a) Baisha and Karakul Lakes: Snowy allure and Karakul Lake's grandeur on Kashgar to Tashkurgan drive.
b) Stone City and Tajik Villages: History, Tajik village life, wetlands' beauty.
c) Kashgar Gems and Uighur Life: Abakh Khoja Mausoleum, Zhiren Street, Uighur life, Id Kah Mosque.
d) Heavenly Lake and International Bazaar: Urumqi's enchanting lake, bustling Bazaar.
e) Turpan's Richness: Turpan's essence, Emin Minaret, Karez System, Silk Road history. Conclude in Urumqi or explore Central China.
Upon your arrival at Kashgar Airport, our guide will warmly welcome you with a sign displaying your name. You'll be comfortably driven to your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. Take some time to rest at the hotel and acclimate to the new time zone, helping you recover from any jet lag.
Embark on a scenic 290 km drive from Kashgar to Tashkurgan, taking about 5.5 hours. Experience the stunning Baisha Lake amidst the Karakoram Mountains at 3,300 meters altitude, resembling snowflakes embraced by snowy peaks. Then, admire Karakul Lake at the foot of Mount Muztagata, rising to 7,546 meters. The night will be spent in Tashkurgan, immersed in the captivating surroundings.
Today, we explore Tashkurgan before returning to Kashgar. Our first stop is the historic Stone City (Tashkurgan Fort), a Silk Road relic revealing Tashkurgan's 2,000-year history.
Next, we'll immerse ourselves in Tajik villages, where warm-hearted European-descendant nomads reside. Their unique language and customs offer insight into a vibrant culture.
On the Pamir Plateau, we'll encounter Taheman Wetland, Aral Wetland, and Golden Meadow, each boasting seasonal allure – from lush summer meadows to autumn's golden grasses.
Our day concludes with a peaceful night's stay in Kashgar.
Devote the day to uncovering Kashgar's treasures.
The Abakh Khoja Family Mausoleum, crafted in 1640, housed five generations. This palace-like structure boasts classical design, blue masonry, a main entrance, small mosque, grand mosque, library hall, and cemetery – a splendid visit.
Xinjiang's largest mosque, the Id Kah Mosque, stands since 1422 as a vital Uighur place of worship, hosting regular prayers.
Explore the Uighur residents' quarter and Zhiren Street, abodes to families for over six centuries. In yellow earth and varied poplar leaves, these homes invite authentic experiences. With 50 alleys, towers, and craft workshops, Zhiren Street is known for pottery, bakeries, embroidery, and knives.
A century-old tea house offers lovely decor and local flavors (self-pay). Later, fly to Urumqi for an overnight stay.
Begin your day with a trip to Heavenly Lake, positioned 110 km to the east of Urumqi. Resembling a crescent, this gem of the Heavenly Mountain (Tianshan) boasts crystal-clear waters, and a visit to its shores is an enchanting delight.
Following your visit to Heavenly Lake, proceed to the International Bazaar, Urumqi's largest marketplace. Here, you're free to shop at your pace and relish local delicacies.
Conclude the day with an overnight stay in Urumqi.
Following breakfast, drive from Urumqi to Turpan (about 200 km, 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, immerse yourself in Turpan's essence.
Located 13 km from Turpan, the Jiaohe Ruins stand as remnants of an ancient earthen city – the oldest and best-preserved of its kind. Echoes of this civilization persist. During the Tang Dynasty, it functioned as a key administrative hub.
Tuyugou Valley, found 55 km from Turpan, once held sacred significance for Buddhism and Islam. Now inhabited by Uighurs, it offers a glimpse into a 1,700-year-old village – the oldest Uighur village with original families.
Rest for the night in Turpan.
Explore Turpan for a day.
Turpan's Karez Irrigation System, part of China's historic triumvirate alongside the Great Wall and Grand Canal, consists of 1,100 subterranean tunnels stretching 5,000 km. Vital for the arid region, it conserves and distributes water.
The Emin Minaret, China's tallest and only ancient Islamic one, stands 2 km east of Turpan.
At Xinjiang's second-largest museum, Turpan Museum, you'll find renowned historical artifacts shedding light on the ancient Silk Road.
After the visit, the tour concludes with a return to Urumqi or train eastwards to discover of Central China.
a) All the visits mentioned in the itinerary.
b) Flight from Kashgar to Urumqi.
c) Meals mentioned in local restaurants with one local drink per meal.
d) Transfers and ground transportation by car, minibus, or bus depending on the group size.
e) Hotel room, based on a double room with either a double bed or two single beds. Breakfast included.
f) Service of English-speaking local guides.
g) Accident insurance during the trip in China.
a) Visa fees.
b) Personal expenses.
c) Excess baggage fees.
d) Round-trip international airfare.
e) Tips for guides, drivers, and baggage handlers; tips are not mandatory but encourage them in their work.
a) Coming from diverse ethnic backgrounds, they each possess unique cultures. Kindly honor their traditional clothing during the visit.
b) Take note of temperature variations during spring and autumn. Make sure to pack suitable clothing.
c) Due to Xinjiang's vastness, certain outings encompass significant travel distances. To make the journey more enjoyable, you could bring along books or music to pass the time.
15 days before commencement of services: 100% refund.
7 to 14 days before commencement of services: charge 10% of the tour price.
2 to 6 days before commencement of services: charge 50% of the tour price.
Within 2 days of commencement of services or no-show travelers: charge 100% of the tour price.
After the trip has commenced, we are unable to refund any amount for unused services due to your willingness, early departure, late arrival, or missed days on tours.
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