11 Days Silk Road Xinjiang Tour
Tour Overview
This 11-day Silk Road Xinjiang tour takes you from the legendary Sunday Market of Kashgar, through the vast deserts of Xinjiang, to the ancient Mogao Caves of Dunhuang, and finally to the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an. Travel with a private English-speaking guide, stay in comfortable 4-star hotels, and experience the very best of the ancient Silk Road across western China.
Trip Highlights
- Explore Kashgar's vibrant Sunday Market
- Drive the spectacular Karakoram Highway to Taxkorgan
- Visit Karakul Lake with views of Muztagh Ata
- Discover the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang
- Camel ride at Singing Sand Dunes
- Walk the Jiayuguan Fortress
- Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
- Cycle the ancient Xi'an City Wall
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1Day
Arrive in Kashgar
Arrive at Kashgar Airport. Your guide will meet you and transfer to your hotel. Free time to explore the Old City and sample authentic Uyghur cuisine.
- 2Day
Kashgar — Sunday Market & Old City
Experience the legendary Kashgar Sunday Market, a centuries-old trading hub. Visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest in China, and wander through the maze-like alleys of the Old City. Afternoon visit to Abakh Khoja Tomb.
- 3Day
Kashgar — Karakoram Highway to Taxkorgan
Drive along the breathtaking Karakoram Highway. Visit Karakul Lake at 3,600m, with panoramic views of Muztagh Ata (7,546m). Arrive in Taxkorgan, China's westernmost town, surrounded by the Pamir Mountains.
- 4Day
Taxkorgan → Kashgar ✈ Urumqi
Morning visit to the ancient Stone Fort and grasslands. Return to Kashgar via the Karakoram Highway. Evening flight to Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang.
- 5Day
Urumqi → Turpan
Drive to Turpan (3 hours), the second-lowest depression on Earth. Visit the ancient Jiaohe Ruins and the ingenious Karez underground irrigation system. Experience the unique grape culture of the Turpan Basin.
- 6Day
Turpan → Dunhuang
Morning visit to the Flaming Mountains and Grape Valley. Afternoon high-speed train to Dunhuang (approx. 4 hours), the gateway to the Mogao Caves.
- 7Day
Dunhuang — Mogao Caves & Singing Sand Dunes
Full UNESCO day. Morning at the Mogao Caves, a millennium of Buddhist art carved into desert cliffs. Afternoon camel ride and sand surfing at the Singing Sand Dunes. Sunset at Crescent Moon Spring.
- 8Day
Dunhuang → Jiayuguan
Drive to Jiayuguan (5 hours) through the vast Gobi Desert. Visit the Jiayuguan Fortress — the western terminus of the Great Wall of China, standing guard at the edge of the desert.
- 9Day
Jiayuguan ✈ Xi'an
Morning visit to the Overhanging Great Wall. Fly to Xi'an, the ancient capital where the Silk Road began. Evening stroll through the Muslim Quarter, sampling local street food.
- 10Day
Xi'an — Terracotta Warriors & City Wall
Morning visit to the Army of Terracotta Warriors — one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries. Afternoon cycling on the ancient City Wall, offering panoramic views of Xi'an.
- 11Day
Depart Xi'an
Free time until your airport transfer. Your Silk Road adventure concludes in the ancient capital. 再见!
What's Included
10 nights hotel accommodation (twin-share)
English-speaking private guide throughout
All domestic flights & high-speed trains
Private air-conditioned vehicle & driver
Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
All entrance fees & listed activities
Airport transfers on arrival & departure
Travel insurance (China domestic)
What's Excluded
International flights to/from China
Chinese visa fees
Personal expenses & tips
Single room supplement ($420)
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