Explore Southern Xinjiang & Cross the Taklamakan Desert

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi

  Upon arriving in Urumqi, a friendly guide will be there to greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel, making the check-in process smooth and easy.

  Once settled in, there's a delightful spread of local specialties waiting - fragrant naan, succulent lamb skewers, and tasty beef skewers. You might choose to dive into these culinary treats or simply relax and recharge for the exciting day ahead.

  • Urumqi

• Day 2: Urumqi - Kashgar

  In the morning, visit the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum to explore a wealth of historical artifacts and cultural treasures, including Silk Road relics, traditional Uygur crafts, and exquisite artworks.

  Then, head to the International Grand Bazaar, a vibrant Urumqi landmark, where you can enjoy the ethnic atmosphere, admire handicrafts, savor local snacks, and find unique souvenirs.

  Later, fly to Kashgar, the southern gem of Xinjiang. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Tianshan Mountains and the Taklamakan Desert. Upon arrival, discover the rich history and diverse cultures of this ancient Silk Road hub.

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  • Kashgar

• Day 3: Kashgar's Charms - Id Kah Mosque & Kashgar's Old Town

  Start your day in Kashgar's old town, where labyrinthine streets with narrow, meandering paths invite exploration and discovery, and houses constructed from earth, wood, and brick showcase the area's distinctive local charm and traditional architectural style.

  Explore the Id Kah Mosque, a cultural icon and vital center for Kashgar's Muslim community, with unique architectural design. Later, visit the Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine, an ancient mausoleum harmonizing Uygur architectural elegance with cultural significance, and delve into her captivating stories.

  If you happen to be there on a Sunday, don't miss the chance to visit the vibrant livestock market. The locals bring their robust cattle and sheep for face-to-face trading, creating an atmosphere filled with rugged, primal energy.

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  • Kashgar

• Day 4: A Glimpse of Baisha and Karakul Lakes

  Today, let's set off for Tashkurgan. After about 3 hours, entering the Pamir Plateau, you'll glimpse the distant white sand mountains. Below lies Lake Baisha, its azure waters mirroring the sky, while white sands line the shore like snow.

  Continuing onward, you'll witness the majestic Muztagh Peak mirrored in the rare glacial lake, Karakul. All weariness fades away. Beyond, herds of cattle and sheep leisurely graze by the lakeside meadows. Conclude your journey with an overnight stay in Tashkurgan.

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  • Tashkurgan

• Day 5: Explore the Stone City and Golden Grassland

  For those who have a passion for the history of the Silk Road, a must-visit is the Stone City. Nestled against the mountains, it was a vital hub along the Silk Road, witnessing exchanges and trade among ancient merchants, nomadic tribes, and religious missionaries, every stone echoing with history.

  Nearby lies the Golden Grassland, where the Tashkurgan River flows, nourishing lush pastures dotted with grazing cattle and sheep. Against a backdrop of distant snow-capped peaks and yurts of nomadic herders, it creates a harmonious and picturesque scene.

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  • Kashgar

• Day 6: The Cultural and Musical Heritage of Yarkant County

  Today, drive for about three hours to Yarkant County, a city with over three thousand years of history, known for its rich cultural and musical heritage.

  Your first stop is the Ye'erqiang Khan Palace, where the exterior walls boast intricately carved colorful murals and the palace is crowned with light blue onion-shaped domes. Proceed to the royal mausoleum of the Khanate - Shache Ancient Tombs. Here, you'll uncover the captivating tales of Amanishahan and the Twelve Muqam, true treasures of Uygur culture. Concluding your day, stroll along Shache First Street, sample a piping hot cup of black brick tea, and encounter locals singing or chatting, indulging in the most genuine ethnic charm.

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  • Yarkant

• Day 7: Yarkant - Hotan, Walnut King Park & Silk Factory

  Continue to Hotan, famed for its high-quality jade, earning it the title "Jade Capital." Arrive after approximately four hours and visit Walnut King Park, home to century-old walnut trees and the impressive Thousand-Mile Grape Corridor.

  Continue to explore a silk factory, where you can witness the intricate process of silk production and appreciate its exquisite craftsmanship. Then, enjoy a leisurely camel ride around Hotan's scenic surroundings. Make a stop at the bustling Hotan Night Market, savoring local delicacies and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Xinjiang life.

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  • Hotan

• Day 8: Journey through the Taklamakan Desert

  Today, visit the Damagou Buddhist Temple, home to a hundred vibrant murals, and the Topulukdon Temple under 4 square meters.

  Set out on a journey across the vast Taklamakan Desert. Departing from Hotan, head north, delving deep into this expansive sea of sand. Along the way, marvel at the diverse shapes of dunes and waves, with gravel and shifting sands intertwined. The black highway winds through the endless yellow sands. Occasionally, spot wild camels and gazelles drinking at waterholes, or pass through magnificent poplar forests. Finally, reach the oasis city of Aral, nestled within the desert.

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  • Aral

• Day 9: Aral - Kuqa, Keziliya Grand Canyon

  It takes about 5 hours by car to reach Kuqa, situated at the end of the Duku Highway. Amidst the ruins and desolate mounds here lies a sense of mystery. Only after exploring these remnants, you will grasp Kuqa's former glory.

  After check-in, pay a visit to the Keziliya Grand Canyon. Over millions of years of erosion by wind and rain and the scouring force of mountain torrents, the massive reddish-brown rock formations in the canyon take on diverse shapes. As you hike along the canyon, it widens and narrows, with towering cliffs overhead. Move to Kizil Gaha Thousand-Buddhist Caves, perched on the cliffs of Mingwudag Mountain, where you'll find a wealth of exquisite murals hidden within the caves. It's a must-see in person, as the wind and sand erosion may erase it in years to come.

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  • Kuqa

• Day 10: Kuqa Temple, Royal Palace & Ancient Ruins

  After breakfast, visit the Kuqa Temple, whose grand gate stands at 18.3 meters, carrying rich historical and cultural tales. Stepping into the Kuqa Royal Palace, you'll immerse yourself in the stories of the 12 generations of kings and may even be fortunate enough to encounter the last queen. Head to the Subashi Ancient Ruins, submerged in the desert for millennia, still reveal remnants of old castles' walls, platforms, watchtowers, and beacon holes, despite the passage of time.

  After concluding your Kuqa journey, drive towards Korla, a city famous for its fragrant pears, reachable in about four hours. If you still have the energy, consider taking a leisurely night stroll around Swan River in the city center.

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  • Korla

• Day 11: Korla - Turpan

  In the morning, visit the Bazhou Museum, which chronicles the rise and fall of various tribes and nations in the Western Regions, and also features intriguing exhibits on the mysterious Lop Nor and numerous mummies. Before departing, explore the Iron Gate Pass, a strategic stronghold for north-south traffic in Xinjiang and a crucial point on the ancient Silk Road to Central Asia.

  Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive of about five hours to reach Turpan, where a new adventure awaits.

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  • Turpan

• Day 12: Ancient City, Karez System, Islamic Minaret & Buddist Caves

  Step into the ancient city of Jiaohe, the world's best-preserved earthen architecture and China's most intact urban relic from over 2,000 years ago, and relive its glorious past. Explore the Karez System, an ancient irrigation network hailed as the "Underground Great Wall," by descending dozens of meters underground to see the vast tunnels that solved water scarcity in the desert.

  Pass by the Sugong Tower, renowned for its exquisite brickwork and unique Islamic architecture, showcasing superb craftsmanship and cultural charm. Continue to the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, an ancient Buddhist cave complex featuring exquisite murals depicting Buddhist stories and lifelike statues, as well as caves and murals reflecting Manichaeism. If visiting Grape Valley during the grape season, you'll find lush greenery, vines heavy with ripe grapes, and unique drying houses for raisins.

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  • Turpan

• Day 13: Uyghur Village & Family Visit

  Before leaving Turpan, take a trip to Mazha Village in Tuyu Valley, a very ancient Uyghur village where all the houses are built according to the terrain with adobe, giving a rustic and timeless feel with its earthy hues. Villagers converse in ancient Uyghur, dressed in traditional attire, while enjoying the shade under trees. Visit a local family and taste dried fruits, hot tea, and delicious food while engaging in conversation with the hosts.

  Then, drive for about three hours to reach Urumqi.

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  • Urumqi

• Day 14: Urumqi - Exit

  As you're about to leave Urumqi and head back home, your guide will accompany you to the airport.

  Look forward to welcoming you back next time to continue exploring the magnificent scenery of Northern Xinjiang.

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