11 Days Xinjiang Silk Road Tour from Kashgar to Xi’an
Tour Overview
The 11 Days Xinjiang Silk Road tour follows the most famous ancient Silk Road path which connects you to different ethnic groups and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The trip showcases the various cultural elements and historical aspects that developed from Central Asia to the easternmost point of the Silk Road.
The five most famous tourist destinations show their most important features through historic Kashgar Old Town and Karakul Lake view of snow-covered mountains, Heavenly Lake which tells the story of Queen Mother of the West, Turpan’s ancient ruins together with its Karez underground water system, Dunhuang’s Mogao Caves and desert attractions and Xi’an’s full-size Terracotta Warriors and Tang dynasty historical sites. They creates an authentic artistic representation of the Silk Road.
Travel destinations: Kashgar, Urumqi, Turpan, Dunhuang, Xi’an
Suitable for: History Buffs, Culture Explorers, Adventurers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Marvel at Karakul Lake and the Pamir Plateau’s snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and nomadic Kyrgyz culture.
- Discover Xinjiang’s cultural heartlands through Kashgar Old Town, lively livestock markets, and authentic Silk Road cuisine.
- Turpan presents its historical sites through its Karez irrigation system and Jiaohe Ruins and Buddhist murals located in the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves.
- Dunhuang offers its desert attractions which include camel rides across Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring and the beautiful Buddhist artwork found at the Mogao Caves.
- The Terracotta Warriors, ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter and Tang Dynasty cultural sites create historic attractions in Xi’an.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Kashgar ArrivalRelax on Your Own
Welcome to Kashgar, an important junction on the ancient Silk Road. It is located on the eastern side of the Taklamakan Desert and on the western side of the Pamir Plateau. Here, summers are not extremely hot and winters are not very cold. After arriving at the airport, your private driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel for rest. The rest of the time, you can freely explore this ancient city.
Kashgar serves as a culinary paradise which combines the taste profiles of various Central Asian nations. The must-try dishes include pita bread which has a crispy outer layer and a soft inner part that contains tender lamb filling, pilaf and grilled beef and mutton skewers. The east gate of the ancient city night market offers visitors a chance to experience authentic Silk Road culinary traditions.
Cumin Lamb Skewers - Day 2: Kashgar to Karakul LakeDrive the Karakoram Highway to Karakul Lake Beneath Snow Peaks and Alpine Scenery
After the buffet at the hotel, you will meet your guide around 9 a.m. Then, drive along the China-India Friendship Highway (G314 National Road) to Karakuri Lake.
After driving for one hour, first arrive at Opal Village. Wander through the local market and admire the surrounding red mountains, which are typical Danxia landforms.
Continue along the way to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the canyon and lake. Passing through the Gazi Canyon, the White Sand Lake comes into view. The lake is blue-green in color, and the shore is a sand hill formed by fine white sand. There are viewing platforms here, which are excellent places for parking, resting and taking photos.
Afterwards, continue for about half an hour to reach today's destination - Karakul Lake. The lake situated at the base of Mount Mustag which stands 7509 meters above sea level functions as a “mirror” during clear days when snow peaks are visible in its reflections. The lake area provides wooden boardwalks and observation decks which visitors can use to take photographs of the scenic views. The Kyrgyz ethnic group has traditional felt houses in the area which offer camel riding and white yak photography services at extra charges.
After the visit, drive back to Kashgar.
Travel with China Xian Tour to Karakul Lake - Day 3: Kashgar to UrumqiDiscover Historic Kashgar Old Town and Lively Livestock Market
Today is your last day of visiting Kashgar. Let's go to see the most impressive sights. At 9 a.m., start at the Id Kah Mosque. It is the largest mosque in Xinjiang, built in 1442. The entire building is in a light yellow color and it is the most important religious and cultural center in Kashgar.
At 10:30 a.m., watch and observe the opening ceremony at the eastern gate of the ancient city. The performance will last about 20 minutes and vividly presents the history and culture of the Silk Road as well as the multi-ethnic customs through dance and scene recreations. Continue to explore the Kashgar Old Town, admire the beautiful buildings and experience the unique cultural atmosphere.
Kashgar Old Town After lunch, head to the Sunday Livestock Market. As its name suggests, it only takes place on Sundays, where you can see lively livestock trades such as oxen, sheep, camels, and more. The most interesting thing is witnessing the traditional "bargaining in the sleeve" - buyers and sellers secretly negotiate prices by pinching their fingers inside the sleeve, and shaking hands after the transaction is made. There are beef and mutton on sale in the market. You can taste authentic delicacies such as shashlik and hand pilaf.
After the visit, take a flight to Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang. The local driver will take you to the hotel to rest. You can go to Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar by yourself in the evening. As night falls, warm yellow lights illuminate the complex of buildings with a strong Islamic style. This is a paradise for carbohydrate enthusiasts and meat eaters.
- Day 4: Urumqi to Heavenly LakeVisit Natural Beauty of Tianshan Mountains, Explore Xinjiang Museum’s Rich Ethnic Heritage
Today, you will be led to explore the Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area and the legend of the Queen Mother of the West. After arriving at the scenic area from the hotel in about 1.5 hours, transfer to the sightseeing bus to the Heavenly Lake. The lake has an elevation of 1910 meters and a maximum depth of 103 meters. It is a glacial moraine lake formed by ancient glacier movements. When the weather is clear, Bogda Peak is reflected on the mirror-like lake surface. If you are interested, you can pay extra to take a boat tour on the lake.
To the northeast, you can see Feilong Pool, which is said to be the bathing place of the Queen Mother of the West. You can see waterfalls at both the entrance and exit. Denggan Mountain Scenic Area, with an altitude of 2718 meters, has a wide view. From where, overlook the entire Heavenly Lake.
Heavenly Lake After the tour, drive back to Urumqi city to visit the Xinjiang Museum. It displays 32000 artifacts which include beautiful embroidery, wood carvings, clay figurines, flower and bird paintings, bronze ware and clothing and handicrafts from different Xinjiang ethnic groups. After that, go back to the hotel for a good rest.
- Day 5: Urumqi to TurpanExplore Ancient Tuyugou Village, Admire Buddhist Murals
Tuyugou is known as the "most mysterious place in Xinjiang’s west". After breakfast today, pack your luggage and leave Urumqi. It takes about 3.5 hours to drive to Turpan. After lunch, you will visit Tuyugou. Strolling through Mazha Village, one of the oldest Uyghur villages in Xinjiang with a history of over 1700 years, it preserves its original earthen architecture and is known as the "living fossil of folk customs".
Tuyu Valley Afterwards, continue to visit the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, which is the cave group with the most existing caves and the richest mural content in Turpan. Through the tour guide's explanation, roughly understand the stories of Buddha's original life, sutra paintings, and richly dressed statues of offerings.
After the visit, return to a comfortable hotel in the city center of Turpan to rest.
- Day 6: Turpan HighlightsDiscover Underground Karez Irrigation System and Walk Through The Ancient Jiaohe Ruins
In the morning, have an exploration of Karez Well, the gigantic underground irrigation system created by the ancient Xinjiang people. There are over 1,100 wells in Turpan, providing a precious water source to this dry and hot area for the past 400 years.
After that, admire the largest ancient pagoda in Xinjiang, Sugong Pagoda, aka Emin Minaret. The tower is cylindrical in shape, with a total height of 37 meters. It is entirely made of bricks, with various patterns stacked on the outside. Its top is dome-shaped with cast iron decorations.
Well-planned Jiao he Ruins Jiaohe Ruins is the focus of the afternoon. Founded in the 2nd century BC, it was the capital of the ancient Western Regions 'Cheshi' Kingdom and an important hub on the Silk Road. In the 14th century, it was gradually abandoned due to wars. The intact earthen building structure is still preserved here to this day. Walking on the central avenue, accompanied by your guide's explanation, you can imagine the hustle and bustle of the past. On both sides of the avenue are thick street walls, and the alleys crisscross. After that, go back to your hotel.
- Day 7: Turpan to Dunhuang by High-pseed TrainEnjoy Camel Rides at Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring
At around 8 o'clock in the morning, you will depart for the train station and take the high-speed train (D2708/09:16-12:43) to Dunhuang. Upon arrival at Liuyuan Station, the driver and tour guide will pick you up and take you to the hotel for check-in.
When it's not too hot in the afternoon, go to Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Scenic Area to have fun. When you slide down the slope, hear the echo of sand, hence the name. A brief camel ride (optional, self funded) will leave you with unforgettable memories. Pass along sand mountains to Crescent Spring. It is amazing that in the past thousand years, it has not dried up and still spews fresh water.
Experience riding a camel Travel Tips:
- If you come here in the summer of July and August, you can experience the 'Starry Sky Concert' at night. Above the sky, drones, accompanied by popular classic songs, change their formation like camels, crescent springs....
- Remember to do sunscreen, wear sunglasses, a hat, and if necessary, a face towel.
In the evening, explore the Shazhou Night Market. It is centered around Silk Road cuisine, divided into 5 areas including handicrafts, snacks and local specialties, and is particularly lively at night. Must-try dishes include scallion beef patties and apricot peel water with a sour and sweet taste.
- Day 8: Dunhuang to Xi’an by FlightAdmire Exquisite Buddhist Art at Mogao Caves
You will explore Buddhist art at its highest form which exists in the Mogao Grottoes that count among China's four most famous caves and serve as a unique treasure along the Silk Road. The Thousand Buddha Caves got continual construction work throughout many dynasties which included the Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms and Yuan dynasties. The site currently boasts 735 caves, 2415 painted sculptures and 45000 square meters of murals. Cave No.45 houses Tang Dynasty sculptures and intricate design elements. The Cave No.285 displays visual representations of early Buddhist artistic traditions. The famous flying Apsaras murals exist in Cave No.249.
Murals in Mogao Grottoes After that, take a flight to Xi’an, the starting point of the Silk Road. Upon arrival, your local driver will pick you up and escort you to a city center hotel for check-in.
- Day 9: Xi'an Terracotta Warriors TourExplore the Life-sized Warriors and Taste Local Snacks at Bustling Muslim Quarter
Welcome to Xi’an! At the agreed time last night, your tour guide and driver will meet with you at the hotel lobby after having breakfast. Take a one-hour private transfer to visit the world-famous Terracotta Army Museum - hailed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". Spend about two or three hours touring through the three main pits: Pit 1 (the biggest, containing some of the finest realistic soldiers), Pit 2 (diverse, painted figures, military arrangements), and Pit 3 (the command post). Admire the detailed terracotta soldiers and horses that guarded Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum.
After that, return to downtown Xi’an and walk around the Ancient City Wall: the largest in China, originally constructed at the time of the Sui-Tang Dynasty, but which was extended in the Ming era. Bike rentals are available for spectacular views of the city. Next, go to see Xian city landmark - Bell Tower - China’s best-preserved bell tower) and nearby Drum Tower which has 24 seasonal drums for telling time.
The Terracotta Warriors are as tall as a real person Walking for 5 minutes to the famous Muslim Quarter, a food street with Hui customs and traditional buildings, enjoy genuine food like Biang Biang noodles, Roujiamo, and lamb/mutton paomo. After the exploration, be transferred back to your hotel.
- Day 10: Xi'an City ExplorationVisit Ancient Pagodas and Experience Tang Culture at Ever-Bright City
After breakfast, the tour guide will take you to visit Xi'an Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda (both closed on Tuesdays). The museum has over 130000 cultural relics, covering the history of Xi'an from prehistoric times to the Qing Dynasty. The nearby Tang Dynasty pagoda was built in the 7th century and now looks more peaceful than her sister “Big Wild Goose Pagoda”, with a history of 1300 years and an ancient and elegant architectural style.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda is an ancient building designed especially for the Buddha sutras. With a height is 64m, it represents the Buddhist culture in Xi’an, as well as provides an observation deck with sightseeing views of the city and nearby gardens where people can enjoy themselves.
Tri-colored glazed pottery of the Tang Dynasty in Xian Museum In the late afternoon, walk around Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City - a bustling street of Tang-style buildings and bright neon signs, and view of live culture performance (such as Tang music and dance). Browse the old handicraft stores, try eating local snacks, and revel in the glory of Tang’s prosperity.
After the tour is over, you will be taken back to your accommodation.
- Day 11: Xi’an Departure
Your 11-day China Silk Road tour ends after your breakfast. Your private driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport or railway station for departure. Hope you have an unforgettable experience with China Xian Tour!
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
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Accommodation For This China Silk Road Tour
4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
For your China private tour, the choice is in your hands: you can select luxury 5-star hotels for unparalleled comfort, cozy 4-star accommodations, or value-for-money 3-star options.
All our partner hotels are handpicked for their prime locations, conveniently situated near bustling commercial areas. Every room is equipped with standard amenities like air conditioning, hot water, 24-hour showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and windows for natural light.
In some hotels, there are English-speaking staff who are committed to providing attentive service. Should you have any special requests, feel free to ask - they are always ready to assist.
