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7 Days of Epic Adventure in Xinjiang

Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi – Explore the Capital of Xinjiang

Arrive in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, known for its diverse cultures and ethnic groups. After settling in, start your adventure with a visit to the Xinjiang Regional Museum to learn about the region’s rich history, particularly the Silk Road era. Stroll through International Grand Bazaar, an impressive market full of spices, local crafts, and Uyghur specialties. Enjoy a traditional Uyghur dinner, such as Kebabs and Pilaf, to get a taste of the local cuisine.

Day 2: Heavenly Lake (Tian Chi) & Mount Tianshan

Begin your day with a scenic drive to Tian Chi (Heavenly Lake), located in the Tianshan Mountains. The lake is famous for its stunning alpine beauty and crystal-clear waters. You can take a boat ride or hike around the lake for panoramic views. In the afternoon, explore the Tianshan Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a gentle trek through the surrounding meadows and forests.

Day 3: Karamay – The Devil's City

Travel to Karamay and visit the famous Devil’s City (Yanshan Stone Forest), an eerie desert landscape filled with towering rock formations resembling castles, animals, and human figures. It’s a surreal and otherworldly site, perfect for photography. Afterward, visit the Karamay Oilfield Museum to understand the city’s significance in the petroleum industry, which played a role in the development of Xinjiang.

Day 4: Turpan – The Oasis in the Desert

Travel to Turpan, one of the hottest cities in China, known for its ancient ruins and rich agricultural heritage. Explore the Jiaohe Ancient City, a well-preserved ancient city built on a cliff. Visit the Karez Well System, an ancient irrigation system used to bring water from underground springs to the arid region. Don’t miss Emin Minaret, a stunning example of Islamic architecture. In the evening, visit Turpan’s vineyards, where you can sample local grapes and wine.

Day 5: The Flaming Mountains & The Tomb of the Kharostan Kings

Head to the Flaming Mountains, where the landscape is scorched red by the desert heat, creating a dramatic and fiery appearance, especially in the afternoon sun. Visit the Tomb of the Kharostan Kings, an ancient Buddhist site that offers a glimpse into the region’s early history along the Silk Road. In the late afternoon, explore the Gaochang Ruins, the remains of an ancient oasis city that was an important stop for Silk Road travelers.

Day 6: Kashgar – The Silk Road Hub

Fly or drive to Kashgar, one of the most iconic cities on the ancient Silk Road. Start your day at the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, which is a symbol of Uyghur culture and architecture. Wander through the bustling Kashgar Old Town, where you can see traditional Uyghur houses and vibrant street markets. Visit the Kashgar Sunday Bazaar, one of the largest and most colorful markets in Central Asia, where traders from all over Xinjiang gather to sell everything from spices to textiles.

Day 7: Karakul Lake & Tashkurgan

On your final day, take a day trip to Karakul Lake, located at the foot of Mount Muztagh Ata, one of the highest mountains in the Pamirs. The lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offers stunning views and photo opportunities. In the afternoon, visit Tashkurgan, a town on the ancient Silk Road with a rich Tajik culture. Explore Tashkurgan Fort, an ancient military outpost, and interact with local Tajik people to learn about their unique lifestyle.

Departure

Return to Kashgar or Urumqi for your departure flight, completing your journey through the stunning landscapes and ancient Silk Road treasures of Xinjiang.

7 Days of Epic Adventure in Xinjiang

Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi – Explore the Capital of Xinjiang

Arrive in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, known for its diverse cultures and ethnic groups. After settling in, start your adventure with a visit to the Xinjiang Regional Museum to learn about the region’s rich history, particularly the Silk Road era. Stroll through International Grand Bazaar, an impressive market full of spices, local crafts, and Uyghur specialties. Enjoy a traditional Uyghur dinner, such as Kebabs and Pilaf, to get a taste of the local cuisine.

Day 2: Heavenly Lake (Tian Chi) & Mount Tianshan

Begin your day with a scenic drive to Tian Chi (Heavenly Lake), located in the Tianshan Mountains. The lake is famous for its stunning alpine beauty and crystal-clear waters. You can take a boat ride or hike around the lake for panoramic views. In the afternoon, explore the Tianshan Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a gentle trek through the surrounding meadows and forests.

Day 3: Karamay – The Devil's City

Travel to Karamay and visit the famous Devil’s City (Yanshan Stone Forest), an eerie desert landscape filled with towering rock formations resembling castles, animals, and human figures. It’s a surreal and otherworldly site, perfect for photography. Afterward, visit the Karamay Oilfield Museum to understand the city’s significance in the petroleum industry, which played a role in the development of Xinjiang.

Day 4: Turpan – The Oasis in the Desert

Travel to Turpan, one of the hottest cities in China, known for its ancient ruins and rich agricultural heritage. Explore the Jiaohe Ancient City, a well-preserved ancient city built on a cliff. Visit the Karez Well System, an ancient irrigation system used to bring water from underground springs to the arid region. Don’t miss Emin Minaret, a stunning example of Islamic architecture. In the evening, visit Turpan’s vineyards, where you can sample local grapes and wine.

Day 5: The Flaming Mountains & The Tomb of the Kharostan Kings

Head to the Flaming Mountains, where the landscape is scorched red by the desert heat, creating a dramatic and fiery appearance, especially in the afternoon sun. Visit the Tomb of the Kharostan Kings, an ancient Buddhist site that offers a glimpse into the region’s early history along the Silk Road. In the late afternoon, explore the Gaochang Ruins, the remains of an ancient oasis city that was an important stop for Silk Road travelers.

Day 6: Kashgar – The Silk Road Hub

Fly or drive to Kashgar, one of the most iconic cities on the ancient Silk Road. Start your day at the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, which is a symbol of Uyghur culture and architecture. Wander through the bustling Kashgar Old Town, where you can see traditional Uyghur houses and vibrant street markets. Visit the Kashgar Sunday Bazaar, one of the largest and most colorful markets in Central Asia, where traders from all over Xinjiang gather to sell everything from spices to textiles.

Day 7: Karakul Lake & Tashkurgan

On your final day, take a day trip to Karakul Lake, located at the foot of Mount Muztagh Ata, one of the highest mountains in the Pamirs. The lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offers stunning views and photo opportunities. In the afternoon, visit Tashkurgan, a town on the ancient Silk Road with a rich Tajik culture. Explore Tashkurgan Fort, an ancient military outpost, and interact with local Tajik people to learn about their unique lifestyle.

Departure

Return to Kashgar or Urumqi for your departure flight, completing your journey through the stunning landscapes and ancient Silk Road treasures of Xinjiang.