1. Experience captivating Tuyugou Valley and the unique Kumtagh Desert.
2. Immerse in Turpan's history with its Karez system, Emin Minaret, and Jiaohe Ruins.
3. Explore Celestial Lake and Urumqi's bustling International Bazaar.
4. Unveil Kashgar's cultural gems at Abakh Khoja Tomb, Id Kah Mosque, and Uighur Residents' Quarter.
5. Embrace nature's beauty at Baisha and Karakul Lakes
Upon your arrival at Urumqi Airport, our guide will greet you with a personalized sign and accompany you to your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
Take some time to rest at the hotel and adjust to any time zone differences.
After enjoying breakfast, set forth on a journey from Urumqi to Turpan, covering around 200 km in approximately 2.5 hours. The day promises pleasant weather. Our initial destination is the captivating Tuyugou Valley and the unique Kumtagh Desert.
The Kumtagh Desert, situated about 90 km from Turpan, is an extension of the Taklamakan Desert. Remarkably, it's the world's closest desert to a city, with its eastern expanse stretching over 160 km. Sunlight accentuates the desert's enchanting array of colors.
Next, delve into the Tuyugou Valley, found 55 km from Turpan. Once a revered site for both Buddhism and Islam, it's now a Uighur-inhabited area. Within this valley lies a 1,700-year-old village, the oldest Uighur village with its original families.
Rest for the night in Turpan.
Dedicate this day to the exploration of Turpan.
The Turpan Karez, an ancient irrigation marvel and one of China's three engineering wonders, encompasses approximately 1,100 underground tunnels stretching over 5,000 km. These tunnels sustain the arid landscapes of Turpan.
Emin Minaret, situated 2 km east of Turpan, stands as China's tallest minaret and the country's sole surviving ancient Islamic one.
A visit to Turpan Museum, Xinjiang's second largest, offers insights into the ancient Silk Road through its collection of historical relics.
The Jiaohe Ruins, found 13 km from Turpan, present the remains of an ancient earthen city, the oldest and best-preserved of its kind.
Following these enriching visits, journey to Urumqi for an overnight stay.
Start with a morning visit to Heavenly Lake, 110 km east of Urumqi. Its crescent shape is considered a jewel of the Tianshan Mountains. Its crystal-clear waters provide a delightful stroll along its shores.
Explore the International Bazaar, Urumqi's largest market, where you can shop and savor local specialties.
In the late afternoon, take a flight from Urumqi to Kashgar and spend the night in Urumqi.
Devote this day to the exploration of Kashgar.
Begin with the Abakh Khoja Family Tomb, constructed in 1640, serving as the final resting place for five generations. Its grand blue exterior resembles a palace and encompasses a small and grand mosque, scripture hall, and cemetery.
The Id Kah Mosque, Xinjiang's largest, built in 1422, holds immense significance for Uighur worship.
Stroll through the Uighur Residents' Quarter and Zhiren Street, where families have resided for over 600 years. Navigate through 50 alleys, towers, and workshops. For an authentic local experience, visit a centennial tea house (self-payment).
Conclude the day with an overnight stay in Kashgar.
Following breakfast, embark on a drive from Kashgar to Tashkurgan (approximately 290 km, 5.5 hours' drive). During the journey, make stops at Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake.
Baisha Lake, situated on Karakorum Mountain at an altitude of 3,300 meters, shines like a pearl along the path to Tashkurgan. Karakul Lake, located at the base of Mount Muztagata, stands grandly at an impressive elevation of 7,546 meters. Take in their breathtaking beauty before returning to Kashgar for the evening.
If the weather allows, explore Kashgar's bustling Grand Bazaar.
Kashgar's Grand Bazaar, with a longstanding history, holds significant importance in Xinjiang, even attracting visitors from neighboring countries like Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan. People arrive on bicycles, motorcycles, tractors, trucks, and donkey-drawn carts. On Sundays, witness locals selling pets.
Conclude your journey with a transfer to the railway station, airport, or port of Kashgar. This marks the end of our services.
a) All the visits mentioned in the itinerary.
b) Flight from Urumqi to Kashgar.
c) Meals mentioned at local restaurants with one local drink per meal.
d) Transfers and ground transportation by car, mini-bus, or bus depending on the group size.
e) Hotel accommodation, based on a double room with either a double bed or two single beds. Breakfast included.
f) Services of English-speaking local guides.
g) Accident insurance during the trip in China.
a) Visa fees.
b) Personal expenses.
c) Excess baggage charges.
d) Round-trip international airfare.
e) Tips for guides, drivers, and baggage handlers; tips are not mandatory but are appreciated for their work.
a) When visiting Xijiang, be mindful of and respectful toward the diverse local costumes.
b) In the Xinjiang region, particularly in Turpan, the climate is quite arid. Make sure to bring some moisturizing creams to care for your skin.
c) Given the extensive size of Xinjiang, certain outings may involve lengthy travel and considerable distances. Consider bringing books or music to help pass the time while on the road.
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.
Get a quick answer from ETripChina experts
Feedback
Frequently Asked Questions
0 customer reviews