This day tour will let you explore Turpan from Urumqi by a private car with a local guide, including the Gaochang Ruin, Karez Irrigation System, Bezklik Grottoes, and Astana Ancient Cemetery.
At 8:30am, your guide will pick you up in the lobby of your centrally located hotel in Urumqi. Then, you will take a 3-hour ride in a private vehicle from Urumqi to Turpan. On the way, you will see windmill farms, saltwater lakes, and valley of Tianshan. After arriving in Turpan, visit Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves, which is an abandoned site that has ruins of fresco and statues from 15th century.
Afterwards, you will go to ancient city ruin of Gaochang which was one of the most renowned kingdom along the Silk Road in the history. You can wander around to visit temples, stupas, city walls...etc among the ruin.
Lunch will be provided in the local restaurant. Next, you will go to Emin Minaret that was built in 1777AD with a typical Uyghur architectural style.
Later, before you head back to Urumqi, you will learn why Turpan could sustain itself in long history by visiting the Karez Irrigation System. After the irrigation system visit, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Urumqi where this wonderful day trip concludes.
Entrance fees
Lunch
Local guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Private tour
Transport by private vehicle
Gratuities
Pick up time: 8:30am
Pick up location: Centrally located Urumqi hotel
Difficulty: Easy
Tour duration: Approx. 14 hours
What to bring: Passport