Discover Xinjiang 7-Day Tour: Urumqi, Tianchi, Turpan and Kashgar

Welcome to Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China. Upon arrival Urumqi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy your free time to explore.

Today you will take 1-hour car ride to Heavenly Lake, or Tianchi in Chinese. It is a high-mountain lake sitting in the Tianshan Mountains, and inscribed on the world heritage list by UNESCO. The lake looks like a crystal mirror to reflect the snow-capped mountains.  There are some kazak yurts on the hills, these white tents make a stunning picture with the green lake and mountains.

Later, you will get back to Urumqi to visit the Xinjiang Museum(close on Mondays), which displays the relics excavated in Xinjiang on the ancient Silk Road. The museum is renowned for the mummies and monority costumes. 

Then, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Today you will take 3-hour car ride to Turpan, which used to be a hub on the ancient Silk Road in the history.  

In Turpan, you will visit the Ancient City of Jiaohe that is a huge city ruin built on a big terrace being protected by two rivers. Then you will visit the Karez Irrigation System, which supplies the water to the people living in the dry Turpan Depression by the underground system. Moreover, you will view Emin Minaret, the token of the city of Turpan with typical Uyghur architecture, which was built in 1777AD. 

Tasting the yummy Uyghur lunch is another fun in Turpan. 

After hotel breakfast, you will visit the ancient city of Gaochang, Bezklik Grottoes, Astana Ancient Tombs etc.

Then you will fly to Kashgar. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel in Kashgar.

Note: Due to the limited flights from Turpan to Kashgar, you have to get back to Urumqi to catch the flight to Kashagr sometimes.

Today you will take about 4 hours by a private vehicle departing from Kashgar to Karakul Lake. You will drive along the renowned friendship highway to Pamir Plateau. On the way, you will stop at Upar Uyghur town to buy some snacks and fruits before heading to the mountains. Then you will view the pretty White Sand Lake that looks like a mirror reflecting the snow-capped mountains on the lake water. After lunch, you will wander around the stunning Karakul Lake(3600 meter), which is situated beside Muztagh Summit. The mountain, the lake and the yurt around the lake create a picture of paradise. 

Later, you will be transferred back to Kashgar.

Today it is a busy day to explore Kashgar with a local guide. You will take the city tour by the first stop to visit the Apa Hoja Mausoleum which was built in 1640 by local Imam for his father, and later it became a family graveyard to bury 72 people for 5 generations. The mausoleum is impressive for its delicate Uyghur architectural style including the blue tiles, the dome and the minaret. 

Next, you will visit Kashgar old town to explore the interesting area where there are old houses for shops, workshops, restaurants, bakery, and tea houses etc. It displays the long history and vivid lifestyle in Kashgar from ancient Silk Road period to today. You will also visit the old Id Ghar Mosque, the biggest mosque in Xinjiang. 

Lunch is arranged at a local Uyghur's house for you to taste the authentic and traditional Uyghur food including nang bread, hand-stretched noodles, and pilau...etc. 

The animal bazaar is relocated near Kashgar Airport and opens only on Sundays. If it is Sunday, you will also visit the Animal Bazaar.

Later, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Transferred to Kashgar airport to catch your flight heading for your next destination, where the wonderful Silk Road tour concludes.