OVERVIEW

This 9-day Silk Road tour takes you to explore the China Silk Road from Kashgar to Zhangye on a budget way by taking car, hard sleeper etc. You will travel to Kashgar, Turpan, Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye etc. And you can connect this tour with extension tours.

ITINERARY

Day 1Kashgar Arrival Transfer

Welcome to Kashgar, the historical city on the ancient Silk Road. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to hotel. Enjoy your free time if you arrive early.

Transport: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Kashgar

Day 2Kashgar to Karakul Lake day trip

Today you will take about 4 hours by a private vehicle departing from Kashgar to Karakul Lake. You will drive along the renowned friendship highway to Pamir Plateau. On the way, you will stop at Upar Uyghur town to buy some snacks and fruits before heading to the mountains.
Then you will view the pretty White Sand Lake that looks like a mirror reflecting the snow-capped mountains on the lake water. 
Afterwards you will wander around the stunning Karakul Lake(3600 meter), which is situated beside Muztagh Summit. The mountain, the lake and the yurt around the lake create a picture of paradise.
Later, you will be transferred back to Kashgar.

Transport: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Kashgar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3Kashgar explore before taking overnight train to Turpan

It is a busy day today to explore Kashgar with a local guide. You will visit Apa Hoja Mausoleum this morning, which is a family cemetery with stunning blue tiles shining in the sun. Then you will visit the Grand Bazaar that is the biggest market in central Asia to sell all sorts of things. Later, you will visit the Kashgar old town where you will view the traditional houses and shops, workshop etc. 

Afterwards you will wander along the handicraft street in the Kashgar old town where there are music instruments, utensils and caps etc. Visit the Id Ghar Mosque, which is the biggest mosque in Xinjiang. 

If it is Sunday, you will visit Animal Bazaar that opens only on Sundays.

Later, you will be transferred to Kashgar Railway Station to catch 13-15 hour overnight train to Turpan.

Transport: Car/Taxi + Train
Accommodation: Overnight on the hard sleeper train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4Explore Turpan

Turpan is a hub on the ancient Silk Road, and there are lots of historical sites that are renowned for its well-preserved conditions. 

Today you will visit Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves, the Ancient City of Jiaohe and Gaochang, Karez Irrigation System, and Emin Minaret with a local guide. 

You may taste some dried fruits and eat Uyghur food on your own cost for lunch.

Transport: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Turpan
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5Turpan to Tianchi by car, then overnight train to Dunhuang

Drive 4 hours to Heavenly Lake, visit this stunning mountain lake before transferring to catch overnight train to Dunhuang(15 hours). (Note: sometimes there are no direct trains, you will take train to Liuyuan Station where you catch a car to Dunhuang.)

Transport: Private Vehicle + Overnight train
Accommodation: Overnight on the hard sleeper train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6Dunhuang: Mogao Caves and Minsha Shan

In the morning, you will visit Mogao Caves, the gem of the ancient Silk Road. The early history of Mogao can be traced back to the 4th century, and built many times in the history. The colorful fresco, statues in Mogao Caves display various stories about Buddhism.

Afterwards, you will visit the Minsha Shan or Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring this afternoon, where you have opportunity to ride the camel.

In the evening, you can explore the night market or watch the Dunhuang performance at the theater.

Transport: Private Vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Dunhuang
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7Dunhuang to Jiayuguan by vehicle, then visit Jiayuguan Fort

Today you will take 5-hour car ride from Dunhuang to Jiayuguan along the highway, enjoying the snow-capped mountains, oasis towns, lake, gobi desert, and grassland. 

Upon arrival, you will visit the Jiayuguan Fort that is the western end of the Great Wall in Ming Dynasty about 600 years ago.

Transport: Private Vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Jiayuguan
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8Jiayuguan to Zhangye Danxia by car

Drive 3 hours to Zhangye Danxia where you will view the fantastic and colorful Danxia Mountains in Zhangye. Afterwards you will be transferred to hotel in Zhangye.

Transport: Private Vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangye
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9Departure from Zhangye

Today is departure day, you will be transferred to Zhangye Airport or station to head for your next destination, where the wonderdul tour concludes.

Transport: Private Vehicle
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDED

Group Size: 2--15 Travelers 

Travel Season: Year around

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Transport: Chartered car or public bus

Train:

   Harder sleeper Kashgar/Turpan

   Harder sleeper Turpan/Dunhuang

Meals: Breakfasts listed in the itinerary

Guide: English-speaking local guides

Entrance fees: Sites listed 

EXCLUDED

Gratuities

TRIP NOTES

China Visa required

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The tour can be tailored.