7 Days Classic Xinjiang Tour of Kashgar, Urumqi, Turpan

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kashgar Arrival

   So glad to have you on our 7 days classic Xinjiang tour. Upon arrival at Kashgar Airport, our driver will transfer you to the hotel for check-in, the rest time is free for you.

   Hotel: Overnight in Kashgar

2. Day 2: Kashgar to Karakul Lake Tour
   Appreciate the Magnificent Snow Peaks and Lake Views

   Your guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby and head to Karakuri Lake in the morning. A precious alpine lake 3 hours' drive away from Kashgar City, Karakuri Lake (also Karakul Lake) is known for its enchanting natural beauty with Muztaga Peak, Kongur Peak, and Kongurjiubie Peak reflected in its water.

   Decorated with bright skies, gentle breeze, shimmering water, and clear reflection of the surrounding snow mountains, walking around the lake can provide very inspiring views and a tranquil mind. After sightseeing around Karakuri Lake, drive back to Kashgar.

   Hotel: Overnight in Kashgar

   

3. Day 3: Kashgar Highlight Tour
   Glimpse Local People's Lifestyle and Unique Buildings

   After breakfast, start your guided Kashgar tour with the Kashgar Old Town to have a glimpse of the local people's lifestyle and unique architectural styles.

   With a history of over 2,000 years since the founding of the city, it is the best-preserved labyrinthine city neighborhood in the country. You will experience the rich Uyghur culture. There are also lively bazaars and modern cultural and tourism businesses, such as cafes and taverns, in the ancient city, so you can travel freely between tradition and modernity.

   

   Then, come to stroll down the local Handicraft Street, a special exhibition center for traditional handicrafts of Kashgar and Central Asia to learn further about local culture.

   After that, admire the largest mosque in China and the most famous mosque in Xinjiang - the Id Kah Mosque. It's an ancient architectural complex sitting in the city center with strong ethnic and religious color, composed of four parts: the pagoda, garden, scripture hall, and praying hall. Not only function as a center for religious activities, but is the mosque also a place for local people to celebrate festivals.

   Hotel: Overnight in Kashgar

   

4. Day 4: Kashgar to Urumqi by Flight, Urumqi to Turpan Tour
   Explore City Highlights from Underground Well to Pagoda

   Take the morning flight from Kashgar to Urumqi. Upon arrival at Urumqi, the local guide and driver will transfer you from the airport to Turpan (around a 2.5-hour drive).

   In the afternoon, begin your Turpan tour with the Karez Well. An ancient underground irrigation system can be traced to 2000 years ago, Karez Well is crucial to Turpan's glory. Due to the reliable water supply provided by the ancient irrigation system, Turpan, one of the hottest places on earth, can exist as an oasis of prosperity among the barren desert.

   

   Then, head to visit the Sugong Pagoda. A splendid gem dating from 1777 in the Qing Dynasty, this largest ancient pagoda in Xinjiang was built to record a local general's (named Emin Khoja) remarkable contribution to the country and is known for its strong Islamic architectural features.

   Hotel: Overnight in Turpan

   

5. Day 5: East Turpan Tour
   Admire Buddha Caves with Murals, and Earth-and-wood Uygur Houses

   After hotel pick-up in the morning, you will be transferred to the Bizeklik Thousand Buddha Caves which nestle on the cliffs of Mutou Valley under the Flaming Mountains. What makes it different from other famous grottoes is that it combines murals of people from different nationalities, working, and living, and the inscriptions that accompany the paintings are written in Chinese and several other languages.

   

   Then continue driving east to the famous Tuyuq Village, one of the oldest and most mysterious villages in northwest China. Thanks to the unique geology, stunning Buddhist caves and frescoes, and the ancient earth-and-wood structure of Uygur house, Tuyuq Village is ideal for photography and painting.

   On the way back to Turpan city center, stop at the hottest place in China - the Flaming Mountain (aka Red Mountain). Here the ground surface temperature can rise to 80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer. It is said that eggs can even be roasted on the ground due to the high temperature. Why not have a try when you are there?

   Hotel: Overnight in Turpan

   

6. Day 6: Turpan to Urumqi Tour
   Optionally Rent a Boat and Enjoy the Beautiful Heavenly Lake

   After breakfast, you will drive back to Urumqi. After lunch, drive about 1.5 hours to visit Heavenly Lake (aka Tianchi Lake in Chinese). An alpine lake nestling in the Tianchi Lake National Park, Heavenly Lake is a popular destination offering a brilliant display of snow-capped mountains, wildflowers, tree-blanketed valleys, and fabulous lake scenery. You can either hike around the lake and capture some photos or take a boat to enjoy the charming views. (optional, at your own expense)

   

   After the sightseeing, go back to Urumqi. In the evening, you can explore the Erdaoqiao International Bazaar on your own, the largest bazaar in Urumqi. You will see all kinds of stuff such as fruits, clothes, crafts, knives, and rugs in the bustling market. Buy some souvenirs or local dried fruits and nuts for your family and friends if you would like to.

   Hotel: Overnight in Urumqi

7. Day 7: Urumqi Departure

   After breakfast at the hotel, you may have all your belongings and luggage packed, and check out of the hotel by yourself.

   Our driver will drive you to the airport to take the homeward flight (no guide service). Your 7-day private Xinjiang tour package ends here. Look forward to your next China trip with us!

   Optional: If your flight leaves after 3 pm, you can visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum on your own in the morning, where you will learn more about the famed Silk Road and minority culture and appreciate the precious unearthed relics such as mummies.