Urumqi Tours: Your Complete Guide to Seeing Heavenly Lake, Turpan, Kashgar and Karakul Lake

If you’re searching for Urumqi tours, chances are you want a trip that goes beyond the city—into the mountains, desert oases, and Silk Road towns that make Xinjiang unforgettable. This guide lays out exactly how to do that, with a proven small-group itinerary that starts in Urumqi and connects you to Turpan, Kashgar, and the mighty Karakoram Highway. It’s crafted and operated by YellowbirdTour local experts, with English-speaking guides, transparent pricing, and the right inclusions so the logistics feel effortless from day one.

Top pick: 7 Days Xinjiang Urumqi/Turpan/Kashgar Discovery

• Book this trip: 7 Days Xinjiang Urumqi/Turpan/Kashgar Discovery
• Perfect for: Travelers who want the definitive Xinjiang route—city, alpine lake, desert oasis, and Silk Road bazaars—without the stress of planning connections.
• Small-group comfort: English-speaking guide; max 12 travelers; well-located hotels; great reviews.
• Transparent value: From about $870, with seasonal variation; all accommodations included.
• Inclusions that matter: Airport/train pickups and drop-offs, ground transport, 4-star hotels, daily breakfast, entry tickets, bottled water, Karakul permit, a local family visit with dinner, and basic travel insurance.

What you’ll see on this Urumqi-based route

Urumqi and Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)

Begin in Urumqi with a smooth airport pickup. Then take a day to reach Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), a turquoise alpine lake framed by the snow-capped Tianshan mountains—an easy way to experience high-country scenery from the city. You’ll ride the park shuttle, walk along the lake, and enjoy crisp mountain air and sweeping views.

Turpan oasis and ancient Silk Road sites

Travel overland to Turpan for a deep dive into Silk Road history. Explore Toyuq Village and the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves; see the famous Flaming Mountain; share a local family dinner. Visit Jiaohe Ancient City (a 2,300-year-old fortress), learn about the ingenious Karez irrigation system, and see Silk Road displays and ancient mummies at Turpan Museum.

Kashgar Old Town and Id Kah Mosque

Fly to Kashgar to wander the Old Town’s narrow lanes, visit the striking Id Kah Mosque, and browse craft-filled Zhiren Street and bustling bazaars. Kashgar is where East meets West—an atmospheric highlight on any Xinjiang itinerary.

Karakoram Highway to Karakul Lake

Drive the legendary Karakoram Highway to Karakul Lake at about 3,600 m, beneath the massive peaks of Muztagh Ata and Kongur. The mirror-like lake and yurt-dotted pastures make this one of China’s most dramatic Alpine landscapes. Your tour handles the permit arrangements so you can focus on the scenery.

At-a-glance itinerary (7 days)

• Day 1: Urumqi arrival and hotel transfer.
• Day 2: Urumqi to Turpan—Toyuq Village, Bezeklik Caves, Flaming Mountain, local family dinner.
• Day 3: Turpan—Jiaohe Ancient City, Karez Well, Turpan Museum.
• Day 4: Heavenly Lake day and evening flight to Kashgar.
• Day 5: Kashgar—Old Town, Id Kah Mosque, Zhiren Street, local bazaar; Karakul permit arranged.
• Day 6: Full-day trip to Karakul Lake via the Karakoram Highway; return to Kashgar.
• Day 7: Kashgar departure; airport transfer.

Who this Urumqi tour is ideal for

• First-time Xinjiang visitors who want the essential highlights in one streamlined week.
• Photography lovers chasing alpine lakes, desert ruins, bazaar life, and jaw-dropping mountain backdrops.
• Culture-curious travelers who value local interactions, like a family dinner in Turpan and craftspeople encounters in Kashgar.
• Small-group fans who want the balance of expert guidance and personal space (max 12).

Why choose YellowbirdTour for Urumqi tours

• True local experts, small groups, and custom flexibility: see Why YellowbirdTour.
• Clear value with key inclusions already covered: transfers, 4-star hotels, entries, breakfast, water, experienced English-speaking guides, and the Karakul Lake permit on this itinerary.
• Easy browsing and support: China tours hub  and Tour Search  make it fast to check dates and availability.

Practical planning for Urumqi and Xinjiang

• Timing your trip
  Spring and autumn generally offer the best balance of weather and crowds across China. Winter can be gorgeous in Xinjiang’s mountains but brings cold and potential ice in places; many travelers still love the stark beauty and festive atmosphere around the holidays.

• Altitude and pacing
  Karakul Lake sits at about 3,600 m, so expect thinner air. Your guide sets a comfortable pace, and the route is arranged to minimize strain where possible. A traveler note on winter conditions mentions that icy paths can be challenging; guides adapt routes so seniors and those who prefer to avoid stairs can still enjoy the views.

• What’s included vs. extra
  Included on this 7-day trip: transfers, guide, 4-star hotels, breakfast, entrance fees, bottled water, Karakul permit, family visit and dinner, and basic travel insurance. International or other domestic flights (unless stated), some meals, single-supplement, and tips are extra. For general policy questions, see FAQs .

Price and group size

• Indicative price: From about $870, varying ±10% by season; confirm your month on the booking form.
• Group size: Max 12 travelers, with an experienced English-speaking guide—ideal for a more personal experience and better access to local stories.

How to book your Urumqi tour

• Reserve your place now: 7 Days Xinjiang Urumqi/Turpan/Kashgar Discovery ( https://www.yellowbirdtour.com/tours/7-days-xinjiang-urumqi-turpan-kashgar-discovery/ ).
• Explore related China trips: China tours hub (https://www.yellowbirdtour.com/country/china/).
• Need something shorter/longer or private? Use Tour Search (https://www.yellowbirdtour.com/all-tours/) or ask us to customize your dates and pacing.

Suggested add-ons before/after Urumqi

• If you want to extend in China after Xinjiang, browse China tours for easy pairings—Shanghai city breaks, Guilin landscapes, and more are popular choices. YellowbirdTour can tailor the sequence and handle flights and transfers.

FAQs: Urumqi tours and the 7-day Xinjiang route

• Is this tour good for first-timers to Xinjiang?
  Yes—Urumqi, Heavenly Lake, Turpan, Kashgar, and Karakul Lake are the essential Xinjiang highlights in a compact week, with logistics and permits handled for you.

• What’s included in the price?
  Airport/train transfers, English-speaking guide, in-country transport, 4-star hotels, daily breakfast, entrance fees, bottled water, Karakul permit, a local family visit with dinner, and basic travel insurance are included; see the tour page for full details. For general policy questions, check FAQs (https://yellowbirdtour.com/frequently-asked-questions/).

• How big are the groups?
  Small groups, max 12 travelers, led by an experienced English-speaking guide.

• How much does it cost?
  From about $870, with seasonal variation of about ±10%. Confirm your preferred month in the booking form on the tour page.

• When is the best time to go?
  Spring and fall usually provide mild weather and clear skies; winter brings beautiful snow in mountain areas but can mean icy paths—guides can adapt the day to keep it comfortable. Avoid peak national holidays to reduce crowds and price spikes.

• Is there altitude?
  Yes—Karakul Lake is around 3,600 m. The itinerary is paced to help you enjoy the experience; speak with your guide if you feel you need to slow things down.

• Can this be private or customized?
  Yes. Yellowbird specializes in small groups and also arranges private/custom versions. Start with the tour page or Tour Search, or contact us via Why Yellowbird for tailored planning.