Day 1, Arrive in Kashgar

Activities:

Airport pickup and hotel transfer; free time to take a first stroll around Kashgar Old City

Details:

Arrive at Kashgar Airport. Meet your guide and driver and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may rest or take a short walk around the old city area to get a first taste of Kashgar’s unique Uyghur culture.

Day 2, Kashgar to Tashkorgan – Karakoram Highway, Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake

Activities:

Drive the legendary Karakoram Highway, visit Baisha (White Sand) Lake and Karakul Lake beneath Muztagh Ata, arrive in Tashkorgan

Details:

In the morning, we depart from Kashgar and embark on the legendary China–Pakistan Karakoram Highway (KKH), one of the highest paved international roads in the world. Our first major stop is Baisha Lake (White Sand Lake) — a stunning turquoise lake surrounded by pure white sand dunes. We take a short walk along the shore for spectacular photos.

We continue to Karakul Lake (3,600 m), nestled at the foot of the majestic Muztagh Ata (7,546 m), also known as the “Father of the Ice Mountains.” Enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, breathe in the fresh Pamir air, and take in the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. We stop at various viewpoints along the KKH before arriving in Tashkorgan, the westernmost county of China, bordering Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Day 3, Tashkorgan to Kashgar – Stone Fort and Golden Grassland

Activities:

Visit the ancient Stone Fort and Golden Grassland, then drive back to Kashgar along the Karakoram Highway

Details:

After breakfast, we visit the ancient Stone Fort (Tashkurgan Fort), a 1,400-year-old fortress that once guarded the Silk Road. From the fort, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. We then head to the Golden Grassland for a relaxing walk through the lush meadows dotted with yurts and grazing livestock.

After lunch in Tashkorgan, we drive back to Kashgar along the Karakoram Highway. If time and weather permit, we take an optional detour to the Muztagh Ata Glacier Park for closer views of the magnificent glacier-covered peak. We arrive in Kashgar in the evening.

Day 4, Kashgar City Culture Tours

Activities:

Apak Hoja Tomb, Kashgar Old City, century-old teahouse, handicraft and spice markets, Id Kah Mosque, Ham Bazaar Night Market

Details:

Today is dedicated to exploring the cultural heart of Kashgar. We start with a visit to the Apak Hoja Tomb, also known as the Fragrant Concubine Tomb, a magnificent example of Uyghur Islamic architecture. We then immerse ourselves in the labyrinthine Kashgar Old City — a living museum of traditional Uyghur life. We stop for tea at the ancient hundred-year-old teahouse, where locals gather to chat and sing.

We walk through the handicraft street, spice market and hat market, where you can watch artisans at work and shop for unique souvenirs. If your visit falls on a Sunday, don’t miss the famous livestock market — a chaotic and colourful experience. We visit the historic Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in Xinjiang. In the evening, we explore the bustling Ham Bazaar Night Market to sample local street food such as roasted lamb, hand-pulled noodles and fresh pomegranate juice.

Day 5, Kashgar to Aksu – Wensu Tomur Grand Canyon

Activities:

Drive east to Aksu, visit the spectacular Wensu Tomur Grand Canyon

Details:

After breakfast, we depart from Kashgar and drive east to Aksu (approx. 5–6 hours). Upon arrival, we visit the spectacular Wensu Tomur Grand Canyon, also known as the “Grand Canyon of Xinjiang.” This lesser-known gem features dramatic red sandstone cliffs, narrow ravines and unique erosion formations sculpted by wind and water over millions of years. Take a walk or jeep ride into the canyon to admire the towering walls and enjoy the interplay of light and shadow. After exploring, we transfer to your hotel in Aksu for your overnight stay.

Day 6, Aksu to Kucha – Kizil Caves and Tianshan Grand Canyon

Activities:

Visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, then continue to Kucha

Details:

After breakfast, we drive from Aksu to Kucha. En route, we stop at the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves — one of the oldest Buddhist cave complexes in China, dating back to the 3rd century. The caves feature exquisite murals and statues that reflect the rich fusion of Indian, Persian and Chinese artistic traditions along the ancient Silk Road.

We continue to the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, a stunning red sandstone canyon with winding paths, towering cliffs and dramatic light effects. Take a moderate hike into the canyon to explore its hidden corners. After the visit, we drive to Kucha for your overnight stay.

Day 7, Kucha to Korla – Subash Ruins and Old City

Activities:

Visit Subash Ancient Ruins, wander Kucha Old City and Grand Mosque, then drive to Korla

Details:

After breakfast in Kucha, we first visit the Subash Ancient Ruins — the remains of a large Buddhist monastery complex that once stood as a major spiritual centre on the Silk Road. Explore the crumbling stupas and temple foundations. We then wander through Kucha Old City and visit the Grand Mosque, a beautiful example of local Uyghur-Islamic architecture. After lunch, we drive east to Korla (approx. 3–4 hours), a modern oasis city known for its fragrant pears. Arrive in Korla in the evening.

Day 8, Korla to Turpan – Jiaohe and Karez

Activities:

Drive to Turpan, visit Jiaohe Ancient City and the Karez Underground Irrigation System

Details:

After breakfast, we depart from Korla and drive northeast to Turpan (approx. 4–5 hours), a low-lying oasis basin famous for its grapes and extreme heat. Arrive around lunchtime.

In the afternoon, we explore the Jiaohe Ancient City — one of the best-preserved earthen cities along the Silk Road, dating back over 2,000 years. Walk through the ancient streets, houses and temples carved directly into the clay. We then visit the Karez Underground Irrigation System, a remarkable 2,000-year-old water-engineering marvel that uses underground channels to bring glacial meltwater to the desert oasis.

Day 9, Turpan to Urumqi – Tuyuq, Flaming Mountain and Emin Minaret

Activities:

Visit Tuyuq Village and Canyon, stop at Flaming Mountain, visit Emin Minaret, then drive to Urumqi

Details:

After breakfast, we visit Tuyuq Village, one of the oldest Uyghur villages in Xinjiang, nestled in a lush oasis canyon. Explore the mud-brick houses and the nearby Tuyuq Canyon — a dramatic gorge with red cliffs. We stop briefly at the famous Flaming Mountain (roadside viewpoint) — its reddish-brown sandstone ridges resemble leaping flames under the sun.

We then visit the Emin Minaret (also known as Sugong Pagoda), the tallest ancient Islamic minaret in China, built in 1777. After lunch in Turpan, we drive to Urumqi (approx. 3 hours). Arrive in the evening.

Day 10, Xinjiang Museum and Day Trip to Heavenly Lake

Activities:

Visit the Xinjiang Museum, then take a day trip to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) in the Tianshan Mountains

Details:

After breakfast, we first visit the Xinjiang Museum in Urumqi, which houses an impressive collection of Silk Road artefacts, including ancient mummies, Buddhist relics and cultural exhibits from Xinjiang’s diverse ethnic groups.

We then drive (approx. 1.5 hours) to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), a stunning alpine lake nestled in the Tianshan Mountains at 1,900 metres above sea level. Take the scenic shuttle bus up the mountain. Spend the afternoon hiking around the lake and through the surrounding spruce forest. Follow the trail to see a beautiful waterfall cascading down the mountainside, and enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped Bogda Peak reflected in the turquoise waters. Return to Urumqi in the evening.

Day 11, Departure from Urumqi

Activities:

Breakfast, free time for last-minute shopping, private transfer to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport

Details:

Breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or a relaxed walk. When ready, your guide and driver will transfer you to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (Tianshan Airport) for your departure flight. End of your Southern Xinjiang Silk Road journey.