Tour Overview

This 14-day Xinjiang Silk Road tour offers an exceptional journey through the heart of the ancient Silk Road, providing travelers with a perfect mix of natural wonders and cultural exploration. Starting in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, the tour covers both North and South Xinjiang, taking you to Breathtaking natural landscapes, historic Silk Road sites, and traditional ethnic villages. From majestic snow-capped mountains to expansive deserts and vibrant cultural cities, this adventure allows you to immerse yourself fully in one of China’s most unique and ethnically diverse regions.

The Xinjiang region is home to various ethnic groups, including the Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and Tajiks, each with its own rich traditions, food, and customs. This tour offers you the opportunity to experience the unique lifestyle of these people while exploring ancient cities, lakes, rivers, and desert landscapes. The Silk Road plays a central role in this journey, connecting travelers with historical landmarks like the Id Kah Mosque and the Jiaohe Ruins.

Key Highlights:

• Explore the majestic Kanas Lake and the stunning Hemu Village.

• Visit the vibrant Kashgar Old Town and the iconic Id Kah Mosque.

• Discover the unique desert landscapes of Gurbantunggut Desert and Yardang Ghost City.

• Enjoy the beauty of Sayram Lake and the Nalaty Prairie.

• Delve into the ancient Silk Road cities and ruins, including Turpan and Jiaohe Ruins.

Ideal For:

• Nature Lovers: The region is home to magnificent natural landscapes, from lakes and forests to deserts and mountains.

• Culture Seekers: Gain insights into the Uyghur, Kazakh, and Tajik cultures through visits to local villages and markets.

• Photographers: Capture the vivid scenery, from sunrises over Karakul Lake to the desert dunes of Gurbantunggut.

Tour Highlights

1. Breathtaking Natural Landscapes

• Karakul Lake: Set at the foot of Muztagh Ata, the lake offers a serene and picturesque view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Xinjiang, where you can enjoy the vastness of the Pamir Plateau and marvel at the reflections of the mountains on the crystal-clear waters.

• Sayram Lake: This alpine lake in the Ili Valley is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and rolling grasslands, offering an idyllic escape into nature. The lake changes colors throughout the day, from a calm blue to a vibrant turquoise.

2. Vibrant Cultural Exploration

• Kashgar Old Town: As the cultural heart of Xinjiang, Kashgar Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow streets, bustling bazaars, and traditional Uyghur architecture. This ancient city has a rich history as a crossroads of cultures, and visiting its mosques, markets, and homes will give you a deep understanding of its ethnic diversity.

• Id Kah Mosque: This is the largest mosque in China and a center of Islamic culture in Xinjiang. The mosque’s intricate ethnic architecture and the surrounding square provide insight into the region’s religious practices and historical significance.

• Hemu Village: Located in the Altai Mountains, this village is known for its Tuva people, who preserve their traditional nomadic way of life. The wooden houses, lush forests, and surrounding mountains make Hemu one of Xinjiang’s most scenic locations.

3. Ancient Silk Road Heritage

• Jiaohe Ruins: Located in Turpan, this ancient city was once an important stop on the Silk Road. The Jiaohe Ruins are among the best-preserved ruins of the Silk Road era, offering a glimpse into ancient city planning and architecture.

• Karez Wells: Also in Turpan, the Karez Wells are an ancient irrigation system that allowed people to survive in the region’s harsh desert conditions. This impressive engineering feat is a testament to the ingenuity of ancient civilizations along the Silk Road.

4. Unique Desert Landscapes

• Gurbantunggut Desert: Known for its vast sand dunes, this desert is one of the largest in Xinjiang. It is a beautiful place to explore the desert’s harsh beauty and wildlife, including wild donkeys and goats that roam freely.

• Yardang Ghost City: Located in the Tian Shan Mountains, this eerie landscape is characterized by natural wind-eroded rock formations that resemble a ghostly city. The sight of towering stone structures set against a desert backdrop is truly mesmerizing.

• Nalaty Prairie: Known for its wide-open landscapes, Nalaty Prairie is the perfect spot to relax and soak in the beauty of Xinjiang’s natural scenery. The lush grasslands are ideal for photography, and the area is home to grazing livestock and occasional wildlife.

5. Wildlife and Flora

• Kalamaili Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is famous for its wildlife, including wild donkeys, goats, and a variety of bird species. The reserve is part of the Gurbantunggut Desert, offering opportunities to observe both wildlife and unique desert plants in their natural habitats.

6. Scenic Towns and Villages

• Burqin: This small town is a gateway to the Gurbantunggut Desert and Kanas Nature Reserve. Known for its charming rural lifestyle and ethnic diversity, Burqin offers a peaceful stop to experience the real Xinjiang.

• Ili Valley: The Ili Valley is famous for its lush landscapes, traditional Kazakh culture, and the stunning Sayram Lake. The area is a great place to see Kazakh yurts, traditional food, and colorful markets.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Urumqi Arrival

Welcome to Xinjiang!

Upon your arrival at Urumqi Airport or Urumqi Railway Station, a local driver will greet you with a sign reading “China Xian Tour” and transfer you to your hotel in downtown Urumqi. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the vibrant city.

• Meal: N/A

• Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi

Suggested Activities: You might want to visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar for some local shopping or stroll around the People’s Park to get a feel for the city’s vibe.

Day 2: Urumqi to Burqin Tour

Witness Wild Donkeys and Goats in the Gobi Desert

After a hearty breakfast, your adventure begins with a drive along the National Highway 216 through the Gurbantunggut Desert. On your way, you’ll visit Kalamaili Nature Reserve, a place known for its wildlife, where you may spot wild donkeys and goats galloping across the desert.

Continue your journey and pass by Huoshaoshan Mountain, a natural wonder where red rocks have formed due to spontaneous combustion of the underlying coal seams. This phenomenon creates a surreal landscape, almost like the mountain is on fire. Take some time to snap photos of this spectacular sight.

• Meal: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Overnight in Burqin

Kalamaili Nature Reserve: Known for its vast desert landscapes, the reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including wild donkeys and goats. It’s a photographer’s paradise, offering endless opportunities to capture the beauty of the Gobi Desert.

Day 3: Burqin to Kanas Tour

Immerse in the Beautiful and Legendary Kanas Lake

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Kanas Nature Reserve, one of Xinjiang’s most famous attractions. The journey takes about 3 hours on winding roads. Upon arrival, you’ll stop for lunch at Jiadengyu, a small village on the way. Afterward, take a scenic shuttle bus to Kanas Lake, a pristine mountain lake surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks.

Kanas Lake is renowned for its ever-changing colors, from crystal blue to dark green, and even gray. The landscape around the lake is equally stunning, with fairy-tale-like bays such as Fairy Bay, Wolong Bay, and Moon Bay. The area is often called “the pure land on earth” due to its unspoiled beauty and serene atmosphere.

As you stroll along the Kanas River, enjoy the opportunity to photograph the natural beauty of the area, including the virgin forests and picturesque lakes.

• Meal: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Overnight in Kanas

Kanas Lake: The lake’s waters shift in color depending on the season, and it is often compared to the Swiss Alps for its pristine environment. The surrounding forests and snow-capped mountains only add to the allure of this beautiful location.

Day 4: Kanas to Hemu Tour

Take Pictures of Hemu Village’s Landscapes

Xinjiang’s Kanas Scenic Area is a must-see for any traveler to the region. Its combination of towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and pristine forests creates a landscape that feels almost untouched by time. After witnessing the breathtaking sunrise at Kanas, your journey continues to Hemu Village, nestled in a remote valley and home to the Tuva people. The village offers a rare glimpse into a traditional lifestyle that has remained relatively unchanged for centuries.

Hemu Village is a paradise for photographers, with its majestic scenery, including dense forests and grazing livestock. As you wander through the village, you will be able to interact with the Tuva people, learning about their customs, culture, and daily lives in this peaceful part of the world.

• Meal: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Overnight in Hemu Village

Day 5: Hemu to Karamay Tour

Marvel at the Yardang Landforms

Your adventure continues with an early start from Hemu Village, where you will drive toward the unique Urho Ghost City near Karamay. The city is an astonishing site, shaped by centuries of wind erosion and torrential rains. The bizarre, otherworldly landforms created by this erosion have earned the region the nickname “Wind City”, where the forces of nature have sculpted the landscape into ghostly shapes and towers that look almost man-made.

This area is a must-see for nature lovers and geology enthusiasts. You’ll tour the Ghost City on a shuttle bus, exploring its surreal rock formations and taking in its eerie atmosphere. This visit is sure to leave an impression with its raw beauty and fascinating history.

• Meal: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Overnight in Karamay

Day 6: Karamay to Ili Tour

Visit the Atlantic Ocean’s Last Teardrop

On this day, you will journey toward Yili, a scenic area known for its Sayram Lake. The lake is often referred to as the “Atlantic Ocean’s last teardrop” due to the humid air it receives from the Atlantic, which nurtures the lush landscape surrounding it. Sayram Lake is the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, offering stunning views of rolling grasslands and vibrant wildflowers that bloom in the spring and summer.

Along the way, you will also stop at the Guozigou Bridge, an impressive feat of engineering that spans the Guozigou Valley. The valley is one of the most beautiful in northern Xinjiang, and the bridge itself is a perfect vantage point to view the stunning S-shaped curves of the landscape. This combination of natural beauty and human achievement makes this part of the journey unforgettable.

• Meal: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Overnight in Yili

Day 7: Yili to Naraty Tour

Approach and Interact with Nature at Nalaty Grassland

Today, you will embark on a scenic journey to the Nalaty Grassland, also known as Ili Prairie. Situated in the Yili Valley, Nalaty is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, including snow-capped mountains, lush grasslands, and vibrant wildflowers that bloom during the summer. The area is often called the place where the sun first rises in China, earning the moniker from National Geographic.

As you explore the vast plains, you will have the chance to interact with grazing animals, including sheep and yaks, and experience the peaceful harmony between humans and nature. The clear skies and majestic landscapes will provide plenty of opportunities for photography and reflection, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.

After a leisurely exploration of the grasslands, check into a local hotel in Nalaty Town to relax and reflect on the day’s experiences.

• Meal: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Overnight in Nalaty Town

Day 8: Nalaty to Urumqi Tour by Flight

Travel to Urumqi and Head to Turpan

After a delicious breakfast, you’ll catch a flight back to Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your local guide and driver, who will escort you on a scenic 3-hour drive to Turpan.

Turpan is one of the most important historical regions of Xinjiang, known for its unique cultural sites and ancient ruins. It is also home to the famous Karez irrigation system, a fascinating network of underground canals that have been used for centuries to bring water to the arid landscape.

Upon arrival in Turpan, your guide will assist you in checking into your hotel. You will then have the evening free to relax or take a walk around the area to get acquainted with this ancient city.

• Meal: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Overnight in Turpan

Day 9: Turpan Highlights Tour

Explore the City Essence from Underground Wells to Ancient Ruins

Karez Irrigation System
Your day begins with a visit to the Karez Well, an ancient underground irrigation system that has sustained life in the arid northwestern region of Xinjiang. This incredible engineering marvel channels water through a network of underground tunnels, providing essential water to the surrounding areas.

Sugong Pagoda
Next, admire the Sugong Pagoda, an iconic example of Islamic architecture. This is the largest and most significant pagoda in Xinjiang, and its towering presence is a must-see as it reflects the region’s unique architectural blend of Chinese and Islamic influences.

Jiaohe Ruins
The final stop of the day is the Jiaohe Ruins, often referred to as the “Eastern Pompeii.” These ruins are the world’s largest and oldest city of earthen architecture, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history and ingenuity of ancient civilizations in this region. Stroll through the ruins and explore the ancient streets and structures, which have withstood the test of time.

• Meal: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Overnight in Turpan

Day 10: Turpan Back to Urumqi Tour

Enjoy Amazing Lake Views and Discover Interesting Legends

Tianchi (Heavenly Lake)
After breakfast, drive back to Urumqi and head toward Tianchi, or Heavenly Lake. Situated at an elevation of 1,910 meters, this stunning alpine lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush spruce forests. Known for its serene beauty, it is often regarded as one of Xinjiang’s most picturesque natural sites. Your guide will share myths and legends associated with the lake, including the famous story of the Queen Mother of the West.

Urumqi City Exploration
Following your visit to Heavenly Lake, return to Urumqi and check in at your hotel. In the evening, take some free time to visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar (also known as Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar), the largest bazaar in the world. This vibrant market, adorned with Islamic architectural elements, offers a diverse range of local products, from ethnic clothing to jewelry, spices, and musical instruments. It’s a great place to soak in the local atmosphere and shop for souvenirs.

• Meal: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi

Day 11: Urumqi to Kashgar Tour by Flight

See Local People’s Lifestyle and Unique Architectural Styles

Start your adventure by flying from Urumqi to Kashgar, an important city along the ancient Silk Road and one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. Known for its significant cultural exchange between East and West, Kashgar is a major center for commerce, culture, and religion.

Upon arrival, your private guide will take you through Kashgar Old Town, a place that offers a vivid look into the life of local Uyghur people. Here, you’ll wander through narrow alleys and bustling bazaars, where you can observe daily life and interact with the locals. The old town is known for its unique Islamic architecture, with structures that have been preserved for centuries.

Next, head to Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China. The mosque stands as a testament to the region’s religious history and Islamic architecture, with its stunning courtyard and beautiful white marble exterior. It’s an iconic spot for photography and a peaceful place for reflection.

Finally, explore Handicraft Street, a vibrant market where artisans sell traditional Uyghur handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and Central Asian artwork. It’s a great place to purchase souvenirs and get a sense of Kashgar’s artistic heritage.

• Meal: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Overnight in Kashgar

Day 12: Kashgar to Tashkurgan Tour

Shoot the Magnificent Reflection of Muztagh Ata and Lake

On this day, you will embark on a journey to Karakul Lake, a high-altitude jewel of the Eastern Pamir Plateau. The drive will take you through mesmerizing landscapes, with the Baisha Lake being your first stop. This tranquil lake is framed by rugged mountains and vast plains, creating an ethereal landscape that looks straight out of a postcard.

Arrive at Karakul Lake, where the changing colors of the water — from blue to turquoise to black — offer a different perspective at every moment. The lake is bordered by snow-capped peaks, with the majestic Muztagh Ata (the “Father of Ice Mountains”) towering above. The lake and mountain reflections create an awe-inspiring view that is a photographer’s dream.

Spend some time at the lake taking in the serene beauty and the surrounding plateau’s vastness. You’ll also encounter the local Kirghiz nomads, who live in yurts and follow an age-old lifestyle that’s largely unchanged by modernity.

After your time at the lake, you’ll drive onward to Tashkurgan, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by the grandeur of the Karakoram mountain range.

• Meal: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Overnight in Tashkurgan

Day 13: Tashkurgan Back to Kashgar Tour

Learn about the History and Culture of the Tajik People

After breakfast, begin your day by visiting Stone City, one of China’s three major stone cities. The Tajik people built this city from the surrounding rocks, and it stands as a symbol of their resilience and adaptability. The city’s ruins have witnessed the passage of many civilizations and offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history.

Next, you’ll head to Golden Grassland, a sprawling area at the foot of Stone City. This fertile landscape is dotted with grazing sheep and cattle, with the distant snow-capped mountains forming the perfect backdrop. The golden color of the grass and the blue sky create a picturesque scene that feels like stepping into a painting.

In the afternoon, begin your return journey to Kashgar, where you will once again pass by Karakul Lake, offering a final opportunity to capture the stunning reflections of Muztagh Ata on the water. The road back to Kashgar is filled with awe-inspiring vistas and rugged natural beauty, making it a memorable part of your journey.

• Meal: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Overnight in Kashgar

Day 14: Kashgar Departure

End of the 14-Day Xinjiang Silk Road Tour

Your 14-day Silk Road Xinjiang tour comes to an end today. After breakfast, your private driver will escort you to the airport for your departure. As you reflect on your journey through Xinjiang, you’ll carry memories of stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and the rich cultural traditions of the region.

If you wish to extend your stay or visit other parts of Xinjiang or China, please feel free to contact us for further arrangements.

• Meal: Breakfast

• Accommodation: N/A

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
• Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.