Xinjiang Tours

Transportation:Bus/Car, Flight

Activities: Our guide and driver will meet you at Urumqi International Airport then transfer you to your hotel. You will be given time to rest and explore the area near to your hotel rest of the day.

Accommodation:Urumqi Jingu Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Gaocheng Ancient City, Flaming Mountain, Emin Minaret

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: After our breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Turpan which is 184 km to Urumqi. Turpan is located on the second lowest depression in the world after the Dead Sea. It is the driest and hottest place in China. Despite its harsh climate, people have been living Turpan for thousands of years and the oasis is famous for the abundance its fruit, especially its sweet grapes and melons. The Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves have seventy-seven numbered grottoes, about forty of which still have murals in them. The Caves were the religious temples of the HuiHu State who were the predecessor of the Uyghur’s. Although many of the cave murals were destroyed over the centuries, enough has survived to provide historians with valuable information about its past glory. The Flaming Mountains stretch 100 km from east to west and are about 10 km wide. In the summer, temperatures go as high as 80 C and the airflow shimmers above the mountains like a fire. The mountains were referred to in the Ming novel Journey to the West where the Buddhist pilgrims faced attacks from demons. Night will be spent in Urumqi.

Accommodation: Turpan Jiaotong  Hotel or Similar

Attractions:Jiaohe Ancient City, Karez Underground Water System, Emin Minaret

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We start our tour by visiting Karez System which is an underground gravity irrigation system developed by the Uyghur’s over centuries. Karez is composed of a series of wells along the snow-covered mountains and linking underground channels that use slopes and gravity to bring water to the surface. There are around 1600 Karez Systems in Xinjiang and length of the Karez in Turpan is around 5000 km. Jiaohe Ancient City is known as Yarghul Ancient City in the Uyghur language. Located about13 kms from Turpan City, it was first the capital of the State of South Cheshi which was the one of the thirty six states in the Western Region (Old name for Xinjiang today). The Jiaohe Ancient City was bordered by rivers flowing by, hence the name of ‘Jiaohe’ or ‘the city of joining rivers’.  Emin Minaret (Tower) or Turpan Tower, was built 1778. The circular tower is 37 meters high and its bottom diameter is 10 meters. The whole sun dried brick tower tapers skywards in geometric and floral patterns. After our tour in Turpan, we will head back to Urumqi.

Accommodation: Urumqi HoiTak Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Erdaoqiao Market, Urumqi International Market, Xinjiang Museum, Kucha Old Town, Kucha Mosque

Transportation: Flight, Bus/Car

Activities: We start our Urumqi tour after the breakfast. We will visit the Erdaoqiao Market is the biggest distribution center of ethnic handicrafts in Xinjiang, and the biggest trading center of various Uyghur Handicrafts after the Sunday Bazaar in Kashgar. The Xinjiang Museum serves as the archaeological and history research center of the region. The museum is famous as the home of the thousands year old Europoid mummies discovered in the deserts of southern Xinjiang at the end of the last century. After our trip at the museum, we will head to Urumqi International Airport to see you off. End of our service. After our trip in Urumqi, we will take afternoon noon flight to Kucha. Upon your arrival to Urumqi, you will be greated and transfered to your hotel by our guide and driver. You will visit Kucha Grand Mosque and Old Town.

Accommodation: Kuqa Fandian Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Beacon Tower, Subash Ancient City, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We start our tour early in the morning by visitng the Beacon Tower which is located in the northwest of Kuqa County, about 12 km away from the town. The tower was the bulwark of a warning alarm system against enemy attacks. Subashi Ancient City was also an ancient capital of the Kingdom of Qiuci dating back to the 4th Century AD. Tourist can still see the ruins of halls, towers, houses, pagodas and monasteries. Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves which is the one of the four biggest groups of grottoes in China. 75 of the caves are still intact with well-preserved frescoes. The Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves were amongst the earliest large-scale grotto-type temples built. The special grotto structures, the themes of the murals and artistic styles reflect the Buddhist faith of ancient Qiuci. After the trip at the caves, we continue our journey to Aksu. We will be in Aksu late in the afternoon.

Attractions: Taklamakan Desert, Sand Dunes

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We start our journey for the day after the breakfast at the hotel. Today we cross the Taklamakan Desert which is the second largest shifting sand desert in the world, covering an area of 337,600 square km. The ancient silk road traders regarded it as the “sea of death” and dreaded the camel caravan crossings through it. Many traders entered the desert and were never seen again. Marco Polo himself recorded traveller’s stories of evil spirits haunting the desert and luring unwary travellers to their deaths.  Hotan is the principal town located on the south of the Tarim basin. People have settled in the oasis for thousands of years and Marco Polo wrote that everything necessary for human life is here in the greatest plenty. In addition to its abundance in agriculture, Hotan became a centre for silk production, carpet weaving, metal work and jade. Today the town remains a very pleasant place for visitors to linger in and explore “A Whole New World”. We will in Hotan by the afternoon. we will check in to our hotel and wonder around the town in the evening.

Accommodation: Hotan Taxna Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Hotan Sunday Market (Bazaar), White Jade River, White Jade Factory, Carpet Factory, Silk Atlas Factory

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: After our breakfast, we will visit Hotan Museum which exhibits fossilized shell 65 million years old, to Neolithic tools 5000-10000 years old, to treasures from Niya and other lost cities along the Silk Road. Highlights of the museum are the mixtures of Caucasian and East Asian “mummies” reaching back two thousand years proving Hotan’s historically rich blend of peoples, cultures and religions. The Jade Factory carries on Hotan’s more than 3000 years old tradition of supplying jade to central China where Hotanese jade was used to make the Imperial seals of power. The Atlas Silk Factory is about 15 minutes driving distance from Hotan and preserves the traditional way of making the soft light silk which made Hotan famous along the Silk Road. Hotan Carpets were sought after in ancient times and antique carpets are collector items. Modern carpets are considerably cheaper and the factory can make custom carpets to order. The Hotan Bazaar is sprawling over a vast area rivaling all other bazaars in the region. On every Sunday, the whole city and countryside community converge on the bazaar to trade, shop and enjoy themselves conjuring up a fascinating Aladdin’s world.

Accommodations:Hotan Taxna Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Yarkand Golden Grave Yard, Yarkand Old Town, Yingsar Knife Factory

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities:We set out to Kashgar after breakfast. It is 520 km from Hotan. On the way to Kashgar, we will visit Yarkand. Yarkand is another county of Kashgar’s, and is known as Shache in Chinese. Yarkant was once the capital of a Kingdom and was an important station on the ancient Silk Road, with a history of over 2000 years. Aman Nisahan, the wife of the second king of the Yarkant kingdom and the compiler of the famous Uyghur 12 Music Mukams, is buried in a tomb in the Golden Grave Yard. Yingsar is 78 km from Kashgar and is famous for making traditional Uyghur knives known as Yingsar knives. Visitors can visit workshops to observe how these sought after knives are made and maybe pick up one or two as souvenirs.

Accommodation: Kashgar Seman Hotel or Similar 

Attractions: Karakoram Highway, Bulung Kul, Karakul Lake

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We start our trip early today. The Karakoram highway is known as the Friendship Highway in China. It also cuts along the collision zone of the Eurasian and Indian plates where China, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan come close to one another. Bulung Kul (Corner Lake) is located on the way to Karakul Lake. The view of the lake reflecting the mountains of sand in the distance is absolutely stunning. Karakul Lake is the highest lake on the Pamir plateau where the Pamir, Kunlun and Tianshan mountain ranges meet. Surrounded by mountains which remain covered by snow throughout the year, the three highest peaks visible from the lake  are the Muztagh Ata (7546m), the Kongur Tagh (7649) and the Kongur Tiube (7530m). Every summer, mountain climbers from all over the world descend to Karakul lake to climb the  Muztagh Peak. There are Kirgiz settlements along the shores of the Karakul lake, living in yurts and mud brick houses. After the trip at the lake, we continue our journey to Tashkurgan. Night will be spent in Tashkurgan.

Accommodation: Tashkurgan Stone city hotel or Similar

Attractions: Tashkurgan, Stone City, Tajik Family Visiting

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We start our tour at Tashkurgan after the breakfast at the hotel. Tashkorgan located on the eastern part of the Pamir Plateau, where the Kunlun, Hindukush, and Tianshan  Mountain Ranges merge to form the  Pamir Plateau. From here, it just 130 km away from the Sino-Pakistan border and the Khunjerab  Pass which is 4693 meters above the sea level.  The Tajik nationality lives here and engage in farming and animal husbandry. The Stone City is located  in the north of Tashkorgan town and is surrounded by beautiful green pasturelands and streams with a beautiful view of  the surrounding  snow capped mountains. Only some broken sections of the city’s walls remain but it was once an important fort on the ancient Silk Road guarding the roads from Kashi, Yengisar and Yarkant leading to the mountain passes towards Central Asia and India. We will do Tajik family visiting if you want to. For this, you should let us know in advance. After our trip at Tashkurgan, we head back to Kashgar. Your night will be in Kashgar.

Accommodation: Kashgar Seman Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Sunday Market, Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar Old Town, Appak Hoja Tomb/Fragrant Concubine Tomb, Handcraft Street

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We start our tour by visiting the Id Kah Mosque which is a grand Islamic structure located in the center of Kashgar city. The mosque is the largest in all China with covering an area of 16,800 square meters. The Handicraft Street is located next to the Id Kah Mosque and provides a place where tourists can see traditional Uyghur craftsmen engaged in making different types of articles for special and daily use. Kashgar Sunday Market also called “The Grand Bazaar” in Uyghur. It is the biggest market in Xinjiang. As early as two thousand years ago, it was the collecting and distributing center for trade. Nowadays, it has become even busier. Various special local products, handicrafts, articles of daily use, fruits and vegetables as well as all kinds of domestic animals can be found here. Kashgar Old Town is located in center of the city. The inhabitants of the Old Town are Uyghur’s whose ancestors have been living there since the city was established two thousand years ago. By walking through narrow streets and visiting the families there, you can learn about Uyghur culture and custom. Apak Hoja Tomb is located in the northeast of Kashgar city. Legend has it that seventy-two persons in five generations of the Hoja family are buried in the tomb. Night will be in Kashgar.

Accommodation: Kashgar Seman Hotel or Similar

Transportation:Bus/Car, Flight

Activities: After your breakfast at the hotel, our guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to Kashgar Airport to your flight to your next destination. Our guide will asist you with your checking in, this will be end of our service.

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: Our guide and driver will meet you at Kashgar Airport then transfer you to your hotel. You will be given time to rest and explore the area near to your hotel rest of the day.

Accommodation: Hotel Eden Kashgar or Similar

Attractions: Karakorum Highway, Kirgiz People, Kirgiz Yurt, Karakol Lake, Snow Capped Mountains, Muztagh Ata Mountain, Konggor Mountain

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We start our day early today in order to spend more time along the way. We will be driving on Karakoram highway which is known as the Friendship Highway in China. The views are unparalleled along this one of the highest roads of the world. It also cuts along the collision zone of the Eurasian and Indian plates where China, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan come close to one another. Bulung Kul (Corner Lake) is located besides the Karakoram Highway. The view of the lake reflecting the mountains of sand in the distance is absolutely stunning. Karakul Lakeis the highest lake on the Pamir plateau where the Pamir, Kunlun and Tianshan mountain ranges meet. Surrounded by mountains which remain covered by snow throughout the year, the three highest peaks visible from the lake  are the Muztagh Ata (7546m), the Kongur Tagh (7649) and the Kongur Tiube (7530m).  There are Kirgiz settlements along the shores of the Karakul lake, living in yurts and mud brick houses. After our tour at the lake, we will return to Kashgar. Night will be spent in Kashgar.

Accommodation: Hotel Eden Kashgar or Similar

Attractions: Sunday Market, Id Kah Mosque,  Kashgar Old Town, Appak Hoja Tomb/Fragrant Concubine Tomb, Handcraft Street

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: Our Kashgar tour starts by visiting the Apak Hoja Tomb located northeast of Kashgar city. Legend has it that seventy-two persons in five generations of the Hoja family are buried in the tomb. Kashgar Sunday Market also known as “The Grand Bazaar” in Uyghur. It is the biggest market in Xinjiang. As early as two thousand years ago, it was the collecting and distributing center for trade. Nowadays, various special local products, handicrafts, articles of daily use, fruits and vegetables as well as all kinds of domestic animals can be found here. Kashgar Old Town is located in center of the city. The inhabitants of the Old Town are Uyghur’s whose ancestors have been living there since the city was established two thousand years ago. By walking through narrow streets and visiting the families there, you can learn about Uyghur culture and custom. Id Kah Mosque is a grand Islamic structure was built in 1442 AD. It was extended and renovated time and again through the ages, finally reaching its present shape and size. The mosque is the largest in all China with covering an area of 16,800 square meters. The Handicraft Street is located next to the Id Kah Mosque and provides a place where tourists can see traditional Uyghur craftsmen engaged in making different types of articles for special and daily use. Night will be spent in Kashgar.

Accommodation:

Attractions: Yingsar Knife Factory, Yarkand, Golden Graveyard, Yarkand Old Town

 Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We set out to Hotan from Kashgar after the breakfast at the hotel. On the way to Hotan, we will visit Yingsar which is famous for making traditional Uyghur knives known as Yingsar knives.

Visitors can visit workshops to observe how these sought after knives are made and maybe pick up one or two as souvenirs. Yarkant is a county of Kashgar and was once the capital of a Kingdom. I was also an important station on the ancient Silk Road back 2000 years ago. Aman Nisahan, the wife of the second king of the Yarkant kingdom and the compiler of the famous Uyghur 12 Music Mukams, is buried in a tomb in the Golden Grave Yard. After the trip at the Golden Graveyard, we will visit Yarkand Old Town which is non-tourist old town attached to the market. After our trip in Yarkand, we continue our journey to Hotan, we will be in Hotan late in the afternoon. Night will be spent in Hotan.

Accommodation: Hotan Taxna Hotel or Similar

Activities: Hotan Sunday Market (Bazaar),White Jade River, White Jade Factory, Carpet Factory, Silk Atlas Factory, Hotan Musuem

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We start our tour by visiting the Atlas Silk Factory. Atlas is the Uyghur word for the soft and graceful silk and means “tie dyed silk fabric”. Visitors can see the whole process of handmade silk from boiling the silk worm cocoons till weaving the cloth on the looms. Hotan Carpet Factory is on the way to Silk Atlas Factory. Hotan Carpets were sought after in ancient times and antique carpets are collector items. Modern carpets are considerably cheaper and the factory can make custom carpets to order. The Hotan Bazaar is sprawling over a vast area rivaling all other bazaars in the region. On every Sunday, the whole city and countryside community converge on the bazaar to trade, shop and enjoy themselves conjuring up a fascinating Aladdin’s world. The Jade Factory carries on Hotan’s more than 3000 years old tradition of supplying jade to central China where Hotanese jade was used to make the Imperial seals of power. Hotan Museum holding valuable relics excavated from Hotan area. Highlights of the museum are the mixtures of Caucasian and East Asian “mummies” reaching back two thousand years proving Hotan’s historically rich blend of peoples, cultures and religions. Night will be spent in Hotan.

Accommodation:

Activities: Taklamakan Desert, Sand Dunes

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We will set out for our journey after breakfast. On our way to Aksu, we will cross the World famous Taklamakan Desert; it is the second largest shifting sand desert in the world, covering an area of 337,600 square km.

The ancient silk road traders regarded it as the “sea of death” and dreaded the camel caravan crossings through it. Many traders entered the desert and were never seen again. Marco Polo himself recorded traveler’s stories of evil spirits haunting the desert and luring unwary travelers to their deaths. We will be in Aksu early in the afternoon. Aksu is a modern city which is not different from any other Chinese cities in mainland China. We will wonder around the town in order to get the general feeling of town. Night will be spent in Aksu.

Accommodation: Aksu Hongfujinlan Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We will start our tour at the hotel after the breakfast. On the way, we will visit the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves before we entering to Kucha. The Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves is the one of the four biggest groups of grottoes in China.  75 of the caves are still intact with well-preserved frescoes. The Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves were amongst the earliest large-scale grotto-type temples built. The special grotto structures, the themes of the murals and artistic styles reflect the Buddhist faith of ancient Qiuci. After the visit, we will continue our journey to Kucha, we will be in Kucha late in the afternoon since we spend sometime at the caves.

Accommodation: Kuqa International Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Kuqa Grand Mosque, Kuqa Old Town, Kucha Grand Mosque, Subashi Ancient City

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We start our tour after the breakfast at the hotel by visiting Beacon Tower which is located in the northwest of Kuqa County, about 12 km away from the town. The tower was the bulwark of a warning alarm system against enemy attacks. Kuqa Grand Mosque is located in the north of the old city of Kuqa County. It is the second largest mosque in the area after the Id Kah Mosque. The construction of the mosque, which even has its own religious court, was started in 1922. Kuqa Grand Mosque is the center of religious activities in Kuqa. Kucha Old Town is next to Kucha Mosque, where visitors can visit the village and get the general idea about how is their life style looks like. Subashi Ancient City was also an ancient capital of the Kingdom of Qiuci dating back to the 4th Century AD. Tourist can still see the ruins of halls, towers, houses, pagodas and monasteries.

Accommodations: Korla Bazhou Hotel or Similar 

Attractions: Tianshan Mountains

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We leave for Turpan afer our breakfast. In order to go to Turpan, we will cross the Tianshan Mountain which divides the Xinjiang to Southern and Nothern Xinjiang. Turpan is the second lowest depression of the world after the Dead Sea. It is the driest and hottest place in China. Despite its harsh climate, people have been living Turpan for thousands of years and the oasis is famous for the abundance its fruit, especially its sweet grapes and melons. Upon our arrival to Turpan, we will check in to our hotel then explore the town by foot in the evening. Night will be spent in Turpan.

Accommodation: Turpan Jiaohe Manor Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Bizaklik Tahousand Buddha Caves, Gaocheng Ancient City, Flaming Mountain, Astana Karahoja Ancient Tombs, Emin Minaret

Transportation:Bus/Car

Activities: We start our tour by visiting Gaochang Ancient Citywhich was built in first century BC and developed into one of the key points along the Silk Road.

The town was known as Kocho and ruled a wide area. In the 14th century however, it was abandoned after continued warfare between the Mongols and the Uyghurs.The remains of the city still testify as to its past glory,  with courtyards, Buddhist  temples and pagodas  scattered over  10000 square m in area. The Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves stand on the cliffs under the Flaming Mountains.  There are seventy-seven numbered grottoes, about forty of which still have murals in them. The Caves were the religious temples of the HuiHu State who were the predecessor of the Uyghur’s. Although many of the cave murals were destroyed over the centuries, enough has survived to provide historians with valuable information about its past glory. Emin Minaret (Tower) or Turpan Tower was built 1778 AD by Suleman, the Aqimu Boke, in memory of his father. The whole sun dried brick tower tapers skywards in geometric and floral patterns. The Flaming Mountains stretch 100 km from east to west and are about 10 km wide. In the summer, temperatures go as high as 80 C and the airflow shimmers above the mountains like a fire.

Accommodation: Turpan Jiaohe Manor Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Jiaohe Ancient City, Karez Underground Water System, Erdaoqiao Market, Urumqi International Bazaar

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We start our tour by visiting Jiaohe Ancient City which is known as Yarghul  Ancient City in the Uyghur language. It is 13 kms to Turpan City, it was first the capital of the State of South Cheshi which was the one of the thirty six states in the Western Region. The Jiaohe Ancient City was bordered by rivers flowing by, hence the name of ‘Jiaohe’ or ‘the city of joining rivers’.

Karez System an underground gravity irrigation system developed by the Uyghur’s over centuries. Karez is composed of a series of wells along the snow-covered mountains and linking underground channels that use slopes and gravity to bring water to the surface. There are around 1600 Karez Systems in Xinjiang and length of the Karez in Turpan is around 5000 km. It is considered as one of the three great ancient projects in China. After our trip in Turpan, we head to Urumqi and visit Erdaoqiao Market and Urumqi International Bazaar is the biggest distribution center of ethnic handicrafts in Xinjiang. It includes a banquet hall, a food court, a sightseeing tower, an open-air stage, and mosque. Night will be spend in Urumqi.

Accommodation:  Turpan Jiaohe Manor Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Xinjiang Museum

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: After our breakfast, we start Urumqi tour. Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous egion located at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, and is surrounded by spectacular mountains   in the east, west and south. Urumqi has a population of more than 2 million people. The Xinjiang Museum serves as the archaeological and history research center of the region. The museum is famous as the home of the thousands year old Europoid mummies discovered in the deserts of southern Xinjiang at the end of the last century. After the trip at the museum, our guide and driver will take you to Urumqi International Airport to see you off. After you successfully check in, it will be end of our service.

Attractions:

Transportation: Flight, Bus/Car

Activities: Our guide and driver will meet you at Kashgar Airport then transfer you to your comfort hotel. You will be given time to rest and explore the area near to your hotel rest of the day.

Accommodation:

Attractions: Karakorum Highway, Kirgiz People, Kirgiz Yurt, Karakul Lake, Muztagh Ata Mountain

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: Today we drive on Karakoram Highway in order to reach to Karakul Lake. The Karakoram highway is known as the Friendship Highway in China. The views are unparalleled along this one of the highest roads of the world. It also cuts along the collision zone of the Eurasian and Indian plates where China, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan come close to one another. Bulung Kul (Corner Lake) is located besides the Karakoram Highway. The view of the lake reflecting the mountains of sand in the distance is absolutely stunning. Karakul Lake is the highest lake on the Pamir plateau where the Pamir, Kunlun and Tianshan mountain ranges meet. Surrounded by mountains which remain covered by snow throughout the year, the three highest peaks visible from the lake  are the Muztagh Ata (7546m), the Kongur Tagh (7649) and the Kongur Tiube (7530m). The lake is famous for its unreal scenery and clear reflections in the water, ranging from dark green to azure to light blue.  There are two Kirgiz settlements along the shores of the Karakul lake, living in yurts and mud stone houses. Night will be spent at the lake.

Accommodation: Kirgiz Yurt in Karakul Lake or Hotel in Karakul Lake

Attractions: Tashkorgan Stone City/Castle, Pamir Plateau, Tajik Family Visting (Optional)

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We start our tour after our breakfast. Tashkurgan is located on the eastern part of the Pamir Plateau, where the Kunlun, Hindukush, and Tianshan  Mountain Ranges merge to form the  Pamir Plateau. From here, it just 130 km away from the Sino-Pakistan border and the Khunjerab  Pass which is 4693 meters above the sea level.  The Tajik nationality lives here and engage in farming and animal husbandry.  The Tajiks are one of the few nationalities of China speaking an Indo-European and have an unique culture and cuisine. The Stone City is located  in the north of Tashkorgan town and dates to the Tang dynasty. Several coins and documents from Hotan have been unearthed here. The city is surrounded by beautiful green pasturelands and streams with a beautiful view of  the surrounding  snow capped mountains. Only some broken sections of the city’s walls remain but it was once an important fort on the ancient Silk Road guarding the roads from Kashgar, Yengisar and Yarkant leading to the mountain passes towards Central Asia. If you wish to visit Tajik family, we can arrange it, but you must let us know in advance. After your trip, you will reture to Kashgar. Night will be in Kashgar.

Accommodation: Kashgar Tianyuan International Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Sunday Market, Id Kah Mosque,  Kashgar Old Town, Appak Hoja Tomb/Fragrant Concubine Tomb, Handcraft Street

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We start our Kashgar tour by visiting Apak Hoja Tomb located northeast of Kashgar city. Legend has it that seventy-two persons in five generations of the Hoja family are buried in the tomb.

Kashgar’s Sunday Market is also called The Grand Bazaar in Uyghur. It is the biggest market in Xinjiang. As early as two thousand years ago, it was the collecting and distributing center for trade. Nowadays, it has become even busier. Various special local products, handicrafts, articles of daily use, fruits and vegetables as well as all kinds of domestic animals can be found here. Id Kah Mosque is a grand Islamic structure built in 1442 AD. It was extended and renovated time and again through the ages, finally reaching its present shape and size. The mosque is the largest in all China with covering an area of 16,800 square meters. Kashgar Old Town is located in center of the city. By walking through narrow streets and visiting the families there, you can learn about Uyghur culture and custom. The Handicraft Street is located next to the Id Kah Mosque and provides a place where tourists can see traditional Uyghur craftsmen engaged in making different types of articles for special and daily use. Night will be spent in Kashgar.

Accommodation: Kashgar Tianyuan International Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Yingsar Knife Factory, Yarkand, Golden Grave Yard, Yarkand Old Town

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities:Early in the morning after breakfast we leave to Hotan. Khotan is 520 km from Kashgar. On the way, we will stop several cities to do sightseeing. First is Yingsar, Yingsar is 78 km from Kashgar and is famous for making traditional Uyghur knives known as Yingsar knives. Visitors can visit workshops to observe how these sought after knives are made and maybe pick up one or two as souveniers. Yarkant is another county of Kashgar’s, and is known as Shache in Chinese.  Yarkand was once the capital of a Kingdom and was an important station on the ancient Silk Road, with a history of over 2000 years. Aman Nisahan, the wife of the second king of the Yarkant kingdom and the compiler of the famous Uyghur 12 Music Mukams, is buried in a tomb in the Golden Grave Yard. After your trip in Yarkand, we will continue our journey to Hotan, we will be in Hotan late in the afternoon. Night will be in Hotan.

Accommodation: Hotan Yudu Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Hotan Sunday Market (Bazaar), White Jade River, White Jade Factory, Hotan Museum, Mulberry Paper Making

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We start our tour by visiting Hotan Museum. Highlights of the museum are the mixtures of Caucasian and East Asian “mummies” reaching back two thousand years proving Hotan’s historically rich blend of peoples, cultures and religions. The Hotan Bazaar is located in northeastern corner of the city, sprawling over a vast area rivaling all other bazaars in the region. On every Sunday, the whole city and countryside community converge on the bazaar to trade, shop and enjoy themselves conjuring up a fascinating Aladdin’s world. The Jade Factory carries on Hotan’s more than 3000 years old tradition of supplying jade to central China where Hotanese jade was used to make the Imperial seals of power. Mulberry Paper Making which was thrived in the area decades ago but today it is replaced with modern equipments, it is a good place to see how the Uyghur’s used to make paper from tree barks. Night will be spent in Hotan.

Accommodation: Hotan Yudu Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Carpet Factory, Silk Atlas Factory

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: Our day starts by visiting Atlas Silk Factory after our breakfast at the hotel. Atlas is the Uyghur word for the soft and graceful silk and means “tie dyed silk fabric”. Visitors can see the whole process of handmade silk from boiling the silk worm cocoons till weaving the cloth on the looms. Legend has it that the secret of making silk passed on to  Hotan when a Chinese princess was betrothed to the King of Hotan and smuggled in  silkworm eggs and mulberry seeds in her head-dress. The Hotan Carpet Factory is located 5 kilometres from Hotan and still manufactures handmade carpets. Hotan Carpets were sought after in ancient times and antique carpets are collector items. Modern carpets are considerably cheaper and the factory can make custom carpets to order. After our trip to Carpet factory, we will head to Niya.

Accommodation: Niya Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Taklimakan Desert, Sand Dunes, Dead Poplar Trees

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: Our plan for today is to cross the Taklamakan Desert which is the second largest shifting sand desert in the world, covering an area of 337,600 square km. The ancient silk road traders regarded it as the “sea of death”  and dreaded the camel caravan crossings through it. Many traders entered the desert and were never seen again. Marco Polo himself recorded traveller’s stories of evil spirits haunting the desert and luring unwary travellers to their deaths. After long and exciting day, we will arrive to Kucha late in the afternoon. Night will be spent in Kucha.

Accommodation: Kuche International Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Subash Ancient City, Beacon Tower

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We will start our Kucha tour by visiting the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves which is the one of the four biggest groups of grottoes in China.  75 of the caves are still intact with well-preserved frescoes. The Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves were amongst the earliest large-scale grotto-type temples built. The special grotto structures, the themes of the murals and artistic styles reflect the Buddhist faith of ancient Qiuci. Kuqa Grand Mosque is located in the north of the old city of Kuqa County. It is the second largest mosque in the area after the Id Kah Mosque. The construction of the mosque, which even has its own religious court, was started in 1922. Kuqa Grand Mosque is the center of religious activities in Kuqa. Subashi Ancient City was also an ancient capital of the Kingdom of Qiuci dating back to the 4th Century AD. Tourist can still see the ruins of halls, towers, houses, pagodas and monasteries. Night will be spent in Kucha.

Accommodation: Kuche Hotel or Similar

Attractions:Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa Grand Mosque, Korla, Iron Gate Pass

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We will have half day tour in Kucha before we head to Korla. We start our tour by visiting Tianshan Grand Canyon which is also known as the Kezilya Grand Canyon. It is located 64 km away from Kuqa town in the southern foothills of the Tianshan Mountain Range. It runs east to north for about 5.5 km and formed by erosion resulting from wind and rain. The Beacon Tower is located in the northwest of Kuqa County, about 12 km away from the town. The tower was the bulwark of a warning alarm system against enemy attacks. Leave to Korla after lunch in Kuche. Korla is known as the Shanghai of Xinjiang with its gleaming buildings and  wide clean streets.  The city has developed rapidly because of its proximity to southern Xinjiang’s oil wells  and is the administration centre of  Bayingulun Mongol Autonomous prefecture. Korla is also an important agricultural centre  and Korla pears are famous throughout China. After our arrival to Korla, we will visit Iron Gate Pass which leading to Karashahar. It played an  important role in protecting the ancient Silk Road from nomads raiding  from the north.

Accommodation:Korla Luolan Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Jiaohe Ancient City, Karez Underground Water System

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: We will leave for Turpan after our breakfast at the hotel. We go to Turpan by crossing the TianShan Mountain which divides Xinjiang into Northern and Southern Xinjiang. Upon our arrival, we check in and short refresh, We start our Turpan tour by visiting Jiaohe Ancient City which is known as Yarghul Ancient City in the Uyghur language. Located about 13 kms from Turpan City. It was  the first capital State of South Cheshi which was the one of the thirty six states in the Western Region. The Jiaohe Ancient City was bordered by rivers flowing by, hence the name of ‘Jiaohe’ or ‘the city of joining rivers’. The earthen ruins we see today date from the Tang Dynasty in the 8th Century. Turpan owes its existence the Karez System an underground gravity irrigation system developed by the Uyghur’s over centuries. Karez is composed of a series of wells along the snow-covered mountains and linking underground channels that use slopes and gravity to bring water to the surface. There are around 1600 Karez Systems in Xinjiang and length of the Karez in Turpan is around 5000 km. It is considered as one of the three great ancient projects in China, the other two being the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Night will be spent in Turpan.

Accommodation: Turpan Silk Road Oasis Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Caves/Grottoes, Gaocheng Ancient City, Flaming Mountain, Emin Minaret

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: After our breakfast at the hotel, we start our tour by visiting Gaochang Ancient City which located 50 km southeast of Turpan. The city was built as a garrison town in the first century BC and developed into one of the key points along the Silk Road.  The town was known as Kocho and ruled a wide area. In the 14th century however, it was abandoned after continued warfare between the Mongols and the Uyghurs.The remains of the city still testify as to its past glory,  with courtyards, Buddhist  temples and pagodas  scattered over  10000 square m in area. The Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves stand on the cliffs under the Flaming Mountains. There are seventy-seven numbered grottoes, about forty of which still have murals in them. The Caves were the religious temples of the HuiHu State who were the predecessor of the Uyghur’s. Although many of the cave murals were destroyed over the centuries, enough has survived to provide historians with valuable information about its past glory. Emin Minaret or Turpan Tower was built 1778 AD by Suleman, the Aqimu Boke, in memory of his father. The circular tower is 37 meters high and its bottom diameter is 10 meters. There are 77 spiral steps up to the top. After our tour in Turpan, we will head back to Urumqi and spend the night in Urumqi.

Accommodation: Urumqi City Hotel or Similar

Attractions: Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), Xinjiang Museum, Urumqi International Bazaar

Transportation: Bus/Car

Activities: Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. It is located at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, and is surrounded by spectacular mountains on its east, west and south. The Xinjiang Museum serves as the archaeological and history research center of the region. The museum is famous as the home of the thousands year old Europoid mummies discovered in the deserts of southern Xinjiang at the end of the last century. International Bazaar is the biggest distribution center of ethnic handicrafts in Xinjiang, and the biggest trading center of various Uyghur Handicrafts after the Sunday Bazaar in Kashgar. It includes a banquet hall, a food court, a sightseeing tower, an open-air stage, and mosque. The Heavenly Lake is located east of Urumqi in the middle ranges of the Bogda Peak. It’s nearly 100 meters deep and covers an area of 4.9 square kms. Heavenly Lake is considered the Pearl of the Tianshan Mountains with its spectacular alpine scenery often compared to Switzerland’s. After the trip, our guide will take you to Urumqi International Airport and assist you with your checking in to your flight. This will be end of our service.

Attractions:

Activities: Our guide and driver will meet you at the Urumqi airport then transfer you to you hotel in Urumqi

Accommodation: Urumqi

Attractions: Xinjiang Museum, Heavenly Lake, Kazak

Activities: After breakfast, you will fist visit the extensive Xinjiang museum

The drive to Heavenly lake

The night will be spennt in Kazak Yurt at the Heavenly Lake, you will enjoy the Kazak culture and great scenery of the lake and the Tianshan Mountain.

Accommodation: Kazak yurt by the lake

Attractions: Multicolored Landscape

Activities: After enjoying the Sun rise and Kazak breakfast, you will leave for Boerjin, it is about 7 hours drive from Heavenly lake to Buerjin.

on route, you will visit the Multicolored Landscape, it is located in the place which called Grangd Gobi in the depth of the desert 130Km from the Jimsar county. It is natural city consisting of the bright and colorful shale in various colors including dark red, ochre, deep gray, grayish white, red, yellow, and green ect . it is very mystic

You will arrive in Boerjin in the time for dinner

Accommodation: Boerjin

Attractions: Stone statues

Activities: After breakfast, you will drive to Kanas Lake. On route, you will see the Stone statues. Theses statues mostly standing in or at east of the cemeteries or tombs, they are all facing to east direction where the sun rises, they some times appear one or two ( male and female) these statues in Altay area date back to 3000years ago. Among these, the Turkic warrior statues of the Tang Dynasty are most famous. These statues in Altay area are the reflection of the ancestor worship and of praying for blessings and protections of the inhabitants of the early stage. It is just full of culture intention on the grasslands of northern Xinjiang. You will be stopping in several other places for al the Bays to get the great photo of the resort. You will arrive in Kanas lake resort in the time for lunch. After having lunch, you will spend the whole afternoon at the Kanas lake with doing short hikes, or taking boat ride or taking the great photos of the area

Accommodation: Tuwa or Kazak guest house

Attractions: Ghost City

Activities: After breakfast, you will be driving to Karamay, you will visit the Ghost City. The “Ghost Town” in the desert is situated 100 kilometers away from Karamay city, it covers an area of 100,000 sq meters (10 hectares). Being one of the few typical wind erosion physiognomies in the world, the Ghost City has become a famous tourist area for its unique landform and the howling wind.

Accommodation: Karamay

Attractions: Erdaoqiao International Grand Bazzar

Activities: you will leave for Uurmqi after breakfast and arrive in Urumqi in the time for lunch, after lunch, you will visit the local Erdaoqiao international market where can be the symbol of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

You will then take flight or train to your next destination

Activities: Our guide and driver will meet you at the Urumqi airport then transfer you to you hotel in Urumqi

Accommodation: Urumqi

Attractions: Xinjiang Museum, Heavenly Lake, Kazak

Activities: After breakfast, you will first visit the extensive Xinjiang museum After that, you drive to Heavenly lake. The night will be spent in Kazak Yurt at the Heavenly Lake, you will enjoy the Kazak culture and great scenery of the lake and the Tianshan Mountain.

Accommodation: Kazak yurt by the lake

Attractions: Multicolored Landscape

Activities: After enjoying the Sun rise and Kazak breakfast, you will leave for Boerjin, it is about 7 hours drive from Heavenly lake to Buerjin. On route, you will visit the Multicolored Landscape, it is located in the place which called Grangd Gobi in the depth of the desert 130Km from the Jimsar county. It is natural city consisting of the bright and colorful shale in various colors including dark red, ochre, deep gray, grayish white, red, yellow, and green ect . it is very mystic. You will arrive in Boerjin in the time for dinner.

Accommodation: Boerjin

Attractions: Stone statues, Hemu Village

Activities:  After breakfast, you will drive to Hemu village. On route, you will see the Stone statues. Theses statues mostly standing in or at east of the cemeteries or tombs, they are all facing to east direction where the sun rises, they some times appear one or two ( male and female) these statues in Altay area date back to 3000years ago. Among these, the Turkic warrior statues of the Tang Dynasty are most famous. These statues in Altay area are the reflection of the ancestor worship and of praying for blessings and protections of the inhabitants of the early stage. It is just full of culture intention on the grasslands of northern Xinjiang.

Accommodation: Hemu Village

Attractions: Hemu Village, Kanas Lake

Activities: Today you can get up early to enjoy the spectacular sunrise scenery of this lovely village, Enjoy some free time to ride a horse or walk around and explore  the Tuwa Tribe, the local ethnic minority who have been inhabited here for centuries and have developed their unique custom. You will then be leaving for Kanas lake and be stopping in several other places for al the Bays to get the great photo of the resort. You will arrive in Kanas lake resort in the time for lunch. After having lunch, you will spend the whole afternoon at the Kanas lake with doing short hikes, or taking boat ride or taking the great photos of the area.

Accommodation: Tuwa or Kazak guest house

Attractions: Ghost City

Activities: After breakfast, you will be driving to Karamay, you will visit the Ghost City. The “Ghost Town” in the desert is situated 100 kilometers away from Karamay city, it covers an area of 100,000 sq meters (10 hectares). Being one of the few typical wind erosion physiognomies in the world, the Ghost City has become a famous tourist area for its unique land form and the howling wind.

Accommodation: Karamay

Attractions: Sayram Lake

Activities: You will leave for Sayram Lake after breakfast; it is a bout half days drive from Karamay to Sayram lake and the afternoon will be spend with enjoying the great scenery of this Sea in the west. As the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, Sayram Lake  is a fairyland with wonderful natural scenery. The lake is like a brilliant emerald inlaid in the basin surrounded byTianshan Mountai . In Mongolian language, the name of the lake means ‘a lake on the ridge’. In Kazak, sayram means ‘blessing’. The lake is a wonderful natural water resource and is surrounded by lush grasslands. Tucked away in the mountains, it’s secluded and, on occasions, misty. The surrounding snow-capped peaks and the dragon spruce plants on the mountains give a picture postcard feel to the area.

Attractions: Syaram Lake , Guozigou Valley

Activities: on the way to Yining (Ghulja) you will be driving across the Tianshan Mountain thought Guozigou Valley supposed to be one of the most beautiful scenic spot in Xinjiang, the terrain is steep and wildlife ranges up and down the gorge.

Accommodation: Yining

Attractions: Zhaosu Grasland, Zhaosu Monestry

Activities: Zhaosu located in the southwest corner of the Yili region,.Surrounded by the Tianshan Montains, . Fertile land, it has plenty of water, alpine grasslands, vast expanse, is both a rich and beautiful pastoral areas.  Zhaosu Monestiry nomadic. Zhaosu formerly known as Mongolia meaning of the castle. The Qing government has appointed 13 are management Zhaosu to Mongolian Affairs.

Accommodation: Zhaosu

Attractions: Sights

Activities: Todays drive will take you through the beautiful grasslands  and nomadic villages on the Ili Valley, you will be having lunch in Tekes County and do short exploration in and around Tekes town area.

Accommodation: Xinyuan (konas)

Attractions: Narat Grassland

Activities: The whole morning is spent in the Narat Grassland to enjoy the spectacular scenery. Narat Grassland is as beautiful as poem or picture, there are springs densely distributed here, every year from May to September, flowers are all blossoming out and numerous herds gathering around, Narat Grassland is called Dear Garden in the history and an ideal place for people of the pasture to exchange materials and hold cultural activities. You will then take the afternoon flight from Narat to Urumqi. We arange your airport pick on this day as well as your hotel in Uurmqi.

Accommodation: Urumqi

Attractions: Aiport drop off

Activities: After breakfast, you will be transfered to the Uurmqi aiport for your flight home.