7 days Xinjiang Urumqi/Turpan/Kashgar Discovery

Tour highlights

Tour summary

Sparkling azure waters that stretch from horizon to horizon await at the end of this 5 day Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake tour. Spend a little under a week exploring the highlights of the Tibetan world and some of its most sacred sites. From the glistening white walls of Potala Palace with its commanding view to the lively streets of Barkhor this tour will open the door to this enigmatic land. Lhasa City is the heart of Tibet, and it can be felt when there amongst the locals and pilgrims from the landscape. This tour will allow enough time to immerse yourself into to the culture and enjoy the sites. It’s also a perfect addition to any trip in Asia.

Tour photos

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Day 1: Urumqi Arrival

Airport pickup service, transfer to hotel.

Day 2: Urumqi- Turpan: Toyuq Village, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Flaming Mountain, Local Family Visit and Dinner 350km

After breakfast, drive to Turpan. On the way, visit Toyuq village, the ancient Uygur village is located in the south valley of Tuyugou Grand Canyon, with a history of more than 2600 years. Continue to visit Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Bozikrik means “decorated home” in Uyghur. The grottoes was first excavated from 5th and till 14th century. After that, drive to Flaming Mountain, the mountain was feature in the famous Journey to the West. Camel ride can be experienced here with extra fee. After that, drive to visit a local family, learn and make dinner together.

Day 3: Turpan: Jiaohe Ancient City, Karez Well, Turpan Museum

In the morning, visit Jiaohe Ancient City, it was once Jushi Kingdom’s capital, have a walk in the 2300-year-old fortress. Later, go to Karez Well, you will be amazed by ancient people’s wisdom of the irrigation system creation, it is still benefiting locals in the desert! After that, drive to Turpan Museum, the Silk Road displays tells you the importance of Turpan on the route. The other highlight is the exhibition of thousand years old mummies.

Day 4: Turpan- Heavenly Lake 270km & Fly to Kashgar

Heavenly Lake(Tianchi in Chinese) is an alpine lake which is about 110km away from Urumqi. On the way, you will see rivers, mountains pastures through Mt. Tianshan. Firstly take the vehicle to the ticket office, then switch to the shuttle bus to get to the lake. Continue to climb up around 800 meters along the plank road to appreciate Heavenly Lake. Enjoy a walk along the lake, feel the calm and relaxation. After that, drive to Urumqi airport to fly to Kashgar in the evening.

Day 5: Kashgar: Kashgar Old Town, Id Kah Mosque, Zhiren Street, Local Bazaar

In the morning, have a walk in the Old Town of Kashgar to find many traditional dwellings. Visit Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in Xinjiang. Continue to visit Zhiren Street, it’s full of local handicrafts, carpenters and blacksmiths can be seen here in their tiny workshops. Finally go to the Local Bazaar. Our guide will help together to have your permit to Karabul Lake applied today.

Day 6: Kashgar-Karakul Lake-Kashgar 400km

After breakfast, drive to Karakul Lake, a little further it is China-Pakistan border. The lake is at the altitude of 3600m, surrounded by snow-covered mountains- Muztagh Ata(7546m), Kongur Tagh(7649m), and Kongur Tiube(7530m). Walk along the mirror-like lake, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Pamir Plateau. Later drive back to Kashgar.