13 Days Xinjiang Desert Highway Tour: Urumqi-Turpan-Korla-Kuqa-Shaya-Hotan-Kashgar

Day 1Arrival Urumqi

Airport-Hotel Transfer Service

Meals: No meal
Accommodation: In Urumqi

Arrival at Urumqi in Xinjiang, an area of the unparalleled scenery and cultural diversity, you will be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.

Urumqi City View

Day 2Urumqi

Heavenly Lake, Xinjiang Autonomous Regional Museum, Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:In Urumqi

Take a driving for 100km northeast to visit the holy Heavenly Lake (Tianchi). The beautiful lake is flanked by rugged pines and cypresses, with clear melting waters reflecting the surrounding of snow capped mount Bogeda. After the tour, be transferred back to downtown, visit the Xinjiang Autonomous Regional Museum, which is a must for Silk Road aficionados. The highlight is the locally famous ‘Loulan Beauty’, the first of half a dozen 3800-year-old desert-mummified bodies of Xinjiang's erstwhile Indo-European inhabitants. Other exhibits include some amazing silks, decorative arts, pottery and sculpture, a collection of white jade and an introduction to the traditions of each of the province’s minorities. If time allows, we will have a short visit to Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar, which is believed to be the largest outdoor market in town.

Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)

Day 3Urumqi - Turpan

Drive to Turpan(200km, 3 hours), Tuyugou Uygur Old Village, Tuyugou Canyon, The Astana Cemetery, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:In Turpan

Today, you will take about 3hours driving to Turpan, on the way, you will pass Urumqi Wind Power Mill, which was built for producing electrical power in the area. After cross the valley of Tianshan we will arrive in the lowest depression of China-Turpan City. Upon arrival, we will go to Tuyugou Canyon, which is running in a north-south direction, cuts the Flame Mountain Range into two halves. The view of these majestic mountains with their distinctive, layered appearance – reflecting differences in temperature and in the soil's physical properties – ending in snow-capped peaks silhouetted against deep-blue skies, is an experience to be envied. Visit the Tuyugou Urgur Old Village, s the most ancient village of the Uygur nationality in Xinjiang, with a history of 1,700 years. It is the biggest Islamic place in China and remains the Uygur culture, regarded as the 'living fossil'. The village is famous for its earth architecture, charming natural scenery as well as splendid culture. It has abundant well-preserved folk houses and all of them are made of loess, raw soil and wood with various kinds of carving on doorframes. It is knowns as "the first earth village in China".

Then move to visit The Astana Cemetery, used during the 1st millennium AD by the inhabitants of Gaochang, an ancient oasis city on the northern edge of the Taklamakan Desert. The Astana Cemetery contains about 1000 tombs, of which about half have been excavated. The archaeological materials obtained from these excavations include mummified human remains, as well as artifacts that traveled along the Silk Road. These materials provide a glimpse into the life and death of the ancient inhabitants of Gaochang. Visit the famous Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. Among the Buddhist caves found in Turpan, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves are considered most valuable. It is the royal temple of Huihu (the predecessor of today's Uigur) State and the present remains were enlarged or renovated during that time. The murals take us back to the ancient Huihu State, where we can see the King and Queen and people from all walks of life.

Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves

Day 4Turpan

Jiaohe Ancient City, Emin Minaret, Karez Well

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:In Turpan

Have another day excursion in Turpan that including the visit the mysterious death city, the Ruins of Jiaohe Ancient City, which reveals traces of a prosperous ancient trading center and military stronghold 1,600 years ago. And then visit Emin Minaret (Sugong Pagoda) - the biggest ancient pagoda existing in Xinjiang and the only Islamic ancient pagoda in the country and ancient Karez Well, the underground water supply and irrigation system.

Emin Minaret

Day 5Turpan - Korla

Drive to Korla (400km, 5 hours), Iron Gate Pass, Bosten Lake

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:In Korla

In the morning, take a long drive (8hours) to Korla, an oasis town on Peacock River, at the northern edge on the Taklamakan Desert. During the way, you will have chance to visit the Iron Gate Pass which is of strategically historical significance because it formed a vulnerable bottle-neck on the Silk Road. Upon arrival take a boat trip on Bosten Lake which is the largest fresh water lake in China (CNY600 per boat per time on your own expense).

Bosten Lake

Day 6Korla - Kuqa

Drive to Kuqa(300km, 4 hours), Subash Ancient City, Kuqa Grand Mosque, Kizilgagha Old Beacon Tower

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: In Kuqa

Today, get up early and continue your long driving journey to Kuqa(300km, about 4hours). Visit Subash Ancient City, which was once a glorious city spanning both sides of a river flowing down eastwards from the Tian Shan Mountains into the Taklimakan Desert of the Tarim Basin.

Then visit The Kuqa Grand Mosque is the second largest mosque in Xinjiang, right after the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar. Made of bricks, it was reconstructed after the original mosque was burned down in 1931. Within its compound is Xinjiang's sole religious court. Kuqa Mosque is the only mosque in China having preserved the Shariya (Islamic Court) System.

The next stop is Kizilgagha Old Beacon Tower, which was built in Han Dynasty as the alarm tower for the frontier guards. Fire was lighted at night while smokes were set off in day time.

Kuqa Old City

Day 7Kuqa - Shaya

Drive to Shaya (300km, 5 hours), Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: In Shaya

Take another driving to Shaya County (300km), enroute we will stop to visit Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, the largest existing Buddhist stone caves in Xinjiang and the oldest, the largest and westernmost Buddhist grottoes in China. Kizil Caves was originally excavated from about the 3rd century BC, nearly 260 years earlier than Dunhuang Mogao Caves. Then explore Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, whias was formed by wind and rain over billions of years ago. The canyon is 5.5 kilometers long from east to west with an average depth of 1,600 meters. The reddish-brown mountains of the grand and rugged canyon are in different shapes. Gullies and trenches can be found everywhere.

Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves

Day 8Shaya - Hotan

Drive through Taklamakan Desert to Hotan ( 600 km, 8 hours)

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: In Hotan

Take a drive through the Taklamakan Desert to Hotan (600km), home to some very well known archaeological sites in China. In the late 18th century many explorers from England, Germany, France, Russia, Japan, came to Hotan where some of them almost lost their lives in the desert.

Taklamakan Desert Highway

Day 9Hotan

Hotan Old Town, Hotan Jade Bazaar, Pick raw jade at Yulong River, Silk Workshop, Night Market

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:In Hotan

After a breakfast a local hotel, then enjoy a leisure day in Hotan. First, have a leisurely walk around Hotan Old Town. Hotan is famous for its Jade and jade products. Explore in the Jade Bazaar, where you may find something captivating you. Then we could go to Yulong River, where many people try to discover a raw jade stone. Then walk into a silk workshop, where you will learn how the colorful and ethnic featured silk products are made. Hang out in the night market as a local, explore and taste the local snacks.

Hotan Old City and Night Market

Day 10Hotan - Kashgar

Drive to Kashgar (500km, 7 hours), The Mausoleum of Amannisa Khan, Shache Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:In Kashgar

Drive from Hotan to Kashgar for 7 hours ( 500 km), enroute visit the Mausoleum of Amannisa Khan, which was constructed in memory of Amannisa Khan - an excellent musician and poetess. She accomplished many masterpieces and regulated Twelve Muqam with some folk artists. The mausoleum looks like a very fragile building with a round tower and 20 carved pillars around it. There are beautiful plaster carvings on the inner dome and the names of the Twelve Muqam suites on the wall. Then move to Shache Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park, where you will experience the multi-ethnic Shache folk customs.

Shache

Day 11Kashgar

Zhiren Street, Id Kah Mosque, Apak Hoja Tomb, Local Bazaar, Enjoy a tea break at Kashgar Old Town

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:In Kashgar

Today, take a visit to Zhiren Street, an old street with an amazing hand-made stuff from strictly utilitarian cookware to exotic musical instruments. Then continue your trip to Id Kah Mosque, which is one of the largest and busiest in China. Then, you can take a short visit to Apak Hoja Tomb. If it is Sunday, the local Bazaar will be a good place for you to have a visit. This ancient market attracts locals and merchants from all over Xinjiang and nearby countries such as Pakistan and Kirghizstan. Then enjoy a leisurely tea break in the Kashgar Old Town.

Kashgar Old City

Day 12Kashagar

Karakul Lake

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: In Kashgar

Take a tour through the Karakurum Highway to Karakul Lake, enjoy the beautiful snow- capped mountain of Muztagh Ata and the lake. After the tour, drive back to Kashgar for overnight. You could choose to walk around and explore the local market in the free time.

Karakurum High Way and Karakul Lake

Day 13Kashgar, Departure

Transfer to airport

Meals: Breakfast

Free at leisure then you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to next destination.

Service Ends

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Tour Price (US$ per person)

Hotel Class	Group Size	Dec. ~ Feb.	Mar. ~ Nov.
Economy Hotel ★★★	2 ~ 5 pax	From on request	From on request
Economy Hotel ★★★	6 ~ 9 pax	From on request	From on request
Comfortable Hotel ★★★★	2 ~ 5 pax	From on request	From on request
Comfortable Hotel ★★★★	6 ~ 9 pax	From on request	From on request
Deluxe Hotel ★★★★★	2 ~ 5 pax	From on request	From on request
Deluxe Hotel ★★★★★	6 ~ 9 pax	From on request	From on request

Notice:

Due to the uncertainties of this tour, such as special local conditions , the changes of accommodation rate, etc, the tour has to be tailor-made and its price is on request. Please tell us in advance your group information inclusive of departure date, number of pax, and other individual needs, which will be helpful to work out a fit program and the right price.

Useful Information

Traveler Reviews Feedbacks & Photos >>Feedbacks

5.0

PunkNelson

5.0

Great Hotel stay Very Nice Tour guides Convenient planned daily trips Average selection of restaurant for food though

Kiwimac53

5.0

We were looking for a tour in SW China while in the area for work and found this one. While we wouldn't normally get a private tour but surprisingly it was actually cheaper than most of the group tours in the area and was great value. While I would usually rather keep one guide for the whole tour, as you get to know each other and they get to know what you are interested in, we changed guides 5 times during this trip (fortunately we had the same guide in Kunming at the start and end of the tour which was a real bonus as Murphy, our Kunming based guide, was excellent.) In this case changing guides had the advantage of local knowledge at each site so compensated for the change. Of the 4 guides we had 3 excellent and 1 very good with each of them working hard to look after us and make sure we enjoyed our trip. Vicky, our Dali based guide was also extremely good making our time there a highlight. The tour gives you 2 days at each base ie travel in the morning, have the afternoon and the next day touring the area then drive to the next base. We chose the driving tour as we feel it gives you a better experience of the area and you get to see the locals in action. All the drivers we had were great - they went out of their way to look after us and were very safe, which is saying something for driving in China. While all of the guides were very fluent in English none of the drivers could speak English which was a slight disadvantage as you didn't have the guides with you when traveling between bases but the friendliness and helpfulness of the drivers more than made up for this. The tour was very well organised and we knew what we were doing from the time we met our guide on arrival at the Kunming railway station to when we walked through security at the airport on our way out. The tour comes with 4,5 and 6 star accommodation choices and we went for the cheapest 4 star option. While the English at the hotels was limited the guides made sure we were checked in and out and took care of any issues (which were minimal). The 4 star option is largely "Chinese style" hotels ie designed for Chinese visitors with breakfast consisting of what many westeners would consider dinner style food but there was always eggs and toast for the less adventurous. The hotels were all clean and comfortable and generally very well located. The Hotel in Kunming (Jin Jang Inn) was a bonus as it seemed higher than 4 star and we stayed there both on our way in and out. As well as breakfast, lunch came with the tour which was enjoyable as the guides choose the restaurants so we got a variety. I got the feeling that most of the restaurants were owned by friends or family or there was some arrangement with the guide, but as you get to formally review each guide and the meals at the end of each stop they work hard to make sure you enjoy the meal and there was always an abundance of food. We tried a range of local cuisine and there was only one meal we didn't think was up to par. You get your own dinner which also suited us as there is invariably a range of restaurants or for the more adventurous there is the street vendors and you can choose what you want. The vehicles we were driven in were all very good- plenty of space and very comfortable. Being a private tour, while there was a set itinerary, which was diverse and very interesting with something for most people, the guides could tweak it to suit individual interests eg more time at one site and less at another. It is easy to get a bit templed out but overall the itinerary was a good mic of nature and culture. I would thoroughly recommend the tour and the company and we will be looking to the company if/when we go back - Guilin is next on the list as the guides were very happy to discus what they thought we would and wouldn't enjoy based on working with us on this tour,

N2265ZIinfo

5.0

Excellent guides, flexible and knowledgeable travel agent. They speak good English. Our trip was very well organized. We are 100% happy and I can recommend Top China Travel to everybody.

Wesley O

5.0

I contacted Top China travel for a 13 day China vacation (Beijing/Xian/Yangtze River cruise/Shanghai) and right from the start Bonnie provided me with great choices and package options. Throughout the entire planning and even during the trip Bonnie was there for us following up and making sure everything was perfect. Thank you Bonnie for making our China vacation unforgettable.

Johnf8958

5.0

From the minute I contacted Vicky at Top China Travel to book our holiday, to the time we were taken to Pudong airport for our flight home, the experience was perfect. My wife and I visited Beijing, Xian and Shanghai and all of our tour guides were fluent in English, very knowledgeable and very friendly. Thank you Vicky and all at TCT and I will definitely be in contact when I return to China.

lakazdi

5.0

I went on a Top China Travel group tour. Everything was so well organised that I never had to worry about anything. I really liked that the group was small and it felt like we were a big group of old-friends all travelling together, not just a passenger on the bus. Every hotel, guide, driver and restaurant was very well picked. I was very happy with how well-informed each guide was, how flexible they were to ensure we all had a great time, and their English was all very good. At every step of the way, guides had us fill in a Top China Travel feedback form which I am certain the company take very seriously since their service was so good. I will be passing on their details to all my friends and family who want to travel in China.

DEBORAH O

5.0

Thanks to Ms Raylene He we had a wonderful and well organised trip to 5 destinations which all went off without a hitch including being met by guides and drivers in each city and looked after very well. This all included several domestic flights a train trip and permits. I have no qualms in recommending this company to other travellers.

EBTraveler

5.0

With forty years of travel to the far corners of our world we have encountered many guides. Like most travelers some have not been very good, some decent and the rare few that are outstanding. During our three weeks in China last month we encountered just such a rare individual. Our guide in Guilin was a young women named Ping (I'll provide her email later). Ping demonstrated knowledge and command of the history, stories and culture all along the way. Beyond that, Ping exuded infectious enthusiasm not only for our touring, but for us personally as well. We had a serious medical issue occur suddenly, in fact one of us went into diabetic shock. It was four in the morning but no matter, after calling Ping she took command and arranged for the hotel to send us, with a car, driver, and assistant to a hospital. Upon our arrival there was Ping who obviously thru on some clothes, got on her motorbike and rushed to meet us. There she not only served as translator but as though a family member, she became invested in our proper care and recovery. Truly remarkable to have such a person supporting you. In small ways she flavored her guiding with a sense of our interests and preferences, like the day we mentioned our love of pomegranates and the next morning there she is smiling and with samples for us as a treat. When we left a jacket behind, once again was on it as Ping arranged for its shipment to out next stop and tracked it until it was in our hands. Beyond that, Ping was in frequent contact to make certain of our full medical recovery and to offer her help where or whenever it might be needed while in China. Amazing! Ping can be contacted at bellakanas@163.com Sheila Hertz, Howard Entin

ourview_11

5.0

From the first email to Top China Travel with Joyce to our wonderful Tour Guide Linda and our driver I can not say more happily what a wonderful trip we have had. Linda was very Kind and very informative with all your tours. The vehicle used was at very high standard and the Driver very safe. We had a private Tour for myself and my Husband we would totally recommend this company.

Geonannie

5.0

Top China Travel is the the tops! I booked an 21 day tour of China for my husband and I and from the very first contact with Lily Lui I was totally impressed. We communicated via e-mail and Lily was very quick and helpful with her responses. Because this was not our first trip to China, I wanted an itinerary that was different from the norm. Lily's recommendations were top notch. The hotels she used were top shelf as we requested. Our guides and drivers were fantastic. What impressed me the most was that when we were in China, Lily called to speak to me and make sure everything was going well. When I ran into some issues due to altitude sickness, I contacted her and she had the itinerary changes done and finalized within an hour. This was a private tour with guide and driver and I honestly can say there was not one thing I wished we had done differently. Thanks to Top China Travel and Lily our trip to China was perfect. I will definitely be contacting Lily when we return to China for yet another visit.

Allessandr0

5.0

I am a tour leader from Italy and this was my first cooperation with Janet and how lucky we met her!! We followed the trip with her to remote areas in China including some ethnic group area in Guizhou province and Sanjiang, Longsheng and Guilin, we enjoyed completely throughout the whole trip and some arrangement even out of our surprise, like we went to Janet’s home to learn how to pack Chinese Ravioli, she invited a Taichi teacher and we had a 1 hour Taichi class inside her home community. Everything was fine and our group members are all like her very much. We strongly recommend Janet Chan (janet@topchinatravel.com) as your China trip consultant! She is so considerate and carefully planned each detail of our trip. Guizhou is a very interesting and primitive place for visiting, you should include in your China trip as well! Thank you Janet! You are very professional!!

Salim A

5.0

When I planning our private trip to china I have read many trip adviser reviews and I have noticed Janet Chan’s name came up a number of times so i sent her an e-mail asked for the best two weeks private tour in China for 6 persons , whiten two days she replied me recommending 5 cities ( Zhangjiajie, hangzhuo , shanghai, Beijing , Guilin ) we went through the program which she sent to us it was excellent so we asked her to go ahead to arrange our journey . it was a great choice we made, The tour guides were knowledgeable and helpful. The hotels which reserved for us by TCT were excellent We can only say thanks for TCT and especially Janet Chan

Karan J

5.0

From the 1st point of contact till the end Joyce was great and helped plan a perfect trip which I was for a short time in Beijing. I was traveling alone and was recommended to join a small group of fellow travelers which was perfect. Great tour guide with a clean bus. Pick up on time and overall a great experience.

Ms Masha B

5.0

My husband and I booked a two week private tour of China with Top China Travel. It was an excellent experience. Vicky, a tour consultant, offered us a very good program visiting Beijing, Xian, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai and Nanjing. We really enjoyed every location. The tour guides were knowledgeable and helpful. In Beijing, Shanghai and Nanjing me made our own hotel reservation and in Xian an Zhangjiajie TCT made the reservations for us. Lunch was included in the tour and the selection of the restaurants was excellent in most locations (except Xian). Overall great tour!

Chris W

5.0

When planning our China trip we read many trip advisor reviews and noticed Janet Chan’s name came up a number of times so we asked for her to arrange our journey across this fascinating land. What a great choice we made, she listened and responded to our questions and arranged all our trip that went off without any problems. We didn’t want shopping nor group travel and she responded brilliantly. Two days hiking on the wall with fabulous guide Miko, in fact all our guides and drivers were just excellent. High speed train meant we saw lots of China’s varied countryside and went to some out of the way places. We can only say great things about TCT and especially Janet Chan if you are planning a trip. Thank you Janet for an exciting and memorable trip! Chris n Jools Winstanley

Raghavan A

5.0

We signed up with TCT after reading reviews of Tibet tour agencies. Our trip included 4 days in Lhasa, two in Shigatse and one at the base camp. TCT made all the arrangements including the Tibet permit, hotels, tour guide, car and the driver for the entire trip. The arrangements were superb. The guide and the driver were very accommodating to our needs and made the entire trip very convenient. At the base camp, the guide even arranged for extra oxygen in case we need it. She was also very helpful in advising us as how to get acclimated to the altitude. The entire trip was smooth and enjoyable and we would highly recommend TCT for travel to Tibet.

karenilena

5.0

wonderful visit and wonderful guide Li. Li showed us all the charms of this great city together with our Li river tour. We fell in love with this place and Yangshou. Great place to visit and it was a favourite city in all the cities we visited. great guide

Natasha J

5.0

I can't recommend this company enough!! I started talking to Yocky via the chat system on their website, as we wanted to do a 2.5 week trip around China. Our itinerary was: Shenzhen-Beijing-Xian-Kunming-Dongchuan-Chengdu-Guilin-Sanya Here's how things went: 1) She was instant in her replies and responded to subsequent emails within the hour (and trust me, I sent A LOT of emails). She was always so thorough and efficient. 2) She made us a tailor made trip that covered everything we wanted, including some slightly more off the beaten track attractions. 3) She helped us keep to our budget and suggested reasonable things we could cut out when things were too expensive (not something many companies would do as they are trying to make a quick buck). 4) She listened to all of our requests for things such as early morning flights, vegetarian food, and readjusting itineraries. 5) All our drivers and guides were EXCELLENT; they were prompt, kind, spoke excellent English and had a wealth of knowledge about all the sites we saw. All the cars on our private tours were nice and comfortable and had water. 6) Despite asking for 3* hotels, all 7 hotels we stayed in seemed like 4* to us and all included breakfast. 7) With such a large and complicated trip there were bound to be a few hiccups (e.g. there was a marathon in Xian one day which meant a lot of roads were closed, so we couldn't access sites). Yocky was in touch with us the entire time and helped us rearrange our plans quickly and ordered complimentary tickets to a show to make up for the inconvenience. We were so nervous about our first trip to China as we speak no mandarin and are strict vegetarian but honestly this was one of the best trips of our life; this company made it so easy for us and I really can't imagine having been able to do it myself any better!

JrnyJunkie

5.0

The views are stunning and the boat that we were on had VIP seating for just our group with a private balcony to view the river.

Candi S

5.0

Raylene did a wonderful job organizing our tour to meet our time constraints. She answered all questions very efficiently. Our tour guide Rocco met us at the airport and the Driver was waiting near by. I have specific dietary restrictions and the guide was extremely helpful communicating that with the restaurants. The trip was so easy and we always felt safe. My husband and I are looking forward to booking a more extended trip in the future. There is so much to see and the food is wonderful!