- Information
- Itinerary
- Gallery
- Trip Notes
Located on the western edge of China, Xinjiang is a land of contrasts – home to the second highest point in the world and the second lowest point in the world. Throughout history, the land has long been home to many different ethnic groups and religious beliefs. The earliest people found in Xinjiang were Indo-European and whose trace can be seen today in the mummies at the Xinjiang Museum.
Later on, Buddhism was brought into Xinjiang from India and then eventually to the rest of China. Other religions such as Nestorian Christianity and Manicheanism were also found here, brought from the West. Eventually, Turkic and Mongol tribes swept through the region and Turkified the region. While the early Turkic and Mongol people were Buddhist and other religions, they converted to Islam and today Islam is the main religion.
Apart from the Han Chinese, the Uyghur people are the main ethnic group found today in Xinjiang. The historical Silk Road passed through this region and many traces of it are found today in the historical cities of Xinjiang such as Turpan and Kashgar.
Destinations
- Dunhuang
- Gansu
- Kashgar
- Tashkorgan
- Turpan
- Urumqi
- Xinjiang
- Zhangye
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
Tashkorgan, Zhangye
Price Includes
- Accommodation-4 star Hotel
- Professional English speaking tour guide
- Transportation with air-conditioned car/bus
- Hotel and meals for guide and driver
- Train tickets fee
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
Located on the western edge of China, Xinjiang is a land of contrasts – home to the second highest point in the world and the second lowest point in the world. Throughout history, the land has long been home to many different ethnic groups and religious beliefs. The earliest people found in Xinjiang were Indo-European and whose trace can be seen today in the mummies at the Xinjiang Museum. Later on, Buddhism was brought into Xinjiang from India and then eventually to the rest of China. Other religions such as Nestorian Christianity and Manicheanism were also found here, brought from the West. Eventually, Turkic and Mongol tribes swept through the region and Turkified the region. While the early Turkic and Mongol people were Buddhist and other religions, they converted to Islam and today Islam is the main religion. Apart from the Han Chinese, the Uyghur people are the main ethnic group found today in Xinjiang. The historical Silk Road passed through this region and many traces of it are found today in the historical cities of Xinjiang such as Turpan and Kashgar.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Tashkorgan from Pakistan
Arrive in Tashkurgan from Pakistan. Our guide will meet you upon arrival in Tashkurgan and transfer you to your hotel for check in and rest. Afternoon/evening at leisure to rest or explore around Tashkurgan with your guide.
Overnight: Qianhai Hotel
Meals:NO
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 2
Explore Tashkurgan
Explore around the town of Tashkurgan, home to the Tajik people and amazing views of the Pamir Mountains. This town was an important stop for traders and explorers along the Silk Road as they made their way from India into China proper. Hike up to the Stone Fort, where according to legend, a Chinese princess was placed here for safety on her way to marry a Persian King. Visit a local Tajik village (if possible) and cultural center where you can learn about the Tajik culture. Enjoy a walk through the grasslands and Tashkurgan River than snakes through the valley. If lucky, catch a local horseback game of Buzkashi.
Overnight: Jincaotan Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 3
Drive from Tashkurgan to Kashgar along the Karakoram Highway
Continue your road trip along the Karakoram Highway towards Kashgar. Depart from Tashkurgan in the morning and drive to Karakul Lake. Enjoy lunch in local Kyrgyz yurt (subject to change), and then spend the early afternoon exploring around Karakul Lake where you can learn about the Kyrgyz people who live around the lake and enjoy horseback riding. Then continue your journey onto Kashgar. Enjoy stops at Bulungkol Lake and Opal Village, along with other scenic spots along the way. Arrive back in Kashgar in the evening.
Overnight: Nuerlan Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 4
Kashgar Cultural and Historical Tour
Begin your tour of Kashgar by visiting Apak Khoja Mausoleum, the final resting place of the notorious Apak Khoja, a polarizing figure in Kashgar’s history. Then visit the Kashgar Bazaar full of beautifully designed carpets and other handicrafts that you will find in local homes. Return to the center of Kashgar and enjoy a taste of Kashgar hospitality at a local Uyghur home in old town where you can have lunch and learn how to make some Uyghur dishes if you’d like. Continue your exploration of Kashgar by visiting the historical Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, and wander through the local alleyways, stopping at local tea shops and pottery workshop. In the evening, visit the Kashgar Night Market.
Overnight: Nuerlan Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 5
Shipton’s Arch , Kashgar tour
Set off in the morning for the drive from Kashgar to Shipton’s Arch (roughly 2 hour drive). After arriving at the welcome center, it is about a 30-45 minute hike up to the arch. Shipton’s Arch is the tallest natural arch in the world and could fit the Empire State Building inside of it. First “discovered” by Eric Shipton while he was stationed as the British consul in Kashgar during the 1940s, its location was then lost for many decades until National Geographic led an expedition there in 2000. After visiting the arch, drive back to Kashgar and explore around Kashgar as time permits. Finish the evening in a traditional Uyghur restaurant where you can enjoy local dancing and music or visit the Kashgar Night Market.
Overnight: Nuerlan Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 6
Kashgar Sunday Livestock Market, then take overnight train to Urumqi
Visit the Kashgar Sunday Livestock Market and Bazaar in the morning. Then transfer to the Kashgar Train Station to take the overnight train to Urumqi.
Overnight: Overnight Train (soft sleepers)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: NO
Day 7
Arrive in Urumqi in morning, visit Xinjiang Museum , Heavenly Lake
Pick up from train station in the morning and drive from Urumqi to Heavenly Lake (about 2.5-3 hour journey). If you would like, can also visit Xinjiang Museum before leaving for the lake. Heavenly Lake is surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains and Bogda Peak (5,445 m). Spend the day hiking around the lake. Return to Urumqi at your leisure.
Overnight: Tumaris Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 8
Drive from Urumqi to Turpan - Turpan Tour
After breakfast, drive from Urumqi to Turpan (about 3-3.5 hours). Start your tour of Turpan by visiting the historical sites found east of Turpan. Drive through the Flaming Mountains, made famous in the Chinese tale “Journey to the West.” Visit the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves and Gaochang Ancient City, which was first established in the 2nd century AD as a garrison outpost. It was later made the Uyghur capital in the middle of the 8th century after the historical Uyghur empire in Mongolia collapsed and caused large groups of Uyghurs to move to Gaochang. Gaochang was a very “cosmopolitan” town as traces of Nestorian Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism and Manichaeism are all found here. You can also enjoy a stop at the Astana Tombs before heading onto Tuyoq Village, where you will enjoy lunch in a local Uyghur home and explore around the village. Return to your hotel at your leisure.
Overnight: Silk Road Lodges
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 9
Turpan Tour – overnight train to Dunhuang
Today, we will visit some of the sites found closed to Turpan. Visit the historical Emin Minaret, located a short distance from your hotel. It was constructed in honor of the local ruler, Emin Khoja. You can also enjoy a visit to the “Governor’s Mansion,” which is a recreation of what palace life would’ve looked like during the Emin’s rule. Then visit Jiaohe Ancient City, which was also established as a garrison town by Han troops and later became the capital until it was moved to Gaochang. While Jiaohe is not as historically important as Gaochang, it boasts some visually impressive ruins. After Jiaohe, visit the Karez Ancient Irrigation System, an ingenious method of irrigating the very dry region. This system has been used for over 2,000 years and carries snowmelt from the Tianshan Mountains to the city through a series of underground channels. In the evening, transfer to the Turpan Train Station for overnight train to Dunhuang.
Overnight: Overnight Train (soft sleepers)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: NO
Day 10
Dunhuang Tour
Arrive in Liuyuan Station in the morning. Pick up from train station and drive to Dunhuang (about 2 hours). Begin your time in Dunhuang with a guided tour of the historic Mogao Caves. These caves were cut into the rock face of the Mingsha Hills over a period of more than 1,000 years, starting from the 3rd century and ending around the 14th century. They are probably the world’s most impressive collection of Buddhist statuaries, paintings, and manuscripts. Virtually unknown to the world until the discovery by the famous explorer, Aurel Stein, in the 20th century. Dunhuang’s multi-cultural influence can be seen in the manuscripts found in Chinese, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Uyghur, Persian, Hebrew and various other languages. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the Mingsha Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake where you can enjoy different activities there such as sand-surfing, paragliding, and camel rides.
Overnight: Dunhuang Silk Road Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 11
Dunhuang Tour
Journey outside Dunhuang today and visit the Yumenguan (Jade Gate Pass) which is one of the earliest ventures by China into the Western Regions. It was established the Han Emperor, Wu Di, around 120 BC to defend the empire, control trade routes, and impose taxes. Many believe the name of pass was due to the jade that passed through this gate on its way from Hotan to Chinese emperor. Then enjoy a visit to the nearby Yangguan (Sun Pass) which was established at the same time as Yumenguan. In the 7th century, the famous Buddhist monk, Xuanzang, passed through this gate on his journey from Xi’an to India. Enjoy an optional visit to the Yardang National Park, where you can view the extraordinary landscapes on the edge of the Gobi Desert.
Overnight: Yangguan Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 12
Drive from Dunhuang to Jiayuguan (4.5-5 hours)
After breakfast, drive from Dunhuang to Jiayuguan (about 4.5-5 hours). If desired, you can stop at the Yulin Grottoes along the way which show a very distinctive Tibetan style. After arrival in Jiayuguan, check into your hotel and visit around Jiayuguan as time permits. Historically, Jiayuguan marked the end of civilization for the Chinese and the land beyond the west has long been associated with despair and exile. The Jiayuguan Fortress was completed in 1372 by the first Ming Emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang, to mark the end of the Ming Great Wall (and civilization). Enjoy a visit to the Jiayuguan Fort and Overhanging Great Wall, where you can learn how the Chinese empire protected against the “Barbarian West.”
Overnight: Jinjiang Inn
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 13
Zhangye Tour
Take high speed train in the morning from Jiayuguan to Zhangye (1.5 hours). Pick up in Zhangye upon arrival and begin tour. Zhangye was established as a garrison town to protect inner China from invaders. Buddhist monks also stopped here along their journey and their influence can be seen at the Wooden Horse Pagoda and the Great Buddha Temple which you will visit in the morning. In the afternoon, travel out to the rainbow Danxia Landforms, where you can enjoy a scenic sunset. Return to Zhangye at your leisure.
Overnight: Luzhou Holiday Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Star
Day 14
Transfer to Zhangye Train Station for departure
Transfer to the Zhangye Train Station in the morning to departure. Our services will end upon drop off at the Zhangye Train Station.
Overnight: Overnight Train – soft sleepers
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: NO
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.
