Highlights:​ Kashgar Old Town

Upon arrival at Kashgar Airport, our guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is free for you to acclimatize and start exploring at your own pace. We recommend a leisurely walk through the labyrinthine lanes of the Kashgar Old Town, immersing yourself in its centuries-old atmosphere.

Overnight:​ Kashgar

Highlights:​ Kashgar Livestock Market, Kashgar Sunday Bazaar

After breakfast, embark on a full-day cultural immersion. First, visit the fascinating Kashgar Livestock Market, one of the largest in Central Asia. Here, you can witness traditional trading practices that have changed little over time. Afterwards, explore the vibrant Kashgar Sunday Bazaar, a bustling hub of commerce where you can find everything from spices and textiles to handicrafts and local cuisine, experiencing the enduring spirit of the Silk Road.

Overnight:​ Kashgar

Highlights:​ Karakoram Highway, Karakul Lake, Muztagh Ata Mountain

Today's journey takes you along the world-famous Karakoram Highway (KKH). After breakfast, drive towards the stunning Karakul Lake. En route, make photo stops at the striking Opal Village, the dramatic Red Mountain, and the unique White Sand Mountain. Arriving at Karakul Lake, you'll be greeted by the serene waters set against the majestic, snow-capped peak of Muztagh Ata Mountain (7,546m). Spend time taking in the breathtaking high-altitude scenery before returning to Kashgar for the night.

Overnight:​ Kashgar

Highlights:​ Abakh Khoja Tomb, Id Kah Mosque

In the morning, explore key historical sites in Kashgar. Visit the Abakh Khoja Tomb, a beautiful mausoleum complex completed in 1640 and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Then, proceed to the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, with origins dating back to 1442. In the afternoon, transfer to Kashgar Airport for your flight to Urumqi, the regional capital. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight:​ Urumqi

Highlights:​ Xinjiang Regional Museum, Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)

Start the day at the Xinjiang Regional Museum, the best place to understand the region's rich history, diverse ethnic cultures, and ancient Silk Road heritage. Key exhibits include the remarkably preserved "Loulan Beauty" and other natural mummies dating back thousands of years. Afterwards, drive approximately 110 km to the Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), a stunning alpine lake nestled at 1,980m in the Tianshan Mountains. Enjoy the pristine landscapes and fresh mountain air before returning to Urumqi.

Overnight:​ Urumqi

Highlights:​ Flaming Mountains, Tuyuk Ancient Village, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Emin Minaret

After breakfast, depart for the Turpan Depression. The drive offers views of the vast salt lake and massive wind power farms. Entering Turpan, you'll see the iconic Flaming Mountains, known for their scorching red ridges. Your first visit is to the Tuyuk Ancient Village, a 1,700-year-old settlement considered sacred by locals. Next, explore the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, an ancient Buddhist temple complex from the Gaochang Kingdom era. Finally, visit the distinctive Emin Minaret, the only surviving ancient Islamic minaret with a mosque in Xinjiang, built in 1777.

Overnight:​ Turpan

Highlights:​ Jiaohe Ruins, Karez Underground Irrigation System

On the final day, first visit the Jiaohe Ruins, an exceptionally well-preserved earthen city built over 2,300 years ago on a mesa. Then, learn about the ingenious Karez system, a 2,000-year-old underground irrigation network vital for survival in Turpan's arid climate, often summed up by the saying "No Karez, No Turpan." After these visits, drive to Urumqi Airport for your onward flight, concluding your Xinjiang Silk Road journey.