13 Days Silk Road Group Tour: Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai
Tour Overview
This 13-day Silk Road group tour is our most popular itinerary, taking you through three of China's most legendary provinces. From the vibrant Sunday Market in Kashgar to the rainbow mountains of Zhangye and the mirror-like Chaka Salt Lake, every day brings a new wonder. Travel with a small group (max 16), stay in comfortable 4-star hotels, and enjoy the expertise of our English-speaking guides.
Trip Highlights
- Explore Kashgar's legendary Sunday Market
- Drive the Karakoram Highway to Taxkorgan
- Visit the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang
- Camel ride at Singing Sand Dunes
- Walk the Jiayuguan Fortress
- Rainbow Mountains at Zhangye Danxia
- Photograph Chaka Salt Lake at sunset
- Tibetan culture experience in Xining
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 enjoy local 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 stunning Karakoram Highway. Visit Karakul Lake at 3,600m, with panoramic views of Muztagh Ata (7,546m). Arrive in Taxkorgan, China's westernmost town.
- 4Day
Taxkorgan — Stone Fort → Return to Kashgar
Visit the ancient Stone Fort and the grasslands. Return to Kashgar via the Karakoram Highway, stopping at scenic viewpoints.
- 5Day
Kashgar ✈ Urumqi
Morning flight to Urumqi. Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum to see the famous Tarim mummies. Afternoon at Hongshan Park for panoramic city views.
- 6Day
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.
- 7Day
Turpan → Dunhuang (High-speed train)
Morning visit to the Flaming Mountains and Grape Valley. Afternoon high-speed train to Dunhuang (approx. 4 hours).
- 8Day
Dunhuang — Mogao Caves & Singing Sand Dunes
Full UNESCO day. Morning at the Mogao Caves (8 caves included). Afternoon camel ride and sand surfing at the Singing Sand Dunes. Optional sunset at Crescent Moon Spring.
- 9Day
Dunhuang → Jiayuguan
Drive to Jiayuguan (5 hours) through the Gobi Desert. Visit the Jiayuguan Fortress, the western end of the Great Wall of China.
- 10Day
Jiayuguan → Zhangye
Morning visit to the Overhanging Great Wall. Drive to Zhangye (2.5 hours). Late afternoon at Zhangye Danxia — the famous rainbow-colored rock formations, best photographed at sunset.
- 11Day
Zhangye → Xining (High-speed train)
Morning at the Giant Buddha Temple. High-speed train to Xining (approx. 3 hours). Visit Dongguan Mosque and stroll through the Muslim quarter.
- 12Day
Xining — Chaka Salt Lake
Drive to Chaka Salt Lake (4 hours), the "Mirror of the Sky." Walk on the salt flats and capture stunning reflection photos. Visit Kumbum Monastery on the return journey.
- 13Day
Depart Xining
Free time until your airport transfer. Your Silk Road adventure concludes. 再见!
What's Included
12 nights 4-star hotel accommodation (twin-share)
English-speaking 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 ($480)
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