- Information
- Itinerary
- Gallery
- Trip Notes
Destinations
- Hotan
- Kuqa
- Xinjiang
Tour Price
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- Your Interests
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Tour Start and End
Hotan, Kuqa
Price Includes
- Permits & Fees: All entry fees and special desert trek permits.
- Accommodation: 5-star/best available hotels + desert camping (2-person tents).
- Transport: 4WD vehicles, camels (1 per rider), and luggage support.
- Guides: English-speaking guide, camel handlers, 2 cooks.
- Meals: All meals (highlighting local cuisine) + bottled water.
- Camp Gear: Dining tents, cooking equipment, tables/chairs.
- Insurance: Accident coverage for transportation in China.
Price Excludes
- International/Domestic Flights (assistance available).
- Personal gear (sleeping bag, clothing, medical supplies).
- Alcohol, laundry, tips (suggested: $15–20/day/person).
- Any expenses caused by beyond control events.
Taklamakan Desert: Where History Whispers from the Sands
The Taklamakan Desert, a jewel of the Silk Road, cradles a legacy as vast as its golden dunes. For centuries, this formidable desert bridged the southern and northern routes of the ancient Silk Road, its shifting sands guarding secrets of forgotten kingdoms. Archaeological treasures scattered across its hinterland—such as the ruins of the Jingjue, Mi, and Huo Kingdoms along the Niya, Keriya, and Andir River basins—reveal a paradox: a land both silent and once teeming with life. These relics, remnants of the Western Regions’ legendary Thirty-Six Kingdoms, remain shrouded in mystery, seldom visited and scarcely understood.
Perched above the Hotan River, the Tang Dynasty garrison at Mazar-Tagh stands sentinel, its weathered walls echoing tales of soldiers who patrolled this frontier over a millennium ago. To walk these ruins is to confront a haunting question: Why did these vibrant civilizations vanish into the desert’s embrace? The answer lies not only in shifting trade routes but in the delicate dance between humanity and nature—a timeless lesson in environmental fragility.
A Journey Beyond the Ordinary
This 14-day camel trekking expedition is no ordinary tour—it is a pilgrimage for the curious soul. From traversing the Taklamakan’s hypnotic dunes to uncovering its archaeological wonders, every moment is crafted to blend adventure with introspection. By day, the desert’s vast silence invites contemplation; by night, its skies ignite with a celestial spectacle, the Milky Way arching overhead like a bridge between past and present.
Tailored for intrepid travelers seeking refuge from crowded tourist trails, this journey rewards effort with revelation. Yes, camel trekking demands stamina—hours of walking across soft sands under a relentless sun—but each step immerses you deeper into a landscape that has shaped empires. It is a physical challenge met with profound rewards: the thrill of discovering a pottery shard half-buried in sand, the camaraderie of fireside stories with local guides, and the awe of standing where Silk Road caravans once tread.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Hotan
Arrival: Late afternoon/evening transfer from Hotan Airport to West Lake Yindu Hotel. Welcome Dinner: Savor Uyghur cuisine at a local restaurant.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 2
Hotan Cultural Exploration
Morning: Visit a mulberry-bark paper workshop in a traditional village. Afternoon: Discover Hotan’s silk and carpet workshops; learn about jade’s cultural significance. Evening: Feast at Hotan Night Market (try local specialties like dapanji and roasted lamb).
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 3
Hotan → Keriya
Rawak Buddhist Temple: Explore this 2nd-century Gandhara-style site in the desert. Scenic Drive: Cross desert landscapes to Keriya. Overnight: Keriya local hotel.
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: best hotes in the city
Day 4
Keriya → Darya-Boyi Village
4WD Adventure: Traverse rugged terrain to reach the isolated oasis of Darya-Boyi. Cultural Insight: Meet villagers preserving centuries-old traditions. Preparation: Meet camel guides and finalize trek logistics.
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: Camp in the Village
Day 5-10
Camel Trekking into the Taklamakan Desert
Daily Trek: 14–18 km/day (6–8 hours), traversing shifting dunes and ancient riverbeds. Camp Life: Evenings: Gather around campfires for storytelling, stargazing (Milky Way visibility!), and local tea. Cuisine: Enjoy hearty meals prepared by cooks (e.g., hand-pulled noodles, grilled meats, dried fruits). Key Sights: Niya River Basin: Pass relics of the vanished Jingjue Kingdom. High Dunes: Summit towering dunes for panoramic desert vistas.
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: Camp in the Taklamakan Desert
Day 11
Arrival at Mazar-Tagh
Historical Fortress: Explore the Tang Dynasty military outpost overlooking the Hotan River. Sunset Views: Capture the fort’s silhouette against the desert horizon.
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: Camp in the Taklamakan Desert
Day 12
Desert Exit → Kuqa
Final Trek: Cross the Hotan River and meet vehicles at Highway G217. Desert Highway Drive: Travel the ancient-modern G217 route to Kuqa. Celebration: Farewell dinner with local wine and music.
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: 5 Star
Day 13
Kuqa Heritage Tour
Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves: Admire Indo-European influenced Buddhist art (3rd–10th century). Tianshan Grand Canyon: Hike through red sandstone formations. Local Bazaar: Shop for Xinjiang spices, textiles, and handicrafts.
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: 5 Star
Day 14
Departure from Kuqa
Transfer to Kuqa Airport for onward flights.
Meals: B
Accommodation: 5 Star
Client’s passports and other personal information should be provided 60 days prior to the tour departure in order to work out the special permits for the trekking.
The best season to do this tour is May, and between the end of September and the end of November.
Sleeping bags, Pad or air mattress, boots, wind proof cost and pants, necessary clothing including down jacket, sun glasses, wind glasses, hats, water bottles, sun cream, warm gloves, necessary medical staff, enough socks.
You can add or delete days or especial activities from the itinerary, services can be adjusted to your own interests, Please contact us via email and let us know your plan, we are ready to offer you the best customized tour!
Please tell us your hotel requests, we will book hotels accordingly, we have 5 star international hotels at bigger cities, 4 star hotels and 3 star hotels, our hotels include breakfast.
We offer you private transportation, we have all kinds of comfortable vehicles which are suitable for your journey, please feel free to let us know if you have especial requests for the vehicles.
- Information
- Itinerary
- Gallery
- Trip Notes
Taklamakan Desert: Where History Whispers from the Sands
The Taklamakan Desert, a jewel of the Silk Road, cradles a legacy as vast as its golden dunes. For centuries, this formidable desert bridged the southern and northern routes of the ancient Silk Road, its shifting sands guarding secrets of forgotten kingdoms. Archaeological treasures scattered across its hinterland—such as the ruins of the Jingjue, Mi, and Huo Kingdoms along the Niya, Keriya, and Andir River basins—reveal a paradox: a land both silent and once teeming with life. These relics, remnants of the Western Regions’ legendary Thirty-Six Kingdoms, remain shrouded in mystery, seldom visited and scarcely understood.
Perched above the Hotan River, the Tang Dynasty garrison at Mazar-Tagh stands sentinel, its weathered walls echoing tales of soldiers who patrolled this frontier over a millennium ago. To walk these ruins is to confront a haunting question: Why did these vibrant civilizations vanish into the desert’s embrace? The answer lies not only in shifting trade routes but in the delicate dance between humanity and nature—a timeless lesson in environmental fragility.
A Journey Beyond the Ordinary
This 14-day camel trekking expedition is no ordinary tour—it is a pilgrimage for the curious soul. From traversing the Taklamakan’s hypnotic dunes to uncovering its archaeological wonders, every moment is crafted to blend adventure with introspection. By day, the desert’s vast silence invites contemplation; by night, its skies ignite with a celestial spectacle, the Milky Way arching overhead like a bridge between past and present.
Tailored for intrepid travelers seeking refuge from crowded tourist trails, this journey rewards effort with revelation. Yes, camel trekking demands stamina—hours of walking across soft sands under a relentless sun—but each step immerses you deeper into a landscape that has shaped empires. It is a physical challenge met with profound rewards: the thrill of discovering a pottery shard half-buried in sand, the camaraderie of fireside stories with local guides, and the awe of standing where Silk Road caravans once tread.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Hotan
Arrival: Late afternoon/evening transfer from Hotan Airport to West Lake Yindu Hotel. Welcome Dinner: Savor Uyghur cuisine at a local restaurant.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 2
Hotan Cultural Exploration
Morning: Visit a mulberry-bark paper workshop in a traditional village. Afternoon: Discover Hotan’s silk and carpet workshops; learn about jade’s cultural significance. Evening: Feast at Hotan Night Market (try local specialties like dapanji and roasted lamb).
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 3
Hotan → Keriya
Rawak Buddhist Temple: Explore this 2nd-century Gandhara-style site in the desert. Scenic Drive: Cross desert landscapes to Keriya. Overnight: Keriya local hotel.
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: best hotes in the city
Day 4
Keriya → Darya-Boyi Village
4WD Adventure: Traverse rugged terrain to reach the isolated oasis of Darya-Boyi. Cultural Insight: Meet villagers preserving centuries-old traditions. Preparation: Meet camel guides and finalize trek logistics.
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: Camp in the Village
Day 5-10
Camel Trekking into the Taklamakan Desert
Daily Trek: 14–18 km/day (6–8 hours), traversing shifting dunes and ancient riverbeds. Camp Life: Evenings: Gather around campfires for storytelling, stargazing (Milky Way visibility!), and local tea. Cuisine: Enjoy hearty meals prepared by cooks (e.g., hand-pulled noodles, grilled meats, dried fruits). Key Sights: Niya River Basin: Pass relics of the vanished Jingjue Kingdom. High Dunes: Summit towering dunes for panoramic desert vistas.
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: Camp in the Taklamakan Desert
Day 11
Arrival at Mazar-Tagh
Historical Fortress: Explore the Tang Dynasty military outpost overlooking the Hotan River. Sunset Views: Capture the fort’s silhouette against the desert horizon.
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: Camp in the Taklamakan Desert
Day 12
Desert Exit → Kuqa
Final Trek: Cross the Hotan River and meet vehicles at Highway G217. Desert Highway Drive: Travel the ancient-modern G217 route to Kuqa. Celebration: Farewell dinner with local wine and music.
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: 5 Star
Day 13
Kuqa Heritage Tour
Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves: Admire Indo-European influenced Buddhist art (3rd–10th century). Tianshan Grand Canyon: Hike through red sandstone formations. Local Bazaar: Shop for Xinjiang spices, textiles, and handicrafts.
Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: 5 Star
Day 14
Departure from Kuqa
Transfer to Kuqa Airport for onward flights.
Meals: B
Accommodation: 5 Star
Client’s passports and other personal information should be provided 60 days prior to the tour departure in order to work out the special permits for the trekking.
The best season to do this tour is May, and between the end of September and the end of November.
Sleeping bags, Pad or air mattress, boots, wind proof cost and pants, necessary clothing including down jacket, sun glasses, wind glasses, hats, water bottles, sun cream, warm gloves, necessary medical staff, enough socks.
You can add or delete days or especial activities from the itinerary, services can be adjusted to your own interests, Please contact us via email and let us know your plan, we are ready to offer you the best customized tour!
Please tell us your hotel requests, we will book hotels accordingly, we have 5 star international hotels at bigger cities, 4 star hotels and 3 star hotels, our hotels include breakfast.
We offer you private transportation, we have all kinds of comfortable vehicles which are suitable for your journey, please feel free to let us know if you have especial requests for the vehicles.
