Tour of Kashgar & Tashkurgan - Silk Road Crossroads in Xinjiang

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Urumqi

  Welcome to the vibrant capital of Xinjiang, Urumqi! Nestled amidst the majestic Tian Shan mountains, Urumqi boasts a unique blend of cultures and landscapes. Your guide will welcome you and accompany you to your hotel, where you can unwind and relax after your journey. Take your time settling in and exploring the charms of this culturally rich city.

  • Urumqi

• Day 2: Urumqi - Kashgar, Xinjiang Region Museum

  Following a delightful breakfast, journey to the Xinjiang Region Museum, a veritable trove of priceless artifacts. Be enchanted as you step into the bustling tapestry of the International Grand Bazaar, where a kaleidoscope of Xinjiang's finest delicacies and artisan crafts awaits, igniting your senses with wonder. Pause to admire the majestic Silk Road Sightseeing Tower at the heart of the square, a testament to the region's storied past.

  Then, take a flight to Kashgar, a timeless oasis on the ancient Silk Road, heralded as the cradle of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Nestled amidst the historical riches of southern Xinjiang, Kashgar beckons with its profound cultural heritage and boundless allure.

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  • Kashgar

• Day 3: Kashgar Old Town, Uyghur Family Visit, Id Kah Mosque

  Begin your day in Kashgar Old Town's enchanting alleys, where Islamic architecture adorns narrow passages with pumpkin-shaped arches and windows painted in vibrant colors. If time permits, visit a century-old tea house to savor a cup of tea while enjoying local musicians playing traditional instruments and locals dancing along. Indulge in the warmth of Uyghur hospitality as you enter the welcoming embrace of a Uyghur family's National house. Here, amidst the laughter and chatter, sample delectable local snacks.

  Proceed to the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, before heading to the Tomb of Fragrant Concubine, a mausoleum in Uyghur style commemorating a consort of an ancient Qing Dynasty emperor.

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  • Kashgar

• Day 4: Karakoram Highway, Baisha Lake & Karakul Lake

  Today's journey takes you to Tashkurgan County, a frontier town nestled along the borders of Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

  As you traverse the legendary Karakoram Highway, renowned as the highest and most breathtaking road in the world. Pass by the Baisha lake, adorning the landscape along the route, its shores blanketed with pristine white sands, while distant snow-capped peaks frame the horizon. Following that, arrive at Karakul Lake, where the majestic Muztagh Ata Peak casts its enigmatic reflection upon the tranquil waters. Here, on the lake's edge, lies sprawling grasslands, serving as the ancestral pastures of the Kyrgyz nomads.

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  • Tashkurgan

• Day 5: Tashkurgan Stone City & Golden Grassland

  In the morning, venture to the ancient Stone City of Tashkurgan, with a history spanning over two millennia. Positioned at the convergence of the central and southern routes of the Silk Road, it served as a vital hub for trade and a significant military fortress along the Silk Road's passage through the Pamir Plateau. Though now reduced to ruins, remnants of the grandeur of this ancient stronghold are still discernible.

  Below the Stone City lies the expansive Golden Grassland, where the Tashkurgan River meanders amidst herds of cattle, sheep, and horses. As sunlight bathes the landscape, the river's branching streams cast shimmering reflections, creating an enchanting vista. Afterward, journey back to Kashgar.

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  • Kashgar

• Day 6: Departure

  This morning marks your departure from Kashgar to your next destination. Depending on your flight schedule, we'll ensure you're escorted to the airport in time.

  Before departing Kashgar, explore its bustling markets, especially the Livestock Bazaar on Sundays. Experience vibrant scenes with Uyghur men dressed in shirts, jackets, and tailored trousers, donning traditional caps leading their livestock leading livestock, showcasing the cultural essence of Xinjiang.

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