13 Days Xinjiang Silk Road Tour: Western Regions Expedition with Taklamakan Desert

Ni Hao! Welcome to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region! Upon your arrival at Urumqi airport, your tour guide and driver will greet you at the exit. They'll then escort you directly to the downtown area and assist you with checking in at your hotel.

Note: Xinjiang follows the unified Beijing Time, which is UTC+08:00. However, due to its geographical location within the UTC+6 time zone, the actual local sunrise and sunset in Xinjiang occur about two hours later than they would according to Beijing Time.

Urumqi (乌鲁木齐), the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China, is notable for being the largest city in the world that is furthest from the ocean, with a distance of over 2,500 kilometers from the nearest coastline. Urumqi is located in northwestern China, adjacent to Central Asian countries, and is often referred to as the "Urban Heart of Asia." Historically, Urumqi played a significant role as a major stop on the ancient Silk Road, facilitating trade between China and the West.

This history has left a lasting impact, making Urumqi a melting pot of ethnic groups, including Uyghurs, Han, Kazakhs, and others, which has shaped the unique cultural ambiance of western China. In addition to its rich history, the city is surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Tian Shan mountains, providing stunning backdrops and opportunities for outdoor activities.

Arrival Ideas: Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (IATA: URC) serves as the main airport for Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China. Urumqi Diwopu International Airport offers flights to many major cities across China like Beijing (about 4 hours), Xi’an (about 3.5 hours), Shanghai (about 5.5 hours), Guangzhou (about 5 hours), Shenzhen (about 5.5hours), Chengdu (about 3.5 hours), Chongqing (about 4 hours), Lanzhou (about 2.5 hours), Kunming (about 4.5 hours), Zhengzhou (about 5 hours), etc. It also serves as an important air hub for routes to Central Asia, with connections to cities such as Islamabad, Almaty, Astana (now Nur-Sultan), Dushanbe, Istanbul, and Tehran.

Today, you'll embark on a full-day exploration, from the breathtaking natural beauty of Tianshan Tianchi Lake to the enlightening exhibits at the Xinjiang Regional Museum.

In the morning, you'll be driven approximately 70 kilometers (about 1-1.5 hours) to Heavenly Lake of Tianshan (天山天池), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled at an elevation of around 1,980 meters (6,500 feet) above sea level, this serene alpine lake is surrounded by lush forests, snow-capped peaks, and breathtaking landscapes. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, panoramic Bogda mountain views, and connections to ancient myths and legends, Heavenly Lake is a must-see. One such legend involves the Queen Mother of the West (Xi Wangmu), who is said to have hosted a banquet for the Eight Immortals here.

Upon arrival, you'll first take 40-minute sightseeing bus ride through the dramatic mountains. Then, enjoy 10-minute walk to the picturesque lake. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Heavenly Lake, taking in the fresh mountain air and diverse flora and fauna.

Optional Activities (additional fee required):

1. Boat Ride: Cruise across the peaceful waters of the lake, immersing yourself in its beauty and the reflections of the snow-capped mountains.
2. Cableway Ride: Take a cableway up to Mayashan for even more stunning views of Bogda Mountain.

After lunch, return to Urumqi and visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum (新疆维吾尔自治区博物馆). This renowned museum showcases the region's rich history, ethnic cultures,  and the ancient Silk Road. Explore extensive collections that include exotic artifacts from the Silk Road, and fascinating displays of traditional ethnic costumes and household items from various cultures such as Uyghur, Kazakh, and Han. The most unique is the exhibit of ancient mummies, which houses some of the world’s best-preserved mummies, including the famous “Loulan Beauty”, one of the 3800-year-old desert-mummified bodies of Indo-European ancestry. The museum’s immersive exhibits will transport you back in time, allowing you to learn about the fascinating history of the Silk Road and the cultural interactions that have shaped Xinjiang.

Note: If the Xinjiang Regional Museum is closed on Monday, we will visit the Urumqi Grand Bazaar (新疆国际大巴扎) instead.

After the tour, return to your hotel in Urumqi.

Free Time Ideas:

The Urumqi Grand Bazaar, also known as the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, is a vibrant marketplace and a perfect way to spend your free time. Explore the many shops and stalls offering various local products, including traditional Uyghur clothing, carpets, handmade crafts, silk scarves, jewelry, spices, and dried fruits. Be sure to try local favorites such as lamb kebabs, polu (pilaf), naan bread, and laghman (hand-pulled noodles). Additionally, the architecture of the Grand Bazaar itself is worth admiring with its grand minarets, domes, and intricate Islamic-inspired designs.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic 3-hour drive (180 km) from Urumqi to Turpan. Along the way, you’ll pass the striking Salt Lake and the impressive wind power station, the largest in Asia, at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains.

Turpan (吐鲁番) is located in the eastern part of Xinjiang. Situated in the Turpan Depression at 154 m below sea level, it's the second-lowest depression in the world and the hottest spot in China, earning it the nickname "Fire Land."

Despite its arid climate, the ingenious Karez irrigation system has transformed this desert region into a fertile oasis, renowned for its agriculture, especially grape production. As a crucial stop on the ancient Silk Road, Turpan served as a hub for trade and cultural exchange between East and West. The area is dotted with historical sites - ancient city ruins, remnants of fortifications, and Buddhist cave complexes - testifying to its rich cultural roots.

Upon arrival in Turpan, you will drive to Tuyoq Valley along the Flaming Mountain Grand Canyon. The Flaming Mountains (Huoyan Shan), named for their intense heat and reddish-brown sandstone that appears to glow like fire under the desert sun, are one of Turpan’s most iconic landscapes. Stretching over 100 kilometers from east to west, these eroded hills create a striking, otherworldly view. Along the way, we can stop for photos.

Cultural Background of Flaming Mountains

The Flaming Mountains are steeped in legend, depicted in the famous Chinese literary classic Journey to the West by Wu Cheng’en. In the story, the Flaming Mountains block the westward journey of Tang Sanzang and his companions, as the mountain is ablaze with scorching heat. To overcome this obstacle, the Monkey King, Wukong seeks out Princess Iron Fan and borrows her Banana Leaf Fan, which he uses to extinguish the fire and allow the group to pass safely. The video game Black Myth: Wukong also introduces the Flaming Mountains as one of its game settings, drawing on this legendary scene.

The winding road along the cliffs of the Flaming Mountains will soon lead you to Mazar Village (麻扎村), nestled in the Tuyoq Valley (吐峪沟). It is the oldest surviving Uyghur village, with a history of over 1700 years. The mud-constructed town offers a glimpse of traditional Uighur life and architecture. Here, every household grows mulberry, apricot, or jujube trees around their homes. The doors are adorned with colorful paintings of flowers and fruits, and the window lattices are also decorated with a variety of motifs. The ancestors of Mazar Village, adapting to the local environment and survival needs, ingeniously used locally sourced yellow clay to construct their homes. This has resulted in one of the best-preserved earthen architecture complexes in China today. The earth-toned dwellings adorned with colorful door frames, set against the backdrop of red mountains, are extremely photogenic.

Next, make your way to Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves (柏孜克里克千佛洞), which is a complex of Buddhist cave grottos located on the cliffs of the Flaming Mountains. Dating back to the 5th to 14th centuries, the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves - Silk Road World Heritage, once served as one of the most significant and beautiful grottoes on the Silk Road, as well as a royal monastery and temple for the Kingdom of Gaochang, played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism across Central Asia. The name "Bezeklik" means "place of paintings" in the Uyghur language, reflecting the caves' renowned collection of colorful murals.

Here, you'll step into the remnants of this ancient Buddhist site, marveling at an impressive collection of murals and sculptures, many of which were painted during the 11th century, showcasing Uyghur Buddhist art at its finest. These murals depict scenes from Buddhist stories, celestial beings, and scenes of daily life during the Silk Road's heyday. They represent a unique blend of Chinese, Indian, Persian, and Central Asian influences, reflecting the diverse cultural interactions along the Silk Road.

Optional Activity: From July to September, when the grapes are ripe, it's recommended to visit local farms to experience the joy of grape picking and tasting. Turpan is particularly famous for its high-quality grapes, which, thanks to the high temperatures and abundant sunlight of the Turpan Basin, have a very high sugar content.

After the tour, be escorted to your hotel in Turpan.

After breakfast, begin your visit to Jiaohe Ancient City (交河故城), one of the best-preserved ruins of ancient cities along the Silk Road and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the joint application "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor." Jiaohe Ruins offers a profound glimpse into ancient city planning and the historical complexity of the civilizations on the Silk Road.

Nestled between two deep river valleys, Jiaohe, meaning "the confluence of two rivers," is strategically positioned on a large, steep plateau that provides formidable natural defenses. As a key city connecting the Central Plains (中原) and the vast regions of the Western Regions (西域), Jiaohe Ancient City played a vital role in the transportation network of the Silk Road. It witnessed the bustling trade along the Silk Road and the exchange and integration of Eastern and Western cultures.

Unlike many ancient cities, its structures were not built up from the ground but carved down into the existing plateau of loess soil. Walking through the ruins, you can see the remains of government offices, residential houses, Buddhist stupas, and temples. These remnants not only provide important physical evidence for studying the history and culture of the Silk Road but also offer valuable insights into the social, economic, and religious life that shaped this region. Tips: There is no shelter inside the ruin, so be mindful of sun protection.

The History of Jiaohe Ancient City

The Ancient City of Jiaohe witnessed the development of civilization in the Western Region and the Silk Road. Approximately 2,000 years ago, it was established as the capital of the Jushi Kingdom (车师国), one of the 36 kingdoms in the Western Regions (西域三十六国). Following Zhang Qian's pioneering efforts during the Western Han Dynasty to carve a path through the Western Regions, Jiaohe City emerged as a crucial hub on the Silk Road. In 60 BC, the Han Dynasty central government established the Protectorate of the Western Regions (西域都护府) to administer the various states in the region, officially incorporating the Western Regions into the Chinese domain. During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, Jiaohe became a county under the jurisdiction of Gaochang（高昌). The city reached its zenith during the Tang Dynasty with the establishment of the Anxi Protectorate (安西都护府), marking a new era in the governance of the Western Regions. During this period, Jiaohe was a bustling center of international trade and vibrant cultural exchanges among diverse ethnic groups. From the 19th to the 14th century, due to the impact of wars, Jiaohe gradually declined and eventually became a ruin.

Next, head to the Karez System (坎儿井) to learn about the ancient underground irrigation system a few thousand years ago and how this system has benefitted the people along the desert's edge, transforming barren land into a lush oasis. This traditional engineering marvel is considered one of China’s three great ancient engineering projects, alongside the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. It has been recognized in the 2024 World Irrigation Project Heritage list.

The origin of the Karez Irrigation System

Turpan, in Xinjiang, is one of China's most arid regions, with annual rainfall of only 16 millimeters and evaporation exceeding 3,000 millimeters. These extreme conditions have led to severe surface water scarcity. To improve their survival prospects, people ingeniously utilized the natural slope of mountains to channel underground rainwater, glacial melt, and snowmelt from spring and summer to the surface for irrigation. This method greatly reduced water loss through surface evaporation, meeting the water needs of this arid region. It’s often said, "Without the Karez, there would be no Turpan; without the Karez, there would be no civilization in Turpan." The Karez has turned extremely arid basins into green havens, making Turpan a crucial corridor for East-West exchanges along the Silk Road and a place where diverse cultures converge and coexist.

The Karez system is often referred to as the "Underground Great Wall". In Xinjiang, there are over 1,700 karez wells which, if connected, would stretch over 5,000 kilometers, forming a vast underground river network. It is estimated that the Karez system has a history of over 2,000 years. Imagine centuries ago, without modern measuring tools or mechanical assistance, how ancient people located underground water sources, determined the gradient and direction in complete darkness, and connected such lengthy channels. Today, you have the opportunity to step into the Karez and personally unravel the secrets of this most mysterious hydraulic engineering project, experiencing first-hand how ancient innovation works.

The remainder of today will be spent driving to Korla city (360 km, 5 hours). Along the way, you'll have many opportunities to stop on safe roads to rest and take photos.

Stay overnight in Korla city.

Today we will drive about 300 km (approximately 4 hours) to Kuqa (also known as Kuche). Upon arrival, we'll explore the Kizilgaha Beacon Tower and Subash Buddhist Ruins in the Kuqa city.

Kuqa (库车) or Kuche, formerly known as “Qiuci Kingdom (龟兹国)," was one of the thirty-six countries of the Western Regions (西域). It is located on the southern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains, at the northern edge of the Tarim Basin, and is bordered to the south by the Taklamakan Desert. This geographical setting granted it significant importance on the ancient Silk Road. After the Han Dynasty developed the Western Regions, the Anxi Protectorate was established here, making Qiuci the political and military center of the central government in the area. Additionally, situated at the strategic junction of the central route of the Silk Road, Kuqa acted like a sponge, absorbing cultural elements from all directions. It has preserved numerous precious historical relics and cultural heritage sites, including ancient Buddha caves that date back even further than those in Dunhuang, as well as beacon towers and temple ruins.

Upon arrival in Kuqa city, your first stop will be the Kizilgaha Beacon Tower (克孜尔尕哈烽燧). This tower is the oldest and best-preserved beacon site on the central route of the ancient Silk Road. It's listed as a World Cultural Heritage site as part of the "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor."

Built during the Western Han Dynasty, the Kizilgaha Beacon Tower stands 13 meters tall with a rectangular base measuring approximately 6.5 meters east to west and 4.5 meters north to south. As part of China's ancient Great Wall defense system, the beacon tower played a vital role in safeguarding the passage of the Silk Road and enhancing stability and development in the Western Regions. Since the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), central governments began constructing fortifications and strategic military defense systems, including city walls, fortress walls, and beacon towers. The beacon tower had guards stationed around the clock for message transmission. They lit fires at night and used smoke signals during the day, employing various codes to indicate the numbers and locations of enemy forces. Although the flames of the beacon have been extinguished for over a thousand years, the remnants continue to carry forward that chapter of history.

Next is Subash Buddhist Ruins (苏巴什佛寺遗址), as the largest, best-preserved, and most ancient Buddhist architectural complex site on ancient silk road, in Xinjiang. It's listed as a World Cultural Heritage site as part of the "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor."

Historically, Subashi Gucheng Temple was the center of Buddhism in the Western Regions during the Sui and Tang dynasties (6th to 8th centuries) and served as the royal temple of Qiuci Kingdom, with the number of monks reaching as high as ten thousand. Many masters of Buddhism, such as Xuanzang (唐玄奘) and Kumarajiva (鸠摩罗什), delivered teachings here, spreading Buddhist culture.

Subash means "water source" in the Uygur language. The Subashi Temple ruins span both banks of the Kuqa River, divided into the East Temple and West Temple. Together, they cover an impressive area of approximately 180,000 square meters. The West Temple ruins are relatively well-preserved, with visible monk quarters, a Buddha hall, and several towering stupas. To the north, a series of caves are lined up, featuring beautifully carved Buddha statues and inscriptions in Qiuci script. Although the Subashi Buddhist Temple has been abandoned for nearly a thousand years, its remaining structures still impress under the sunlight. The stupas, standing on the vast Gobi Desert and reflecting golden light, silently narrate the glory and prosperity they once experienced. Additionally, local legend holds that the Kuqa River is the "Mother River" from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The locals often refer to it as the "Country of Daughters."

Stay overnight in Kuqa City.

This morning, we will drive to the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, located about 70 kilometers away (approximately 1.5 hours). It's listed as a World Cultural Heritage site as part of the "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor."

The Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (克孜尔千佛洞), also known as Kizil Caves, are one of the earliest and westernmost large cave complexes in China, dating back to the late 3rd to early 4th century AD, making them even older than the more famous Dunhuang Caves. As a cradle of Chinese Buddhist art, Kizil is strategically situated on the ancient Silk Road, serving as a crucial “transit point” for the spread of Buddhism eastward. Here, ancient Greek, Arab, and Indian civilizations intersected in Qiuci (龟兹), preserving their unique characteristics while also being absorbed by the local culture, resulting in a distinctive new artistic style. This blend is particularly evident in the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, which profoundly influenced the cave culture in the Hexi Corridor and the Central Plains, marking the beginning of Chinese cave art.

The complex consists of 236 numbered caves, renowned for their perfect combination of caves, sculptures, and murals. Visitors can admire unique elements of Qiuci cave art (龟兹石窟艺术) in the open caves, including the diamond-shaped blocks depicting Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha's previous lives), celestial music scenes, as well as various cave structures such as central pillar caves, square caves, and monks’ cells. The caves are built into the mountains, layered from low to high, resembling a multi-storied building. The cave structures include central pillar caves, five-connected caves, and front-room-back caves. These cave designs eventually influenced cave architecture in the Central Plains. A statue of Kumarajiva (鸠摩罗什), a renowned translator of Buddhist texts born here, stands in front of the caves and has become an iconic landmark.

Then, drive to visit Kuqa Grand Canyon located about 130 kilometers away (approximately 3.5 hours). The Kuqa Grand Canyon (库车大峡谷), is also known as the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon or Keziliya Grand Canyon. The name "Keziliya" comes from the Uighur language, meaning "red cliffs," a reference to the vividly colored rock faces that glow intensely under the sunlight, resembling flames. This stunning canyon exemplifies the Danxia landform. These geological formations have been intricately shaped by the forces of wind and water erosion, crafting a landscape of towering cliffs, rugged ridges, and steep columns that rise dramatically from the canyon floor.

The main gorge of the canyon stretches approximately 2.7 km, with an additional four tributary gorges, bringing the total length to about 3 km. As you walk through the canyon, the atmosphere shifts dramatically to a serene and cooler world, distinct from the heat outside. The entrance to the canyon is broad, but as you venture deeper, the paths twist and turn - widening in some places and narrowing in others, with some sections so tight that they barely allow a person to pass sideways. Raising your eyes upwards, you are greeted by an array of uniquely shaped peaks and rock formations, each one a testament to nature's artistry, seemingly sculpted by divine forces with exquisite precision.

After the tour, drive back to Kuqa City for accommodation.

Start your day with a visit to the Kuqa Grand Mosque (库车寺), the largest mosque in Kuqa and second only to the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar. This mosque boasts a history of over 500 years and is renowned for its towering entrance and exquisitely crafted domes. The prayer hall can accommodate up to 3,000 people and is supported by eight rows of large columns, beautifully carpeted throughout. One of the unique features of this mosque is its ancient religious court, the only one of its kind remaining in Xinjiang.

Next, head to the Kuqa Royal Palace (库车王府), once the residence of the last king of Kuqa, Dawud Mahsut (达吾提·麦合苏提) . Covering an area of approximately two to three hundred meters in both length and width, the palace complex features several buildings designed in Uighur architectural style. The interiors are vibrant and photogenic, with courtyards that house gardens and green spaces, creating a serene environment. The palace is divided into three main sections for visitors: the Qiuci Museum, the Royal Palace area, and the ancient city walls. Here, you can immerse yourself in the grandeur of the royalty, delve into the rich depth of the Qiuci culture, and learn about the rise and fall of the royal family, as well as the socio-economic history of Kuqa.

Next, we'll drive to Alar City (240 km, approximately 4 hours). En route, you'll enjoy views of the Tarim River - the longest inland river in China. Stay overnight in Alar County.

Today, we will embark on our next adventure from Alar to Hotan. We'll traverse the Taklamakan Desert Road, a route that promises an exhilarating experience across one of the world's most captivating landscapes. Stretching over 450 kilometers and requiring about a 6-hour drive, this journey through the heart of the Taklamakan Desert is both daunting and awe-inspiring.

The Taklamakan Desert (塔克拉玛干沙漠), known as the "Place of No Return," is the second-largest shifting sand desert in the world, with dunes reaching impressive heights and continuously reshaped by the wind. Driving on the Taklamakan Desert Road is nothing short of spectacular; it is a rare opportunity to witness the raw beauty and vast expanses of this sandy expanse.

As you travel, the landscape unfolds like a canvas painted with shades of gold, orange, and brown. The sun plays with the sand, creating shifting patterns and shadows that dance across the dunes. Occasionally, the monotony of the desert is broken by the sighting of a solitary camel or a distant desert plant, clinging to life in this arid wilderness.

The journey is not just about the challenges of desert travel; it's about the stories and history whispered by the winds that sweep across this ancient trade route. Here, the echoes of caravans that once plied the Silk Road mingle with the solitude and immensity of the desert, offering a profound sense of isolation and reflection.

Upon nearing Hotan, the desert landscape gradually gives way to hints of greenery and the promise of an oasis city, rich with history and culture. Hotan (和田), the largest city at the southern end of the Taklamakan Desert, serves as a vital transportation hub on the southern route of the Silk Road. Historically known as the Kingdom of Khotan (于阗古国), it was one of the renowned thirty kingdoms of the Western Regions. Hotan is globally recognized for its exquisite "Hetian jade," luxurious "Hotan carpets," and fine "Hotan silk.

Upon your arrival in Hotan, you can explore the ancient city of Yotkan (约特干故城). This site wonderfully resurrects the splendor and grandeur of the ancient royal city of Khotan during its heyday on the Silk Road.

Stay overnight in Hotan City.

Today, we will explore some of Hotan's interesting places before we depart for Kashgar.

Jade Bazaar (玉石巴扎): This bazaar in Hotan is specifically designed for jade trading and is one of the largest gatherings for jade transactions in the region. Visitors have the unique opportunity to observe a wide array of jade artifacts, ranging from raw stones to exquisitely carved pieces, showcasing the skill and tradition of local artisans.

Hotan Round City (和田团城): Recognized as one of the most typical traditional folk districts in southern Xinjiang, the Round City retains unique architectural features, including the traditional Awang-style construction. The streets are lined with shops and an array of local street food vendors. Here, you can indulge in a variety of delicious local specialties, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and tasting the culinary delights of Hotan.

After our visits, we will drive about 500 km (approximately 6 hours) to Kashgar. Along the route, you will pass through several oasis towns and villages that appear like mirages in the desert.

Stay overnight in Kashgar City.

Kashgar (喀什), located in the southwestern part of Xinjiang, was historically known as Shule ( (疏勒国), and was one of the thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions. For centuries, Kashgar has been a significant city in southern Xinjiang. It served as the western terminus for the northern, central, and southern routes of the ancient Silk Road, connecting Asia and Europe. It has long been a transportation hub and distribution center for goods between East and West. Trade is highly developed here, earning it the title of "Kingdom of Bazaars (markets)." Diverse cultures from Asia and Europe converge on Kashgar, clashing and blending intensely with the local culture, injecting new vitality into Kashgar. This cultural fusion is specifically reflected in Kashgar's architecture, cuisine, and vibrant markets. The city has been a melting pot of various ethnicities, including Uyghurs, Han, Tajiks, and others. Kashgar's geographical location is near the Taklamakan Desert and surrounded by the Kunlun Mountains and the Pamir Plateau provides spectacular natural scenery.

Your exploration can begin in Kashgar Old City (喀什老城市). The Old City is the soul of Kashgar, encapsulating over two millennia of cultural and commercial exchanges along the Silk Road. Situated at the heart of the city and spread across 3.6 square kilometers, the Old City is a living museum, telling tales of ancient trade and cultural fusion. As a crucial hub for East-West traffic and a distribution center for goods, it offers a vivid glimpse into past prosperity.

Within Kashgar Old City, the streets and alleys intersect intricately, narrow and winding paths with buildings of varying heights, creating a layout that resembles a maze. As you wander through, you'll see traditional Uyghur mud-brick houses and numerous structures with Islamic features, such as pointed arches, domes, intricate woodcarvings, and colorful ceramic tiles. These architectural and street designs perfectly Central Asian and Islamic architectural elements with Uyghur characteristics, creating a sense of time travel for visitors.

The Kashgar Old City thrives with commercial activity, with numerous bazaars and street markets scattered throughout, such as the Pottery Bazaar, Flower Pot (Doppa) Bazaar, Blacksmith Bazaar, Woodwork Bazaar, Medicine Tea Bazaar, Han Bazaar (Food Street)... This area is not only an excellent place to purchase and appreciate various handicrafts but also an ideal spot to savor Uyghur cuisine. Indulge in succulent lamb kebabs (羊肉串), rich and spicy lagman noodles (拉条子), savory samsas (烤包子), and freshly baked Naan (囊). As you wander through, the scenes, sounds, and scents on the streets seem to transport you back to the heyday of the Silk Road. You can almost visualize the bustling caravans, with merchants from China, Persia, Arabia, and many local regions converging here. The air is filled with the melodious ringing of bells on camels' necks.

Furthermore, Kashgar Old City is a hub for numerous cultural and religious activities as well as a place for residents' daily lives and social interactions. One of the most notable landmarks is Id Kah Mosque（艾提尕尔清真寺), one of the largest mosques in China, attracting thousands of worshippers daily. To experience local life firsthand, you can visit a century-old teahouse (百年老茶馆). As you sit, sip tea, and observe, you'll appreciate the traditions and hospitality of Uyghur people. With luck, you might have to a chance to witness locals playing and singing traditional Rawap music.They may even invite you to join in, twirling your hands as you dance.

If you happen to visit Kashgar on a Sunday, you can't miss the famous Kashgar Livestock Market (牛羊巴扎).

On the northern edge of Kashgar city, there is a massive livestock trading market. Every Sunday, this market becomes as lively as a carnival. People from surrounding villages flock here with their sheep, cows, and even camels.

At the market, you can witness Uyghur herders proudly showcasing their livestock. The traders typically grasp each other’s hands inside the spacious sleeves of their robes, silently signaling their price offers with their fingers - an intriguing and silent process full of wit. Once the price is agreed upon, neither party can back out. This traditional method of trade has been continuing for thousands of years. It’s an excellent opportunity for photography and to witness the ancient commercial traditions that are fast becoming rare in the modern world.

Tips: Due to the large number of livestock in the market, prepare yourself for a strong odor.

After the tour, be escorted to your hotel in Kashgar.

This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Kashgar to embark on an exhilarating road trip along the China-Pakistan Highway. Along the way, you can enjoy the beautiful landscape of Pamirs Plateau, visit Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, admire the distant and mysterious Muztagh Ata Peak, Kongur Tagh, Kongur Tiube, and conclude with a visit to a Tajik family home in Tashkurgan. (Total distance: 300 kilometers, approximately 7-8 hours of travel).

The China-Pakistan Highway (中巴公路) is also known as the Karakoram Highway (KKH), and referred to locally as the Pamir Highway. It begins in Kashgar, Xinjiang, China, traverses the Karakoram mountain range, the Hindu Kush range, the Pamir Plateau, and the western edge of the Himalayas, passes through the Khunjerab Pass (elevation: 4,693 meters) at the China-Pakistan border, and extends south to the northern Pakistani city of Thakot. Spanning approximately 1,224 kilometers, with 415 kilometers within Chinese territory, it is one of the highest paved border crossings in the world.

Historically, the routes across the Pamir Plateau (帕米尔高原), also known as Congling (葱岭) in ancient times, were integral parts of the ancient Silk Road. This section was one of the most challenging segments for merchants and travelers on the Silk Road due to its harsh and rugged terrain. Here, several of the world's renowned mountain ranges - the Himalayas, the Karakoram, the Kunlun Mountains, the Tianshan Mountains, and the Hindu Kush - converge and radiate outward, forming a massive mountainous junction. Today, the China-Pakistan Highway has transformed these perilous trade routes of the past into magnificent thoroughfares, attracting numerous tourists to the Pamir Plateau to experience its stunning natural scenery. The route offers views of  Danxia landform, snow peaks, deep canyons, serene lakes, expansive wetlands, and pristine glaciers, making it Southern Xinjiang's most quintessential three-dimensional scenic route.

Along the way, you will visit the following attractions:

Baisha Mountain-Baisha Lake Scenic Area (白沙山-白沙湖景区):

As you drive along National Highway G314, you'll encounter Baisha Lake (白沙湖) , also known as Bulunkou Lake - a striking plateau lake nestled in the Pamir Plateau  (elevation:about 3,660 meters). From its shore, you're treated to a stunning vista: half pristine blue water, and half white sand mountain, both harmonizing with distant snow-capped peaks to create a magnificent spectacle.

On the lake's northern shore stands the renowned Baisha Mountain（白沙山), winding for over 1,200 meters. The dark mountain body, covered with white sand, presents a soft silvery-white color under the clean sunlight of the Pamir Plateau, resembling white silk. Legend has it that as the lake water gradually dries up in autumn and winter, the white sand at the bottom of the lake emerges. In spring, the wind blows this sand onto the mountain, creating the extraordinary spectacle of sand accumulating into a mountain. Whenever strong winds blow, Baisha Mountain emits a sound, earning it the name "Singing Sand Mountain." The southern shore of the lake is embraced by a chain of snow-capped mountains, with the highest peak being Mount Kongur Tagh at an elevation of 7,530 meters, adding further grandeur and mystery to this captivating landscape.

Karakul Lake (喀拉库勒湖)：

Karakul Lake is a high-altitude moraine lake (elevation:about 3,600 meters).Its name in the Kyrgyz language means "Black Lake," attributed to its deep, dark waters. However, if you spend enough time by the lake, you will notice that it changes colors under different lighting conditions, appearing deep blue, emerald green, or ink black, earning it the nickname "the ever-changing lake."

Yet, the true highlights of Karakul Lake are the imposing peaks known as the "Kunlun Trio" that tower behind it: Kongur Tagh, Kongur Tiube, and Muztagh Ata, with altitudes of 7,719 meters, 7,595 meters, and 7,546 meters, respectively. On clear days, their majestic reflections are perfectly cast upon the glistening surface of the lake, creating the most iconic views of Karakul Lake. Among these, Muztagh Ata is particularly striking, covered with many glaciers, and is known as the "Father of Ice Mountains."

Afterward, drive to Tashkurgan County (塔什库尔干) and conclude your visit to a local Tajik family's home. As Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, the area is populated with the warm and hospitable Tajik people (塔吉克族). They are known for their singing and dancing abilities and regard eagles as symbols of strength and freedom. This experience offers a unique opportunity to interact directly with the local Tajik community living at high altitudes.You'll gain insight into the everyday lives of the Tajik people, witness the skilled craftsmanship and colorful textiles that decorate their homes, experience their traditional music and dance, and possibly enjoy snacks prepared in their distinctive style.

Stay overnight in Tashkurgan County.

Today, you will be exploring Tashkurgan County before driving back to Kashgar along the scenic China-Pakistan Highway.

Tashkurgan or Taxkorgan, officially known as Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County (塔什库尔干塔吉克自治县), is situated in the eastern part of the Pamir Plateau, at an elevation of about 3,600 meters. In Uyghur, Tashkurgan means "Stone Fort," a name derived from the ancient stone fortresses located to the north of the town. It has the unique geographical advantage of being "one county bordering three countries," namely Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. As the final pass of the Silk Road within China's borders, Tashkurgan has been both an outlet for Central Plains civilization and a gateway for religious transmission throughout history.

After breakfast, you will set out to explore Stone City (石头城), also known as Tashkurgan Fort, a fortress of great strategic importance on the ancient Silk Road. Archaeological evidence  During the Han period, it was once the capital of the Puli Kingdom (蒲犁国) one of the thirty-six states of the Western Regions (西域三十六国). After the Tang Dynasty unified the Western Regions, it became the largest post station on the ancient Silk Road crossing the Congling (Pamir Plateau). The renowned Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang (玄奘) stopped here to preach for 22 days on his return journey from India.

It is built on a high hill, with an extremely steep terrain, mainly constructed from piled stones, forming a unique stone city landscape. For travelers, it is a fantastic experience to explore the city ruins, witness the vicissitudes of the ancient city, and imagine how many merchants, monks, and explorers once traveled westward or eastward from here, or ponder how the Tajik ancestors, over a thousand years ago without advanced tools, managed to complete such a massive and magnificent project.

Following your visit to the fort, you will explore the expansive golden grasslands (金草滩) at the foot of the Stone City. This area, known as Alar National Wetland Park, comprises wetlands, meadows, rivers, marshes, snow-capped mountains, and plateaus. The Tashkurgan River flows through this area, where lush water and grass abound, and livestock roam freely, blending beautifully with the distant snow-capped mountains, white clouds, and blue sky. When the setting sun casts its light, the verdant grasslands turn a golden hue, and in the distance, the herders' white felt tents and flocks of sheep are bathed in the sunset as if cloaked in a golden glow. Hence, this area is aptly named "Golden Grasslands."

Lastly, you will leave Tashkurgan and drive back to Kashgar city along the scenic China-Pakistan Highway. This journey is not merely a return trip but a continuous discovery of the profound and majestic beauty that defines the Pamir Plateau. You'll have the opportunity to admire the spectacular snow-capped peaks from various angles on both sides. Muztagh Ata, Kongur Tagh, and Kongur Jiubie Peak form a triangular configuration, standing like towering pillars on the Pamir Plateau.

Stay overnight in in Kashgar city.

After breakfast, it is time to end your 13 Days Xinjiang Silk Road Tour. You will have some free time in Kashgar and explore more at your own pace till your guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to your next destination.

Departure Ideas

Kashgar Airport: Kashgar International Airport (IATA: KHG, ICAO: ZWSH), is one of the westernmost airports in China. The airport hosts a number of airlines that operate regular flights to major cities across China such as Urumqi, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. It also handles international flights, including routes to cities in Central Asia.

Road Border Crossings: The Torugart Pass and Irkeshtam Pass are important channels between China and Kyrgyzstan. The Karasu Port is a crucial gateway between China and Tajikistan. The Khunjerab Pass is the only land border crossing between China and Pakistan. If you're considering departing via a road border crossing point and require transportation, please contact your travel advisor for specific cost and arrangement details.

Extension Ideas: If you wish to extend your trip, you can explor North Xinjiang destinations like Kanas, Hemu, and Yining. We'd be happy to assist with these additional arrangements.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Xinjiang Tour, we are always here working for you and hope to seeyou again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!