D1. Arrive in Kashgar
Fly to Kashgar from Beijing, Chengdu, or another major city in China. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at Kashgar Airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in and rest.
Depending on your arrival time, you can take a relaxing walk around Kashgar in the afternoon or evening. This is a good opportunity to get your first impression of this historic Silk Road city, explore the local streets, and experience its distinctive Uyghur atmosphere.
D2. Kashgar City Tour
Your Kashgar sightseeing tour begins with a visit to the Abakh Khoja Tomb, also known as the Fragrant Concubine Tomb. This historic Islamic mausoleum is an important cultural site in Kashgar and offers an introduction to the history, architecture, and traditions of the Uyghur people.
In the late morning or afternoon, head to the Kashgar Livestock Market, where local farmers and traders gather to buy and sell cattle, sheep, goats, and other livestock. The lively market provides an interesting glimpse into traditional commerce and everyday life in southern Xinjiang.
Later, return to Kashgar Old Town and explore the area around Id Kah Mosque, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Admire the traditional Islamic architecture from the outside before wandering through the old alleys and residential streets.
Take your time exploring the colorful handicraft shops, local markets, and traditional neighborhoods. You can also sample authentic Uyghur cuisine and discover the unique blend of cultures that makes Kashgar one of the most fascinating cities along the ancient Silk Road.
D3. Kashgar – Tashkurgan | 290 km, about 5.5 hours’ driving
Today, travel from Kashgar toward Tashkurgan on the spectacular Pamir Plateau. The journey takes around five and a half hours, but the stunning scenery along the Karakoram Highway makes the drive an unforgettable part of the tour.
On the way, stop at Baisha Lake, famous for its striking contrast between the turquoise-blue water and the surrounding white sand dunes. Continue toward Karakul Lake, where you can enjoy magnificent views of the lake and the snow-capped Muztagh Ata, one of the most iconic peaks in the Pamirs.
After enjoying the scenery, continue to Tashkurgan and arrive in the late afternoon. Take a relaxing walk around this high-altitude plateau town and experience the distinctive culture and traditions of the local Tajik people.
D4. Tashkurgan – Kashgar
Spend the morning exploring the beautiful landscapes around Tashkurgan. The area is surrounded by vast grasslands, snow-capped mountains, valleys, and highland scenery, offering excellent opportunities for photography and experiencing the natural beauty of the Pamir Plateau.
You can also learn more about the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Tajik people living in this remote border region.
In the afternoon, begin the journey back to Kashgar. Enjoy the changing scenery along the way and arrive in Kashgar later in the day.
D5. Kashgar – Urumqi
Take a morning flight from Kashgar to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. After arriving, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel.
In the afternoon, begin your Urumqi sightseeing tour with a visit to Red Hill Park, one of the city’s well-known landmarks. The park offers a pleasant place to walk and enjoy views of Urumqi.
Later, explore the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, one of the best places in Urumqi to experience the region’s diverse cultures and local specialties. Browse through shops selling traditional handicrafts, dried fruits, spices, textiles, and souvenirs, and enjoy local Uyghur food at the market.
D6. Urumqi – Turpan
Travel from Urumqi to Turpan in the morning. Located in a deep depression surrounded by mountains, Turpan is one of the hottest and driest areas of China and has played an important role along the ancient Silk Road.
Your first visit is to the Jiaohe Ruins, an extraordinary ancient city built on a natural earthen plateau. With a history of more than 2,000 years, the ruins preserve remarkable remains of streets, temples, houses, and other structures, providing a fascinating insight into the history of the ancient Silk Road.
In the afternoon, continue exploring Turpan with a visit to the Karez Irrigation System. This remarkable underground water network was developed to bring water from the surrounding mountains to the oasis while minimizing evaporation in the region’s extremely dry climate. It is an impressive example of traditional engineering and local wisdom.
Continue your Turpan sightseeing and experience the local Uyghur culture, architecture, food, and traditional way of life.
D7. Turpan – Urumqi | 198 km, about 2 hours’ driving
After breakfast, visit the spectacular Flaming Mountains, famous for their intensely red and rugged landscape. The mountains are also closely associated with the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West and the legendary Monkey King, Sun Wukong.
Continue to Tuyugou Valley, one of the oldest traditional Uyghur settlements in the Turpan area. Walk through the village, see traditional houses and vineyards, and learn more about the daily life and customs of the local Uyghur community.
After sightseeing, drive back to Urumqi in the afternoon. Upon arrival, your guide will transfer you to the airport or railway station for your onward flight or train.
End of your 7-day Xinjiang tour.