• Xinjiang Adventure with Taklamakan Desert

    ★★★★★

    4.9/5 497 Latest reviews

    Tour Code: ODY-CN-2450

    Destination:Urumqi, Kashgar, Tashkurgan, Kuqa, Korla, Turpan

Duration

14 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Classic

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About This Trip

North Xinjiang is intoxicated with its natural beauty, while South Xinjiang captivates with its rich cultural heritage. Start a journey into the heartland of Southern Xinjiang, from the bustling markets of Urumqi to the storied Silk Road towns of Kashgar, Tashkurgan, and Hotan, among others.

Traverse awe-inspiring landscapes, from the snow-capped peaks mirrored in Karakul Lake to the striking reddish-brown hues of the Keziliya Grand Canyon. Experience the thrill of crossing the “Sea of Death” – the Taklamakan Desert. Explore ancient kingdoms and temple ruins along the way, marveling at the profound changes over millennia and admiring the ingenuity of the people, epitomized by the Turpan Karez Irrigation System. Immerse yourself in the charm of Uygur’s ancient villages, visiting local households and sharing laughter and stories with friendly residents.

Itinerary Summary

DAYPLACEHIGHLIGHTS
1-2UrumqiXinjiang Region Museum, International Grand Bazaar
3-5Kashgar – TashkurganKashgar: Id Kah Mosque, Karakul Lake, Kashgar Old Town, Afaq Khoja Mausoleum, Baisha Lake, Kashgar’s Local Bazaar
Tashkurgan: Stone City, Golden Grassland
6YarkantYe’erqiang Khan Palace, Shache Ancient Tombs
7-8Hotan – AralTaklamakan Desert Crossing Adventure, Camel Riding, Walnut King Park, Rawak Stupa
9-10KuqaKeziliya Grand Canyon, Kizil Gaha Thousand Buddhist Caves, Kuqa Temple, Kuqa Royal Palace, Subashi Ancient Ruins
11KorlaBazhou Museum, Iron Gate Pass
12-13TurpanJiaohe Ancient City, Karez System, Uyghur Home Visit, Tuyugou Valley
14UrumqiDeparture
Quick Question

Itinerary

Upon arriving in Urumqi, a friendly guide will be there to greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel, making the check-in process smooth and easy.

Once settled in, there’s a delightful spread of local specialties waiting – fragrant naan, succulent lamb skewers, and tasty beef skewers. You might choose to dive into these culinary treats or simply relax and recharge for the exciting day ahead.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

In the morning, visit the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum to explore a wealth of historical artifacts and cultural treasures, including Silk Road relics, traditional Uygur crafts, and exquisite artworks.

Then, head to the International Grand Bazaar, a vibrant Urumqi landmark, where you can enjoy the ethnic atmosphere, admire handicrafts, savor local snacks, and find unique souvenirs.

Later, fly to Kashgar, the southern gem of Xinjiang. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Tianshan Mountains and the Taklamakan Desert. Upon arrival, discover the rich history and diverse cultures of this ancient Silk Road hub.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Visit the Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine, an ancient mausoleum that harmonizes Uyghur architectural elegance with deep cultural significance. Take time to explore the site and delve into the captivating stories and legends that surround her life.

Next, wander through Kashgar’s traditional bazaar, immersing yourself in its vibrant colors, sounds, and scents. Be sure to visit the livestock trading market, where locals buy and sell cattle and sheep – a lively, authentic display of rural commerce that has endured for generations.

Then head to Kashga’s Old Town and Artisan Street, where labyrinthine streets and winding alleys beckon you to explore. Traditional houses of earth, wood, and brick showcase the area’s unique local charm and centuries-old architectural character, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the city.

Finish with a visit to the Id Kah Mosque, a cultural icon and the spiritual heart of Kashgar’s Muslim community. Admire its unique architectural features and feel the significance of this timeless place in local life.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Today, let’s set off for Tashkurgan. After about 3 hours, entering the Pamir Plateau, you’ll glimpse the distant white sand mountains. Below lies Lake Baisha, its azure waters mirroring the sky, while white sands line the shore like snow.

Continuing onward, the majestic Muztagh Peak is mirrored in the rare glacial waters of Lake Karakul, and all weariness seems to vanish. Herds of cattle and sheep graze leisurely on the lakeside meadows, and you may also visit local nomadic communities, sampling traditional snacks and dried yak meat. Conclude the day with an overnight stay in Tashkurgan.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

For those who have a passion for the history of the Silk Road, a must-visit is the Stone City. Nestled against the mountains, it was a vital hub along the Silk Road, witnessing exchanges and trade among ancient merchants, nomadic tribes, and religious missionaries, every stone echoing with history.

Nearby lies the Golden Grassland, where the Tashkurgan River flows, nourishing lush pastures dotted with grazing cattle and sheep. Against a backdrop of distant snow-capped peaks and yurts of nomadic herders, it creates a harmonious and picturesque scene.

Then, take a flight to Kashgar and enjoy an overnight stay.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Today, drive for about three hours to Yarkant County, a city with over three thousand years of history, known for its rich cultural and musical heritage.

Your first stop is the Ye’erqiang Khan Palace, where the exterior walls boast intricately carved colorful murals and the palace is crowned with light blue onion-shaped domes. Proceed to the royal mausoleum of the Khanate – Shache Ancient Tombs. Here, you’ll uncover the captivating tales of Amanishahan and the Twelve Muqam, true treasures of Uygur culture. Concluding your day, stroll along Shache First Street, sample a piping hot cup of black brick tea, and encounter locals singing or chatting, indulging in the most genuine ethnic charm.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Continue to Hotan, famed for its high-quality jade, earning it the title “Jade Capital.” Arrive after approximately four hours and visit Walnut King Park, home to century-old walnut trees and the impressive Thousand-Mile Grape Corridor.

Then, enjoy a leisurely camel ride around Hotan’s scenic surroundings. Make a stop at the bustling Hotan Night Market, savoring local delicacies and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Xinjiang life.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Today, visit the Rawak Stupa, is a Buddhist stupa located on the southern rim of the Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang, China, along the famous trade route known as the Silk Road in the first millennium Kingdom of Khotan.

Set out on a journey across the vast Taklamakan Desert. Departing from Hotan, head north, delving deep into this expansive sea of sand. Along the way, marvel at the diverse shapes of dunes and waves, with gravel and shifting sands intertwined. The black highway winds through the endless yellow sands. Occasionally, spot wild camels and gazelles drinking at waterholes, or pass through magnificent poplar forests. Finally, reach the oasis city of Aral, nestled within the desert.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

It takes about 5 hours by car to reach Kuqa, situated at the end of the Duku Highway. Amidst the ruins and desolate mounds here lies a sense of mystery. Only after exploring these remnants, you will grasp Kuqa’s former glory.

After check-in, pay a visit to the Keziliya Grand Canyon. Over millions of years of erosion by wind and rain and the scouring force of mountain torrents, the massive reddish-brown rock formations in the canyon take on diverse shapes. As you hike along the canyon, it widens and narrows, with towering cliffs overhead. Move to Kizil Gaha Thousand-Buddhist Caves, perched on the cliffs of Mingwudag Mountain, where you’ll find a wealth of exquisite murals hidden within the caves. It’s a must-see in person, as the wind and sand erosion may erase it in years to come.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

After breakfast, visit the Kuqa Temple, whose grand gate stands at 18.3 meters, carrying rich historical and cultural tales. Stepping into the Kuqa Royal Palace, you’ll immerse yourself in the stories of the 12 generations of kings and may even be fortunate enough to encounter the last queen. Head to the Subashi Ancient Ruins, submerged in the desert for millennia, still reveal remnants of old castles’ walls, platforms, watchtowers, and beacon holes, despite the passage of time.

After concluding your Kuqa journey, drive towards Korla, a city famous for its fragrant pears, reachable in about four hours. If you still have the energy, consider taking a leisurely night stroll around Swan River in the city center.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

In the morning, visit the Bazhou Museum, which chronicles the rise and fall of various tribes and nations in the Western Regions, and also features intriguing exhibits on the mysterious Lop Nor and numerous mummies. Before departing, explore the Iron Gate Pass, a strategic stronghold for north-south traffic in Xinjiang and a crucial point on the ancient Silk Road to Central Asia.

Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive of about five hours to reach Turpan, where a new adventure awaits.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Step into the ancient city of Jiaohe, the world’s best-preserved earthen architecture and China’s most intact urban relic from over 2,000 years ago, and relive its glorious past. Explore the Karez System, an ancient irrigation network hailed as the “Underground Great Wall,” by descending dozens of meters underground to see the vast tunnels that solved water scarcity in the desert.

Pass by the Sugong Tower, renowned for its exquisite brickwork and unique Islamic architecture, showcasing superb craftsmanship and cultural charm.

If visiting Grape Valley during the grape season, you’ll find lush greenery, vines heavy with ripe grapes, and unique drying houses for raisins.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Before leaving Turpan, take a trip to Mazha Village in Tuyu Valley, a very ancient Uyghur village where all the houses are built according to the terrain with adobe, giving a rustic and timeless feel with its earthy hues. Villagers converse in ancient Uyghur, dressed in traditional attire, while enjoying the shade under trees. Visit a local family and taste dried fruits, hot tea, and delicious food while engaging in conversation with the hosts.

Then, drive for about three hours to reach Urumqi.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

As you’re about to leave Urumqi and head back home, your guide will accompany you to the airport.

Look forward to welcoming you back next time to continue exploring the magnificent scenery of Northern Xinjiang.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Why Choose Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd.

12-Year TripAdvisor Award

Travellers’ Choice winner every year since 2013

No Commission Shopping

Zero shopping stops, zero pressure, zero hidden agendas

100% Private

Every tour is exclusively yours — no strangers, no shared buses

Expert Local Guides

Licensed, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge

Real reviews from real travellers

  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eI highly recommend Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd. The team is very easy to work with, has excellent ideas and the guides are knowledgeable and easy to be with. Very solid itineraries and execution — flexible, high quality, and great value for money.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    James T.
    Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe visited both Xi’an and Shanghai under Jiuhong’s arrangement and received the same first-class service in both cities. The guides were knowledgeable, flexible, and happy to discuss all aspects of modern China — giving insights difficult to obtain elsewhere. Strongly recommended.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Greenfly
    Couples · Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe had a wonderful action-packed day. Fei Fei was amazing — her knowledge was very impressive and she was a real pleasure to be with. This was certainly the highlight of our stay in this beautiful city. Thanks so much.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Ludovic V.
    Couples · London, UK · Verified · TripAdvisor

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