18-Day Grand Silk Road Odyssey: From Ancient Capitals to the Pamir Plateau

Day 1 Arrive Beijing

Meals Included: Dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodation: Feitian Hotel Beijing (Local 4-Star, Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Welcome to Beijing, a vibrant metropolis where thousands of years of imperial history seamlessly blend with striking modern innovation. As the capital of China, this dynamic city invites you to walk along ancient marvels like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, while experiencing its sleek skyscrapers, thriving culinary scene, and warm traditional hospitality. Upon arrival at the airport or train station, your friendly expert local guide will greet you and whisk you away in a private vehicle to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 2 Beijing | Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Niujie Mosque, Wangfujing Street

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Niujie Mosque
Accommodation: Feitian Hotel Beijing (Local 4-Star, Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Begin your exploration of Beijing at Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. This vast space has seen many pivotal events, including the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. A leisurely stroll leads you to the Forbidden City, the imperial heart of China for over five centuries. This magnificent palace complex served as the residence of 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, witnessing the rise and fall of imperial power. After Salat prayer at Niujie Mosque, soak up the lively atmosphere of Wangfujing Street, a quintessential Beijing shopping destination. Blending old-world charm with modern sophistication, this bustling thoroughfare boasts a captivating mix of luxury brands and time-honored stores.

Please note that the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If your visit falls on a Monday, the itineraries for Day 2 and Day 3 will be swapped.

Day 3 Beijing | Great Wall of China, Summer Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Anheqiao Mosque or Shucun Mosque
Accommodation: Feitian Hotel Beijing (Local 4-Star, Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Your morning unfolds with an exploration of the iconic Great Wall of China. This colossal fortification, a continuous undertaking from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD, snakes across China’s northern frontier for an astounding 3,750 miles, from the shores of the Bohai Sea to the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, China’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden. This masterpiece seamlessly harmonizes natural hills and open water with classic pavilions, grand halls, temples, and bridges, embodying the Chinese philosophy of living in harmony with nature. Our itinerary includes a visit to a freshwater pearl store, offering an opportunity to browse and purchase these lustrous gems cultivated in local waters.

Day 4 Beijing – Kashgar | Fly to Kashgar, Kashgar City Highlights

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 4-star Mercure Kashgar Ancient City (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Fly to Kashgar, a vital oasis city nestled at the foot of the Pamir Mountains. As a major crossroads on the ancient Silk Road, where northern and southern routes converged, Kashgar thrived as a bustling gateway for caravans journeying towards Central Asia, India, Pakistan, and ancient Persia (modern-day Iran). Visit Abakh Hoja Tomb upon arrival. This mausoleum is one of the best examples of Islamic architecture in China. It is an ancient Islamic building complex and a cemetery where five generations of a famous Islamic master were buried. Next, visit the 15th-century Id-Kah Mosque, the largest in Xinjiang. Proceed to Kashgar Old Town, which boasts over 2,000 years of history. Enjoy a stroll, meet Uyghur locals, and observe coppersmiths and cobblers using traditional tools, immersing yourself in their rich culture.

Day 5 Kashgar – Tashkurgan | Karakoram Highway, Baisha Lake, Karakuri Lake

Distance: Approx. 310 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 5.5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: Local 4-star Ji Hotel (Tashkurgan Khunjerab Road, Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Set off along the legendary Karakoram Highway, a scenic route that winds its way through some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. Stop at Baisha Lake, where the shimmering turquoise waters reflect the surrounding white sand dunes and snow-capped mountains, creating a truly surreal vista. Arrive at the jewel of the Pamirs: Karakuri Lake. Situated at an altitude of over 3,600 meters, this pristine lake offers a mirror-like reflection of the majestic Muztagh Ata, Kongur Tagh, and Kongur Tiube peaks. Take your time to soak in the serene beauty of this high-altitude paradise, breathe in the pure mountain air, and perhaps interact with the local Kyrgyz nomads who call this region home. Continue the overland journey to Tashkurgan along the Karakuri Highway.

Altitude Sickness Notice: Altitude Sickness Notice
Located on the Pamir Plateau at 3,200 meters – with nearby highlights like Karakol Lake and Khunjerab Pass exceeding 3,600 to 4,700 meters – Tashkurgan involves a rapid elevation gain from Kashgar that can cause mild altitude sickness. To ensure a comfortable trip, stay warm, move at a relaxed pace, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid overexertion during your first 24 hours. Carrying portable oxygen canisters and simple headache remedies is highly recommended, and anyone experiencing severe symptoms should immediately rest, use oxygen, or descend to lower altitudes.

Day 6 Tashkurgan – Kashgar | Tashkurgan Fort, Golden Grassland

Distance: Approx. 310 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 5.5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 4-star Mercure Kashgar Ancient City (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Morning visit to the ancient Tashkurgan Fort. Tashkurgan, meaning ‘stone city’ in Uyghur, is named for the ancient Tashkurgan Fort, a 2,000-year-old marvel. Strategically located at the convergence of vital caravan routes to Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Kyrgyzstan, the fort’s weathered stone walls stand as a testament to its pivotal defensive role along the Silk Road. Beyond its historical significance, the fortress offers panoramic views of the surrounding grasslands, deserts, and the majestic, snow-capped peaks of Muztagh Ata and its neighbors. Next, visit the mesmerizing Golden Grassland, where golden hues contrast against the dramatic backdrop of towering mountains. As its name implies, the grassland transforms into a golden paradise during sunrise and sunset, particularly stunning when framed by the fort and the surrounding snow-clad mountains. Return to Kashgar along Karakoram Highway (approx. 5 hours).

Day 7 Kashgar – Urumqi | Fly to Urumqi, Urumqi International Grand Bazaar

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star Urumqi Jingcadia Hotel (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Fly to Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in northwestern China. Historically, this city was a crucial hub on the ancient Silk Road, where diverse cultures intersected. Today, it boasts significant populations of Uyghurs, Han Chinese, and various other ethnic groups. Upon arriving in the city, dive straight into the vibrant atmosphere of the Urumqi International Grand Bazaar, a lively crossroads of Silk Road culture. Wander its bustling lanes piled high with spices, dried fruits, silk goods, and handicrafts, sample local delicacies, and soak in the music, color, and energy of this iconic marketplace — a fitting finale to your journey through Xinjiang.

Day 8 Urumqi – Turpan | Heavenly Lake, Transfer to Turpan

Distance: Approx. 190 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 3.5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: Local 4-star Turpan Hengze Hotel (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Visit the Heavenly Lake of Tianshan in the morning. Framed by pine-covered hillsides and snow-capped peaks, this stunning alpine lake—stretching approximately 3.4 km long and up to 1.5 km wide—sits high in the Tianshan Mountains at an elevation of 1,907 meters (approx. 6,250 feet), offering superb walking trails and breathtaking scenery. Transfer to Turpan in the afternoon. Turpan has long been the center of a fertile oasis famous for its grapes and melons, and an important trade center on the main northern branch of the Silk Road from Hami to Kashgar, with an alternative northern route, via Uruqmi running into Central Asia. At 154 meters below sea level, Turpan is the second-lowest depression in the world and the hottest spot in China.

Day 9 Turpan | Turpan City Highlights

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: Local 4-star Turpan Hengze Hotel (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Begin your morning in Turpan exploring the striking red sandstone ravines of the iconic Flaming Mountain, where shimmering heat waves bring ancient Silk Road legends to life against the stark desert backdrop. Continue deeper into the region’s history with a visit to Tuyoq Valley, a tranquil, time-honored oasis village where traditional mud-brick Uyghur homes sit tucked beneath towering red cliffs and lush grape trellises. Dive into the Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto), a 2,300-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site perched on a desert cliff and recognized as the world’s largest raw-earth ancient city. Continue to the iconic Emin Minaret, China’s tallest minaret at 44 meters, before discovering the Karez Wells – an ingenious underground irrigation system that has sustained Turpan’s desert agriculture for centuries.

Day 10 Turpan – Dunhuang | High-Speed Train to Dunhuang, Dunhuang City Highlights

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Dunhuang Mosque
Accommodation: Local 4-star Luye Hotel or similar

Take second class bullet train to the oasis city of Dunhuang (about 4 hours). Nestled at the edge of the Taklamakan and Gobi deserts, Dunhuang was the vital oasis crossroad where trade routes split into Northern and Southern Silk Roads. For centuries, it provided critical water, shelter, and supplies to merchant caravans carrying silk, spices, and tea between imperial China, Central Asia, and Europe.  After salat at Dunhuang Mosque, enjoy a camel ride on the scenic Singing Sand Dunes, called by Marco Polo as the rumbling sands. Then relax at the desert oasis, the Crescent Moon Spring, a small freshwater lake that has been a vital source of water here for thousands of years. As the night falls, delve into the evening epicenter of Dunhuang, the Shazhou Night Market, a bustling oasis gather-place, offering an authentic taste of local food – from savory lamb skewers to refreshing apricot peel water – alongside artisan stalls filled with carved desert gourds, Mogao-inspired murals, and local dried fruits.

Day 11 Dunhuang – Jiayuguan | Mogao Caves, Transfer to Jiayuguan

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Dunhuang Masjid
Accommodation: Local 4-star Kunyi Time Hotel or similar

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mogao Caves in the morning. The Mogao Caves (also known as the Dunhuang Grottoes) boast the largest collection of Buddhist grottoes in existence in China. Housed in the 492 cave temples are over 2000 sculptures and 45,000 square meters of frescos dating back as early as one thousand years ago (covering a period of ten dynasties). The statues are painted and carved directly into the cave walls. The most famous aspect of Dunhuang’s grottoes is the murals that feature Buddhist stories, folk culture, farming, hunting as their main themes. Transfer to Jiayuguan (approx. 5 hours) in the afternoon. Guarding a strategic gap between the Qilian Mountains and the Gobi Desert, Jiayuguan served as the westernmost gateway of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall.

Day 12 Jiayuguan – Zhangye | Jiayuguan Fortress, Zhangye Rainbow Mountains

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at a halal restaurant
Salat Prayer: Zhangye Masjid
Accommodation: Local 4-star Jinglong International Hotel or similar

Visit Jiayuguan Fortress in the morning. Known as “the First and Greatest Pass under Heaven”, Jiayuguan Fortress commands fascinating views of the boundless Gobi Desert and the snow-capped Qilian Mountains. Transfer to Zhangye, an iconic Silk Road oasis city famous for its surreal geological marvels. Upon arrival, visit the spectacular Rainbow Mountains. This natural wonder, a feast for the eyes, has captivated photographers and filmmakers worldwide, including the creators of Disney’s ‘Mulan.’ It is believed that the Rainbow Mountains are one of the creations of Allah as mentioned in the holy Quran. Here is the verse of the Quran: “Do you not see that Allah sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby fruits of varying colors? And in the mountains are tracts, white and red of varying shades and [some] extremely black.”

Day 13 Zhangye – Lanzhou | High-Speed Train to Lanzhou, Lanzhou City Highlights

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at a halal restaurant
Salat Prayer: Lanzhou Xiguan Mosque
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Lanzhou Zhenning Road (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Board a high-speed train (approx. 3 hours) in the morning for a journey to Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province positioned along the upper stretches of the Yellow River and a legendary crossroads of the ancient Silk Road. Following a savory Lanzhou beef noodle lunch and salat at Xiguan Mosque, embark on a scenic exploration along the banks of the Yellow River. Ride the return cable car up White Pagoda Hill for breathtaking panorama views before walking through the Waterwheel Park and crossing the iconic Yellow River Iron Bridge. End your day amidst the bustling stalls and rich flavors of the Muslim Food Night Market, where you can enjoy dinner on your own while sampling an array of delicious local street foods.

Day 14 Lanzhou – Xi’an | High-Speed Train to Xi’an, Xi’an City Highlights

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: The Great Mosque of Xi’an
Accommodation: 4-star Novotel Xi’an The Bell Tower or similar

Board a high-speed train (approx. 3 hours) in the morning for a journey to Xi’an. Arrive in one of China’s oldest and most glorious capitals, world-renowned as the historic starting point of the Silk Road, where merchants, ideas, and cultures converged between East and West. After lunch, Visit Bell and Drum Tower Square, where two iconic towers once signaled the time in ancient Xi’an. A short walk leads to the Great Mosque, one of China’s oldest and most famous mosques, renowned for its beautiful synthesis of Chinese and Islamic architectural styles. Next, explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, a maze of lively alleys packed with legendary street food stalls and rich local culture.

Day 15 Xi’an | Terracotta Army, Xi’an City Highlights 

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Local mosque
Accommodation: 4-star Novotel Xi’an The Bell Tower or similar

Start your day with a wonder of the world – the Terracotta Army! Discovered by accident in 1974, this 2,000-year-old army of over 8,000 life-sized warriors stands guard over the tomb of Qin Shihuang, China’s first emperor. See some replicas being made nearby and learn the secrets of these ancient figures. Back to the city, stroll along the ancient City Wall of Xi’an, the oldest and best-preserved city wall in China. Walk atop the wall to enjoy panoramic views of the Xi’an skyline. Next, view the magnificent Big Wild Goose Pagoda from the outside, a 1,300-year-old architectural masterpiece. Conclude your day by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a captivating recreation of ancient Xi’an, featuring bustling markets, captivating performances, and stunning Tang-style architecture.

Day 16 Xi’an – Shanghai | Fly to Shanghai, Oriental Pearl Tower, the Bund & Nanjing Road

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Xiaotaoyuan Mosque
Accommodation: 4-star Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Shanghai or similar

In the morning, fly to Shanghai, China’s dynamic global metropolis where futuristic ambition meets rich history. After salat at Xiaotaoyuan Masjid, ascend the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower to step onto its transparent glass observation deck for a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the city’s soaring skyscrapers. Enjoy a leisurely walk along The Bund, Shanghai’s famous 1.6-kilometer waterfront boulevard lined with classic colonial-era architecture overlooking the Huangpu River, before immersing yourself in the neon-lit energy of Nanjing Road, one of the world’s most famous and vibrant shopping promenades.

Day 17 Shanghai 

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Xiaotaoyuan Mosque
Accommodation: 4-star Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Shanghai or similar

Begin your Shanghai adventure at Yuyuan Garden, a labyrinth of Ming Dynasty pavilions, intricate rockeries, arched bridges, and goldfish ponds, all enveloped by a serpentine dragon wall. Follow this with a shopping spree at the bustling Chenghuangmiao market just outside the garden. After shopping at a silk store, walk through the charming French Concession, where tree-lined avenues and elegant old houses evoke the spirit of the “Paris of the East.” Afterwards, savor a delightful tea break and explore the vibrant Tianzifang, a captivating blend of local culture and contemporary art.

Day 18 Depart Shanghai

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel

A private transfer to the airport will be provided for your departure. If you would like to extend your stay, please let us know and we would be delighted to assist you in customizing your itinerary. Have a wonderful trip!