7-Day Xinjiang Tour: Explore the Desert, Ancient Towns & Ruins with Luxury China Escorted Tours

Day 1 Kashgar Arrival

Once you arrive in Kashgar, our courteous local guide will be waiting to meet you at the airport arrival hall, holding a sign that says “Your Way Holiday” for easy recognition. This warm welcome marks the beginning of your unforgettable stay in this culturally rich city. After a brief introduction, you’ll be escorted via a private transfer to your hotel. Upon arrival, check in and take some time to unwind in your room. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Whether you prefer to rest after your flight or head out for a gentle walk nearby, this is a perfect opportunity to start soaking in the atmosphere of Kashgar. As a historic hub along the Silk Road, the city reveals a captivating mix of traditions and architecture. Should you wish, your guide will gladly recommend nearby spots or activities to match your mood and interests.

Day 2 Kashgar

This morning, you’ll set out on a scenic drive to the Dawakun Desert, located about 110 kilometers (70 miles) from Kashgar. As the city fades into the distance, the road takes you through a dry and rugged landscape, with glimpses of traditional Uyghur villages and patchwork farmland along the way—offering insight into the daily rhythms of rural life in southern Xinjiang. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by sweeping golden dunes and the unexpected sight of a crystal-clear freshwater lake resting at the desert’s heart. This striking contrast between shimmering water and endless sand creates a serene and otherworldly environment. You might take a gentle walk along the lake’s edge, marvel at the desert’s quiet grandeur, or simply pause to enjoy the stillness and silence of this untouched natural retreat. Far from the crowds, Dawakun remains one of Xinjiang’s lesser-known treasures, where the harmony between nature and tradition is quietly preserved.

After taking in the remarkable scenery, enjoy some unhurried time to relax. This is also a perfect chance to sample local Uyghur flavors—perhaps some tender grilled kebabs, aromatic rice pilaf, or fresh seasonal fruits. By the lake, you may come across a humble family-run eatery where locals gather to share food and stories, offering a taste of authentic hospitality and warmth. Later in the afternoon, your driver will bring you back to Kashgar. As the sun dips behind the dunes, casting long golden shadows over the sand, you’ll carry with you not just photos, but a deeper connection to the land, its people, and the peaceful rhythm that defines life in this remote corner of China.

Day 3 Kashgar

Today’s journey takes you along the legendary China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, also called the Karakoram Highway, renowned for its stunning and rugged scenery. This drive lasts about four hours as you ascend gradually onto the expansive Pamir Plateau. En route, you’ll be treated to spectacular panoramas of towering, snow-covered summits, jagged mountain ranges, and vast stretches of grassland that seem to extend endlessly beneath the wide-open sky. As you climb higher, the air becomes crisper and thinner, intensifying the vibrant colors of the landscape under the clear mountain light. Your destination is the breathtaking Karakul Lake, perched at over 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) above sea level. Framed by the majestic peaks of Muztagh Ata and Kongur, the lake’s glassy surface perfectly mirrors the surrounding mountains and sky, creating a scene of extraordinary natural beauty and peacefulness.

Once you arrive at Karakul Lake, take some time to stroll along its tranquil shoreline, immersing yourself in the quiet grandeur of this remote alpine setting. The region is inhabited by nomadic Kirghiz herders, who live in traditional yurts and tend their flocks of sheep and yaks near the water’s edge. Their presence offers a unique cultural insight into life in these highlands, and you might have the opportunity to meet local families or observe their daily routines. The combination of the serene lake, snow-capped mountains, and grazing animals forms an unforgettable snapshot of mountain life. Weather permitting, you may also enjoy a warm cup of local tea or a simple snack while taking in the majestic views. Later in the afternoon, you will start the return drive to Kashgar, retracing your route and reflecting on the timeless beauty and calm that define this spectacular corner of China.

Day 4 Kashgar

This morning, leave Kashgar behind as you embark on an unforgettable 2–3 hour drive through the dramatic and ever-changing landscapes of western Xinjiang. Your destination is the awe-inspiring Shipton’s Arch, a hidden geological wonder nestled within the folds of the Pamir Plateau. As the journey unfolds, the scenery transforms—arid valleys stretch before you, flanked by the majestic Kunlun Mountains on one side and the distant white-capped peaks of the Snow Mountains on the other. The route offers a feast for the eyes: barren hills sculpted by wind, jagged cliffs, and vast skies that seem to stretch forever. Gradually, the rugged terrain hints at the remote marvel that lies ahead.

Upon arrival at the trailhead, a short but invigorating hike leads you to the foot of Shipton’s Arch, a towering natural formation shaped like a colossal stone bridge suspended in mid-air. Locally known as Tushuk Tash, this incredible arch soars into the sky, believed to be the tallest of its kind on the planet. First brought to international attention by British explorer Eric Shipton in 1947, the site remains relatively untouched and retains a sense of quiet grandeur. Standing beneath its massive span, you’ll be struck by both the scale and serenity of the surroundings. Nearby caves and rocky outcrops echo with sound—clap your hands or raise your voice, and the canyon walls respond with a chorus of echoes, enhancing the otherworldly feel of the place. After spending time exploring the site, absorbing the vast views and unique atmosphere, you’ll return to Kashgar in the afternoon, carrying with you memories of one of Xinjiang’s most extraordinary natural landmarks.

Day 5 Kashgar-Urumqi

Your day in Kashgar begins around 9:00 AM with a visit to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks—the Id Kah Mosque. As the largest mosque in all of China, it stands not only as an architectural treasure but also as a spiritual heart for the local Muslim population. With its elegant yellow façade, grand prayer halls, and spacious courtyard lined with centuries-old trees, the mosque exudes an atmosphere of calm and reverence. While exploring the grounds, you'll witness local worshippers engaged in daily devotions, providing an authentic view into the religious life of the Uyghur community. The design of the mosque, combining Islamic features with distinctive Uyghur decorative elements, tells a powerful story of cultural continuity and faith. This visit offers a deep appreciation for the mosque’s significance, not just as a religious site but also as a pillar of community identity and tradition.

Around 10:30 AM, you’ll make your way into the heart of Kashgar’s Old Town, a living, breathing testament to the city’s rich heritage. As you wander the maze of cobbled streets and mud-brick homes, you'll be welcomed with the vibrant Maxilap cultural performance, which includes traditional Uyghur music, dance, and folk storytelling—a colorful celebration of local art and community pride. The Old Town is full of life: artisans hammering away in workshops, children playing in the alleys, and market stalls displaying everything from spices to handmade tools. One highlight is a stop at the Hundred-Year Tea House, where you can sip rose-scented tea and snack on freshly baked nang while soaking in the timeless rhythm of daily life in Kashgar. This immersive experience offers a personal connection to the culture, making history feel alive all around you.

After lunch at a local restaurant offering regional specialties, your exploration continues to Handicraft Street, a thriving center of traditional Uyghur craftsmanship. This lively street is home to generations of artisans who specialize in copper engraving, wood carving, silk weaving, and musical instrument making. As you walk through the alleyways of open workshops, you can observe artisans practicing age-old techniques with impressive precision. From bold, colorful fabrics to meticulously detailed metalwork, every item tells a story rooted in cultural heritage. Whether you’re browsing for a souvenir or simply admiring the skill involved, the energy and creativity on display here leave a lasting impression.

Later, you'll head to the bustling Sunday Bazaar, a must-see destination for anyone wanting to experience the heartbeat of Kashgar’s commercial and social life. Divided into two sections, the market offers both a vast indoor trading area and a spirited Animal Market, where livestock sales take center stage. The indoor bazaar overflows with everything from embroidered clothing and kitchenware to aromatic spices and local sweets. Outside, the Animal Bazaar is a spectacle of sounds, sights, and lively negotiations. Traders arrive on all kinds of transport—trucks, donkey carts, motorcycles—and the air buzzes with excitement as sheep, goats, and cattle change hands. It’s a vivid, immersive slice of traditional Uyghur life, offering insight into the region’s deep-rooted market culture.

As evening falls, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your short night flight to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. Upon arrival, your local guide will greet you warmly at the airport, holding a “Your Way Holiday” sign, and accompany you to your hotel for check-in. Tonight offers a chance to rest and prepare for the next chapter of your journey, where new landscapes, histories, and cultural encounters await across this diverse and captivating region.

Day 6 Urumqi-Turpan

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you’ll set off on a journey to Turpan, a historic desert city renowned for its lush oasis, fertile vineyards, and deep cultural legacy. Your first destination is the remarkable Karez Irrigation System, a centuries-old network of underground water channels that has been essential to life in this arid region. Ingeniously designed to transport mountain runoff beneath the surface, these channels prevent evaporation and provide a steady water supply for agriculture. As you walk through the site, your guide will explain how this ancient technology continues to nourish the region’s world-famous grapes and melons—prized for their intense sweetness and flavor. The Karez system not only reflects Turpan’s agricultural ingenuity but also symbolizes the enduring relationship between the people and their challenging environment.

Your exploration continues with a visit to the iconic Sugong Minaret, also known as the Emin Minaret. Rising gracefully from the desert landscape, this elegant structure—built in the 18th century—blends Islamic design with traditional Uyghur elements. Its finely patterned brickwork and slender silhouette make it one of Turpan’s most recognizable landmarks. As your guide introduces the minaret’s historical and religious significance, you’ll gain insight into the cultural fusion that has long defined Turpan’s identity. Once a key stop along the ancient Silk Road, the city welcomed a mosaic of traders, scholars, and pilgrims, all of whom left traces of their beliefs and traditions in this architectural gem.

Later in the day, you’ll venture about 10 kilometers outside the city to explore the extraordinary Jiaohe Ruins, an ancient city carved into a natural plateau between two rivers in the Yarnaz Valley. Dating back over two millennia, Jiaohe served as a vital administrative and military center. Its well-preserved layout—complete with streets, temples, and residential structures—offers a compelling glimpse into the lives of the people who once thrived here. Unlike most cities of its time, Jiaohe was constructed from earth rather than stone and brick, and its buildings were dug into the ground, giving the site a distinctive character. As you walk among the ruins, your guide will bring the city’s long-lost stories to life, illuminating how its strategic location and natural defenses contributed to its rise and eventual fall. This final stop paints a vivid picture of Turpan’s historical depth and its legacy within the broader narrative of the Silk Road.

Day 7 Turpan Departure

As your incredible adventure in Turpan comes to a close, you'll enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to the airport or train station, based on your departure schedule. While saying farewell to this extraordinary corner of China, you may find yourself reminiscing about the unforgettable sights and experiences that have shaped your journey. From the ingenuity of the Karez underground water system to the architectural beauty of the Sugong Minaret, and the silent echoes of the past at the Jiaohe Ruins, Turpan has provided a deep and meaningful glimpse into the region’s ancient traditions and cultural resilience.

We hope that the stories, landscapes, and warmth of the people you encountered along the way have left a lasting impression. Whether you're continuing your travels or heading home, we wish you a safe and smooth journey ahead. May the memories of Turpan's desert charm and Silk Road legacy stay with you, and we look forward to the possibility of welcoming you back for another enriching experience in the future.

Price Per Person in US Dollars