OVERVIEW

Xinjiang is the biggest province in China on the ancient Silk Road. This is a luxury tour to travel from Urumqi to Turpan by car, and fly to Kashgar then. You will learn the splendid history with local guide in Turpan, Urumqi and Kashgar. The attractions include Xinjiang Museum, Heavenly Lake, the Ancient City of Gaochang & Jiaohe, Karez Irrigation System, Bezkik Grottoes, Karakul Lake, and Kashgar old town etc.

ITINERARY

Day 1Urumqi Arrival Transfer

Welcome to Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China. Upon arrival Urumqi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy your free time to explore.

Transport: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi

Day 2Urumqi to Heavenly Lake, then back to Urumqi by car

Today you will take 1-hour car ride to Heavenly Lake, or Tianchi in Chinese. It is a high-mountain lake sitting in the Tianshan Mountains, and inscribed on the world heritage list by UNESCO. The lake looks like a crystal mirror to reflect the snow-capped mountains.  There are some kazak yurts on the hills, these white tents make a stunning picture with the green lake and mountains.

Later, you will get back to Urumqi to visit the Xinjiang Museum(close on Mondays), which displays the relics excavated in Xinjiang on the ancient Silk Road. The museum is renowned for the mummies and monority costumes. 

Then, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Transport: Private Vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3Urumqi to Turpan by car: visit Jiaohe, Karez, Emin Minaret

Today you will take 3-hour car ride to Turpan, which used to be a hub on the ancient Silk Road in the history.  

In Turpan, you will visit the Ancient City of Jiaohe that is a huge city ruin built on a big terrace being protected by two rivers. Then you will visit the Karez Irrigation System, which supplies the water to the people living in the dry Turpan Depression by the underground system. Moreover, you will view Emin Minaret, the token of the city of Turpan with typical Uyghur architecture, which was built in 1777AD. 

Tasting the yummy Uyghur lunch is another fun in Turpan. 

Transport: Private Vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Turpan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4Turpan to Kashgar by car

After hotel breakfast, you will visit the ancient city of Gaochang, Bezklik Grottoes, Astana Ancient Tombs etc.

Then you will fly to Kashgar. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel in Kashgar.

Note: Due to the limited flights from Turpan to Kashgar, you have to get back to Urumqi to catch the flight to Kashagr sometimes.

Transport: Private Vehicle + Flight
Accommodation: Overnight in Kashgar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5Kashgar to Karakul Day Tour

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. After lunch, 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, Lunch

Day 6Kashgar City Tour

Today it is a busy day to explore Kashgar with a local guide. You will take the city tour by the first stop to visit the Apa Hoja Mausoleum which was built in 1640 by local Imam for his father, and later it became a family graveyard to bury 72 people for 5 generations. The mausoleum is impressive for its delicate Uyghur architectural style including the blue tiles, the dome and the minaret. 

Next, you will visit Kashgar old town to explore the interesting area where there are old houses for shops, workshops, restaurants, bakery, and tea houses etc. It displays the long history and vivid lifestyle in Kashgar from ancient Silk Road period to today. Handicraft Street is a must-see section in the old town, where the huge music instruments and bronze vessels are very impressive. You might taste some local snacks here, such as Nang Bread, grilled eggs, dried fruits etc. before visiting the old Id Ghar Mosque, the biggest mosque in Xinjiang. Enter the mosque at non-praying time to appreciate its architecture and decor, please wear long pants and cover the shoulders for ladies while visiting this mosque. 

Lunch is arranged at a local Uyghur's house for you to taste the authentic and traditional Uyghur food including nang bread, hand-stretched noodles, and pilau...etc. 

The animal bazaar is relocated near Kashgar Airport and opens only on Sundays. If it is Sunday, you will also visit the Animal Bazaar.

When your tour is finished, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

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

Day 7Departing from Kashgar

Transferred to Kashagr airport to catch your flight heading for your next destination, where the wonderful Silk Road tour concludes.

Transport: Private vehicle
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDED

- Local guide

- 5 star hotel in Urumqi and Kashgar; 4-star hotel in Turpan (Twin shared room)

- Flight Turpan or Urumqi/Kashgar(Economy)

- Private vehicle 

- Entrance fees 

- 6 Breakfasts

- 5 Lunches

EXCLUDED

Tips

TRIP NOTES

Tour duraton: 7 days

Difficulty: Easy

Group size: Min 1 - Max 10

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