7-Day Southern Xinjiang Tour: Urumqi, Turpan, Tashkurgan & Kashgar

Day 1 Arrive Urumqi

Destination: Urumqi
Meals Included: Dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodations: 4-star Holiday Inn Express Urumqi Station or similar

Welcome 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 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 Heavenly Lake, Transfer to Turpan

Destination: Urumqi, Turpan
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: 4-star Turpan Hengze Hotel or similar

Start your exploration of Urumqi with a visit to the breathtaking Heavenly Lake. Nestled in the majestic Tianshan Mountains, this alpine lake is a true natural wonder. The crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks, creating a serene and picturesque setting. Take a leisurely walk along the lake’s shore, breathe in the fresh mountain air, enjoy a boat ride on the lake and observe local Kazakh nomads herding their sheep. 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 154m below sea level, Turpan is the second-lowest depression in the world and the hottest spot in China.

Day 3 Explore Turpan, Fly to Kashgar

Destination: Turpan, Kashgar
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: 4-star Mercure Kashgar Ancient City or similar

Head to the UNESCO-listed Ancient City of Jiaohe. Wander through the ruins of this ancient city, marveling at the remnants of temples, residential buildings, and the impressive city walls. Next, visit the legendary Flaming Mountain, known for its surreal reddish hues that resemble flames under the sun. Then, head to the serene Tuyoq Valley, a charming village that offers a glimpse into Uyghur daily life. Afterward, visit the iconic Emin Minaret, the tallest minaret in China, standing at 44 meters high. Conclude your tour with a visit to the remarkable Karez Wells, an ingenious ancient irrigation system that has sustained the agricultural life of Turpan for centuries. A night flight brings you 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).

Day 4 Transfer to Tashkurgan, Explore Pamir Plateau

Destination: Tashkurgan
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurant
Accommodations: 4-star Quanji Hotel Tashkurgan Stone City Store 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.

Day 5 Explore Tashkurgan, Transfer to Kashgar

Destination: Kashgar
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurant
Accommodations: 4-star Mercure Kashgar Ancient City 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 6 Explore Kashgar, Fly to Urumqi

Destination: Kashgar, Urumqi
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurant
Accommodations: 4-star Holiday Inn Express Urumqi Station or similar

Visit Abakh Hoja Mausoleum in the morning. 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. End the day with a visit to the Kashgar Grand Bazaar. If your visit to Kashgar falls on a Sunday, prepare for an extraordinary spectacle. While the Grand Bazaar buzzes daily, Sunday traditionally sees the addition of the famous livestock market. This bustling weekly event is a fascinating cultural crossroads where diverse ethnic groups – Uyghur, Tajik, Kyrgyz, and Kazakh – converge to trade their animals. Fly to Urumqi at night.

Day 7 Depart Urumqi

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel

A private transfer to the airport or train station of Urumqi 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!