North Xinjiang Travel
North Xinjiang Tours
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A 10-day expedition through North Xinjiang’s most awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural treasures. Traverse the Altay Mountains’ misty forests, explore Turpan’s desert relics, and immerse in Uyghur, Kazakh, and Tuwa traditions. From the serenity of Kanas Lake to the fiery Flaming Mountains, this journey blends Silk Road history with geological wonders.
What's included
Destination
Xinjiang Discover Xinjiang
Departure Location
Urumqi
Return Location
Urumqi
Additional Information
What is Special About This Tour?: Untamed Landscapes: Marvel at Kanas Lake’s glacial waters, Dushanzi Canyon’s striped cliffs, and Urho Ghost City’s Martian rock formations. Living History: Walk through 2,300-year-old Jiaohe Ruins, descend into Turpan’s Karez Wells, and meet eagle-keeping nomads in Hemu Village. Cultural Crossroads: Bargain at Urumqi’s Grand Bazaar, feast on lamb skewers at Burqin Night Market, and taste Turpan’s famed grapes. Geological Marvels: Discover Colorful Bay’s rainbow-hued cliffs and the blazing ridges of Flaming Mountain.
What to Prepare?: Clothing: Lightweight layers (desert heat exceeds 45°C), warm jacket (Altay mornings dip below 10°C), scarf (for sandstorms). Footwear: Hiking boots (Kanas trails) + sandals (oasis towns). Gear: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), UV sunglasses, power bank (long drives), camera with wide-angle lens. Health: Motion sickness pills (mountain roads), altitude meds (if sensitive), hand sanitizer. Documents: Passport/ID, printed itinerary, emergency contacts.
Best Time to Visit: May–October May–June: Wildflowers in Altay, mild desert temps (20–25°C). July–August: Lush Kanas Lake, lively festivals (expect Turpan heatwaves). September: Golden foliage in Hemu Village, crisp air (10–20°C). Avoid November–April: Snowblocks roads, services limited.
Price includes
- Accommodation （Breakfast included）
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide
- Private air-conditioned vehicle/bus
- Train tickets
Price does not include
- Entrance fees to monuments/attractions(can be arranged if needed)
- International/domestic flights(can be arranged if needed)
- Meals (can be arranged if needed)
- Optional excursions not listed in the itinerary
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, laundry)
- Tips for guide/driver
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Day 8
- Day 9
- Day 10
Day 1
Arrive in Urumqi
Highlights: Urumqi Grand Bazaar.
After airport pickup and hotel check-in, dive into the Grand Bazaar—Xinjiang’s largest market. Haggle for silk scarves, spices, and Kazakh embroidery, then sample samsa (flaky lamb pies) and watch artisans carve walnut wood.
Overnight: Urumqi
Day 2
Urumqi → Fukang (110km, 2hrs)
Highlights: Xinjiang Museum, Heavenly Lake.
Begin at the Xinjiang Regional Museum, where the 4,000-year-old “Loulan Beauty” mummy reveals ancient Silk Road diversity. Drive to Heavenly Lake, boarding a shuttle boat to glide past Siberian pines with Bogda Peak’s glaciers mirrored in turquoise waters. Hike lakeside trails scented with juniper.
Overnight: Fukang
Day 3
Fukang → Koktokay (450km, 6hrs)
Highlights: Colorful Bay (Wucaitan).
Drive through the Gobi Desert to Colorful Bay, a Jurassic-era landscape of rainbow-hued cliffs shaped by wind and water. Photograph striped dunes and learn how iron oxide minerals create the vibrant hues. Overnight: KoktokayDay 4
Koktokay → Burqin (300km, 5hrs)
Highlights: Koktokay Geopark, Burqin Night Market.
Explore Koktokay Geopark, where the jade-green Irtysh River cuts through granite valleys. Hunt for rare minerals in Three-Mineral Gorge. Arrive in Burqin for the Night Market, feasting on laghman noodles and smoky lamb skewers amid Kazakh folk songs. Overnight: BurqinDay 5
Burqin → Hemu → Jiadengyu (180km, 4hrs)
Highlights: Hemu Village.
Drive to Hemu Village, a Tuwa ethnic enclave of log cabins and grazing horses. Meet nomadic eagle trainers and hike to the Hemu Viewing Platform for panoramas of the Altay Mountains’ birch forests. Continue to Jiadengyu.
Overnight: Jiadengyu
Day 6
Jiadengyu → Burqin (180km, 4hrs)
Highlights: Kanas Lake, Colorful Beach.
Explore Kanas Lake, boarding a shuttle to the Fish Viewing Pavilion to spot giant hucho taimen trout. Return to Burqin, stopping at Colorful Beach at sunset to photograph the Irtysh River’s golden reflections against red-yellow cliffs.
Overnight: Burqin
Day 7
Burqin → Dushanzi (400km, 7hrs)
Highlights: Urho Ghost City, Dushanzi Grand Canyon.
Venture to Urho Ghost City, a desert labyrinth of wind-carved rock pillars resembling mythical beasts. Continue to Dushanzi Grand Canyon, walking cliffside boardwalks above rust-red cliffs striped with green-gray layers.
Overnight: Dushanzi
Day 8
Dushanzi → Turpan (450km, 7hrs)
Highlights: Jiaohe Ruins, Karez Well, Emin Minaret.
Drive to Turpan, an ancient Silk Road oasis. Explore Jiaohe Ruins, a 2,300-year-old cliff-carved city with Buddhist temples. Descend into Karez Wells, a 2,000-year-old underground irrigation marvel. Admire Emin Minaret’s intricate brickwork, symbolizing Quranic chapters.
Overnight: Turpan
Day 9
Turpan → Urumqi (200km, 3hrs)
Highlights: Tuyuq Village, Flaming Mountain, Bezeklik Caves, Grape Valley.
Visit Tuyuq Village, a 1,700-year-old Uyghur settlement with cliffside Buddhist caves. Stop at Flaming Mountain for photos of its blazing ridges (summer temps hit 50°C!). Explore Bezeklik Caves’ Tang Dynasty Buddhist murals, then unwind in Grape Valley, sampling Xinjiang’s famed raisins under vine-draped trellises.
Overnight: Urumqi
Day 10
Urumqi Departure
Transfer to Urumqi Airport. Optional last-minute shopping for dried figs or jade souvenirs. Tour concludes.
More about Xinjiang
A 10-day expedition through North Xinjiang’s most awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural treasures. Traverse the Altay Mountains’ misty forests, explore Turpan’s desert relics, and immerse in Uyghur, Kazakh, and Tuwa traditions. From the serenity of Kanas Lake to the fiery Flaming Mountains, this journey blends Silk Road history with geological wonders.
More about this tour
Customizable Itineraries
Your Journey, Your Way
Craft the perfect adventure with our fully flexible tours! Add or remove days, swap activities, or request unique experiences—we’ll tailor every detail to match your interests. Simply share your vision via email, and our experts will design a bespoke itinerary just for you.
Accommodation Options
Stay Your Way
Choose from a curated selection of lodgings to suit your style:
Luxury: 5-star international hotels in major cities.
Comfort: 4-star hotels with modern amenities.
Authentic: Charming 3-star stays for a local vibe.
All bookings include daily breakfast.
Private Transportation
Travel in Comfort and Style
Enjoy seamless journeys with our private vehicle fleet, tailored to your group size and route:
SUVs (1–2 guests)
MPVs (2–4 guests)
Vans (4–8 guests)
Coaches (9+ guests)
Need special requests? Just ask—we prioritize your safety and comfort.
Dining Flexibility
Savor Local Flavors, Your Way
Included: Daily breakfast at your hotel.
Lunch & Dinner: Explore freely! Our guides will recommend top restaurants based on your preferences
Let us know dietary needs or must-try dishes—we’ll ensure every meal delights.
Ready to Start Planning?
Email us your ideas, and we’ll create a trip as unique as you are.
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