Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar, Hotan, Rouqiang, Golmud, Dunhuang, Xining, Lhasa
Tour Code: TCT-Silk-Road-07
Tour Type: Private Tour
Tour Highlights:
Authorized by China Ministry of Railway
Experience the luxury train China Silk Road Express with a superior 5 star service
Enjoy an exclusive evening tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site -Jiaohe Ancient City.
Suitable for those who are interested in China history and culture
Adventure from Urumqi Silk Road to Tibet tour
Best Travel Time: Annually fixed departure dates
From $ 19900
Meals: Wecloming Dinner
Recommended Hotel: Conrad Urumqi or similar
【10:00-17:00】Arrival Urumqi, met and transfer to hotel
【19:00-21:00】Welcoming dinner
Arrive in the vibrant city of Urumqi, the gateway to Xinjiang Province, where the fusion of ancient cultures meets modern elegance. Upon landing, you will be greeted by your private driver who will ensure a seamless transfer to the luxurious Conrad Urumqi, where you can unwind at your leisure in preparation for the adventure ahead. This evening, join your fellow guests in a lavish reception at the Conrad Urumqi, where you’ll enjoy a fine dining experience and a curated selection of local and international dishes, setting the tone for your exquisite journey.
Urumqi City View
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Recommended Hotel: Silk Road Express Train
[09:00-10:00] Breakfast in hotel
[10:00-12:30] Free time in Urumqi
[13:00-14:00] Lunch in Urumqi
[14:00-16:30] Drive to Turpan
[17:00-19:00] Evening visit Jiaohe Ancient city
[19:00-20:00] Drive to the Silk Road Express train (SRE)
[20:00-21:30] Dinner on train
Today, we venture to the ancient city of Turpan, a region famed for its silk road heritage and lush vineyards. A scenic drive takes you through rugged landscapes to one of China’s most captivating regions. Here you will enjoy an exclusive evening tour of the Jiaohe Ancient City. As the sun sets over the ruins, feel the mystique of this once-thriving Silk Road city, with private expert commentary bringing history to life.
In the evening, step aboard the Silk Road Express, where you’ll be welcomed into your elegant cabin and treated to a celebratory dinner in the luxurious dining car.
Jiaohe Ancient City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Recommended Hotel: Silk Road Express Train
[08:30-09:30] Breakfast on train
[09:30-10:30] Drive to Gaochang Ancient city
[10:30-12:30] Gaochang Ancient city
[13:00-14:30] Lunch in a local restaurant
[15:00-16:30] Karez Wells
[17:00-18:00] Drive to the train
[19:30-21:00] Dinner on train
Begin your day exploring the Gaochang Ancient City, once a flourishing capital of the Silk Road. Roam through the ruins of this ancient kingdom, immersing yourself in the echoes of the past. After a delightful lunch in a local restaurant, we’ll visit the renowned Karez Wells, an ingenious ancient irrigation system that still supports the lush vineyards of Turpan. The day concludes with a visit to Jiaohe Post, where tales of ancient travellers unfold. On board the Silk Road Express - Dine on a gourmet menu prepared by expert chefs as you travel in style across Xinjiang’s enchanting landscapes.
Gaochang Ancient City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Recommended Hotel: Silk Road Express Train
[08:00-09:00] Breakfast on train
[09:30-11:00] Apak Khoja Mausoleum
[11:30-12:30] Kashgar Old Town
[13:00-14:30] Lunch in a local restaurant
[15:00-17:00] Gaotai Folk Houses
[17:00-17:30] Drive to the train
[19:30-21:00] Dinner on train
Arriving early in the iconic city of Kashgar, we begin our exploration of this bustling Silk Road market town. The day starts with a visit to the Apak Khoja Mausoleum, an ornate tomb steeped in legend and history. A stroll through Kashgar Old Town unveils vibrant streets teeming with life, offering an intimate look at the city’s culture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Gaotai Folk Houses, where traditional Uighur life still thrives. The day ends in relaxation aboard the Silk Road Express.
Apak Khoja Mausoleum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Recommended Hotel: Silk Road Express Train
[08:00-09:00] Breakfast on train
[12:00-13:30] Lunch on train
[14:30-16:00] Atlas Silk and Carpet Workshop
[17:00-19:00] Yotkan Ancient city
[19:30-21:00] Dinner in Hotan Rose Blossom Restaurant
[21:00-21:30] Drive to the train
Spend a leisurely morning aboard the Silk Road Express, enjoying the stunning desert landscapes. After a sumptuous lunch on board, we will arrive in Hotan, where an exclusive visit to the Atlas Silk and Carpet Workshop awaits. Here, artisans continue the ancient tradition of hand-weaving exquisite silk and carpets, a process passed down through generations. In the evening, an immersive night tour of Yotkan Ancient City takes you back to the Buddhist Kingdom of Khotan, where you’ll explore this archaeological treasure under the stars, creating a memory as timeless as the city itself. Tonight, we visit the Hotan Rose Blossom Restaurant, dining under the enchanting desert sky, surrounded by the fragrances of Hotan’s famous rose gardens.
Hotan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Recommended Hotel: Silk Road Express Train
[08:30-09:30] Breakfast on train
[10:00-11:00] Drive to Milan Ancient City Ruins
[11:00-13:00] Milan Ancient City Ruins
[13:30-14:30] Lunch
[15:30-17:30] Luolan museum
[19:30-21:00] Dinner on train
After a relaxing morning on board, you will arrive in Rouqiang, where you can choose between two captivating options. The Loulan Museum offers a deep dive into the history of the ancient Loulan Kingdom, which flourished in this desert region. Alternatively, visit the Miran Ancient City Ruins, where you’ll be transported back to the Han and Tang dynasties, walking in the footsteps of Silk Road traders and explorers. After a day of discovery, return to the luxury of the Silk Road Express as you continue your journey through this captivating landscape.
Loulan Museum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Recommended Hotel: Silk Road Express Train
[08:00-09:00] Breakfast on train
[09:30-11:30] Lecture at the hotel
[12:00-13:30] Lunch in Hilton Qinghai - Golmud
[14:00-17:00] Chaerhan Salt Lake or city tour
[19:00-20:30] Dinner on train
This morning, delve into the rich history of the Silk Road with a special lecture at the Hilton Qinghai - Golmud, followed by lunch in the hotel’s elegant surroundings. The afternoon offers the choice of visiting the surreal Chaerhan Salt Lake or joining a guided tour through the city, where modern life meets ancient traditions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Recommended Hotel: Silk Road Express Train
[08:00-09:00] Breakfast on train
[09:30-12:00] Sand dunes & Crescent lake
[12:30-14:00] Lunch
[14:30-17:00] Mogao caves
[19:30-21:00] Dinner on train
This morning, we will explore the vast natural beauty of the Sand Dunes by camel, where we will discover Crescent Lake, hidden amongst the towering sand dunes and has sustained life in this region for millennia.
In the small oasis city of Dunhuang we will visit the fascinating Magao Thousand Buddha Cave Complex. This impressive site contains almost 500 grottoes, carved between 700 and 1,700 years ago. Inside we will see an amazing collection of beautiful sculptures and murals depicting the evolution of Buddhist religious art over 1,000 years.
Our day concludes with a Farewell Dinner aboard the Silk Road Express, celebrating the culmination of an extraordinary journey.
Crescent Spring and Singing Sand Dune
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Recommended Hotel: Qinghai-Tibet Railway
[08:00-09:00] Breakfast on train
[12:00-13:30] Lunch on train
[15:00-16:30] Ta’er temple or Shuijingxiang market
[17:00-17:30] Transfer to the railway station to Lhasa
[19:00-20:00] Dinner on Xi’ning-Lhasa train
Enjoy a leisurely morning aboard the Silk Road Express as it winds through the breathtaking landscapes of China’s far west. In the afternoon, enjoy the option to visit either the historic Buddhist Kumbum (Ta’er) Monastery or bustling Shuijingxiang Market before boarding the world-famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway, a high-altitude marvel that will carry you through the stunning Tanggula Mountain Pass.
One of the world’s most remarkable railway routes, the Qinghai-Tibet railway spans approximately 1,956 kilometers, extending from Xining, Qinghai’s provincial capital, to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Alternatively, guests can choose to travel directly to Lhasa, via plane.
Qinghai-Tibet Railway
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Recommended Hotel: St Regis Lhasa or similar
[07:30-08:00] Breakfast on Xi’ning - Lhasa train
[12:30-13:30] Lunch on Xi’ning - Lhasa train
[16:00-16:30] Transfer to the hotel for leisure
[19:00-20:30] Dinner
Today, you will journey across the Tanggula Mountain Pass, the highest point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway (16,640 ft above sea level), offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and pristine valleys. After lunch, you will arrive in Lhasa, Tibet’s mystical capital, where you will check into the opulent St Regis Lhasa. This afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure, soaking in the unique atmosphere of this city.
Lhasa City View
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Recommended Hotel: St Regis Lhasa or similar
[08:00-09:00] Breakfast in hotel
[09:30-13:00] Norbulingka
[13:30-15:00] Lunch
[15:00-17:00] City tour
[17:30-18:30] Hotel for leisure
[19:00-20:30] Dinner
Today, we explore the tranquil Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama’s Summer Palace, built in the 1740s as a retreat from the sweltering summer heat. Meaning ‘jewel garden’ or ‘precious garden,’ this peaceful oasis remains a sanctuary from the bustling city, with its beautifully manicured grounds and serene atmosphere providing a delightful escape. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to wander through the streets of Lhasa at your leisure, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and immersing yourself in the rich culture and charm of this picturesque city.
Norbulingka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Recommended Hotel: St Regis Lhasa or similar
[08:00-09:00] Breakfast in hotel
[09:30-12:30] Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Market
[13:00-14:30] Tibetan lunch
[15:00-17:30] Potala Palace
[19:00-20:30] Dinner
On our second full day in Lhasa, we delve deeper into the spiritual heart of Tibet, beginning with a visit to the revered Jokhang Temple, a sacred 13th-century shrine that stands as the spiritual epicentre for Tibetans. This ancient temple, rich with devotion and history, draws countless pilgrims who journey here from across the region. We will also explore the vibrant Barkhor Market, the oldest market in Lhasa, where the rhythmic footsteps of pilgrims tracing their way around the temple blend with the lively hum of traders offering traditional crafts and wares.
For lunch, we’ll savour authentic Tibetan flavours while enjoying the enchanting sounds of traditional folk music, immersing ourselves further in the local culture.
In the afternoon, we embark on a tour of the iconic Potala Palace, a monumental 17th-century masterpiece and former seat of the Tibetan Government. Once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, this awe-inspiring palace dominates the Lhasa skyline with its towering walls and intricate architecture. Set atop the Marpo Ri Hill, rising 130 metres above the valley floor and extending a further 170 metres skyward, the Potala Palace is one of the world’s most magnificent architectural wonders, offering breathtaking views and an extraordinary glimpse into Tibet’s regal and religious past. We’ll conclude this unforgettable day with a farewell dinner, a fitting tribute to the incredible experiences shared on this journey.
Potala Palace
Meals: Breakfast
Your journey concludes with private transfers to Lhasa Airport, as you bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes and ancient cultures that have defined this exclusive adventure.
Sevice Ends
13-Day Route: Urumqi – Turpan – Kashgar – Hotan – Rouqiang - Golmud – Dunhuang – Xining – Lhasa
Tour Date: Sep 12th - Sep 24th, 2026
Route |
Date |
Type of Cabin (Twin/Double) |
Quotation |
Single Supplement (S.S. in Train & Hotel) |
Urumqi - Lhasa |
Sep 12 - Sep 24 |
Superior Class |
$19900/p.p |
$13500/p.p |
Han Dynasty Suite |
$49900/p.p |
$49900/p.p |
Note: The above price is based on 2 persons sharing a room. If one person would like to stay a room, he or she need to pay single supplement.
Remarks:
1. All prices in US dollars;
2. Prices subject to change without any further notice;
3. Accommodation and tour itineraries are subject to change at any time due to circumstances beyond our control.
4. We reserve the right to distribute passengers of sharing cabins; in case the cabin cannot be share, the cost applies on the passengers in the cabin.
Price includes:
1) ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TRANSFERS
Arrival and departure transfers are included.
2) ADMISSION FEE TO ATTRACTION
Main tickets of scenic areas and traffic fee within the scenic areas listed in the itinerary, including the in-tour train ticket of Xining/Lhasa on soft berth basis.
3) HOTEL AND ONBOARD ACCOMMODATION
Hotel and onboard accommodation as described in your individual tour itinerary are included in the tour price. All hotels in Urumqi and Lhasa are of 5 star standard or, room upgrades are available on request and at extra cost.
4) BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER DAILY
All departures feature one or two uniquely designed restaurant cars where you can enjoy the excellent waiter-served food and wine. Several times during the tour we will also sample authentic local cuisine off the train.
5) GUIDE SERVICE
Professional English tour guides for all sightseeing as specified in the itinerary.
6) EXPRESS TRAIN TICKET
The entire fare of the Silk Road Express train is included in the above quotation.
7) GRATUITIES
All gratuities on and off the train.
8) TRAVEL LIABILITY INSURANCE
Price excludes:
1.International Airfare or Train Tickets to enter or leave China
2.China Entry Visa Fees
3.Excess Baggage Charges
4.Single Room Supplement.
5.Personal Expenses such as visa costs, insurance, drinks from the bar car, laundry, spa treatments, hairdressing.
6.All expenses not mentioned as above are to be paid by the guests themselves.
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