8-Day Xinjiang discovery Tour

8-Day Xinjiang discovery Tour

Day 1, Arrive in Kashgar

Activities:

Arrive in Kashgar and have free time, walk around old city if you like

Details:

Day 2, Explore Kashgar City

Activities:

Visit Grand mosque, Apak Hoja tomb (which is also called Fragrant Concubine Tomb), Old city walking tours, livestock market and handcrafts street

Details:

Explore the rich, endless culture of the Uighurs in Kashgar. First visit livestock market which happens on every Sunday and people bring their horses, sheep, goats, camels, cows, bulls, yaks and donkeys to the market for sale. It provides a great opportunity to take photos of the faces of local people, study traditional local market culture, test-drive a donkey or horse or even make its shoes. Like opening a window, today is a real glimpse into a time lost in the annals of the Silk Road’s past and an opportunity not to be missed.
Next to this market, there’s a bustling bazaar. Rows of local – style restaurants line the area. You can see all sorts of special local foods everywhere. There’s delicious roast meat, different kinds of kebabs, chewy hand – pulled noodles, and lots of fresh fruits. The restaurant workers are shouting to get more customers, and it makes the place feel even more alive.
Once you’re here, you’ll love it. Time seems to slow down, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to ancient Silk Road. It’s a great place to experience the real local life and enjoy some amazing food
When we finish lunch, a journey of exploration deep into the historical and cultural deposits quietly begins. The destination is the Id Kah Mosque and the Apak Hoja Tomb, two renowned sacred places that carry the history and beliefs of Kashgar for hundreds of years.
As the largest mosque in China, Idkah mosque is not only a religious place but also an important symbol of Kashgar’s culture, witnessing numerous religious ceremonies, cultural inheritances, and the spiritual sustenance of the people
Leaving the Id Kah Mosque, we head to the equally remarkable Apak Hoja Tomb. This cemetery, known as the “Tomb of Fragrant Concubine”. The legendary Fragrant Concubine, that beautiful and mysterious woman, adds a touch of romance and legend to this cemetery
Later, we’ll also take a stroll through the Kashgar Old City area. Boasting a history of over 2,000 years, it offers you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the ancient world. Here, You can explore the local bazaars, filled with the rich aroma of spices, the vibrant colors of handicrafts, and the friendly chatter of the locals.
Atmosphere in the Old City Stop at a century-old tea house for a short break and taste local medicinal teas such as those containing rose, saffron, honey and many other ingredients.
Afterwards, we will amble along Ostangboyi Handicraft Street, where you can appreciate the exquisitely hand-made musical instruments, uniquely designed teapots and all kinds of handicrafts passed down from generation to generation, and feel the profound cultural connotations and the inheritance of exquisite craftsmanship they contain.

Day 3, Kashgar to Tashkorgan

Activities:

Drive along the Karakoram Highway, stop at Opal village, Oytagh Red Mountain , visit Baisha Lake, Hiking around Karakul Lake

Details:

We set out along the legendary Sino-Pakistan Karakoram Highway, with our first stop at Opal Village, a charming Silk Road settlement just outside Kashgar. Here, you can experience authentic rural life and watch local bakers prepare fresh nan bread straight from a tandoor oven.
Continuing onward, we make a brief stop at the striking Oytagh Colorful Mountains, where vibrant mineral-streaked hills offer a stunning preview of the dramatic landscapes ahead. As we ascend onto the Pamir Plateau—the “Roof of the World”—the scenery becomes increasingly breathtaking.
After a few hours, we arrive at Baisha Lake, a mesmerizing turquoise lake framed by vast white sand dunes. We explore the quieter northern shore before continuing to Karakul Lake (3,600m). Nestled at the foot of the iconic Muztagh Ata (7,546m) and Kongur (7,719m) mountains, this lake offers one of the most spectacular settings in the Pamirs. Muztagh Ata, meaning “Father of the Ice Mountain,” is renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful peaks.
The area provides excellent opportunities for hiking, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this high-altitude wonderland. After exploring, we continue driving to Tashkorgan, the westernmost county of China, bordering Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

Day 4, Tashkorgan to Kashgar/Turpan

Activities:

Visit Stone Fort, Tajik village, Hike on the Grassland and drive back to Kashgar after lunch; Catch evening overnight soft sleeper train to Turpan

Details:

Tashkurgan Tajik autonomous county was once an important hub on the old Silk Road. The area borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan  via the Kunjerab Pass and Wahan Corridor.
After breakfast, you’ll have an opportunity to see the town’s ancient Stone Fort – still standing after 2200 years! ‘Tashkurgan’ is a translation of ‘Stone Fort.’ Later Hike on the grassland next to the Stone Fort.
Drive back to Kashgar and transfer to Kashgar airport for your flight to Turpan

Day 5, Turpan tours

Activities:

Visit Tuyuq village, Hiking near Tuyuq Valley, Flaming Mountain and Bizeklik Thousand Budha Caves

Details:

After breakfast at your hotel, your full-day Turpan adventure begins. You’ll first drive to the historic Tuyuq Village, one of the oldest settlements in the region, nestled in a scenic valley. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm welcome and a delicious homemade lunch at a local Uyghur family’s home, offering an authentic taste of traditional hospitality.
After lunch, take a leisurely walk through the ancient streets of Tuyuq Village, where time seems to stand still amid centuries-old homes and peaceful surroundings. Then, embark on a scenic hike through Tuyuq Valley, following the river and taking in the dramatic desert landscape.
Next, visit the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, a stunning complex of Buddhist grottoes adorned with ancient murals that tell stories of the Silk Road’s spiritual and cultural history.
On your way back to the city, make a brief stop along the roadside to capture breathtaking photos of the Flaming Mountain, renowned for its fiery red hills and extreme temperatures—one of the hottest places on Earth.
At the end of the day, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Turpan for a relaxing overnight stay.

Day 6, Turpan to Urumqi

Activities:

Visit Yargul (Jiaohe) Ancient city, Karez underground Irrigations system and Emin Minaret. After lunch drive to Urumqi

Details:

Following the breakfast at the Hotel start your wonderful day in Turpan. Our special itinerary today includes sightseeing in Turpan and drive to Urumqi after Lunch.
First we visit Yargul (Jiaohe) Ancient city which is one of the best preserved ancient cities in China , the ruins of the buildings are divided into temples, civilian dwellings and government offices, workshops, residential houses and the streets are still visible and time there is a time spent in a long lost world.
After an hour of touring around the ancient city, we’ll drive to see the world famous Karez irrigation system, unique to this part of the world. The system is considered as one of the three great projects in China with the other two being the Great Wall and the Grand Canal.
Next visit Emin Suliman minaret which is a magnificent combination of ancient Uighur and Islamic architecture. It is the tallest ancient tower in Xinjiang and the only Islamic ancient minaret in the country. Locals call it “pure tower.”
After lunch drive to Urumqi which is 180Kms and takes about 2.5-3 hours.

Day 7, Day Trip to Heavenly Lake, Visit Xinjiang Museum and Dongkuruk Grand Bazaar

Activities:

Visit Xinjiang Provincial Museum, then Drive to Heavenly lake; Spend time around Dongkuruk Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar in the evening.

Details:

After breakfast Our guide and driver see you at the hotel lobby and visit the Xinjiang Museum which houses an impressive collection of exhibits, covering artifacts and relics from more than 12 minority groups. By this way you have some understanding about Xinjiang and the Silk Road
Then Leave for Heavenly Lake after which is 115 kms (71 Miles) over two hours by vehicle.
This beautiful and crystal-clear waters of Heavenly Lake is guarded by the Tianshan mountain and once you are at the like, you will have free time to roam around the lake, simply trekking up the mountains through the various valleys as long as you want. You can go for boating or take cable car (own expense) up to the top of the mountain for full scenery of the lake.
whenever you are ready at the lake, drive to Urumqi city and spend time around Dongkuruk Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar which which is the Minority center of Urumqi.

Day 8, Urumqi To Your Destination

Activities:

See you off at Urumqi airport

Details:

Today is the last day of your tour with us, so we hope this tour shouldn’t be the last. We strive to make every day of your time with us the one that you’ll always remember and if you’d like to book some other tours please Contact us for more information.

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