Road history and culture. We will start with a visit to the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China and the spiritual center of Xinjiang's Muslim community. Then we will wander through the Kashgar Old Town, a maze of narrow alleyways lined with traditional mud-brick houses, artisan workshops, and colorful bazaars. You can watch craftsmen making carpets, pottery, and musical instruments, and interact with the friendly local residents.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Kashgar Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and most vibrant bazaars in Central Asia. Here you can find everything from exotic spices and handwoven silk to intricate handicrafts and jewelry. We will also visit the Abakh Khoja Tomb, a beautiful Islamic architectural complex that is the holiest site in Xinjiang and features stunning blue tile work.

After an early breakfast, we will transfer you to Kashgar Airport for your flight to Yining. Upon arrival at Yining Airport, our guide and driver will meet you and we will immediately drive to Nalati Grassland, one of the most beautiful alpine grasslands in China. The name "Nalati" means "the place where the sun first rises" in Mongolian.

As we drive through the picturesque Ili River Valley, you will be amazed by the rolling green hills, crystal-clear rivers, and vast grasslands dotted with white yurts and grazing livestock. Arrive in Nalati in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel. You can take a short walk around the grassland to enjoy the fresh mountain air and watch the sunset over the Tianshan Mountains.

Today we will spend the whole morning exploring the magnificent Nalati Grassland. We will take a scenic drive through the grassland, visiting different areas such as the Sky Grassland and the Valley Grassland. You can ride a horse (optional) across the endless green meadows, visit a local Kazakh yurt camp, and enjoy traditional Kazakh hospitality with homemade dairy products.

In the afternoon, we will drive back to Yining, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Ili River Valley along the way. Upon arrival in Yining, check in to your hotel and rest. If time permits, you can take a walk along the Ili River to watch the sunset.

After breakfast, we will drive to Sayram Lake, the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, known as the "Jewel of the Tianshan Mountains". On the way, we will pass through the spectacular Guozigou Valley (Fruit Valley), a scenic mountain valley famous for its lush forests, wild fruit trees, and the impressive Guozigou Bridge, one of the highest and most beautiful bridges in China.

We will spend the whole afternoon exploring Sayram Lake, driving along the 90km lakeside loop road and stopping at various scenic spots to take photos and enjoy the stunning views. The lake's crystal-clear blue water is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and green grasslands, creating a picture-perfect landscape. In the evening, we will drive to Jinghe and check in to our hotel.

After breakfast, we will drive to Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The drive takes us through the vast Gobi Desert and the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains. Along the way, you will see the unique desert landscape and the massive wind farms that generate clean energy for the region.

Arrive in Urumqi in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city on your own. You can visit the nearby International Grand Bazaar to experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample local snacks.

Today we will drive to pay a visit to another picturesque place -- Heavenly Lake (天池)! It is surrounded by the snow mountains, blooming wildflowers, evergreen pine trees so as to be an ideal resort as you can go there all the year round, enjoy the different view of the lake.

Trekking along the lake leisurely or you can explore further to the Maya Mountain, by the cable car to enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains and the lake. If you prefer water sports, then boating on the lake will be an excellent idea! Fully connected with the lovely lake by touching the water and appreciating the incredibly beautiful scenery at the same time.After visit,we will back to Urumqi.

Start the trip off with the 2-3hours driving to Turpan, passing by the wind power station which is the largest one in Asia spreading at the foot of Tianshan Mountain. Following glimpse of Salt Lake in Dabancheng. We'll be amazed by the histroical sites and oasis land of 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.

Afterwards we will visit Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves, located in the Flaming Mountains near Turpan in Xinjiang, are a remarkable series of ancient Buddhist grottoes dating from the 5th to 14th centuries. These caves were once a major religious and cultural center along the Silk Road, reflecting the fusion of Central Asian, Persian, and Chinese artistic styles.

 Then we will visit the Grape Valley, a lush oasis in the middle of the desert where you can taste the sweetest grapes in China and enjoy a traditional Uygur folk dance performance.

Today we will continue exploring the ancient city of Turpan. We will start with a visit to the Jiaohe Ancient City, one of the best-preserved ancient earthen cities in the world. Built on a plateau between two rivers, Jiaohe was an important strategic point on the Silk Road and was inhabited for more than 2000 years.

Then we will visit the Karez Well System, an amazing ancient irrigation system that has been used for more than 2000 years to bring water from the Tianshan Mountains to the arid Turpan Basin. We will also visit the Emin Minaret, the largest ancient Islamic minaret in China, built in 1778 with beautiful brick carvings.

In the afternoon, we will drive back to Urumqi, arriving in the evening.

Today is the end of your wonderful Xinjiang tour. After breakfast, our guide and driver will transfer you to Urumqi Tianshan International Airport for your flight back home. We hope you have had an unforgettable experience exploring the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Xinjiang!