14 Days Tour to Explore Southern Xinjiang
-
Price
per Duration
14 Day(s) 13 Night(s)Travellers
2- Book This Tour
- Information
- Itinerary
- Gallery
- Trip Notes
Destinations
- Hotan
- Kashgar
- Korla
- Kuqa
- Tashkorgan
- Turpan
- Urumqi
- Xinjiang
Tour Price
Please consult us ! more people will be more cheaper。
Tailor Make Your Tour
- Your Schedule
- Your Interests
- Your Hotel Preference
Tour Start and End
Urumqi, Kashgar
Price Includes
- Accommodation-4 star Hotel
- Professional English speaking tour guide
- Transportation with air-conditioned car
- Hotel and meals for guide and driver
Price Excludes
- All flight tickets
- Meals during the tour
- Entrance tickets to monuments and tour spots
- Excursions other than those specified in trips
- Personal expenses
- Tips to guide and driver
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Southern Xinjiang, a region renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Our tour commences in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, and concludes in Kashgar, spanning approximately 2,000 kilometers. Along this route, we'll traverse diverse terrains, from arid mountains and lush oasis towns to expansive sand dunes, meandering rivers, and towering snow-capped peaks. The Taklamakan Desert, enveloped by majestic mountains, forms a breathtaking backdrop to our adventure. These mountains supply vital water to the oases situated between the desert and peaks, each characterized by unique features such as exotic fruits, traditional cuisine, distinct landscapes, and even variations in the Uighur dialect.
This journey is not merely about observing natural wonders and historical sites; it's an immersive experience into the daily lives, rich cultures, and intricate handicrafts of the local Uighur people, unparalleled in China. For example, in Turpan, you'll explore grape fields and visit traditional air-drying houses, where fresh grapes are transformed into raisins. In Kashgar, you'll witness artisans crafting exquisite knives and musical instruments in their workshops.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive in Urumqi
Upon arrival at Urumqi Airport, our guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight: Urumqi.
Meals: No
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 2: Urumqi – Heavenly Lake (120 km)
Highlights: Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), Urumqi Grand Bazaar.
Today, we’ll visit the stunning Heavenly Lake, a high-altitude glacial lake nestled in the Tianshan Mountains. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and snow-capped peaks, the lake offers a serene escape into nature. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Urumqi to explore the bustling Grand Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace where you can shop for local handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs. Overnight: Urumqi.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 3: Urumqi – Turpan (200 km)
Ancient City of Jiaohe, Karez Underground Irrigation System, Emin Minaret.
En route to Turpan, we’ll visit the ancient city of Jiaohe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back over 2,000 years. Next, we’ll explore the ingenious Karez underground water system, a testament to the region’s ancient engineering prowess. We’ll also visit the Emin Minaret, the tallest minaret in Xinjiang, and enjoy authentic Uighur cuisine at a local restaurant. Overnight: Turpan.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 4: Turpan Tour
Highlights: Turpan Museum, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Flaming Mountains, Tuyoq Village
Begin the day at the Turpan Museum, where you'll learn about the region's rich history and view precious cultural relics excavated from the area. Later, travel east to visit the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, an ancient Buddhist site adorned with intricate murals. We'll also stop at the Flaming Mountains, famous for their striking red sandstone formations, and explore the traditional Tuyoq Village, one of the oldest Uighur settlements in Xinjiang. Overnight: Turpan
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 5: Turpan – Korla (400 km)
Highlights: Bosten Lake, Golden Beach Scenic Spot
Today’s journey takes us through semi-desert landscapes and oasis towns. After lunch, we’ll visit Bosten Lake, a stunning freshwater lake nestled between mountains and desert. The Golden Beach Scenic Spot offers breathtaking views and a chance to relax by the water. Overnight: Korla
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 6: Korla – Kuqa (270 km)
Highlights: Kuqa Grand Mosque, Local Market
Kuqa, a historic city along the ancient Silk Road, is our next destination. After lunch, we'll visit the Kuqa Grand Mosque and explore the lively local market, where you can sample Kuqa’s famous "Nun Bread," the largest bread in China. Overnight: Kuqa
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 7: Kuqa Tour
Highlights: Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Tianshan Grand Canyon
Today, we'll visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, one of China’s four major Buddhist cave complexes and a center of early Buddhist art. After lunch in Bay County, we’ll explore the Tianshan Grand Canyon, renowned for its dramatic rock formations and vibrant colors. Overnight: Kuqa
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 8: Kuqa – Hotan (570 km)
Highlights: Crossing the Taklamakan Desert, Desert Poplar Forest
Today’s journey involves crossing the Taklamakan Desert, the second-largest shifting sand desert in the world. Along the way, we'll see the resilient desert poplar trees, known as the "heroes of the desert" for their ability to survive in harsh conditions. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on the sand dunes before continuing to Hotan. Overnight: Hotan
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 9: Hotan Tour
Highlights: Jade Market, Carpet Factory, Silk Factory, Traditional Paper Making
Hotan, located at the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, is famous for its jade, carpets, and silk. Today, we’ll visit the bustling Jade Market, a carpet factory, a silk workshop, and a traditional paper-making facility to learn about these ancient crafts. Overnight: Hotan
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 10: Hotan – Kashgar (500 km)
Highlights: Oasis Towns, Agricultural Landscapes
En route to Kashgar, we’ll pass through fertile oasis towns known for their cotton, wheat, and fruit production, including walnuts and apricots. Upon arrival in Kashgar, you’ll have free time to relax and explore at your leisure. Overnight: Kashgar
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 11: Kashgar Tour
Highlights: Apak Hoja Tomb, Id Kah Mosque, Handicraft Street, Old Town
Today, we’ll explore Kashgar’s cultural landmarks, including the Apak Hoja Tomb, the largest mausoleum in western China, and the Id Kah Mosque, the largest and most influential mosque in the country. We’ll also stroll through the Handicraft Street, lined with workshops showcasing traditional Uighur arts, and visit the historic Old Town, where many buildings date back over 400 years. Overnight: Kashgar
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 12: Kashgar – Tashkorgan (300 km, 6 hours)
Highlights: Karakoram Highway, Karakul Lake, Muztagh Ata Mountains
Travel along the Karakoram Highway, one of the world’s most scenic routes, with views of rural Uighur life and the towering Muztagh Ata Mountain (7,546 meters). We’ll also visit the stunning Karakul Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Overnight: Tashkorgan
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 13: Tashkorgan – Kashgar (300 km, 6 hours)
Highlights: Golden Grassland, Stone City
After breakfast, we’ll visit the Golden Grassland and the ancient Stone City, a historic site that was once part of the Puli Kingdom over 2,000 years ago. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Kashgar. Overnight: Kashgar
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 14
kashgar departure
After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Kashgar Airport for your flight home via Urumqi, marking the end of your unforgettable Southern Xinjiang adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
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.
Since our tours are private tours, 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.
We usually include breakfast and exclude Lunch and Dinner, it is for flexibility, but of course our guides and drivers always responsible to show you nice restaurants, you just need to tell your favorites.
- Information
- Itinerary
- Gallery
- Trip Notes
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Southern Xinjiang, a region renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Our tour commences in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, and concludes in Kashgar, spanning approximately 2,000 kilometers. Along this route, we'll traverse diverse terrains, from arid mountains and lush oasis towns to expansive sand dunes, meandering rivers, and towering snow-capped peaks. The Taklamakan Desert, enveloped by majestic mountains, forms a breathtaking backdrop to our adventure. These mountains supply vital water to the oases situated between the desert and peaks, each characterized by unique features such as exotic fruits, traditional cuisine, distinct landscapes, and even variations in the Uighur dialect.
This journey is not merely about observing natural wonders and historical sites; it's an immersive experience into the daily lives, rich cultures, and intricate handicrafts of the local Uighur people, unparalleled in China. For example, in Turpan, you'll explore grape fields and visit traditional air-drying houses, where fresh grapes are transformed into raisins. In Kashgar, you'll witness artisans crafting exquisite knives and musical instruments in their workshops.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive in Urumqi
Upon arrival at Urumqi Airport, our guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight: Urumqi.
Meals: No
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 2: Urumqi – Heavenly Lake (120 km)
Highlights: Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), Urumqi Grand Bazaar.
Today, we’ll visit the stunning Heavenly Lake, a high-altitude glacial lake nestled in the Tianshan Mountains. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and snow-capped peaks, the lake offers a serene escape into nature. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Urumqi to explore the bustling Grand Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace where you can shop for local handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs. Overnight: Urumqi.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 3: Urumqi – Turpan (200 km)
Ancient City of Jiaohe, Karez Underground Irrigation System, Emin Minaret.
En route to Turpan, we’ll visit the ancient city of Jiaohe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back over 2,000 years. Next, we’ll explore the ingenious Karez underground water system, a testament to the region’s ancient engineering prowess. We’ll also visit the Emin Minaret, the tallest minaret in Xinjiang, and enjoy authentic Uighur cuisine at a local restaurant. Overnight: Turpan.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 4: Turpan Tour
Highlights: Turpan Museum, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Flaming Mountains, Tuyoq Village
Begin the day at the Turpan Museum, where you'll learn about the region's rich history and view precious cultural relics excavated from the area. Later, travel east to visit the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, an ancient Buddhist site adorned with intricate murals. We'll also stop at the Flaming Mountains, famous for their striking red sandstone formations, and explore the traditional Tuyoq Village, one of the oldest Uighur settlements in Xinjiang. Overnight: Turpan
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 5: Turpan – Korla (400 km)
Highlights: Bosten Lake, Golden Beach Scenic Spot
Today’s journey takes us through semi-desert landscapes and oasis towns. After lunch, we’ll visit Bosten Lake, a stunning freshwater lake nestled between mountains and desert. The Golden Beach Scenic Spot offers breathtaking views and a chance to relax by the water. Overnight: Korla
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 6: Korla – Kuqa (270 km)
Highlights: Kuqa Grand Mosque, Local Market
Kuqa, a historic city along the ancient Silk Road, is our next destination. After lunch, we'll visit the Kuqa Grand Mosque and explore the lively local market, where you can sample Kuqa’s famous "Nun Bread," the largest bread in China. Overnight: Kuqa
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 7: Kuqa Tour
Highlights: Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Tianshan Grand Canyon
Today, we'll visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, one of China’s four major Buddhist cave complexes and a center of early Buddhist art. After lunch in Bay County, we’ll explore the Tianshan Grand Canyon, renowned for its dramatic rock formations and vibrant colors. Overnight: Kuqa
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 8: Kuqa – Hotan (570 km)
Highlights: Crossing the Taklamakan Desert, Desert Poplar Forest
Today’s journey involves crossing the Taklamakan Desert, the second-largest shifting sand desert in the world. Along the way, we'll see the resilient desert poplar trees, known as the "heroes of the desert" for their ability to survive in harsh conditions. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on the sand dunes before continuing to Hotan. Overnight: Hotan
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 9: Hotan Tour
Highlights: Jade Market, Carpet Factory, Silk Factory, Traditional Paper Making
Hotan, located at the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, is famous for its jade, carpets, and silk. Today, we’ll visit the bustling Jade Market, a carpet factory, a silk workshop, and a traditional paper-making facility to learn about these ancient crafts. Overnight: Hotan
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 10: Hotan – Kashgar (500 km)
Highlights: Oasis Towns, Agricultural Landscapes
En route to Kashgar, we’ll pass through fertile oasis towns known for their cotton, wheat, and fruit production, including walnuts and apricots. Upon arrival in Kashgar, you’ll have free time to relax and explore at your leisure. Overnight: Kashgar
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 11: Kashgar Tour
Highlights: Apak Hoja Tomb, Id Kah Mosque, Handicraft Street, Old Town
Today, we’ll explore Kashgar’s cultural landmarks, including the Apak Hoja Tomb, the largest mausoleum in western China, and the Id Kah Mosque, the largest and most influential mosque in the country. We’ll also stroll through the Handicraft Street, lined with workshops showcasing traditional Uighur arts, and visit the historic Old Town, where many buildings date back over 400 years. Overnight: Kashgar
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 12: Kashgar – Tashkorgan (300 km, 6 hours)
Highlights: Karakoram Highway, Karakul Lake, Muztagh Ata Mountains
Travel along the Karakoram Highway, one of the world’s most scenic routes, with views of rural Uighur life and the towering Muztagh Ata Mountain (7,546 meters). We’ll also visit the stunning Karakul Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Overnight: Tashkorgan
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 13: Tashkorgan – Kashgar (300 km, 6 hours)
Highlights: Golden Grassland, Stone City
After breakfast, we’ll visit the Golden Grassland and the ancient Stone City, a historic site that was once part of the Puli Kingdom over 2,000 years ago. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Kashgar. Overnight: Kashgar
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 14
kashgar departure
After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Kashgar Airport for your flight home via Urumqi, marking the end of your unforgettable Southern Xinjiang adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
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.
Since our tours are private tours, 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.
We usually include breakfast and exclude Lunch and Dinner, it is for flexibility, but of course our guides and drivers always responsible to show you nice restaurants, you just need to tell your favorites.
