Silk Road by Bullet Train and Flight: Xian to Kashgar 12D

Welcome to Xi'an, the historical city on the Silk Road. Upon arrival Xi'an, you will be met and transferred to hotel in Xi'an.

This morning you will take the fantastic tour to Terra-cotta Warriors that is one-hour car ride from Xian. There are 4 exhibition halls presenting various warriors and horses that were make 2200 years ago, and each warrior has unique face.

This afternoon you will move to visit the 14-km old City Wall in Xian, which was built in Ming Dynasty and still well preserved. You can walk, or ride bike on the wall to view the old city and modern city in and out of the city wall. 

Later, you will visit the Muslim Quarter in the city center, which is situated near Bell and Drum Tower. There are shops, snack stands, market, and restaurants in this area, and it is nice to view the bustling street here.

Take 5-hour bullet train from Xian to Xining. Upon arrival, you will visit Xianguan Mosque in Xining, which is a traditional Chinese architectural style. Afterwards you will wander around the local market.

This morning you will visit the Tibetan Buddhism temple, Kumbum Monastery, which is one of the six main monasteires for Tibetan Buddhism Yellow-hat Sect. There are spectacular sculptures, frescos, and paintings in the monastery. 

Afterwards, you will take 2-hour bullet train to Zhangye.

This morning you will visit the colorful Rainbow Danxia Mount in Zhangye, then take 2-hour car ride to Jiayugua Fort where you will visit the western end of Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Take evening 2.5-hour bullet train to Dunhuang. 

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel. Dunhuang Silk Road Hotel is situated near the Sand Dunes, which offers you the best desert view on the rooftop bar in the hotel.

In the morning, you will visit Mogao Caves, the gem of the ancient Silk Road. The early history of Mogao can be track back to the 4th century, and built many times in the histoty. 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.

Today you will visit Dunhuang Museum (close on Monday), which is a new museum to exhibit he history, relics, antiques, paintings and statues in Dunhuang area on the Silk Road.

Afterwards, you will take 2-hour ride to Liuyuan where you will catch 3-hour bullet train to 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, Astana Ancient Tombs, 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 at the lunchtime.

This morning you will take 3-hour ride to Uruqmi, where you will visit Xinjiang Museum (close on Mondays ), mummies are a must-see in it, particularly Loulan Beauty and Xiaohe Beauty. 

Then you will catch 2-hour flight to Kashgar. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel.

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.

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.

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