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10-Day china Silk Road: South of Tianshan, Xinjiang
Tour 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.
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: CBT260926
Itinerary
🥢 Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
To ensure the best possible experience, all itinerary details will be finalized and communicated closer to the departure date.
Day 1: SEP 26 Saturday Kuche arrival (-)
Meet on arrival, drive to hotel, and enjoy a 2-night stay in Kuche. Accommodation: Kuche Tianyuan Hotel
Day 2: SEP 27 sunday Kuche full day exploration (B,D)
08:30 Hotel departure and drive to Kirizlyar Salt Water Gully (approx. 30 min), a scenic area featuring stunning natural landscapes with salt formations, unique rock formations, and beautiful canyon views.
Visit Kizil Buddhist Art Caves (approx. 20 min drive from the Salt Water Gully), exploring ancient Buddhist murals, statues, and carvings, which showcase rich cultural and artistic heritage.
Drive 40 min. to 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.
Night market and dinner in Kuche old town is included.
Highlights: Kirizlyar Saltwater Gully, Kizil Buddhist Art Caves, Kuche Grand Canyon, night market in Kuche Old Town
Accommodation: Kuche Tianyuan Hotel
Day 3: SEP 28 Monday Kuche tour & Hotan arrival (B)
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.
Hotan airport arrival, meet and drive to hotel, check in. Enjoy a one-night stay in Hotan.
Afternoon: 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.
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 Jade Market, historic Hotan rug workshop Accommodation: Hotan Hotel
Highlights: Kuche old town, Hotan Jade Market, historic Hotan rug workshop Accommodation: Hotan Hotel
Day 4: SEP 29 Tuesday Hotan tour & shache arrival (B)
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.
Drive 320KM to Shache (5-6 hours). Enjoy a one-night stay in Shache.
In Shache, experience a living heritage: the mesmerizing Maqam, the classical Uyghur music that echoes the soul of the Silk Road.
Highlights: Hotan Museum, Maqam Concert
Accommodation: Shache H Hotel
Day 5: sep 30 Wednesday shache tour & kashgar arrival (B)
Hotel departure, visit Shache Palace/Cultural Park 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. Arrive in Kashgar and check in at the hotel.
Enjoy a one-night stay in Kashgar.Touring Kashgar Old Town in the evening.
Highlights: Shache Palace, Kashgar Old Town evening tour
Accommodation: Kashgar Radisson BLU Hotel
Day 6: oct 1 Thursday to Tashkurgan via the karakoram highway (B)
Hotel breakfast and check out.
In the morning, you will first collect your border permits at the co-working building near Kashgar Airport. With permits in hand, you then embark on one of the world's most spectacular drives, heading towards Tashkurgan via the legendary Karakoram Highway (China-Pakistan Friendship Highway). Your journey is a visual feast, with planned stops at two stunning high-altitude lakes:White Sand Lake (Baisha Hu): Marvel at the surreal contrast of vibrant turquoise waters against vast, pristine white sand dunes.Karakul Lake: Admire the breathtaking reflection of the surrounding snow-capped peaks on the serene surface of this majestic lake.
The mighty Muztagh Ata (7,509m), revered as the "Father of Ice Mountains," will be a constant, awe-inspiring presence, offering magnificent panoramic views throughout our drive.
You will arrive in Tashkurgan in the early evening and check into your hotel, where you will stay for two nights.
Highlights: Karakoram Highway, white sand lake, Karakul lake, The mighty Muztagh Ata (7,509) Accommodation: Tashkurgan Europa Hotel
In the morning, you will first collect your border permits at the co-working building near Kashgar Airport. With permits in hand, you then embark on one of the world's most spectacular drives, heading towards Tashkurgan via the legendary Karakoram Highway (China-Pakistan Friendship Highway). Your journey is a visual feast, with planned stops at two stunning high-altitude lakes:White Sand Lake (Baisha Hu): Marvel at the surreal contrast of vibrant turquoise waters against vast, pristine white sand dunes.Karakul Lake: Admire the breathtaking reflection of the surrounding snow-capped peaks on the serene surface of this majestic lake.
The mighty Muztagh Ata (7,509m), revered as the "Father of Ice Mountains," will be a constant, awe-inspiring presence, offering magnificent panoramic views throughout our drive.
You will arrive in Tashkurgan in the early evening and check into your hotel, where you will stay for two nights.
Highlights: Karakoram Highway, white sand lake, Karakul lake, The mighty Muztagh Ata (7,509) Accommodation: Tashkurgan Europa Hotel
Day 7: oct 2 friday Around Tashkurgan (B)
Today is dedicated to discovering the cultural and natural treasures in the vicinity of Tashkurgan. After breakfast, you will set out for a series of immersive experiences.
Your first stop is a traditional Tajik village, offering a genuine glimpse into the local lifestyle with its distinctive architecture, colorful textiles, and enduring customs, all set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.
Later, you will drive along the scenic Panlong Ancient Road, a route that carves through the stunning landscape. In the afternoon, you return to Tashkurgan to visit two remarkable sites:Rock Castle: Explore the ancient ruins and fascinating rock formations of this historic site, which echoes the legacy of the Silk Road.Golden Meadow Wetland: Enjoy the serene beauty of this wetland, a haven for diverse plant life and bird species, perfect for a peaceful stroll amidst nature.
The day's explorations conclude as you return to your hotel in Tashkurgan for the night.
Highlights: Rock castle, Golden Meadow Wetland, Tajik village, Panlong Ancient RoadAccommodation: Tashkurgan Europa Hotel
Your first stop is a traditional Tajik village, offering a genuine glimpse into the local lifestyle with its distinctive architecture, colorful textiles, and enduring customs, all set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.
Later, you will drive along the scenic Panlong Ancient Road, a route that carves through the stunning landscape. In the afternoon, you return to Tashkurgan to visit two remarkable sites:Rock Castle: Explore the ancient ruins and fascinating rock formations of this historic site, which echoes the legacy of the Silk Road.Golden Meadow Wetland: Enjoy the serene beauty of this wetland, a haven for diverse plant life and bird species, perfect for a peaceful stroll amidst nature.
The day's explorations conclude as you return to your hotel in Tashkurgan for the night.
Highlights: Rock castle, Golden Meadow Wetland, Tajik village, Panlong Ancient RoadAccommodation: Tashkurgan Europa Hotel
Day 8: oct 3 Saturday kashgar arrival (B)
Today, you journey back to Kashgar via the legendary G314 National Highway, also renowned as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway. This scenic return trip covers approximately 300 kilometers, offering another chance to absorb the stark beauty of the Pamir Plateau.
Visit the Oytagh Glacier to witness a stark contrast: sprawling glaciers and icefalls against the unique red sandstone of the Oytagh Hills—a truly breathtaking sight.
Your route retraces a path through breathtaking landscapes, dominated by another awe-inspiring view of Muztagh Ata (Mount Muztagh), soaring to an elevation of 7,509 meters. Reverently known as the "Father of Ice Mountains", its majestic, snow-capped dome remains a constant, mesmerizing companion on our drive.
Highlights: Oytagh glacier, The mighty Muztagh Ata (7,509) , Karakoram HighwayAccommodation: Kashgar Radisson BLU Hotel
Day 9: oct 4 sunday kashgar tour (B,D)
Hotel breakfast
Visit the famous Sunday Market. It showcases diverse goods, from local crafts to spices and reflects rich cultural traditions and bustling atmosphere.
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.
A farewell dinner will be included.
Highlights: Sunday Market, Kashgar Old town, Id Kah Great Mosque, Apak Hoja TombAccommodation: Kashgar Radisson BLU Hotel
Day 10: oct 5 monday kashgar Departure (B)
Hotel breakfast and check out.
Drive 15 KM to the airport, trip ends.
Tour details
tour duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
size of group
Min. 8, Max 16 people
accommodation
- 9 nights with breakfast
- All lodgings are selected for their safety, comfort, and proximity to our route to ensure optimal recovery.
Meals
- 9 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and daily hydration.
- Lunches and dinners are not included to allow for flexibility; your guides will recommend local options en route.
Internal Transport
- Domestic Flight (Economy Class): Kuche → Hotan
- Transfers: All airport to hotel round-trip transfers by private vehicle.
sightseeings
- All mentioned tours and excursions
- Includes: All first-entry admission tickets to sights.
- Border Permit and application
- Guide Service: Professional local English-speaking guide service in each city.
- Spanish, Italian, German and Russian-speaking guides available upon request (may require an additional fee).
TRAVEL MOMENTS
what people say
- "I had a wonderful time touring Xinjiang, south of Tian Shan. We had incredible weather. Sunny and blue skies, no clouds, except for last day when it was overcast. And there were not too many tourists. Every visit was perfect, especially the time I had at the Buddhist Kizil Caves. The guide had good recommendations in the order of the programme as well as additional activities when we had spare time. The recommended restaurants/food were very good. The hotels were all excellent ..."Alice Chu
- "In August 2023, I joined Christy on a six-day journey through Xinjiang (not Tashkurgan) to help map out a new travel route. What an adventure it turned out to be!
We explored profound historical sites like the Kizil Caves and picnicked with sweet watermelons on the banks of the jade-rich Hotan River. Our journey took us across the vast, awe-inspiring Taklamakan Desert, guided by a trusted driver who navigated the stunning sand dunes with ease.
Beyond the sights, it was the local experiences that made the trip unforgettable. We savored Xinjiang's incredible cuisine and even made friends with the staff at a local restaurant. One of the most fun moments was watching the cook successfully open a bottle of our wine with a barbecue skewer for lack of an opener!
The trip was a perfect mix of cultural discovery and scenic beauty, all thanks to Christy's amazing planning and spirit."Julie Chun - "Thank you for the wonderful arrangements. Everything went very smoothly, and it was a truly eye-opening experience that gave us a deep appreciation for Xinjiang."Jing & Peter
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