Overview

China travel map - Silk Road Xinjiang Highlights Tour

Exploring the mysterious land trade route in Xinjiang area, our Silk Road Highlight trip commences at historical kashgar, ancient town with amazing Sunday Bazzar; the oasis of Turpan which a great place to see the Uyger lifestyle. Travelers will also driving through the grand Mt.Tianshan to old hub Kucha as well as jade town Hotan...

Duration: 13 days & 12 nights

Destinations: Urumqi - Turpan - Korla - Kucha - Aksu - Kashgar - Hotan - Urumqi

Starting Point: Urumqi

Ending Point: Urumqi

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Day

Arrival in Urumqi in the morning, transfer to the hotel and have lunch. Then drive 70km to Mamsjam Grassland of Tianshan Mountain, where you will visit a Kazak family and chat with them in the yurts, trying their home-made milk tea and snacks. 

Meal: L

Mamsjam Grassland of Tianshan Mountain

Drive 120km northeast to the Heavenly Lake with an elevation of 2000 meters above sea level. The beautiful lake is flanked by rugged pines and cypresses, with melted clear waters reflecting the surrounding of snow capped highest peak-Bogda (5445 m), boating in the lake. Then drive back to Urumqi. Visit the Provincial Museum to have some knowledge of the history and minority culture.

Meal: B, L

Heavenly Lake

After breakfast, drive 2.5 hours to Turpan, on the way pass by Urumqi Wind Power Mill. As the lowest depression of China, Turpan is an Uygur town set in a large oasis surrounding by desert and mountains. Proceed to visit the ruins of Jiaohe, which was a prosperous ancient trading center and military stronghold about 1600 years ago. And then visit Ancient Karez, the underground water supply & irrigation system.

Meal: B, L

In the morning pass by the Flaming Mountain, a legendary mountain in the Chinese literature classic of “Journey to the West”, visit the Ruins of Gaochang, an extensive ruin since the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), and then visit The Bezekilik caves and Astana Ancient Tombs (3rd - 8th Century ). 

Meal: B, L

Ruins of Gaochang

Drive 380km to Korla and cross several magnificent valleys of Mt. Tianshan. Finally arrive in the home town of fragrant pears-Korla, visit Iron Gate pass and city tour . 

Meal: B, L

Drive 280km to Kuqa, a major Uyghur town, transfer to hotel, visit the Subashi Ancient Temple (well preserved temple complex since in Han Dynasty of China), the Grand Mosque of Kuqa and old bazaar

Meal: B, L

Grand Mosque of Kuqa

Drive 360km to Aksu, pay an excursion to the famous Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, which was the best preserved one in Xinjiang built around 4century AD with deep influence of Indian art style.

Meal: B, L

Drive 470km to Kashgar, - the west-most city of China.

Meal: B, L

In the morning, wander around at the Sunday market of Kashgar, the largest outdoor market in the Mid-Asia! Afternoon visit the Mausoleum of Abakh Khoja, Etgar Mosque and the old town of the city. 

Meal: B, L

Sunday market of Kashgar

Drive through the Karakurum Highway to Karakul Lake (180km), enjoy the beautiful view of snow-capped mountains of Muztagh Ata and its lake. On the way back, visit the Muhammed Kashgari’s Tomb Complex

Meal: B, L

Drive 520km to Hotan, stop over at Yengisar (famous for its knives), Yarkent - old capital of Karahnate Kingdom of 15th century. Visit Altunluk Mausoleum(tombs complex of royal family around 15th centuries), in the late afternoon arrive in the Jade Town of Hotan.

Meal: B, L


In the morning, visit the Malikewat ancient ruinssilk and carpet factory, jade carving factory. Take evening flight to Urumqi.

Meal: B, L

Malikewat ancient ruins

Transfer to the airport and fly to your next destination. 

Meal: B

End of service

What's included

  • 1-on-1 Travel Consultant

    Your China based expert listens to your wishes carefully, provides professional advice, ensures unlimited itinerary revisions before done and 24/7 helpline service while traveling.

  • Private Local Guide and Driver

    Your guides are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, and your drivers are professional, polite and patient. They are very flexible to accommodate your personal needs and happy to show you the local attractions, history, culture, foods and real life. 
    Private transfers from hotel to attractions, airport or train station are also included.

  • Accommodation to Suit Your Preference

    In each place, we hand pick hotels ranging from luxury 5 star, superior 4 star to comfortable 3 star. Luxury or cozy boutique hotels and budget guesthouses are also among your choices. You could decide where to stay to meet your taste and budget.

  • Gourmet Meals

    Most of the hotels we select offer both Western and Chinese buffet breakfast. Lunch and dinner included are arranged in selected restaurants to taste authentic Chinese cuisine and local specialties. Thus you may also have a unique food tour.
    Meals specified in itinerary as B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner.

  • Attractions and Activities Listed on the Itinerary

    Our China tour packages have included the (first/main) entry to all attractions and the expenses of activities on the itinerary (except the optional activities).

  • Internal Transportation

    Based on your needs, we could make bookings of internal transportation, including domestic flights, inter-city trains, long-distance bus, etc.

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