Silk Road Caravan – Xian to Kashgar

On arrival at Xian airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure on your own.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Sofitel On Renmin Square
• Tourist Class: Novotel Daming Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Today we visit the exquisite Terracotta Warriors, considered the greatest archaeological discovery of the last century. The figures vary in height from 182cm to 195cm, according to their role; the tallest being the generals. The figures include warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians. It is estimated that 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses exist in the 3 pits on the excavation site, with the majority still buried in the pit l.
We return to the city and visit big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xian Great Mosque and Muslim quarter.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Sofitel On Renmin Square
• Tourist Class: Novotel Daming Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

In the morning, transfer to Xian train station for your bullet train journey to Lanzhou. Upon arrival, meet your local guide. Proceed to visit Bingling Temple Grottoes (Binglin Cave), an impressive complex of ancient Buddhist grottoes carved into the cliffs along the Yellow River. The site is accessed by boat via Liujiaxia Reservoir and features remarkable statues and murals dating back more than 1,600 years.

After the visit, drive onward to Xiahe.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Tianzhu International Hotel
• Tourist Class: Zou Gai Long Zhong Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

After breakfast, visit Labrang Monastery, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet. Explore the vast monastery complex, walk along the world’s longest corridor of prayer wheels, and experience the rich Tibetan cultural atmosphere.

Following the visit, drive back to Lanzhou

Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon city tour including Zhongshan Bridge, the historic iron bridge spanning the Yellow River, and Baita Mountain Park, where you can take in panoramic views of the city and the Yellow River.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Sunshine Plaza
• Tourist Class: Baiyuan Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Early morning transfer to the train station for the express train to Jiayuguan. Jiayuguan is the westernmost end of the Great Wall built in the Ming Dynasty. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. After refreshments, we visit Jiayuguan Fortress, set between the snow-capped Qilian Mountains in the south and the Mazong Mountains in the north. Take a short climb on the western end of the Great Wall for some spectacular views over this wild and magnificent region.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Far East Hualun Hotel
• Tourist Class: Bailu Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Drive to the oasis town of Dunhuang, surrounded by rolling sand dunes and home to countless camels. In the afternoon, visit Crescent Moon Spring and enjoy a camel ride or climb one of the sand dunes to watch the sunset.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel
• Tourist Class: Tianrun Yibai or Lu Ye Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

In the morning, visit the spectacular Mogao Caves, featuring world-acclaimed Buddhist murals and sculptures dating back to 386 AD.
Later in the afternoon, transfer to the train station for your onward journey to Turfan.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Hampton by Hilton or La Quinta by Wyndham
• Tourist Class: Jinjiang Metropole Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch

Discover Turfan, a vibrant oasis in Xinjiang, home to the Uighur people and a treasure trove of Silk Road history. Explore the ancient city of Jiaohe and the striking red Flaming Mountains, then marvel at the intricate murals of the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. Wander through the lush Grape Valley, learn about the ingenious Karez irrigation system, and visit the scenic Tugu Valley. Step back in time at Gaochang, a once-thriving Silk Road city, before ending your day with an enchanting Uighur dance performance.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Hampton by Hilton or LaQuinta by Wyndham
• Tourist Class: Jinjiang Metropole Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

In the morning, continue sightseeing in Turfan, exploring more of this historic oasis city. Later, drive to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, where you will visit the regional museum, renowned for its fascinating collection of ancient mummies and artifacts that provide insight into the area’s early civilizations. Afterwards, enjoy time at the bustling Grand Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace showcasing local culture, crafts, spices, and daily life.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Universal Hotel
• Tourist Class: Hoitak Cinda Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Travel to Tian Chi Lake, also known as Heavenly Lake, to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Nestled among the peaks of the Tianshan Mountains, the crystal-clear lake offers excellent opportunities to explore the area on foot or enjoy an optional boat ride on its tranquil waters. Later, return to Urumqi in time for your evening flight to Kashgar.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Radisson Blu Kashgar – Home2 Suites by Hilton
• Tourist Class: Kyriad Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day trip to Karakul Lake along the famous Karakorum Highway. The scenery along the way is magnificent. We will be stopping at the Lake, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Muztagh-ata Mountain. After lunch, free time to enjoy the area. Later return to Kashgar.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Radisson Blu Kashgar – Home2 Suites by Hilton
• Tourist Class: Kyriad Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

This day is planned to coincide with the famous Sunday Market in Kashgar, where everything from carpets, blankets, food, horses, donkeys, sheep, and even camels are traded. People gather from across the region, swelling the town’s population by nearly 100,000, creating a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere. It is one of the most remarkable bazaars in Asia and a true photographer’s paradise. After visiting the market, continue to the Eidgah Mosque, the Abakh Hoja Tomb, and enjoy a walking tour of the old town.

Hotel Options
• Comfort Class: Radisson Blu Kashgar – Home2 Suites by Hilton
• Tourist Class: Kyriad Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Your trip will conclude with an airport transfer. Alternatively, you are welcome to continue your adventure by joining our Pakistan and Central Asia trips.