13-Day South Xinjiang Silk Route In-depth Exploration Tour

Camel Riding in the Taklamakan Desert
The Road cross the Taklamakan Desert
The Flaming Mountains in Turpan
Musical Instrument Shop of Xinjiang
Bosten Lake
Karakul Lake
Tianshan Grand Canyon

Tour Outline: Urumqi - Turpan - Korla - Kuqa - Aksu - Hotan - Kashgar

Overview
Itinerary
Service Inclusion
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Trip Overview

Our Silk Road In-depth tour is designed for you to experience the Muslim and Buddhism culture and custom, and to visit the historical cities along the Silk Road in Southern Xinjiang, such as Sunday Bazaar and Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar, Silk Bazaar in Hotan, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves in Kuqa, Jiaohe Ruins and Astana Tombs in Turpan.

The tour includes comfortable hotels and featured restaurants, together with local guides and drivers for your unforgettable Silk Road tour once in your life time trip.

[Urumqi] Visit the Heavenly Lake, a beautiful blue lake with fabulous surrounding sceneries;
[Turpan] Two days to explore the famous scenic spots in Turpan;
[Korla] View Bosten Lake, the largest inland fresh water in China;
[Kuqa] Visit Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and Tianshan Grand Canyon;
[Hotan] Drive Cross the Taklamakan Desert from Aksu to Hotan, where discover the local silk factory and market;
[Kashgar] Visit the highlights and experience the Islamic life of the Uyghur people.

Best Time to Visit

All year round
Physical Demands

Leisure tour; strong physical demand for driving in desert

Day by Day Itinerary

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Day 1: Urumqi Arrival

Upon your arrival at the Urumqi Diwobao international airport, out tour guide will met and escort you to your hotel in Urumqi downtown. The rest of day is yours to relax and have a good rest.

Drive 18km from the airport to hotel
High Altitude: Urumqi (680m)
Internet & Wifi
Urumqi business hotel
Meal: No

Day 2: Urumqi - Heavenly Lake - Urumqi (220km)

Uyghur Women at the Heavenly Lake

Cruise on the Heavenly Lake

Today after breakfast, we will drive to visit Tian Chi, which literally means "Heaven Lake". It is a very beautiful mountain lake formed more than million years ago in the 4th glacial epoch, covering about 5.9 square kilometers. On the east of the lake stands the Bogda Peak, the highest peak in Tianshan Mountain area, which is capped by glacier and snow glistening in the sun. Finely contrasted with blue lake water, the scenery is fabulous. In the afternoon, be transferred back to your hotel.

Drive 220km round trip to the Heavely Lake from Urumqi
High Altitude: Heavely Lake (2150m)
Internet & Wifi: No
Urumqi business hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Urumqi - Turpan (200km)

Jiaohe Ruins

The Grape in Turpan Grape Valley

Today you will be picked up in your hotel and drive to Turpan. After checking in your hotel of Turpan, we will go to visit Jiaohe Ruins, the capital of the Anterior Jushi Kingdom. It includes city gates, streets and lanes, government office, temples, domestic houses, cave houses, and underground temple. Then move on to visit Karez Well, a local Turpan water system, which has been regarded as one of the greatest water projects of ancient China, together with Dujiangyan Irrigation System and the Grand Canal.

In the afternoon, we will drive to visit the Flaming Mountains, which are barren, eroded, red sandstone hills. The climate of the mountains is harsh and the temperature is extremely hot in the Summer, the hottest site in China. Afterwards, transfer to visit Grape Valley, which is one of most famous scenic spots in Turpan.

Drive 200km to the Turpan
High Altitude: Urumqi (680m), Turpan (-154m)
Internet & Wifi
Turpan business hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Visit in Turpan

Bozeklik Thousand Buddha Caves

Sugong Pagoda

Today after breakfast, we will visit Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, a group of Buddhist cave grottoes dating from the 5th to the 9th centuries, in which there a mural of Buddha. Then move on to Sugong Pagoda, an embodiment of the ancient architectural arts of the Uygur nationality. It is 37 meters high and 10 meters in diameter at the base.

In the afternoon, we go to visit Astana Tombs which covers an area of 10 square kilometers and is known as "the Underground Museum" with ten thousands of cultural relics. It is the graveyard of the residents who lived in the Gaochang City in the Jin-Tang period.

Drive in Turpan
High Altitude: Flaming Mountains (830m)
Internet & Wifi
Turpan business hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Turpan - Korla (400km)

The Yacht on the Bosten Lake

The Bosten Lake

Today pick up from your hotel in Turpan, take a private vehicle and drive about 400km to Korla. You visit Bosten Lake, the largest inland fresh water in China, which looks like a fairyland, winning its reputation of being a "pearl" in the desert sea.

Drive 400km to Korla, about 6 hours
High Altitude: Korla (950m), Bosten Lake (1048km)
Internet & Wifi
Korla business hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Korla - Kuqa - Tianshan Grand Canyon - Kuqa (440km)

Tianshan Grand Canyon

After breakfast, we will drive about 300km to Kuqa. Then drive to visit Tianshan Grand Canyon, located in the mountain area 72km north of Kuqa. It is characterized by odddly-shaped rocks, craggy pinnacles, rugged cliffs and deep ravines. Afterwards, drive back to your hotel in Kuqa.

Drive 300km to Kuqa, 72km to Tianshan Grand Canyon
High Altitude: Kuqa (930km), Tianshan Grand Canyon (2020km)
Internet & Wifi
Kuqa local hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Kuqa - Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves - Aksu (298km)

Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves

Today after breakfast, you will drive to visit Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, located 68km west Kuqa county, which is the oldest and the largest ruins of Buddhist culture in Xinjiang, even one century earlier than the famous Mogao Grottoes. Then move on to Aksu.

Drive 68km to Kizil Cave, 230km to Aksu
High Altitude: Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (1200m), Aksu (1104km)
Internet & Wifi: No
Aksu local hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Aksu - crossing Taklamakan Desert - Hotan (552km)

Taklamakan Desert

Drive through the Taklamakan Desert

After breakfast, we drive cross the Taklamakan Desert which is the second largest shifting sand desert in the world, covering an area of 337,600 square kilometers. The ancient silk road traders regarded it as the "sea of death" because many traders entered the desert and were never seen again. Hotan is the principal town located on the south of the Tarim basin. It is a centre for silk production, carpet weaving, metal work and jade.

Drive 552km to Hotan
High Altitude: Hotan (1300m)
Internet & Wifi
Hotan local hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Hotan Day Tour

Hotan Jade

Hotan Men are making silk.

Today, you will visit Hotan Museum where exhibited are the mixtures of Caucasian and East Asian "mummies" reaching back two thousand years proving Hotan's historically rich blend of peoples, cultures and religions. Then you will visit Jade Factory, Atlas Silk Factory, Hotan Bazaar where you will immerse yourself in the trading atmosphere.

Drive in Hotan
High Altitude: Hotan (1300m)
Internet & Wifi
Hotan local hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Hotan - Kashgar (520km)

Yarkant King Mausoleum

The Road between Hotan and Kashgar

After breakfast, we will drive about 7 hours to Kashgar. On the way, you could see the Yinjisar Man-made Pocket-Knife and then visit the 500-year Yarkant King Mausoleum in Shache County (or Yarkant County). Upon your arrival, check in your hotel for a good rest.

Drive 520km in Kashgar, about 7 hours
High Altitude: Kashgar (1290m)
Internet & Wifi
Kashgar business hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Kashgar - Karakul Lake - Kashgar (400km)

Karakul Lake

The Tents beside the Karakul Lake

Today after breakfast, we will drive to visit Karakul Lake on Karakoram highway (renowned as the highest paved border crossing in the World and one of the World's most beautiful highways). Well-known as "the father of glaciers", Karakul Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in China, with beautiful natural scenery around and mirror-like peaceful waters. Seen from different distance, you can witness different colors of the water, changing from light to dark.

Drive 400km round trip to Karakul Lake from Kashgar
High Altitude: Kashgar (1290m), Karakul Lake (3600m)
Internet & Wifi
Kashgar business hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Visit in Kashgar

Apak Hoja Tomb

Id Kah Mosque

Today you will begin your trip by visiting the Apak Hoja Tomb, also called Xingfei Mu in Chinese, which is a very tranquil place and a beautiful example of Uyghur Islamic architecture. Then move on to the lively Sunday Bazaar/ Market, which is renowned as the biggest market in Central Asia. It is said that you can buy anything you want here except chicken milk and Cow eggs.

After lunch, we will wander through the narrow winding streets of the historic old town to visit Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China. Step into it to know a bit more about the Islamic life of the Uyghur people.

Drive in Kashgar
High Altitude: Kashgar (1290m)
Internet & Wifi
Kashgar business hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13: Kashgar flight to Urumqi, Urumqi Departure

Today, you will be escorted to airport to take a flight first to Urumqi, and then depart.

Kashgar flight to Urumqi
High Altitude: Urumqi (680m)
Internet & Wifi: No
Hotel: No
Breakfast

Price Details & Guide

Price Inclusions

Private transportation to the destinations and sites listed in the itinerary; ranging from 4WD land cruiser to bus depending on the group size and trip route; car gasoline, road toll and in-transport refreshments (free bottles of water, air pillow and headscarf) are included;
Lodging: two nights in Urumqi business hotel, two nights in Turpan business hotel, one night in the local hotel of Korla, Kuqa, Aksu respentively, two nights in Hotan local hotel, three nights in Kashgar;
Private experienced English-speaking trip leader;
Airport/railway station pick-up and send-off services at the beginning/end of the tour;
Entrance ticket fees for all the sight spots listed in the itinerary;
Meals listed in the itinerary (12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches);
First aid kit;
A coverage of 300,000RMB Chartis travel insurance;

Price Exclusions

International and domestic flight/train to Urumqi (Note: we accept the domestic flight/train tickets booking to Urumqi from other cities in advance, check the updated ticket availibility and cost with your travel consultant);
Meals that are not specified in the itinerary (Averagely a meal in the 3rdpole region cost 3~10USD per person);
Tips and gratuities for the trip leader and driver;
The expense of a personal nature like alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone call, etc;
Optional activities and excursions not specified in the itinerary;
China Entry visa fees;

Itinerary Alteration

Once we receive your tour deposit, which is followed by signing the contract, your reservation is secured with legitimacy. Our staff will reserve the accommodation, vehicle, site tickets, meals and more, and pay the deposit for our suppliers. So if you want to alter to another itinerary, you need to cover the deposit we've paid, while no service charge is needed if you make some changes on the itinerary you booked.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

If you cancel the tour beacuse of your personal issues, you will be liable to pay cancellation charges that are bounded by 3rdpoletour.com cancellation policy as follows:

1.) If you cancel the tour more than 30 days before the trip starts, you will forfeit 10% of the total land cost per person;
2.) If you cancel the tour 15-30 days prior to your trip start date, 20% of your total land tour cost will be forfeited as a cancellation fee.
3.) If you cancel the tour 7-15 days before the trip starts, you will forfeit 30% of land cost.
4.) If you cancel the tour 7 days prior to your tour start date, you will forfeit 50% of land cost.
5.) If you fail to show up or cancel at your scheduled arrival time without prior notice or later than that, you will forfeit 100% of the land cost.

If the tour has to be cancelled because of the natural disaster or the government restrictions that is beyond both parties control, we will charge only USD50 per person, this is just the service fee and larbor fee during the preparation. This is a rare occurrence!