OVERVIEW

Xinjiang is the biggest province in China with its spectacular history and landscape attracting travelers to explore. This is a 7-day budge tour to travel from Kashgar to Karakul Lake, Turpan, Urumqi, and Tianchi by overnight train and car in Xinjiang, China. You will enjoy the adventure on the splendid land on a budget way.

ITINERARY

Day 1Arrival Kashgar

Welcome to Kashgar, an old city on the ancient Silk Road. Today is arrival day. You can check in the hotel in Kashgar with your ID. Please contact us if you need airport or railway station transfer.

Transport: N/A
Accommodation: Overnight in Kashgar

Day 2Kashgar 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. 
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 City Tour, then 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-hour overnight train to Turpan.

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

Day 4Turpan City Day Tour

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 Urumqi by car or bullet train

Today is free day in Turpan. You can explore Turpan Bazaar, or Turpan Museum, or enjoy your free time in the hotel. Then you will catch 3-hour car ride or 1-hour bullet train ride from Turpan to Urumqi.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Urumqi hotel.

Transport: Vehicle or Bullet Train
Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6Urumqi to Heavenly Lake, then back to Urumqi

Today you will take one-hour car ride to Heavenly Lake, or Tianchi in Chinese, which is a high-mountain lake located in the valley of Tianshan Mountains. Inscribed on the list of natural heritage by UNESCO, Tianchi is a well-known attraction near Urumqi. You will take the sightseeing bus to the hill, then view the impressive lake with 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 be transferred back Urumqi after sightseeing.

Transport: Vehicle
Accommodation: Overnight in Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7Departing from Urumqi

Today is departure day, you can depart as per your flight time, but check out by 2pm from your hotel. Please contact us if you need airport transfer.

Transport: N/A
Accommodation: N/A
Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDED

- Local guide

- 3-star hotel 5 nights (Half room per person)

- Overnight hard sleeper train Kashgar/Turpan

- Public bus or private car 

- Entrance fees 

- 5 Chinese breakfasts

EXCLUDED

- Dinners and lunches

- Arrival/Departure transfer

- China Visa 

- Gratuity

TRIP NOTES

Tour duraton: 7 days

Difficulty: Easy

Group size: Min 2 - Max 15

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