7-Day Silk Road Tour: Urumqi → Turpan → Kashgar

Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi

Day 2: Urumqi → Turpan | Explore Turpan’s Cultural Gems

• Morning: Visit Tuyugou Village, where you can experience the traditional daily life of the Uyghur people.
• Next, explore the Bezeklik Caves (dating back to the 5th century)—these ancient caves are adorned with vibrant murals depicting Buddhist scenes and figures.
• Later, stop at the Astana-Karakhoja Tombs, often called the “Underground Museum” for its well-preserved ancient artifacts.

Day 3: Turpan → Urumqi | Silk Road History & Return

• Morning: Start with the Emin Minaret—in the early sunlight, a beautiful shadow stretches across its walls, making it especially picturesque.
• Then, visit the ruins of ancient Jiaohe City, a key relic of the Silk Road’s past.
• Afternoon: Drive back to Urumqi to conclude the day.

Day 4: Urumqi → Kashgar | Heavenly Lake & Flight to Kashgar

• After breakfast: Head to Heavenly Lake in the Tianshan Mountains. Take a leisurely walk along the plank path to soak in the lake’s surroundings—admire the magical colors reflecting on the water’s surface and listen to local myths and legends about the area.
• Evening: Catch a flight from Urumqi to Kashgar to continue your journey.

Day 5: Kashgar | Exotic Charm of the Old Town

• Wander the streets, where green lianas climb mud-brick buildings and children chase each other. Visit Xinjiang’s largest mosque, then step into the quiet tomb of a great Uyghur poet to appreciate the beauty of Islamic architecture.
• Later, visit the Kashgar Grand Bazaar—famous across Asia, this ancient market draws locals and merchants from Xinjiang and nearby countries. If you’re there on a Sunday, don’t miss the livestock market, where people trade and shear animals.
• Walk from the Old Town to Handicrafts Street: step into shops, touch semi-finished crafts, and test the timbre of unique local musical instruments.
• Take a break at a 100-year-old ancient teahouse—a favorite spot for locals, where people gather to chat, sip tea, play music, and dance, often spending the whole afternoon there.

Day 6: Kashgar | The Majestic Pamirs

• First, visit Baisha Lake—surrounded by white sand dunes, lush grasslands, and poplar forests, the stark contrast between the white dunes and blue lake creates a serene, peaceful atmosphere.
• Next, explore Karakul Lake—a sparkling glacial lake and one of China’s best-kept natural secrets. Its stunning scenery is perfect for photography, sure to inspire your inner photographer.
• Gaze at snow-capped Muztagh Ata and other towering mountains—they stand like a line of strong guards protecting this land.

Day 7: Departure from Kashgar