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

Day 1 Arrive Urumqi | Urumqi International Grand Bazaar

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 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.

Meals Included: Dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodation: Local 4-star Urumqi Jingcadia Hotel (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Day 2 Urumqi – Turpan | Heavenly Lake, Transfer to Turpan

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.

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

Day 3 Turpan – Kashgar | Turpan City Highlights, Fly to Kashgar

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).

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

Day 4 Kashgar – Tashkurgan | Karakoram Highway, Baisha Lake, Karakuri Lake

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.

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

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 5 Tashkurgan – Kashgar | Tashkurgan Fort, Golden Grassland

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).

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

Day 6 Kashgar | Abakh Hoja Mausoleum, Id-Kah Mosque, Kashgar Old Town

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. 

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

Day 7 Depart Kashgar

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

Meals Included: Hotel breakfast