10-Day Xinjiang Highlights: Kuche, Kashgar, and Tashkurgan
Trip Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Xinjiang’s rich history, awe-inspiring landscapes, and vibrant cultures.
Starting in the ancient city of Kuche, explore breathtaking canyons, ancient Buddhist caves, and colorful salt formations that showcase nature’s artistry. Delve into Hotan’s heritage with visits to traditional rug workshops, jade markets, and the renowned Hotan Museum. In Shache, experience Uyghur culture firsthand, and immerse yourself in the bustling streets of Kashgar, where centuries-old architecture and markets reveal life along the Silk Road. Ascend to the high-altitude beauty of Tashkurgan, with serene lakes, traditional Tajik villages, and towering glaciers that offer a surreal experience of Xinjiang’s natural wonders. Conclude your journey back in Kashgar with a blend of relaxation and local exploration, crafting memories that celebrate the diverse spirit of China’s western frontier.
Trip code: CBT20250927
from usd 1900 p. person
★★★★★
- Size of group: 8-15 people
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Trip Itinerary
Day 1 SEP 27 Saturday Kuche arrival
Meet on arrival, drive to hotel, and enjoy a 2-night stay in Kuche.
Highlights: Welcome dinner
Day 2 SEP 28 sunday Kuche full day exploration
Hotel departure, visit Kirizlyar Saltwater Gully, a scenic area featuring stunning natural landscapes with salt formations, unique rock formations, and beautiful canyon views.
Visit Kizil Buddhist Art Caves, exploringg ancient Buddhist murals, statues, and carvings, which showcase rich cultural and artistic heritage.
Visit Kuche Grand Canyon, renowned for its dramatic red sandstone cliffs, deep gorges, and unique rock formations, offering a marvelous blend of natural beauty and geological wonders.
Highlights: Kirizlyar Saltwater Gully, Kizil Buddhist Art Caves, Kuche Grand Canyon
Day 3 SEP 29 Monday Kuche tour & Hotan arrival
Hotel departure, morning visit to Kuche old town. It’s a historic Silk Road hub, known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient architecture, and a blend of Buddhist and Islamic influences, offering insights into its vibrant past.
In the afternoon, fly to Hotan.
Flight G54470 KCAHTN 1615 1730
17:30 Hotan airport arrival, meet and drive to hotel, check in
In the evening, visit Hotan night market, which is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, offering local cuisine, handicrafts, and a lively cultural experience.
Highlights: Kuche old town, Hotan night market
Day 4 SEP 30 Tuesday Hotan tour & shache arrival
Hotel departure, visit Hotan Museum, which showcases rich cultural relics, including ancient Silk Road artifacts, mummies, and jade carvings, offering a deep insight into the region's history and diverse heritage.
Visit Hotan rug workshop and Jade Market. These places offer a glimpse into traditional craftsmanship, featuring locally sourced jade, handwoven silk fabrics, and intricate handmade carpets reflecting Uyghur culture.
Drive 320KM to Shache.
Highlights: Hotan Museum, Hotan rug workshop and Jade Market
Day 5 Oct 1 Wednesday shache tour & kashgar arrival
Hotel departure, visit Shache Palace in the morning, highlighting local traditions with exhibits on Uyghur culture, art, and history by showcasing vibrant cultural heritage and traditional crafts.
Drive 200KM to Kashgar at noon.
Highlights: Shache Palace
Day 6 oct 2 Thursday kashgar full day exploration
Hotel departure, visit Kashgar Old town, which offers historic architecture, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage, showcasing traditional Uyghur life amidst ancient streets.
Visit Id Kah Great Mosque. It features stunning Islamic architecture, intricate tilework, and serves as Kashgar's largest and most important mosque, embodying Uyghur cultural and religious heritage.
Visit Apak Hoja Tomb. This historical site honors the beloved Qing Dynasty concubine with intricate architecture and lush gardens, reflecting her legacy and cultural significance.
Highlights: Kashgar Old town, Id Kah Great Mosque, Apak Hoja Tomb
Day 7 oct 3 friday Tashkurgan arrival
Hotel departure, during the drive, visit white sand lake at Burunkol pass offering serene beauty with its pristine waters and beautiful desert landscape, perfect for a tranquil escape and picturesque views. After, visit Karakul lake, a breathtaking high-altitude lake with crystal-clear waters, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks.
After arrived in Tashkurgan, visit Rock castle, which features ancient ruins and unique rock formations, offering a glimpse into historic Silk Road civilizations amidst stunning mountain scenery.
Visit Golden meadow wetland, boasting diverse flora and fauna, with scenic meadows and serene waters, which is perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
The whole drive is about 300KM.
Highlights: white sand lake, Karakul lake, Rock castle, Golden meadow wetland
Day 8 oct 4 Saturday kashgar arrival
Hotel departure, during the drive, visit Tajik village offering a glimpse into traditional lifestyles with unique architecture, vibrant textiles, and rich cultural practices, setting against stunning mountainous landscapes. After, visit Oytagh glacier. It features impressive ice formations and rugged landscapes, offering breathtaking views and a pristine natural environment in Xinjiang's remote mountains.
The whole drive is about 300KM.
In Kashgar visit Sunday or local Market. It showcases diverse goods, from local crafts to spices and reflects rich cultural traditions and bustling atmosphere.
Highlights: Tajik village, Oytagh glacier, Sunday or local Market in Kashgar
Day 9 oct 5 sunday kashgar free day
Explore Kashgar on your own.
Highlights: free activities
Day 10 oct 6 monday kashgar Departure
Drive 15 KM to the airport, trip ends.