Itinerary
- Day 1
Urumqi
You'll arrive in Urumqi and get transferred from the airport to your hotel. After you've settled in, the rest of the day is yours to wander around the city and get oriented at your own pace.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Southern Airlines Pearl International Hotel )
- Day 2
Urumqi
Head out on a 1-hour drive to Heavenly Lake, a high mountain lake in the Tianshan Mountains at 3,194 meters. The water there reflects the surrounding snow-capped peaks, and the location has UNESCO World Heritage status. Later you'll return to Urumqi and spend time at the Xinjiang Museum to learn about the region's history and cultural artifacts.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Southern Airlines Pearl International Hotel )
Included Activities
- Visit Heavenly Lake
- Visit Xinjiang Museum
Landmarks Heavenly Lake Xinjiang Museum Tianshan Mountains 
- Day 3
Urumqi to Turpan
A 3-hour drive takes you to Turpan, an important stop on the ancient Silk Road. You'll walk through the ancient city of Jiaohe, see the Karez Irrigation System that's been used for centuries, and check out the Emin Minaret while getting a sense of the area's historical significance.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (James Joyce Coffetel )
Included Activities
- Visit ancient city of Jiaohe
- Visit Karez Irrigation System
- Visit Emin Minaret
Landmarks Jiaohe Ancient City Karez Irrigation System Emin Minaret 
- Day 4
Turpan to Kashgar
This morning you'll explore the ancient city of Gaochang and the Bezklik Grottoes with their Buddhist cave temples and artwork. Later you'll fly to Kashgar (note that limited direct flights might require returning to Urumqi first). You'll transfer to your hotel and settle in by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Kashgar Tianyuan International Hotel)
Included Activities
- Visit ancient city of Gaochang
- Visit Bezklik Grottoes
Landmarks Gaochang Ancient City Bezklik Grottoes - Day 5
Kashgar to Karakul Lake and return
You'll take a 4-hour drive from Kashgar along the Friendship Highway toward the Pamir Plateau. Stop in Upar Uyghur town to grab snacks and fresh fruits, then see White Sand Lake. You'll spend significant time at Karakul Lake (3,600 meters elevation), which sits near Muztagh Summit with yurts scattered around. Head back to Kashgar by late afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Kashgar Tianyuan International Hotel)
Included Activities
- Visit White Sand Lake
- Visit Karakul Lake
Landmarks Karakul Lake White Sand Lake Muztagh Summit Pamir Plateau Friendship Highway Upar Uyghur Town 
- Day 6
Kashgar
With a local guide, you'll have a full day exploring Kashgar. Start at the Apa Hoja Mausoleum from 1640, which features distinctive blue tiles and detailed Uyghur design. Walk through the old town to see traditional houses, shops, and restaurants. Visit Handicraft Street to browse music instruments and bronze work, and grab local snacks like Nang bread. You'll also see the Id Ghar Mosque, one of Xinjiang's largest. Lunch happens at a local Uyghur house with traditional food, and if it's Sunday, you'll have time at the nearby Animal Bazaar.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional Uyghur food including nang bread, hand-stretched noodles, and pilau at a local Uyghur house)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Grand Mercure Urumqi Hualing)
Included Activities
- Visit Apa Hoja Mausoleum
- Explore Kashgar old town
- Visit Handicraft Street
- Visit Id Ghar Mosque
- Lunch at local Uyghur house with traditional Uyghur food
Optional Activities
- Visit Animal Bazaar (Sundays only)
Landmarks Apa Hoja Mausoleum Kashgar Old Town Handicraft Street Id Ghar Mosque Animal Bazaar 
- Day 7
Kashgar
You'll transfer to Kashgar Airport for your departure flight, wrapping up your time in Xinjiang and your journey along the historic Silk Road.
- Meals
- Breakfast
