Welcome to Kashgar, a city steeped in history and imbued with the unique cultural and ethnic characteristics of the Silk Road. Upon your arrival, our team will transfer you to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind before embarking on your natural wonder and culture adventure. Take this time to prepare for the fascinating experiences that await you in this ancient city, where every corner tells a story of centuries-old traditions and vibrant cultural heritage. Get ready to immerse yourself in the charm and allure of Kashgar, as you embark on an unforgettable journey through its rich tapestry of history and culture.

• Stay in Kashgar

• Visit to Id Kah Mosque: Begin your day with a visit to the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China and a sacred place for local Muslims to practice their Islamic activities. Marvel at the mosque's grand architecture and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this revered site.
• Exploration of the Old Town: Experience the charm of Kashgar's Old Town as you witness the open ceremony and cultural show, greeting tourists with traditional performances and displays. Delve into the special culture of the area and immerse yourself in the lifestyle of its inhabitants.
• Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you'll savor authentic flavors of Kashgar cuisine.
• Visit to the Sunday Bazaar: Explore the famous Sunday bazaar, a bustling market that combines two sections. The covered bazaar offers a plethora of goods including clothing, nuts, and household items, while the outdoor Animal Bazaar is a lively scene where farmers and buyers come together to trade animals. Witness the vibrant atmosphere and unique bargaining methods that characterize this iconic market.
• Wandering Handicraft Street: Conclude your Kashgar city tour with a stroll through the bustling Handicraft Street, where you'll find a dazzling array of jewelry, primitive pottery, musical instruments, and other daily necessities of the locals. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this vibrant street, capturing the essence of Kashgar's artisanal traditions.
• Guided Tour of Kashgar's History & Culture: Throughout the day, your knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the city's history, culture, and traditions, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience in Kashgar.

• Visit to Id Kah Mosque
• Exploration of the Old Town
• Visit to the Sunday Bazaar
• Wandering Handicraft Street
• Stay in Kashgar, B, L, D

• Drive overland along the China and Pakistan Highway, where you'll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas and natural wonders. One of the highlights en route is the magnificent Bulongkol Lake, also known as Baisha Mountain or White Sand Mountain. Nestled in the Pamir Plateau, this stunning lake sits at an altitude of approximately 3500 to 5000 meters, surrounded by towering peaks reaching heights of over 7000 meters.
• As you travel along the Karakoram Highway, Bulongkol Lake is a must-stop spot on your route to Karakul Lake and Taxkorgan. From its shores, you'll witness panoramic views of the Pamir Plateau, with Tajikistan in the center, Eastern China to the right, and Afghanistan and northern Pakistan in the foreground to the left. The vista captures the vastness and beauty of the region, offering a glimpse into the rugged landscapes and diverse cultures that define this remote corner of the world.
• Continuing your journey to arrive at Karakul Lake, a breathtaking alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Here, you'll encounter herds of livestock grazing along the lakeside, their reflections shimmering in the crystal-clear waters. Kirghiz herdsmen often settle in the area, adding to the scene's pastoral charm as they tend to their flocks amidst the stunning mountain backdrop.
• Experience the tranquility and natural beauty of these remote landscapes as you traverse the China and Pakistan Highway, where every turn reveals a new vista more captivating than the last.

• Drive along China-Pakistan Highway
• Photograph Bulongkol Lake
• Encounter Kirghiz herdsmen
• Stay in Kashgar, B, L

• After your flight from Kashgar to Urumqi, our guide and driver will be waiting for you at the airport to begin your exploration of the city. Your first stop will be the Xinjiang Museum, renowned for its extensive collection of Silk Road artifacts and cultural treasures. Among its most famous attractions are the mummies discovered in the Tarim Basin, which provide valuable insights into the ancient civilizations of the region, including the Tocharians and Indo-European peoples.
• As you explore the museum, you'll have the opportunity to marvel at ancient textiles, ceramics, and other artifacts that highlight the vibrant cultural exchanges along the Silk Road. After your visit, we'll transfer you to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind after your journey. Take this time to rest and rejuvenate before continuing your adventures in Urumqi and beyond.

• Visit the Xinjiang Museum
• Marvel at ancient textiles
• Stay in Urumqi, B

• We'll begin the tour today by about two hours drive to the breathtaking Heavenly Lake, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and tranquil ambiance. Surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests, this pristine alpine lake offers a perfect setting for relaxation and exploration.
• After soaking in the serene beauty of Heavenly Lake, we'll return to Urumqi to visit the bustling Erdaoqiao Bazaar. Here, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling market, where vendors sell a wide array of goods including traditional crafts, textiles, spices, and more. Take your time to explore the lively stalls, interact with local merchants, and perhaps pick up some souvenirs to commemorate your time in Xinjiang.

• Explore the breathtaking Heavenly Lake
• Visit the bustling Erdaoqiao Bazaar
• Stay in Urumqi, B, L, D

• Today, we drive for about 2 hours from Urumqi to Turpan for our onward Silk Road trip. Turpan is an oasis located some 120 meters below the sea level.
• Our first stop in Turpan is the ancient Gaochang Ruins, located near Turpan. This archaeological site offers a glimpse into the ancient kingdom of Gaochang, which thrived along the Silk Road over a thousand years ago. Explore the remnants of this once-flourishing city, including its temples, palaces, and defensive walls, and imagine life in this bustling oasis town.
• Next, we'll visit the Kezilguk Caves, also known as the Kezebelik Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient Buddhist cave art. Marvel at the intricate frescoes and sculptures that adorn these caves, which date back to the 4th to 14th centuries AD. As you explore the caves, you'll gain insights into the religious and artistic traditions of the region's ancient inhabitants.
• The transfer to the hotel for a rest.

• Explore the ancient Gaochang Ruins
• Visit the Kezilguk Caves
• Stay in Turpan, B, L, D

• We'll start the day by boarding a high-speed train in the morning from Turpan to Liuyuan. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the comfortable ride as we traverse the picturesque landscapes of Xinjiang. The journey will take approximately 3.5 hours.
• Arrival in Liuyuan and Transfer to Dunhuang: Upon arrival at Liuyuan Station, our guide will be waiting to greet you. From there, we'll embark on a scenic drive to Dunhuang, which will take about 1.5 hours. As we journey through the desert landscape, you'll have the opportunity to marvel at the vast expanse of sand dunes and rugged terrain.
• Afternoon Exploration of Crescent Lake: Upon reaching Dunhuang, we'll dive straight into exploration with a visit to the iconic Crescent Lake, nestled amidst the Singing Sand Dunes. Marvel at the natural beauty of this oasis, where the tranquil lake provides a stark contrast to the surrounding desert landscape. If time permits, we'll even enjoy a camel ride, adding an extra touch of adventure to our experience.
• Evening Stroll in Shazhou Market: In the evening, we will come to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Shazhou Market. Here, you'll have the opportunity to browse stalls selling a variety of goods, from local crafts and souvenirs to delicious street food. Take a leisurely stroll through the bustling market, soaking in the sights, sounds, and aromas of this bustling hub of activity.

• Explore Crescent Lake
• Stroll through Shazhou Market
• Admire Singing Sand Dunes
• Stay in Dunhuang, B, D

• Today, we will enjoy a journey through ancient marvels and historic wonders in Dunhuang.
• Morning visit to the UNESCO-listed Mogao Grottoes:Enjoy a guided tour into various treasure groves and prepare to be mesmerized as we explore the renowned Mogao Grottoes, often referred to as the "Caves of a Thousand Buddhas." This UNESCO World Heritage site is a treasure trove of Buddhist art and architecture, housing a vast collection of frescoes, statues, and scriptures dating back over a thousand years. Marvel at the intricate carvings and vibrant murals that adorn the caves, each telling stories of religious devotion and artistic mastery.
• Afternoon visit to Han Dynasty Great Wall Fortification: Following our exploration of the Mogao Grottoes, we'll continue our journey back in time with a visit to the Han Dynasty Great Wall Fortification. This ancient defensive structure, dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), played a crucial role in protecting the northern borders of China. Explore the well-preserved remnants of the wall and fortifications, gaining insights into the military strategies and engineering feats of ancient China.
• As you immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural heritage of Dunhuang, prepare to be captivated by the stories and legends that have shaped this ancient oasis town. It's a day filled with discovery and wonder, offering a glimpse into the enduring legacy of China's past.

• visit to the UNESCO-listed Mogao Grottoes
• Explore Han Dynasty Great Wall Fortification
• Stay in Dunhuang, B, L, D

• Begin your day with a morning flight from Dunhuang to Xi'an. Upon arrival at Xi'an airport, your guide will be there to greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel.
• After settling in at your hotel, embark on a city tour to explore Xi'an's rich history. Your first stop is the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautiful structure dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Marvel at the intricate architecture and learn about the pagoda's significance in Chinese Buddhism.
• In the evening, indulge in a culinary delight with a traditional dumpling feast, sampling a variety of savory and sweet dumplings that are a specialty of Xi'an cuisine. After dinner, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Tang Dynasty with a mesmerizing music and dance show. Marvel at the colorful costumes, graceful movements, and enchanting melodies that bring to life the splendor of China's golden age.

• Tour Small Wild Goose Pagoda
• Sample diverse dumplings
• Watch Tang Dynasty show
• Stay in Xi'an, B, L, D

• After breakfast, our guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby for a private tour to one of the world's most awe-inspiring archaeological sites—the Terracotta Army. Marvel at the thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors and horses, meticulously crafted over 2,200 years ago to protect the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Experience the sense of wonder as you witness this incredible testament to ancient craftsmanship and imperial power.
• Following your visit to the Terracotta Army, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor authentic flavors of Xi'an cuisine.
• In the afternoon, your journey continues with a visit to the Ming Dynasty City Wall, a remarkable architectural feat and the best-preserved city defense system in the world. Embark on a leisurely stroll or opt for a bike ride atop the wall, taking in panoramic views of Xi'an's historic cityscape and surrounding landscapes.
• Conclude your day with a visit to the vibrant Muslim Street, where you can immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of this cultural hub. Sample local snacks, browse through colorful markets, and soak up the lively ambiance of this dynamic neighborhood. Then, visit the Great Mosque, a tranquil oasis nestled amidst the bustling streets. Dating back to the late Tang Dynasty, this exquisite example of Chinese Islamic architecture is one of the oldest and most significant mosques in China.

• Explore ancient Terracotta Army
• Walk atop Ming Dynasty City Wall
• Browse vibrant stalls in Muslim Street
• Visit Great Mosque
• Stay in Xi'an, B, L, D

Our guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby, transfer to the airport / train station for your onward journey home.

• Departure, B