Kashgar

Welcome to Kashgar! Today, your flight will arrive in Kashgar. We will meet you at the airport exit with a welcome sign and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating city.

Karakul Lake Tours

Good morning! After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you to begin today's adventure. We will first visit the famous Sunday Bazaar. The covered bazaar offers clothing, nuts, household goods, and many other unique items beyond your imagination. It's fascinating to observe the locals' traditional bargaining methods. Afterward, we'll drive along the China-Pakistan Highway for about four hours, enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of the Pamir Plateau. Along the way, we'll stop at the magnificent White Sand Lake, located next to the Karakoram Highway. This is a must-see spot en route to Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan. At Karakul Lake, you'll witness herds of livestock grazing by the lakeside, their reflections shimmering in the water. The local Kyrgyz herdsmen often settle here to graze their animals. Later, we'll drive to Tashkurgan County for an overnight stay. The following day will be spent exploring the stunning scenery along the highway before we head to our next destination.

Today, we will drive back to Kashgar. On the way, you will visit the Stone Fortress. The fortress is oval-shaped, with city walls constructed from sun-dried bricks on a stone foundation, measuring 1,285 meters in circumference. In recent years, new wooden pathways have been built, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding Golden Grasslands while enjoying stunning views of the Stone Fortress—perfect for photography. As you walk through the pastureland, you'll experience local Tajik culture, including traditional yurts and wooden frame houses that offer accommodations for visitors. You can also take small rafts out on the water or enjoy other activities in the scenic area. A reception center provides rentals for yachts, camels, horses, and more.

Kashgar

Today, you will meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby for a full-day Kashgar city tour. Our first stop is the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China and the most sacred site for local Muslims to practice their religious activities. Around 10:30 AM, we will visit the Old Town in time for the opening ceremony, where a cultural performance welcomes visitors. This will be followed by an immersive exploration of the unique local culture, including a visit to a Uighur family's home to experience their daily lifestyle. The Kashgar city tour concludes with a stroll through the bustling Handicraft Street, where you can admire dazzling jewelry, traditional pottery, unique musical instruments, and other daily essentials used by locals. As a special treat, we’ve arranged for you to relax in a local tea-house, soaking in the atmosphere and traditions of Kashgar. After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Urumqi.

Urumqi

Today, we will drive to the picturesque Heavenly Lake, nestled among snow-capped mountains, blooming wildflowers, and evergreen pine trees. Enjoy a refreshing lakeside trek or take the cable car up to Maya Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Afterwards, we will return to Urumqi (approximately 1.5 hours' drive) and visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar - the largest bazaar in the city. This vibrant marketplace offers an incredible array of local goods, including fresh fruits, traditional clothing, handicrafts, knives, carpets, and much more——a true shopper's paradise!

Today we will drive to the historical sites and oasis landscapes of Turpan. Our first must-see destination is Tuyoq Village, the oldest Uighur settlement nestled in the heart of Flaming Mountain Canyon. This remarkable village features four distinct sections: breathtaking canyon scenery, the ancient Thousand Buddha Caves, the sacred Mazar tombs, and well-preserved traditional dwellings of the ancient village. Next, we'll visit the Jiaohe Ruins, one of China's best-preserved ancient city ruins. Recognized for its historical significance, this remarkable site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on June 22, 2014. After exploring these fascinating locations, we'll spend the night in Turpan.

Turpan

After breakfast, we will depart from the hotel and visit the remarkable Karez Well system. This ancient underground irrigation network not only showcases brilliant engineering but also provides a cool retreat from the summer heat. Next, we'll explore the magnificent Sugong Minaret, China's tallest Islamic minaret dating back to 1778. This architectural masterpiece offers fascinating insights into the region's Islamic heritage. Following our visits, we'll drive back to Urumqi and transfer you to the airport for your scheduled flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you enjoyed your time exploring Xinjiang's wonders!