Silk Road Xinjiang Highlights Tour

Arrival in Urumqi in the morning, transfer to the hotel and have lunch. Then drive 70km to Mamsjam Grassland of Tianshan Mountain, where you will visit a Kazak family and chat with them in the yurts, trying their home-made milk tea and snacks. 

Meal: L

Drive 120km northeast to the Heavenly Lake with an elevation of 2000 meters above sea level. The beautiful lake is flanked by rugged pines and cypresses, with melted clear waters reflecting the surrounding of snow capped highest peak-Bogda (5445 m), boating in the lake. Then drive back to Urumqi. Visit the Provincial Museum to have some knowledge of the history and minority culture.

Meal: B, L

After breakfast, drive 2.5 hours to Turpan, on the way pass by Urumqi Wind Power Mill. As the lowest depression of China, Turpan is an Uygur town set in a large oasis surrounding by desert and mountains. Proceed to visit the ruins of Jiaohe, which was a prosperous ancient trading center and military stronghold about 1600 years ago. And then visit Ancient Karez, the underground water supply & irrigation system.

Meal: B, L

In the morning pass by the Flaming Mountain, a legendary mountain in the Chinese literature classic of “Journey to the West”, visit the Ruins of Gaochang, an extensive ruin since the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), and then visit The Bezekilik caves and Astana Ancient Tombs (3rd - 8th Century ). 

Meal: B, L

Drive 380km to Korla and cross several magnificent valleys of Mt. Tianshan. Finally arrive in the home town of fragrant pears-Korla, visit Iron Gate pass and city tour . 

Meal: B, L

Drive 280km to Kuqa, a major Uyghur town, transfer to hotel, visit the Subashi Ancient Temple (well preserved temple complex since in Han Dynasty of China), the Grand Mosque of Kuqa and old bazaar. 

Meal: B, L

Drive 360km to Aksu, pay an excursion to the famous Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, which was the best preserved one in Xinjiang built around 4century AD with deep influence of Indian art style.

Meal: B, L

Drive 470km to Kashgar, - the west-most city of China.

Meal: B, L

In the morning, wander around at the Sunday market of Kashgar, the largest outdoor market in the Mid-Asia! Afternoon visit the Mausoleum of Abakh Khoja, Etgar Mosque and the old town of the city. 

Meal: B, L

Drive through the Karakurum Highway to Karakul Lake (180km), enjoy the beautiful view of snow-capped mountains of Muztagh Ata and its lake. On the way back, visit the Muhammed Kashgari’s Tomb Complex. 

Meal: B, L

Drive 520km to Hotan, stop over at Yengisar (famous for its knives), Yarkent - old capital of Karahnate Kingdom of 15th century. Visit Altunluk Mausoleum(tombs complex of royal family around 15th centuries), in the late afternoon arrive in the Jade Town of Hotan.

Meal: B, L

In the morning, visit the Malikewat ancient ruins，silk and carpet factory, jade carving factory. Take evening flight to Urumqi.

Meal: B, L

Transfer to the airport and fly to your next destination. 

Meal: B

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