7 Days Luxury Xinjiang Tour Package: Desert, Mountains & Silk Road Culture

Summary

Itinerary Highlight
Day 1 Arrive in Kashgar
Day 2 Kashgar: Dawakun Desert, drive back to Kashgar
Day 3 Kashgar: Pamirs Plateau, Karakul Lake, drive back to Kashgar
Day 4 Kashgar: Shipton Arch
Day 5 Kashgar-Urumqi: Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar’s Old Town, Handicraft street, Sunday Bazaar, fly to Urumqi
Day 6 Urumqi-Turpan: Urumqi to Turpan by private vehicle, Karez Well irrigation system, Sugong Minaret, Jiaohe Ruins
Day 7 Turpan: Turpan Departure

Day 1 Arrive in Kashgar

Upon your arrival in Kashgar, you will be warmly greeted by our friendly local guide, who will be waiting for you at the airport exit holding a welcome sign that reads "Your Way Holiday." This personal welcome ensures a smooth and reassuring start to your journey in this fascinating city. After meeting your guide, you will enjoy a comfortable private transfer to your hotel, where you can check in and settle into your room. The remainder of the day is completely free for you to relax and recover from your journey. You may choose to rest in the comfort of your hotel and adjust to the new time zone, or, if you're feeling up to it, take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood to get your first glimpse of Kashgar’s unique atmosphere. This ancient Silk Road city offers an intriguing blend of Central Asian and Chinese cultures, and even a short walk will begin to reveal its charm. Your guide will be happy to provide suggestions based on your interests.

Day 2 Kashgar

This morning, your guide and driver will take you on an unforgettable journey to the Dawakun Desert, located about 110 kilometers (70 miles) from Kashgar. As you leave the city behind, you’ll pass through stretches of arid landscapes dotted with small Uyghur villages and farmlands, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of the region. Upon arriving at the desert, you’ll be welcomed by golden sand dunes rolling into the horizon and the striking sight of a freshwater lake nestled at its heart. The contrast between water and desert creates a surreal, tranquil atmosphere. You can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the lake, take in the beauty of the reflections on the water, or simply sit back and absorb the calmness of your surroundings. It’s a quiet, lesser-known escape where nature and culture coexist beautifully, making it a hidden gem of Xinjiang.

After exploring the scenic landscape of Dawakun, take time to relax and enjoy the serene environment. The area is also a wonderful spot to savor traditional Uyghur cuisine—perhaps freshly grilled kebabs, fragrant pilaf, or sweet desert fruits, all served in a simple but authentic local style. You may find a small family-run eatery by the lake where locals gather to share meals and stories, giving you a taste of genuine hospitality. The leisurely pace of the afternoon allows for quiet reflection and the chance to soak in the desert’s natural beauty one last time. Later, your driver will escort you back to Kashgar. As the sun sets over the desert behind you, you’ll carry with you not just the memories of stunning scenery, but also a sense of the slower rhythm and heartfelt warmth that define life in this remote and beautiful part of China.

Day 3 Kashgar

Today, your adventure begins with a scenic drive along the famed China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, also known as the Karakoram Highway. This remarkable route winds through dramatic landscapes and takes approximately 4 hours, ascending into the vast Pamir Plateau. Along the way, you'll witness breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, rugged mountains, and wide open grasslands that stretch endlessly beneath an expansive sky. The air grows thinner and cooler as you gain altitude, and the colors of the land become more vivid in the crisp light. Your destination is Karakul Lake, a stunning alpine lake located at an altitude of over 3,600 meters (11,800 feet). Surrounded by the towering peaks of Muztagh Ata and Kongur, the lake offers a picture-perfect reflection of the mountains and sky. The natural beauty of this region is overwhelming and provides a deep sense of serenity and awe.

Upon arrival at Karakul Lake, you’ll have time to walk along the lakeside, soaking in the silence and grandeur of this remote location. The area is home to nomadic Kirghiz herders, who set up their traditional yurts and graze livestock such as sheep and yaks along the shores. Their presence adds a cultural dimension to the scenery, and you may have the chance to interact with local families or observe their way of life. The still waters of the lake, the snow-dusted peaks in the distance, and the herds of animals grazing nearby create an unforgettable tableau of highland life. If weather permits, you might enjoy a warm cup of local tea or a simple snack while admiring the view. In the afternoon, you’ll begin the journey back to Kashgar, retracing the route with a new appreciation for the majestic landscapes of the Pamirs. As you descend, you’ll reflect on the peaceful, almost timeless beauty of this corner of China.

Day 4 Kashgar

This morning, set out from Kashgar on a scenic 2–3 hour drive through the rugged terrain of western Xinjiang, heading toward one of the region’s most extraordinary natural wonders—Shipton’s Arch. Known as the tallest natural arch in the world, this remote and majestic formation rises dramatically from the rocky landscape, hidden deep within the folds of the Pamir Plateau. The drive itself is a visual treat, as the road winds through valleys flanked by the Kunlun Mountains on one side and the Snow Mountains on the other. As you approach the area, you’ll begin to see signs of the harsh but beautiful environment that has shaped this part of China—desert hills, wind-carved rocks, and distant snowy peaks. Upon reaching the site, a short and adventurous hike will take you to the base of the arch, where the massive, gravity-defying rock structure towers overhead in the shape of an “n,” framed by the wide skies of the plateau.

As you stand beneath Shipton’s Arch, also known as “Tushuk Tash” in the local language, take time to appreciate the scale and silence of this natural marvel. The arch is named after the British mountaineer Eric Shipton, who rediscovered it in 1947, and its sheer height and unique structure have inspired awe ever since. The surrounding area is dotted with stone caves, and if you call out or clap, you’ll hear fascinating echoes reverberate off the canyon walls—a mysterious and magical acoustic feature that adds to the surreal experience. The natural environment here is raw and untouched, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking solitude and a deeper connection with nature. After thoroughly exploring the site and soaking in the panoramic views of the Pamir landscape, you’ll begin your return drive to Kashgar in the late afternoon, with plenty of time to relax and reflect on the day’s adventure.

Day 5 Kashgar-Urumqi

Today you will enjoy a full-day excursion in Kashgar, beginning your morning at 9:00 AM with a visit to the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China and a deeply revered spiritual center for local Muslims. This magnificent mosque, with its expansive courtyard, ornate minarets, and intricately decorated prayer halls, stands as a living symbol of Kashgar’s rich Islamic heritage and cultural depth. As you walk through the mosque grounds, you will observe locals engaged in prayer and daily rituals, offering a rare window into their religious traditions and spiritual life. The architectural design beautifully blends Uyghur artistry with Islamic motifs, reflecting centuries of cultural exchange and devotion. This experience provides a meaningful understanding of the mosque’s role in the community and its importance as a hub for religious practice and cultural identity.

At 10:30 AM, continue your exploration with a visit to Kashgar’s Old Town, a remarkable area where traditional Uyghur life flourishes amid ancient buildings and winding streets. Here, you will witness the opening ceremony of the Maxilap show, a lively cultural performance showcasing traditional Uyghur music, dance, and storytelling that celebrates the community’s heritage and artistic spirit. As you stroll through the bustling streets and narrow alleys, you’ll be immersed in the local atmosphere, observing artisans, vendors, and residents going about their daily lives. Don’t miss the opportunity to relax at the famous Hundred-Year Tea House, a historic venue where you can savor fragrant rose tea and warm, freshly baked nang bread while soaking up the authentic ambiance of this vibrant neighborhood. This blend of cultural performance and local flavor offers an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of Uyghur tradition.

After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, your afternoon will be devoted to visiting Handicraft Street, a dynamic area that showcases the best of Kashgar’s traditional craftsmanship. This bustling street is home to hundreds of workshops and stalls where skilled artisans create exquisite copperware, finely carved wood items, colorful textiles, and traditional musical instruments. Watching these craftspeople at work, using techniques passed down through generations, offers a fascinating insight into the artistry and dedication behind each piece. The street serves as a living museum of Uyghur cultural heritage and craftsmanship, making it an ideal place to appreciate local traditions and perhaps purchase authentic souvenirs. This visit deepens your connection to Kashgar’s cultural richness and highlights the region’s status as a creative hub in Central Asia.

Next, you will be driven to the famous Sunday Bazaar, a vibrant market that perfectly captures the spirit and energy of Kashgar’s local life. The bazaar is divided into two main sections: the covered market and the outdoor Animal Bazaar. The covered market offers an astonishing array of goods, from clothing and spices to household items and unique crafts, reflecting the diversity and vitality of the region’s commerce. The outdoor Animal Bazaar is the highlight, where farmers and traders arrive on donkey carts, trucks, bicycles, horses, motorbikes, or on foot, bringing livestock for sale. This lively, noisy scene is full of colorful sights and sounds, with animated bargaining and the bleating of animals creating an unforgettable sensory experience. Visiting the Sunday Bazaar offers an authentic glimpse into the traditional market culture and daily life of the local people, providing a truly immersive experience of Kashgar’s vibrant economy and social fabric.

Thereafter, your day concludes with a transfer to the airport for your night flight to Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang, a journey of approximately two hours. Upon arrival, your local guide will warmly welcome you at the airport with a “Your Way Holiday” sign and escort you to your hotel for check-in and a well-deserved rest. This evening marks the transition to the next phase of your journey, as you prepare to explore more of Xinjiang’s diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and fascinating history in the coming days. With new adventures on the horizon, you can relax and recharge, knowing that your exploration of this unique region will continue to offer remarkable and enriching experiences.

Day 6 Urumqi-Turpan

After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Turpan, a city famous for its unique desert oasis and rich history. Your first stop will be the Karez Well irrigation system, an ancient underground water channel network that has sustained this arid region for centuries. This ingenious engineering marvel allows Turpan to produce some of the best melons and grapes in China, renowned for their exceptional sweetness and flavor. As you explore the Karez system, your guide will explain its historical importance, how it functions to bring water from distant mountains, and its role in supporting agriculture and local livelihoods in this harsh desert environment.

Next, you will visit the Sugong Minaret, an important cultural and religious monument in Turpan. This iconic minaret stands as a testament to the city’s role as a crossroads for cultural exchange between different ethnic and religious groups along the ancient Silk Road. The minaret’s slender, towering form and intricate brickwork showcase Islamic architectural influence and reflect the rich history of the Uyghur people in the region. As you explore the area, your guide will share stories about the diverse cultures that have mingled here over centuries, highlighting Turpan’s importance as a hub for trade, religion, and cultural dialogue in western China.

The day’s tour will conclude with a two-hour exploration of the Jiaohe Ruins, an ancient city located about 10 kilometers west of Turpan in the Yarnaz Valley. This archaeological site, often compared to Pompeii but over 300 years older, is perched atop a steep cliff on a leaf-shaped plateau between two deep river valleys. Jiaohe served as a natural fortress and was once a thriving center of the Uyghur ancestors’ way of life. As you wander through the ruins, you will see the remains of ancient buildings, streets, and defensive walls, gaining a vivid sense of the city’s historical significance and architectural ingenuity. Your guide will help you understand the daily life, culture, and history of the people who once inhabited this remarkable site.

Day 7 Turpan Departure

Today marks the end of your unforgettable journey in Turpan. After breakfast, depending on your flight or train schedule, you will be transferred to the airport or train station for your onward travel. As you prepare to leave this remarkable region, take a moment to reflect on the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and unique experiences that have made your visit truly special. From the ancient Karez irrigation system to the majestic Sugong Minaret and the fascinating Jiaohe Ruins, Turpan has offered you a window into the vibrant history and enduring spirit of the Uyghur culture. We sincerely hope that your time here has been both inspiring and memorable. Our team wishes you a smooth and pleasant journey home or to your next destination, carrying with you cherished memories of your travels in this extraordinary part of China. Safe travels and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future.

Price Per Person in US Dollars

Price Includes 1. Cozy Ride: Enjoy the comfort and spaciousness of our air-conditioned car, offering scenic views. 2. Bilingual Expert Guide: Benefit from a personalized experience with a guide fluent in your language, catering to your needs. 3. Entrance Fees: Access all attractions and activities mentioned in the itinerary without worrying about additional entrance fees. 4. Seamless Transfer: Enhance your experience with convenient hotel or train station pickup and drop-off service. 5. Connect Seamlessly: Stay connected with complimentary onboard WiFi, allowing you to share your experiences in real-time. 6. City-to-City Train Tickets: For itineraries involving high-speed rail travel, assistance with booking ensures a smooth and efficient experience. 7. Selected Hotels and Daily Breakfast: Experience a comfortable stay in handpicked hotels, each chosen for its quality and amenities. Enjoy a daily breakfast at the hotel, starting your day on a delicious note. 8. Complimentary Water: Receive a complimentary bottle of water for each person, keeping you refreshed throughout your journey. 9. Travel Agency Liability Insurance: Benefit from coverage under our travel agency liability insurance, providing added protection and peace of mind during your trip.

Price Excludes 1. Personal Expenses: This includes phone bills, laundry, additional tours, postage, and any entertainment fees not covered in the itinerary. 2. Meals: While meals are not included, our guide will recommend the best local food spots, giving you the chance to explore and choose based on your preferences. (Average cost per person for a regular meal at local eateries: 40RMB/6USD-80RMB/12USD) 3. Tips: Tips are not mandatory but are recommended for excellent service. If you feel satisfied with the service, you may consider leaving a tip. The tipping standards are as follows: Driver: 50-100 RMB per day/group; Guide: 100-200 RMB per day/group. 4. Insurance: Insurance coverage for personal loss, illness, or damages incurred during your trip is not included. 5. Optional Activities: Any optional activities listed in the itinerary are not included in the tour fees, allowing you to choose and participate based on your preferences.