7 Days Silk Road Dunhuang-Turpan-Urumqi-Kashgar Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Dunhuang Arrival
   Echoing-Sand Mountain, Crescent Lake (Lunch)

   AM: Upon our arrival, the local guide will greet you at the exit of airport or train station.

   Then unfold today's tour with one of the most famous attractions along the Silk Road- the Echoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake. When you slide down the slope, you can hear the roaring echo of sands, hence the name. A short camel ride will leave you an unforgettable memory. Riding along the mountain to reach the Crescent Lake, your eyes will be feasted on the crescent-shaped spring surrounded by the endless Gobi desert. It has not dried up over the past one thousand years and still gushes with fresh current.

   Accommodation: Dunhuang

   

2. Day 2: Dunhuang - Turpan by Overnight Train
   Mogao Grottoes (Breakfast + Lunch)

   After breakfast, you will travel to the famous Mogao Grottoes which display a very colorful and descriptive world in the paintings. It is known as one of the four most famous caves in China. After dinner, we will take overnight soft-sleeper train to Turpan.

   Accommodation: Overnight train

   

3. Day 3: Turpan - Urumqi by Car
   Gaochang Ruins, Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Cave, Jiaohe Ruins, Flaming Hill (Lunch)

   AM: Today we will visit four famous sites all together. First is another famous ruin in Turpan, Gaochang Ruins, which used to be the capital of ancient Gaochang Kingdom. Then you will go to the Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Cave, a series of caves with thousands of Buddhism murals. The vivid murals show many Buddhism figures, stories, and the social life about 1,000 years ago in Ancient Gaochang Kingdom.

   Noon: Lunch in local restaurant.

   PM: Then you will have an exploration of Jiaohe Ruins, which is one of the most important towns along the ancient Silk Road. It is also the largest, oldest and best-preserved earth construction in the world. The last stop will be the hottest place in China– the Flaming Hill, situated at the north of ancient Silk Road. The temperature is so high that nothing grows on the hill. The record highest temperature of summer could reach 47.8 ℃ (118 ℉). And then go to Urumqi, check in Hotel

   Accommodation: Urumqi

   

4. Day 4: Urumqi
   Kazak People Family, Heavenly Lake (Breakfast + Lunch)

   AM: After breakfast, you will be invited to visit warm-hearted Kazak People Family, they will offer fried cookies, milk tea dried grapes which are local specialty.

   Noon: Lunch in local restaurant.

   PM: Then, we will visit Heavenly Lake. 100 kilometers away from city of Urumqi, Heavenly Lake gives the impression of nobleness, elegance and beauty. Clear lake, snow mountains and soaring pin trees compose the charming scenery of the Heavenly Lake. Come to Heavenly Lake, and you will find words are so weak for the surrounding. It will make you totally relaxed no matter you are sitting in a boat, walking in the mountains, or just standing by the lake. Then will drive back to Urumqi. Upon arrival, you will have a stroke at Xinjiang International Big Bazaar which is the place with the unique construction located in two bridges. It attracts the lots of tourists to visit, shopping and watch the traditional dancing

   Accommodation: Urumqi

   

5. Day 5: Urumqi-Kashgar by Flight
   Sunday Bazaar, Abakh Khoja Tomb (Brekafast+Lunch)

   AM: Take the morning flight to Kashgar. Upon your arrival in Kashgar, met by local guide and driver.

   Noon: Lunch in local restaurant.

   PM: After a short rest, you will visit the famous Sunday Market, namely Sunday Bazaar, which used to be the largest international trade market in northwest China. Traders at home and abroad come to exchange all kinds of goods, such as Silk, salt, fur, perfume, ivory. The bazaar opens everyday in Kashgar, but the one on Sunday is the liveliest for the whole community will get together. The last stop in Kashgar will be the Abakh Khoja Tomb, which is an ancient Islamic building complex and a cemetery. Five generations of a famous Islamic master were buried here. It is considered as the largest dome architecture in the east of the cemetery.

   Accommodation: Kashgar

   

6. Day 6: Kashgar - Urumqi by Flight
   Id Kah Mosque (Breakfast+Lunch)

   After the breakfast, we will visit the Id Kah Mosque, a typical Islamic architecture like domes, minarets and arches, as well as pious prayers. It has a 500 years history. Then take the night fight to Urumqi.

   Accommodation: Urumqi

   

7. Day 7: Urumqi Departure

   After breakfast, our guide will see you off at the airport for your homeward flight.