Join In Groups, The Great Outdoors, Lost Trails, Epic, All

North Xinjiang Silk Road Journey

Join In Groups, The Great Outdoors, Lost Trails, Epic, All

North Xinjiang Silk Road Journey

Join In Groups, The Great Outdoors, Lost Trails, Epic, All

North Xinjiang Silk Road Journey

Join In Groups, The Great Outdoors, Lost Trails, Epic, All

North Xinjiang Silk Road Journey

  • Destination

    Xinjiang

  • Trip duration

    11 days, 10 nights

  • Availability period

    17 Aug. 2023 - 19 Oct. 2023

  • Min/Max travelers

    Min. 8

  • Transport

    Private transportation with good AC

  • Accommodation

    Well-selected hotels

  • Explore Turpan,the oldest Uygur village in China and the best place to learn about Silk Road culture.
  • Enjoy the stunning scenery at Heavenly Lake, where you can witness lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and experience the nomadic culture of the local Kazakhs.
  • Visit the crystal-clear Kanas Lake, a fairyland with legends of the mysterious water monster.
  • Immerse yourself in the Tuwa Village of Hemu, known for its waving cooking smoke that rise from traditional houses and picturesque scenery.
  • Discover the Old City of Kashgar and enjoy a cup of tea in a 100-year-old tea house, just like the locals do.
  • Experience the incredibly lively Sunday Market in Kashgar, which still follows the ancient Silk Road tradition of trading practiced thousands of years ago.

Xinjiang, China

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Day 1

Arrival Kashgar

Take your flight to Kashgar. Upon arrival, our guide will meet and greet you at the airport and assist you with the transfer to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to freely explore the exotic sights of Kashgar or simply unwind and rest. Overnight Kashgar

Food

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Day 2

Kashgar - Taxkorgan(320kms, 6hrs driving)

Drive along the famed Karakoram Highway, also known as the China and Pakistan Highway. On this scenic route, you can admire the magnificent White Sand Lake and White Sand Mountain. Regardless of whether it's a sunny or cloudy day, the lake always showcases a mesmerising light blue colour, resembling a gentle blue ribbon caressing the surrounding mountains. The lake is situated in the Pamir Plateau, a vast plateau within the Pamir mountain range, with an average altitude of about 4,500m. The Pamir Plateau has been a vital communication line along the Silk Road since ancient times. Its Chinese section faces west towards Afghanistan and Tajikistan, and south towards Pakistan. In the afternoon, enjoy a delightful lunch overlooking the beautiful Karakul Lake, where you can observe the tranquil lifestyle of Kyrgyz herdsmen. These herdsmen typically settle near the lakeside and graze their livestock, continuing the traditions of their ancestors from thousands of years ago. From the lake, you'll have a stunning view of the famous Muztagh Mountain, situated right in front of you. The remainder of the day is yours to relish the breathtaking views of aquamarine streams and rivers alongside the road, as well as the awe-inspiring snow-capped mountains. Overnight Taxkorgan

Food

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Day 3

Taxkorgan - Kashgar

Wake up to the refreshing air and gentle breeze of the Pamir Plateau. Our first destination is the Stone Fortress, an oval-shaped city surrounded by walls constructed with sun-dried bricks atop a stone foundation. The origins of this city remain shrouded in mystery, but historians and archaeologists generally agree that the region's history dates back to the Han dynasty, approximately 2,000 years ago. Adjacent to the fortress lies a vast grassland known as the Golden Wetland. Recently, new wooden pathways have been constructed, allowing you to leisurely stroll through the grassland and capture panoramic photos of the Stone Fortress. Afterward, we will return to Kashgar for an overnight stay. Overnight Kashgar

Food

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Day 4

Kashgar - Urumqi

Today is a full day dedicated to exploring the city of Kashgar. Our first stop is the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, where you will witness devout Muslims engaged in prayer. We will then proceed to visit the Old City of Kashgar to attend the captivating opening ceremony. This event will provide a glimpse of the warm hospitality of the Kashgar people, with delightful performances and greetings from girls and boys. Within the old city, you will find a centuries-old tea house at its center, where Uyghur people gather to socialise, engage in conversation, and enjoy singing and dancing. If you are interested, we can also arrange a family visit to experience the authentic lifestyle of the local Uyghurs. In the afternoon, we will explore the bustling Sunday Bazaar, which still retains its original appearance from a thousand years ago. While the covered bazaar, known for selling clothes, nuts, and household goods, may be temporarily closed, the livestock market remains open. Here, you will witness sellers arriving by car, bicycle, horse, donkey, and even camel. During lunchtime, you can savour the local cuisine at a special restaurant, accompanied by traditional Uyghur dancing and singing performances. Afterward we recommend taking a leisurely stroll along Handicraft Street. Each street has its own theme, whether it's dedicated to shoes, musical instruments, or gold and silver decorations. Prepare to be immersed in the dazzling array of goods and the vibrant atmosphere of street vendors. Finally, it's time to bid farewell to Kashgar as we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Urumqi. Take evening flight to Urumqi. Overnight Urumqi

Food

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Day 5

Urumqi - Turpan (200km/3hrs driving)

In the morning we will embark on a three-hour drive to Turpan. Our first stop is the Tuyoq Village, the oldest Uyghur village in the world. Situated in the heart of Flaming Mountain Canyon, this place may sound familiar if you are acquainted with the legendary tale 'Journey to the West'. Tuyoq Village is renowned as one of the hottest locations in China. During your visit, you will experience the authentic life of Uyghur people residing in northern Xinjiang through a family visit, and have the opportunity to savour the country's sweetest fruit juice. Next, we will continue our journey to witness an even more ancient historical site, the Jiaohe Ruins. Dating back 2,300 years, these ruins hold the title of the 'Oriental Pompeii' and were inscribed on the World Heritage List on 22 June, 2014. While the passage of time has caused the ancient civilisation to fade away, walking amidst these relics will still evoke their original allure. Overnight Turpan

Food

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Day 6

Turpan - Urumqi (200km/3hrs driving)

After breakfast, we will make our way to the Karez Well. This unique irrigation system embodies the wisdom of Uyghur ancestors. Typically, the Karez Well stretches for about 3 to 4 kilometers to ensure the continuous flow of underground streams. Due to its functional use in irrigation and daily life, this technique gradually spread to Central Asia and reached Iran through the Silk Road. Located not far from the Karez Well is the Sugong Minaret. Built in 1778, it is the largest Islamic minaret in China, showcasing magnificent and exquisite craftsmanship that has earned it the reputation of being the most splendid Islamic artwork in the country. Afterwards we drive back to Urumqi. Once there, we can take a leisurely stroll around the International Grand Bazaar, which holds the distinction of being the world's largest bazaar. Prepare to be captivated by the array of dazzling goods and the beauty of the buildings. In the center of the bazaar, you will have the opportunity to enjoy passionate Xinjiang dancing and singing performances. Overnight Urumqi

Food

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Day 7

Urumqi – Beitun (540km/7hrs driving)

Today we drive to the enchanting destination of Beitun making a stop beforehand at the picturesque Heavenly Lake. This stunning lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, vibrant wildflowers, and evergreen pine trees, making it an ideal year-round resort. You will have the opportunity to experience different views of the lake depending on the season. Take a leisurely trek along the lakeshore or explore further by taking the cable car to Maya Mountain, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains and the lake. If you prefer water sports, consider going boating on the lake for an excellent experience. Feel fully connected to the lovely lake as you touch the water and appreciate the incredibly beautiful scenery at the same time. After our visit we continue our drive to Beitun for an overnight stay. Overnight Beitun

Food

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Day 8

Beitun – Hemu (270km/5hrs driving)

After breakfast we journey to Hemu. Nestled in a serene valley within Kanas, Hemu is a Tuwa Village characterised by its charming wooden huts and livestock pens. Hemu Village is one of the three remaining Tuwa Villages and is also the largest and most remote. Some refer to the Tuwa people as 'a primitive tribe wandering in the depths of Xinjiang'. In Hemu, the morning fog is a captivating sight and is considered one of the must-see attractions in Kanas. The fog envelopes the village almost every day, adapting to the changing seasons and creating an alluring sense of distance. Additionally, Hemu offers the opportunity to witness breathtaking sunrises that are truly worth anticipating. Note: Upon arrival in Hemu, we will transfer to a shuttle bus to reach the village. You may leave your luggage on the coach and just take a washing bag and your essentials. Overnight Hemu

Food

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Day 9

Hemu - Kanas (70km/2hrs driving)

Wake up early and immerse yourself in the gentle ambiance of Hemu and witness the breathtaking sunrise. After breakfast we proceed with our journey to Kanas. Kanas Nature Reserve is the largest 5A national scenic area in China, revered as a holy place by photographers. The name 'Kanas' translates to 'a land of beauty and mystery' in Mongolian. One of the must-see attractions within Kanas is Kanas Lake, shaped like a crescent moon and formed during the fourth glacial period around 200,000 years ago. It holds the distinction of being the deepest inland alpine lake in China, with a maximum depth of 188 meters. What makes this lake truly remarkable is its ability to change colors with the seasons and weather. At times, it appears crystal blue, while on other occasions, it may be a deep green or even gray. In August and September, the lake takes on a mesmerising Tiffany Blue tint with milky white as the upstream flow intensifies. Among the popular spots surrounding Kanas Lake are the Fish Pavilion, which offers a bird's-eye view of the lake and its picturesque surroundings, including Fairy Bay, Dragon Bay, and Moon Bay. Later in the day we will drive back to Jiadengyu for a delightful dinner and a well-deserved rest. Overnight Jiadengyu

Food

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Day 10

Kanas - Urho (180kms, 4hours driving)

Today we depart for Urho stopping along the way to take in the scenic beauty of Rainbow Beach. This unique Yadan landform has been shaped by years of wind and water erosion. Each layer of rocks has a distinct composition, resulting in different erosion patterns on the surface. As the sunlight angle changes, the uneven surfaces reflect a multitude of colours. The best time to visit is around sunset when the rocks shine in various hues. Stepping onto this vibrant beach, you'll feel as if you've entered a dream world. We will then continue our journey to Urho, where we will explore the magnificent Urho Ghost City, also known as Wuerhe Wind City. It is one of the most famous Yadan landforms in China, formed by powerful winds and erosion. The unique rock formations, shaped by the wind, resemble pagodas, temples, mushrooms, animals, and more. When the wind blows through the area, it creates eerie sounds, leading to its name, the Ghost City. Overnight Urho

Food

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Day 11

Urho - Urumqi (470km/5-6hrs driving)

We say our farewell to Urho and drive to Urumqi Airport to catch your flight.

Food

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Travel is an emotional experience, cherishing new corners and venture into unknown landscapes.
Respecting this and giving back to society has taken an important role in our endeavours in leaving only footprints and taking only memories.

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PICTURES FOR REFERENCE ONLY, SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION

Travel is an emotional experience, cherishing new corners and venture into unknown landscapes.
Respecting this and giving back to society has taken an important role in our endeavours in leaving only footprints and taking only memories.

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