21-Day China to Central Asia Silk Road Tour

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Xi'an

  Welcome to Xi'an, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and the first stop on your journey. Upon your arrival, our guide will meet you at the airport or train station and escort you to your hotel. You can relax at the hotel or head out to find an authentic noodle restaurant to try some genuine Northwestern noodles.

  • Xi'an

• Day 2: Terracotta Warriors & Bronze Chariots, Muslim Street

  Begin your journey by visiting one of the world's most significant archaeological discoveries, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. These over 8,000 life-size figures, crafted more than 2,000 years ago to guard Emperor Qinshihuang in the afterlife, offer a glimpse into the first dynasty of ancient China.

  Curious about how these lifelike clay soldiers were made? With guidance from expert craftsmen, you can create a miniature version. Nearby, you can also view the bronze chariots and horses, two models unearthed from the emperor's mausoleum, which are equally worth seeing.

  After returning to the city center, visit Muslim Street, a historical area where Muslim communities settled in Xi'an, preserving Islamic culture. It is home to tens of thousands of Hui Muslims and features a wide array of traditional Northwestern Chinese and halal foods, along with antiques and handicrafts.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 3: Flight From Xi'an to Dunhuang

  Enjoy a leisurely morning in Xi'an before flying to Dunhuang. After your 2-hour flight, a private transfer will take you to your hotel. Rest well before starting the exciting journey ahead!

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  • Dunhuang

• Day 4: Dunhuang, Singing Sand Dunes and Mogao Caves

  In the depths of the desert in Dunhuang, the mesmerizing scenery of the splendid Singing Sand Dunes embracing the Crescent Spring will take your breath away. These undulating dunes feature a "singing" sound as the winds rise, and the clear spring embedded within adds to the allure. From the top of the 1700-meter-high dune, the oasis below is a sight to behold.

  In the afternoon, marvel at the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO world heritage site. With 492 grottoes, over 2400 Buddhist figures, and 45,000 square meters of exquisite frescoes, this site is an artistic treasure-house that chronicles the cultural exchanges and integration along the ancient Silk Road over a thousand years.

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  • Dunhuang

• Day 5: Yulin Caves Visiting and a Bullet Train to Turpan

  Before heading to Turpan, explore the Yulin Caves. Known as the sister site to the Mogao Caves, it is historically valuable for its lifelike Buddhist artwork that reflects historical changes from the Tang to the Yuan Dynasty.

  After a 2-hour drive and a 3.5-hour high-speed railway journey, your guide will welcome you to Turpan North Station. Have a good rest before discovering the Islamic historical city.

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  • Turpan

• Day 6: Turpan, Ancient City of Gaochang, Mazar Aldi Village

  Start your day with a visit to the ancient city of Gaochang (Qocho qedimi shehiri), a millenarian hub along the Silk Road until its abandonment in the 14th century. Explore the historic relics of this once-prosperous city. Nearby, the Astana Cemetery serves as a testament to the connections between the Han people and ethnic minorities. Then, visit the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves located on the cliffs of several mountains, renowned for their rich and delicate Buddhist murals.

  In the afternoon, stroll through the Mazar Aldi village, also known as the Oriental Makkah, with its profound Islamic history and authentic Uygur lifestyle.

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  • Turpan

• Day 7: Karez Well System, Flight to Kashgar

  In the morning, visit the Ancient City of Jiaohe, an important site that served as a faded dynasty's capital and an administrative center during the Tang Empire.

  Next, admire the Emin Minaret, the tallest minaret in China and a splendid landmark of Turpan. You may find it especially brilliant when it basks in the sunlight.

  After that, explore the Karez Well System, an ancient irrigation system that spans over 5,000 km, and is still of use today, no less significant than the Great Wall and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.

  Afterward, drive from Turpan to Urumqi for around three hours and take a private transfer for your flight to Kashgar.

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  • Kashgar

• Day 8: ID Kar Mosque, Uygur Family Visit, Gaotai Civil Residence

  Today, visit Kashgar Ancient Town, which holds the cherished memories of its residents. Here, explore a Uygur family's home, sample the local fruit, and sit with the residents on traditional brick beds to enjoy the Uygur dance.

  Next, you'll be drawn to the Centennial Teahouse, decorated and filled with vibrant cultural features. Inside, there are many brick beds where friendly tea drinkers, whether acquainted or not, sit cross-legged and chat freely.

  Continue to admire the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in Xinjiang, built-in 1442. Afterward, discover the Gaotai Civil Residence, where you can roam from the towns on cliffs to Kashgar Old City. Afterward, you'll be driven to appreciate the gleaming domes and elegant facades of the Islamic-style Apak Khoja Mausoleum, dedicated to a legendary Qing Dynasty imperial concubine.

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  • Kashgar

• Day 9: Flight to Urumqi, the International Grand Bazaar

  Take a 2-hour flight and visit Urumqi's International Grand Bazaar. Diverse Uygur specialties cluster. The aroma of local pastries and fruits will embrace you as you appreciate the exquisite handicrafts like silk and carpets. Spend the rest of the day exploring the local lifestyle or relax at the hotel.

  If you prefer a more leisurely pace, consider spending an extra day in Urumqi to visit Tianchi, often referred to as the "fairyland on earth." This stunning alpine lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, offering a serene and picturesque setting. Take a cruise on the lake, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery, with high mountains encircling you in every direction.

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  • Urumqi

• Day 10: Urumqi - Almaty (Kazakhstan)

  Today, you will depart from China to Central Asia, where there is a three-hour time difference between the two regions.

  After a two-hour flight, you'll arrive in Almaty, known as the "City of Apples" due to its fertile land and favorable climate from mountain stream irrigation. Once the capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty was a key Silk Road stop. Upon arrival, you'll meet your local guide at the airport and head to your hotel. You can rest or explore the area at your leisure.

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  • Almaty

• Day 11: Almaty City Tour

  Start with the Almaty Central State Museum of Kazakhstan in the morning. As the largest museum in Central Asia, it showcases not only the Kazak nomadic culture but also how the country was built. In Panfilov Park, admire the splendid wooden Zenkov Cathedral, which miraculously withstood a disastrous earthquake. The nearby musical instrument museum is also worth seeing.

  At the Green Bazaar, the diverse merchandise and the faces of different races illustrate the charm of a country united by over 100 ethnic groups. Finishing today's tour by taking a cable car to the top of Kok-Tobe Hill to enjoy the panoramic view of Almaty.

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  • Almaty

• Day 12: Flight to Dushanbe (Tajikistan)

  After a leisurely morning in Almaty, take a 2-hour flight to Dushanbe. Visit the National Museum of Tajikistan, whose modern design and extension make it an impressive sight in the city.

  Known as the origin of the Arabian Nights, Tajik people are proud of their profound history and creativity, all of which are epitomized by the scenery in Rudaki Park. In memory of the epic Persian poet Rudaki, the park is adorned with lawns and flowers. A grand statue of Rudaki stands in the center of it, beneath an impressive blue mosaic arc.

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  • Dushanbe

• Day 13: Road Trip to Samarkand (Uzbekistan), Via Panjakent

  Depart early for Uzbekistan. Today's will take approximately 7 hours. Drive 150km from Dushanbe and stop at Iskander-Kul Lake, a wonderland where Alexander the Great once roamed. As you reach the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border, expect about an hour to complete border formalities before entering Uzbekistan.

  Afterward, your new guide and driver will take you to Samarkand, a city 62 km away, which serves as a crucial crossroads connecting China, Persia, and India, playing a significant role in the exchange between East and West. Rest well to prepare for the upcoming journey.

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  • Samarkand

• Day 14: Gur-E-Amir Mausoleum, Registan Square, Shah-I-Zinda

  After breakfast, head to the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, an architectural marvel and the final resting place of the legendary emperor Timur and his descendants, where you can explore the rich history and culture of the Timurid era.

  Don't miss the historic Registan Square, known as the "Heart of Samarkand." Once a gathering place for khans to assemble armies and issue decrees, it also hosted major ceremonies. The square's towering walls feature intricate mosaic patterns and scriptures that dazzle in both sunlight and evening lights.

  Here, you'll find three of the world's oldest and best-preserved madrasas. The Ulugh Beg Madrasa, dedicated to cosmic and astronomical studies, and the Sher-Dor Madrasa, known as the "Lion Madrasa" for its feline-themed entrance decorations. The golden-blue colors of the Tilya-Kori Madrasa enhance the square's splendor.

  Another landmark of Samarkand is the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, whose dome, named after Timur's beloved wife, is compared favorably with heaven. The elegant Shah-i-Zinda Mosque is also a testament to the dynastic grandeur of 1000 years ago.

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  • Samarkand

• Day 15: Bukhara Pilgrimage, Bolo-Haouz Mosque, Kalon Minaret and Lyabi-Hauz

  Depart for Bukhara on the Afrosiyob train, which takes approximately two hours. Upon arriving in this historic city, check into your hotel and take a moment to rest and refresh.

  Later, begin your exploration at the Bukhara Ark, which served as a government center and is now a collection of museums and mosques. Opposite the Ark, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bolo-Haouz Mosque creates peaceful outings for roving packs.

  The majesty of the Kalon Minaret will captivate you as it once did Chinggis (Genghis) Khan. Wander around the Trading Domes to search for trinkets. The Lyabi Hauz Plaza is a great place to soak up the local vibrancy, where you'll see the local lifestyle and historical remains like Nadir Divan-Beghi and Kukeldash Madrasah, and Divan-Beghi Khanaka. End today's tour with a visit to the Chor Minor, which means "four minarets".

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  • Bukhara

• Day 16: Kyzylkum Desert - Khiva, Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Exploration

  Embark on a scenic and adventurous drive across the Kyzylkum Desert, a vast expanse of sand that stretches from Khiva to Dasoguz.

  Along your way, make a stop at the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, a stunning architectural ensemble dating back to the 19th century. Marvel at the intricate wooden craftsmanship of the buildings that once served as the retreat for local leaders. Immerse yourself in the tales of the past as you explore the estate's gardens and palaces.

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  • Khiva

• Day 17: Khiva's Architectural Marvels

  Welcome to Khiva, a city where Islamic architecture comes alive. Begin your day with a visit to the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, where every corner tells a story through its ornate decorations. Admire the towering Könü Alä Minaret from the outside, a historic beacon that has stood the test of time. Step into the Juma Mosque, a colossal structure that echoes with the prayers of centuries.

  Continue your journey with a trip to the Tash-Hauli Palace and the Mausoleum of Pakhlavan Mahmud, where history and legend intertwine. Immerse yourself in the Islamic Khodja Architectural Complex, a collection of buildings that represent the pinnacle of Islamic architectural design. Conclude your day at Kunya Ark, the ancient fortress symbolizing Sheva's historical significance as a strategic and administrative hub.

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  • Khiva

• Day 18: Khiva - Darvaza, Darvaza Gas Crater & Night Camping

  Embark on a scenic yet lengthy drive from Sheva to the fabled Darvaza Gas Crater, dubbed the "Door to Hell."

  The journey traverses the boundless Karakum Desert, evoking the ancient Silk Road's spirit. Anticipation mounts as you approach the fiery spectacle of the 60-meter-wide crater, ablaze since 1971. Initially a brief flare-up, it's now a half-century beacon for explorers.

  After a day amid geology's raw power, unwind at a desert campsite, where silence is punctuated by the desert's soft murmurs and your campfire's comforting crackle.

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  • Darvaza

• Day 19: Darvaza - Ashgabat, Capital Exploration

  Arrive in Ashgabat, the capital city that pulsates with modernity and tradition. Use your free time to wander through the Ersentepe neighborhood, where traditional Turkmen architecture stands proud. Discover hidden gems and local life as you explore the city's vibrant streets. "

  If you have a passion for equestrian sports or horse racing, you'll surely be captivated by Turkmenistan's gem—the Akhal-Teke horse, also known as the 'heavenly blood horse.' With a bit of luck, you might encounter local equestrian shows or even horse beauty contests. If you have extra time, consider visiting rural ranches for a chance to enjoy horseback riding."

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  • Ashgabat

• Day 20: Cultural Insights and Historical Discoveries

  After breakfast, pay a visit to the Gypjak Mosque, a masterpiece adorned with exquisite mosaics that will leave you in awe. Step into the National Museum of History to delve deep into the rich tapestry of Turkmen culture and history.

  Catch glimpses of the iconic Neutrality Arch and Independence Park, symbols of the nation's pride. Later, journey northwest to the Nisa archaeological site, where the remnants of Parthian settlements reveal the secrets of an ancient civilization.

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  • Ashgabat

• Day 21: Ashgabat - Departure

  It's time to say farewell, but the stories and sights of this incredible journey will stay with you forever. To ensure a smooth departure, our private transfer service will take you to the airport, providing a stress-free ride.

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