16 Day Xinjiang Discovery Tour

16 Day Xinjiang Discovery Tour

Day 1

Fly into Urumqi (preferably by noon) and drive to Turpan (about 3hrs).  Begin tour of Turpan.  Visit Tuyuk Village where we will enjoy dinner in a local Uyghur home and experience local life as we stay the night with our new friends.

Day 2

Today we will continue enjoying the many sites of Turpan.  Places to visit include the remains of the ancient cities of Jiao He and Gao Chang, Imin Tower and Mosque, the unique Kariz water system, Astana Tombs, Flaming Mt., Bizekilik 1000 Buddha caves, and more. Finish the day with dinner at the Grape Valley with a Uyghur performance.

Day 3

In the late morning our guide will help you board your overnight train for Kuche.  This is a great chance to meet new friends and learn about local life and travel. You will enjoy viewing the scenery as you travel from Northern Xinjiang to Southern Xinjiang.

Day 4

We will eagerly be awaiting your arrival at the Kuche train station.  Then we will begin our tour of the Kuche area visiting sites such as the Grand Mosque, Subash ancient city, Kucha Friday Market(one of the biggest markets in Xinjiang), and the Beacon Tower.

Day 5

We will finish our Kuche area tour by visiting the Kizil 1000 Buddha Caves.  Then we will drive to Aksu via the Old Silk Road route.

Day 6

Today we head out towards Hotan, but before we arrive we will stop overnight in the Taklimakan Desert for an unforgettable camel trek where it’s been said, “He who ventures in, does not come out”. But rest assured, our guide will help you find your way out again!

Day 7

After enjoying the beautiful sunrise from our camp in the desert, we will finish our trek and drive on to Hotan where we will begin our tour of the area visiting some of the sites such as the Melike Awat ancient city, silk and carpet factories, the Jade River, and the 1000 yr old walnut and fig trees.

Day 8

In the morning we will visit the Hotan Market before we drive to Karilik to visit a popular mosque there.  Next we will travel on to Yarken where we will spend the night.

Day 9

After visiting the sites of Yarken including famous tombs, the Golden Mosque, local pharmacies, etc.; we will drive to Yengisar to visit the famous knife making factory.  From there we will continue on our journey to Kashgar.

Day 10

Today we will visit the sites of this strategic Silk Road trade center.  Some places you will enjoy visiting include the Idkah Mosque - the largest in Xinjiang, famous tombs, the Old Town, the non-touristy handicraft street, etc… We will enjoy lunch in a local Uyghur home.

Day 11

Set out in the morning to visit the Opal Village Monday Market on our way to Karakul Lake.  We will also visit the tomb of a famous linguist in this village if you like. As we travel to Karakul Lake we will stop along the way to take pictures of the breathtaking scenery.  After lunch in a Kyrgyz yurt by the lake you will have time to explore the area some, ride horses or camels, or just relax.  Tonight we will sleep in a Kyrgyz yurt where you will experience the nomadic lifestyle of no running water, etc.

Day 12

Today we will venture to the Chinese-Pakistan border crossing where you will be able to enjoy more of the amazing scenery of this mountainous area. Then we will return to Tashkorgan for lunch in a Tajik home before visiting the Stone Fort, Tajik Cultural Relic Museum, and grasslands.  Tonight you can clean-up and get a good night’s rest in the comfortable Crown Inn Hotel. 

Day 13

In the morning we will drive to Oytagh Natural Glaciers Park where we will trek up to see the glaciers.  Tonight we will stay in a shepherd’s home or simple hotel.

Day 14

Today we will return to Kashgar where you can rest or spend more time exploring the city.

Day 15

We will grasp the opportunity today to visit the livestock market where you will see the selling and buying of cattle, horses, camels, etc… Then we will move on to visit the Sunday bazaar where there is so much to see and learn.  This is a great place to pick up gifts for yourself and your friends.  We will finish this day by enjoying dinner while being entertained with Uyghur folk dance and songs.

Day 16

Though today we must sadly say “Good-bye”, we will never forget our new friends!

 

Special Discount Tour Package Price (all prices based off 2 people sharing one room)

2 people	25,000 RMB
4 people	38,500 RMB
6 people	45,000 RMB
8 people	54,800 RMB
10 people	60,800 RMB

* Price includes: transportation, guide, accommodation, train, and meals.

** Price does NOT include: entrance fees, personal expenses, tips to drivers and guides, and airfare.