Embark on a remarkable 13-day journey through Xinjiang, where ancient cultures, stunning landscapes, and rich history await. Start in Kashgar, exploring the lively Sunday Bazaar and the serene Karakul Lake, then visit Tashkurgan’s historic Stone Fortress and Golden Grasslands. In Urumqi, enjoy the Heavenly Lake and the bustling Xinjiang International Bazaar. Discover the ancient Tuyoq Village, Flaming Mountain, and Jiaohe Ruins in Turpan. In Dunhuang, explore the Mogao Caves and the spectacular Mingsha Shan and Yueyaquan. Finally, marvel at Zhangye’s Rainbow Mountain, Mati Temple, and the tranquil Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake. This journey offers the perfect blend of culture, history, and nature for an unforgettable experience.
Day 01
KASHGAR
Upon arrival at Kashgar Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our friendly representative, who will transfer you to your hotel in town. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own leisure.
Overnight: Hotel in Kashgar
Day 02
KASHGAR – TASKURGAN (SUNDAY BAZAAR, KARAKUL LAKE)
After a delicious hotel breakfast, you will meet with your guide and driver at the hotel lobby. Our first stop is the famous Kashgar Sunday Bazaar (喀什星期天市场/牛羊大巴扎), one of the largest and most vibrant traditional markets in Central Asia. For centuries, it has been an important trading hub along the ancient Silk Road, where merchants and farmers gather each week to buy and sell livestock, spices, dried fruits, carpets, and beautifully handcrafted goods. Afterwards, we will drive along the legendary Karakoram Highway (喀喇昆仑公路) for approximately four hours, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Pamir Plateau. Along the way, we will visit the stunning Karakul Lake (卡拉库尔湖), where herds of livestock graze peacefully by the lakeshore, their reflections shimmering in the crystal-clear waters. You may also encounter local Kyrgyz herders tending to their animals before we continue onward to Tashkurgan (塔什库尔干). The following day will be devoted to exploring the spectacular landscapes along the highway, before settling in for an overnight stay in Tashkurgan County.
Overnight: Hotel in Tashkurgan
Day 03
TASKURGEN – KASGHAR (STONE FORTRESS, GOLDEN GRASSLAND)
Today, before driving back to Kashgar, we will visit the historic Tashkurgan Stone Fortress (干石头城). Oval in shape, the ancient city walls were built with sun-dried bricks laid on stone foundations, stretching approximately 1,285 meters in circumference. Surrounded by the vast Golden Grassland (金草灘), the fortress offers magnificent panoramic views and excellent photo opportunities. As you stroll across the pastureland, you may see local herders tending their sheep and experience a glimpse of the traditional customs and daily life of the Tajik community.
Overnight: Hotel in Kashgar
Day 04
KASHGAR – URUMQI (ID KAH MOSQUE)
Start your full-day Kashgar city excursion with a visit to the Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺), the largest mosque in China and a sacred place where locals gather to practice their Islamic traditions. Next, explore the Old Town, where an opening ceremony and cultural show welcome visitors. You will have the chance to experience the town’s distinctive culture through a visit to a local Uyghur family. The city tour continues with a stroll along the bustling Handicraft Street, where you can admire dazzling jewelry, traditional pottery, unique musical instruments, and other everyday items used by locals. Enjoy some leisure time in a traditional tea house, offering a moment to relax and soak in the local culture and traditions. After the visit, bid farewell to Kashgar and transfer to the airport for your flight to Urumqi.
Overnight: Hotel in Urumqi
Day 05
URUMQI (HEAVENLY LAKE)
Today, you will visit the breathtaking Heavenly Lake, or Tianchi (天池), one of Xinjiang’s most stunning natural treasures. Nestled at an altitude of about 1,900 meters in the Tianshan Mountains, the lake stretches over 4.9 kilometers, its crystal-clear turquoise waters reflecting the snow-capped peaks that surround it. In spring and summer, the meadows near Tianchi burst with colorful wildflowers, while dense pine forests line the walking trails, offering a peaceful escape into nature. You can enjoy a refreshing trek along the lakeshore, take a boat ride across the serene waters, or ride horseback through the nearby valleys. For a truly panoramic experience, take the cable car up to Maya Mountain and marvel at the sweeping vistas of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The area also showcases the local Kazakh culture, with traditional yurts and music occasionally adding a cultural touch to the natural scenery. After soaking in the beauty of Tianchi, return to Urumqi (approximately 1.5-hour drive) and explore the Xinjiang International Bazaar (新疆国际大巴扎), the city’s largest market. Here, you can wander through bustling lanes filled with fresh fruits, clothing, handicrafts, knives, carpets, and more, giving you an authentic taste of local life and culture.
Overnight: Hotel in Urumqi
Day 06
URUMIQI – TURPAN (TUYOQ VILLAGE, JIAOHE RUIN)
Today, we will drive to the historical sites and oasis lands of Turpan (吐鲁番), a region rich in history and natural beauty. Our first stop is the oldest Uighur village, Tuyoq Village (吐峪沟村), tucked into the heart of the Flaming Mountain Canyon. This charming village is divided into four main areas, showcasing the striking canyon landscapes, the solemn Maza Tomb, and the traditional mud-brick architecture that reflects centuries of local life. As you explore, you may recognize the Flaming Mountain Canyon (火焰山) from the classic Chinese tale Journey to the West, where it is famously described as a fiery, legendary obstacle for the monk Xuanzang and his companions. Next, we will visit the Jiaohe Ruins (交河故城), one of China’s best-preserved ancient cities. Perched on a plateau between two rivers, the ruins are known for their earthen architecture and well-laid streets, which reveal the ingenuity of ancient urban planning. Walking among the remnants of this once-thriving Silk Road city offers a fascinating glimpse into Turpan’s rich historical past.
Overnight: Hotel in Turpan
Day 07
TURPAN – DUNHUANG (KAREZ WELL, EMIN MINARET)
Morning, we will depart from the hotel and head to the Karez Well (坎儿井), a unique ancient irrigation system that has sustained Turpan’s oasis for centuries. Here, you can learn how this underground network of channels brings water to the arid land while enjoying a cool respite from the summer heat. Next, in Turpan’s Gaochang District, we will visit the Turpan Museum, a collection house filled with antiques and curios that offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history and culture. Afterwards, you will explore the Emin Minaret, the largest Islamic minaret in China, built in 1778. Its towering structure and intricate design make it a highlight for architecture and history enthusiasts alike. Finally, after the sightseeing, you will be transferred to the train station for a bullet train ride to Liuyuan South Station. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to downtown Dunhuang for an overnight stay, ready to continue your adventure the next day.
Overnight: Hotel in Dunhuang
Day 08
DUNHUANG (MOGAO GROTTOES, MINGSHA SHAN, YUEYAOQUAN)
Today, you will explore the Mogao Caves (Mogao Caves), a millennia-old Buddhist site along the Silk Road. With stunning frescoes, sculptures, and carvings, the caves feature scenes of cultural exchange, such as a camel pulling a cart in Cave 302 from the Sui dynasty. Cave 61 from the Song dynasty showcases a detailed landscape of Mount Wutai, an early example of Chinese cartography. The art here reflects the rich cultural fusion of the Silk Road, with texts in multiple languages, including Chinese, Sanskrit, Tibetan, and Hebrew. In the afternoon, you will visit Mingsha Shan (鸣沙山) and Yueyaquan (月牙泉). Experience the desert as you race up the sand dunes and hear the roaring Mingsha Shan. At the base, the crescent-shaped Yueyaquan offers a stunning contrast of emerald waters against the beige dunes.
Overnight: Hotel in Dunhuang
Day 09
DUNHUANG – ZHANGYE (JIAYUGUAN, ZHANGYE DANXIA PARK)
In the morning, we will visit Jiayuguan Pass (嘉峪关), a key Ming Dynasty fort that guards the strategic western end of the Great Wall. This pass marks the last section built by the Ming Dynasty and offers a fascinating glimpse into China’s historical military defenses. We will also visit the Great Wall Museum, which provides a comprehensive and systematic presentation of the culture and history of the Great Wall. (Please note: walking between the towers involves many steps, so plan for about 2 hours of walking and climbing.) After exploring Jiayuguan, we will drive to Zhangye’s Linze County, where you will stay in a Kaoshan tent near Zhangye Danxia Park, allowing easy access to the park’s stunning and colorful landscapes.
Overnight: Kaoshan Tent in Zhangye
Day 10
ZHANGYE (RAINBOW MOUNTAIN, MATI TEMPLE)
After breakfast, you will head to the magnificent Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park (张掖丹霞地貌), located in northern China’s arid region. Known for its extraordinary landscape, the park is famous for its striking rock formations, where vibrant ribbons of red, orange, and yellow slice through the terrain, creating a surreal rainbow vista. These colorful layers of rock, shaped over millions of years, are set against jagged mountain peaks, making the park one of the most visually stunning places in China. Often referred to as “Rainbow Mountain,” it’s a photographer’s paradise, with its otherworldly scenery that changes with the light throughout the day. Thereafter you will visit the ancient Mati Temple (马蹄寺), nestled in the serene Mati Valley. Known for its rock-carved grottoes, Buddhist statues, and rich history dating back to the 4th century, the temple offers a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Overnight: Hotel in Zhangye
Day 11
ZHANGYE – XINING (TA’ER MONASTERY)
Board a morning fast train through the scenic Qilian Mountains to Xining, where we will visit Ta’er Monastery (塔尔寺), home to the largest number of monks outside Tibet. From the Thangka Sunning Terrace, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the monastery and its beautiful surroundings. Inside the monastery, you’ll find magnificent Buddha stupas, intricate wall paintings, and numerous prayer wheels. As you walk along the corridors, you can spin the wheels and offer prayers, immersing yourself in the spiritual atmosphere.
Overnight: Hotel in Xining
Day 12
XINING (QINGHAI LAKE)
Today, we will visit the beautiful Qinghai Lake (青海湖), the inland lake in China, surrounded by towering mountains and vast grasslands. The lake’s crystal-clear waters shimmer in hues of blue and turquoise, creating a stunning contrast against the golden fields and rolling hills. Here, you can cycle along the lake’s scenic shores, taking in the breathtaking views, or enjoy a peaceful light trek through the vibrant cole flower fields in bloom. Qinghai Lake is not only a place of incredible natural beauty but also rich in cultural significance, with Tibetan herders often seen grazing their livestock nearby, adding to the lake’s tranquil charm.
Overnight: Hotel in Qinghai
Day 13
XINING (CHAKA SALT LAKE)
Today marks the final day of our journey, and we will visit the mesmerizing Chaka Salt Lake (察卡盐). “Chaka,” meaning “the sea of salt” in Mongolian, perfectly captures the essence of this extraordinary place. Nestled in the heart of the Qaidam Basin, the lake’s vast salt flats stretch endlessly, creating a surreal, otherworldly landscape. Known as the “Mirror of the Sky,” its flat, reflective surface beautifully mirrors the sky above, creating an almost magical visual effect as the water seamlessly blends with the horizon. The tranquil setting, combined with the stunning contrast between the salt plains and the surrounding mountains, makes Chaka Salt Lake a truly unforgettable natural wonder.