12 Days China Xinjiang Silk Road Tour: Best Highlights

Tour Overview

This 12-day China Silk Road tour takes you on a journey through Xinjiang’s fascinating heritage, from the ancient Jiaohe Ruins and Kuqa Grand Mosque to the artistic Kezil Thousand Buddha Grottoes.

Besides, explore the rich culture at Hotan Museum and the beauty of Karakuli Lake, admire the majestic Pamir Mountains. Last, in Kashgar – an important intersection of Eastern and Western economies, cultures, discover vibrant Kashgar Old Town, the exquisite Id Kah Mosque and the lively Sunday Bazaar.

Highlights of this tour

Explore the world’s largest earthen city – Jiaohe Ruins.
Feel the blend of Islamic and Uyghur cultures of the Kuqa Grand Mosque.
Discover the earliest Buddhist grottoes in China – Kezil Thousand Buddha Grottoes.
Unveil the Silk Road legacy at Hotan Museum.
Enjoy the natural beauty of Karakuli Lake near Kashgar.
Wander through the ancient streets of Kashgar Old Town to see lively markets and rich Uyghur heritage.

Basic Trip Information

Travel Route: Urumqi-Turpan-Korla-Kuqa-Hotan-Yarkant-Kashgar-Urumqi

Travel Length: 12 Days and 11 Nights

Tour Code:

Group Size: Only your family or group

Suitable for: Culture & history lovers, seniors

Departure: Any day you want

Your tour – quick look

Day 1-2 Arrival, Urumqi to Turpan Tour

Spend one day exploring the highlights of Turpan covering Jiaohe Ruins, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Flaming Hill.

Day 3-5 Korla & Kuqa Tour

Travel to Korla to visit the Tiemen Pass and then transfer to Kuqa to see Xinjing’s second biggest mosque – Kuqa Grand Mosque, visit Subashi Ruins, the site of the famous “Kingdom of Lady”, and appreciate the earliest Buddhist grottoes in China – Kezil Thousand Buddha Grottoes.

Day 6-8 Hotan and Yarkant Tour

Admire the rich collection of Hotan Museum, take a glimpse of the Hotan River, the only river that flows through the deep Taklamakan Desert. Then transfer to Yarkant County, where Marco Polo once came in the 13th century.

Day 9-12 Kashgar Tour, Flight to Urumqi, Departure

Take a Kashgar side trip to Karakuli Lake for free time to stroll around. Then spend a whole day visiting Kashgar covering Kashgar Sunday Bazaar, Id Kah Mosque, and Kashgar Old Town. After that, take a flight to Urumqi for departure.

Day-to-day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Urumqi

Our driver will wait for you at the airport terminal exit by holding a welcome sign with your name on it. Then you will be driven to a downtown hotel and have a good rest. The rest of the day is free at your disposal.

Meal: N/A

Accommodation: in Urumqi

Day 2 Urumqi to Turpan Tour
Explore the Best-preserved City of Earthen Architecture

After breakfast, drive to Turpan to start your journey in Xinjiang. Jiaohe Ruins, the first stop on Turpan tour, is the largest, oldest, and best preserved city of earthen architecture in the world. It was first built in the 2nd century BC and has undergone multiple changes in history, ultimately being destroyed by war in the 14th century. The tour guide will take you to visit multiple areas such as government offices, impoverished areas, temple areas, and burial areas to explore its past.

Afterward, pay a visit to Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. The Buddhist murals and statues in the grottoes represent many social facts of Gaochang Kingdom which existed 1400 years ago. The last stop is the Flaming Hill – one of the hottest places in China. In summer, its surface temperature can reach 89 ℃, earning it the nickname “Fire Land”. Flaming Hill features its unique red sandstone topography. Under the sunlight, the mountain is like a burning flame, and the scenery is spectacular. After the tour, drive you to the hotel for check-in.

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

Accommodation: in Turpan

Day 3 Turpan to Korla Tour
Visit the Fourth Pass of the Silk Road

In the morning, meet your guide in the hotel and board the car to start driving to Korla. The 5 hours driving would be a good chance to see virgin desert scenery. Arriving in Korla, we will visit the Tiemen Pass which used to be the important fourth on ancient Silk Road in the Han and Tang Dynasties.

You will also see the famous Yanqi Basin, which is the largest freshwater lake in China.

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

Accommodation: in Korla

Day 4 Korla to Kuqa Tour
Admire the Second-largest Mosque in Xinjiang

Meet your tour guide and driver and continue your way to Kuqa which was known as the capital city of Qiuci Kingdom in ancient times. In Kuqa, you will first visit Xinjing’s second biggest mosque – Kuqa Grand Mosque.

Then, in a local market you will see and feel the special trading way among local people. The market is said to be the best place to see the true life of local people. At last, be guided to visit Subashi Ruins, the site of the famous “Kingdom of Lady” which existed in the Tang Dynasty.

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

Accommodation: in Kuqa

Day 5 Kuqa Tour
Admire the Exquisite Buddha Statues

After breakfast, we will drive to Kezil Thousand Buddha Grottoes, one of the earliest Buddhist grottoes in China, which was excavated at the end of the 3rd century AD, 300 years earlier than the Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang. The grotto complex stretches for 3 kilometers, with a total of 251 caves and approximately 10,000 square meters of existing murals. This is the earliest witness of the spread of Buddhist culture to the east, known as the “Second Dunhuang of China”.

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

Accommodation: in Kuqa

Day 6 Kuqa to Hotan Tour
Drive through China’s Largest Desert

Today, we depart Kuqa and continue your Xinjiang tour package to Hotan. During the whole day, we will be driving through the Taklimakan Desert, the largest desert in China. Arriving in Hotan, check in hotel and then have a good rest.

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

Accommodation: in Hotan

Xinjiang Hetian Hotan Taklimakan Desert — Taklimakan Desert

Day 7 Hotan Tour
Explore Cultural Relics and Artworks along the Silk Road

After breakfast, start your Silk Road journey at the Hotan Museum. There is a rich collection of historical relics and artworks here, including bronze ware, pottery, jade, brocade, etc. Through exquisite exhibitions, the historical charm of Hotan as a key town on the Silk Road is vividly reproduced.

Then, take a glimpse of the Hotan River, the only river that flows through the deep Taklamakan Desert. Along the Hotal River, many ancient kingdoms flourished in the Desert. With the fading of the Silk Road, those kingdoms disappear one after one.

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

Accommodation: in Hotan

Day 8 Hotan to Yarkant Tour
Explore Uyghur Customs and Historical Sites

Today, we will transfer you to Yarkant County, which will take approximately 4-5 hours by car. Shache has a history of over 3,000 years. As a key point on the ancient Silk Road, this place combines Uyghur customs with profound historical heritage. Each historical site here tells the story of its past glory. The Italian traveler Marco Polo once came here in the 13th century.

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

Accommodation: in Yarkant

Day 9 Yarkant to Kashgar Tour
Admire the Islamic-style Mausoleum Complex

After breakfast, we will drive for around 3 hours to Kashgar, a major commercial port on the Silk Road and an important intersection of Eastern and Western economies, cultures, and civilizations.

Upon arrival, follow the local guide to visit Abakh Khoja Tomb, a typical ancient Islamic-style mausoleum complex, with 72 people from five generations of a large family. It is named after the legend that Emperor Qianlong’s Fragrant Concubine was buried here. After the tour, transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

Accommodation: in Kashgar

Kashgar Abakh Hoja Tomb — Abakh Khoja Tomb

Day 10 Kashgar Karakuri Lake Tour
Enjoy the Snow-capped Mountains Reflected on the Lake

Today, you will enjoy a Kashgar side trip to Karakuli Lake, which is located in the eastern part of the Pamir Plateau, at the foot of Muztagh Ata, with an altitude of 3,600 meters. The lake is deep and gloomy, surrounded by lush vegetation and mountains. The reflection of Muztagh Ata often appears on the lake, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. This is also a great place to experience the scenery of the Pamir Plateau. After the leisure time here, drive you back to Kashgar.

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

Accommodation: in Kashgar

Day 11 Kashgar to Urumqi Tour by Flight
Appreciate Islamic Architecture and Local Life of Bazaar

After breakfast, your guide will lead you to Kashgar Sunday Bazaar, a place where merchants from Central and South Asia gather with a long history and was built in the Tang Dynasty. It is a great place for shopping and savoring authentic flavors as it gathers all kinds of handicrafts and cuisines. The bazaar witnessed the prosperity of the Silk Road.

Next, go to admire the Id Kah Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Xinjiang, built in 1442. Inside the mosque, you can see the stained glass and exquisite tiles, and the towering minaret.

End the Kashgar tour with Old Town of Kashgar and then catch the evening flight to Urumqi. Arriving in Urumqi, met by local driver and transfer to check in at the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

Accommodation: in Urumqi

Day 12 Departure from Urumqi

Enjoy your free time till the hotel pick-up. Then transfer you to the airport or train station for your next destination.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: N/A

Request a Custom Quote Today

The price varies based on the activity, number of people, date of trip, and selected hotel. Kindly get in touch with us for a precise cost according to your specifications.

What’s included?

11 nights’ accommodation in well-selected hotels;

Meals listed in the itinerary;

Private air-conditioned vehicle with licensed drivers;

Excellent local English-speaking tour guides services as mentioned in the itinerary;

Entrance tickets as mentioned in the itinerary;

Second-class train tickets and economic-class flights mentioned in the itinerary;

1 bottle of mineral water per person per day;

China Travel Insurance.

What’s excluded?

Flight/train tickets to/off Urumqi;

Any optional activities inside the attractions;

Any item not mentioned in the itinerary;

Single Room Supplement;

All kinds of gratuities for guides, drivers & others.

What You’ll Receive at Chinasilkroadtours

At the heart of Chinasilkroadtours is the seamless service offered together by our 1-on-1 travel consultant, meticulous tour operators, expert local guides, and attentive local drivers. Our service is therefore made to be as unique as you are.

1-on-1 Travel Advisor

Your Silk Road experience starts with telling us your travel wishes and your one-on-one travel advisor designing the unique trip for you with their insider expertise.

Once we receive your request, one of our travel consultants will get back to you ASAP, typically within 24 hrs. Your travel consultant will then listen and learn about your travel style, your schedule, your budget, and your aspirations for your Silk Road travel plans. Based on this, she/he will provide you with a custom itinerary or a small group journey that suits your needs perfectly.

Plus, know your trip is taken care of by your 1-on-1 travel advisor with round-the-clock support should you need to alter your itinerary anytime.

Best Local Guides

Our locally-based guides narrate the Silk Road’s history and stories. They also provide with you insider tips, show you all the secret places, and introduce you to the locals.

Our best-selected guides are local people living in the cities along the Silk Road. During your trip, be it a private tour or a small group, they offer more than just things you can learn from the guidebooks, they try to give you a real insight into the Silk Route.

Whether you are traveling with kids or seniors, our guides are very patient and always pay close attention to every detail.

Local Drivers & Vehicles

All our Silk Road tours use well-maintained and air-conditioned vehicles. Different types of vehicles, from cars to vans are selected depending on your group size and tour style. We also offer off-road vehicles for desert adventures.

Our experienced local drivers are familiar with the local road conditions of rough terrain, including desert highways and mountainous areas. They can easily navigate the roads, guaranteeing a comfortable and safe journey. Plus, they are well trained in a professional manner, being friendly and helpful.

Handpicked Hotels

Checking in and checking out the accommodations along the Silk Road every year, we hand-pick the best collection of accommodations.

The accommodations we choose include luxury, boutique, or comfortable hotels in major cities, comfortable or basic hotels in remote towns, and caravanserais and camping sites that offer a unique experience.

It’s your decision about where to stay that best suits your tastes and budget. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us.

Silk Road Foods

We also hand-pick restaurants with a variety of local cuisines, from Uyghur cuisine to Shaanxi Cuisine, to enrich your Silk Road travel experience.

Savor authentic Northwest Chinese, Uyghur, and Central Asian cuisines with the signature dishes and snacks. From delicious mutton soups to a wide range of noodles and a taste of the local “bread” like Roujiamo and naan, enjoy an expansive menu featuring local flavors.

Please let us know if you have any dietary allergies or what foods (e.g. Western foods) you or your kids enjoy.

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services

Our 10-day mid Oct Silk Road trip was magical. Lenna at China Silk Road Tours took us through 3 customized our itinerary. We witnessed breathtaking sights along the way, including a Lake in a desert, snow-capped mountains, unreal layer-cake hills, ancient Silk Road ruins, Buddhist grottoes, museums… We enjoy the good meals, nice hotels and comfortable transport with professcional English-speaking guides.
Traveler634605
December 2024
It was a really great Silk Road trip with varying sights and experiences. W love the beautiful alpine mountains..and enjoy the desert experience with camel riding and the full Monti. The
Food arranged was great again. We always like the travel experience, together with different regional cuisines.
Bigg Caesar
October 2024
In Thailand, I run a travel agency. When travelling to the Gansu Silk Road, always use this agency. I think Sophia is an excellent trip operator. quick to respond to messages and attentive to every detail. We are unable to plan quality travel without a competent tour operator. Sally is the best guide as well; she is incredibly knowledgable and pays close attention to every aspect. I’d want to give these two girls a big thank you.
Anothai L
October 2024
Silk Road Tours was able to deliver with both excellence and value—thank you for a wonderful trip! Sophia responded to all requests with excellent suggestions and follow-through. We are a couple of over 60 years old who are very experienced travellers. Our travel style is to find good local guides and/or tours that offer excellent guidance with good value. We were able to travel efficiently with both high speed trains and a comfortable and private car.
Travel745
September 2024
In September, Sophia organised a party of 11 of us to travel the Silk Road from Urumqi to Lanzhou. The vacation was fantastic; the hotel accommodations, the history of each area we visited, and the scenery were all thoughtfully prepared for us. Sophia, thank you!
BYTKWAN
September 2024