12D11N CHINA EXOTIC XINJIANG ~ URUMQI TO KASHGAR

12D11N China Exotic Xinjiang from Urumqi to Kashgar Private Tour

Day 01 – ARRIVE URUMQI
Upon arrival in Urumqi, transfer to hotel and enjoy leisure time on your own for the rest of the day.  Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang Province and once a major stop on the ancient Silk Road, is today a modern metropolis that serves as a gateway to explore the stunning landscapes of Xinjiang and the cultural heritage of its peoples including the Uyghurs, Han Chinese, Kazakhs, Mongolians and others.

Day 02 – URUMQI  [B]
Today, visit the Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake) located in the Tianshan Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Nestled about 1,900m above sea level, the lake is known for its spectacular scenery with views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, glaciers, steep valleys and ancient relics reflecting the region’s culture and history.  A boat ride (45mins round trip/if operating) and a cable car ride up Mount Maya for a panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding landscape are great ways to appreciate the beauty of the place.  End the day in Urumqi where you can explore the city at your own pace or visit the popular and bustling International Grand Bazaar.   

Day 03 – URUMQI  [B]
Today, visit the Tianshan Grand Canyon, a narrow winding gorge located in the southern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains renowned for its stunning geological features including towering red cliffs and unique rock formations.  Other highlights of this scenic area are Tianshui Lake, Green Dragon Bay, Zhaobi Mountain and Qiaoya Meadows where herds of cattle and sheep and Kazakh yurts are scattered across the meadows. 

Day 04 – URUMQI  [B]
Today, travel to Turpan, well known for its historical significance as an oasis town along the Silk Road and its unique water management system, the Karez Well System which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.  Highlights include the Karez Folk Custom Garden, Jiaohe Ancient City, Flaming Mountain, Bezeklik Caves and Grape Valley.  
Jiaohe Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an archaeological site with one of the most well-preserved and significant ruins of an ancient city in the region, offering a glimpse into the history of this once prosperous oasis along the Silk Road.  The Flaming Mountain is known for its red sandstone cliffs which glow in the setting sun and as the place where the Monkey King fought the gods (“Journey to the West” legend).  The Bezeklik Caves are a complex of Buddhist cave temples carved into the cliff sides of the Flaming Mountain renowned for its exquisite murals and sculptures depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology and history.  The Grape Valley is a lush oasis in the Turpan Basin known for its vineyards and agricultural significance in an otherwise arid landscape.  It benefits from an underground irrigation system, the Karez Well System.

Day 05 – URUMQI – LAKE SAYRAM – GUOZIGOU – YINING  [B]
Today, head to Yining, the capital of Ili Prefecture which is in the northwestern part of Xinjiang bordering Kazakhstan and reputedly the most beautiful region in Xinjiang.  Yining was an important hub along the northern route of the ancient Silk Road facilitating trade and the exchange of ideas and cultures between China and Central Asia and historical sites, museums, and markets showcasing the blend of cultures and crafts in the region bear testimony to that history. 
Enroute, we will pass through the Lake Sayram-Guozigou (Fruit Valley) region.  Lake Sayram is the largest and highest alpine lake in Xinjiang renowned for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters and stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains.  There will be various stops around the lake with explanations of the scenery, the folklore and the historical significance of particular locations – for example, the Wusun tombs and the Dianjiangtai Historical Park (where Genghis Khan picked his generals for his westward expeditions).  At a vantage viewing platform, enjoy awesome views of Lake Sayram, the Guozigou Bridge, a stunning cable-stayed bridge, and the Guozigou (Fruit Valley), a beautiful 28km long valley bounded by snow-capped mountains.

Day 06 – YINING – NALATI GRASSLANDS  [B] 
Today, visit the Nalati Grassland, a vast prairie comparable to the Steppes of Mongolia and the Pampas in South America and renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty.  The vast rolling grasslands are surrounded by mountains and framed by blue skies making it an ideal place for nature lovers and photographers.  Highlights include hiking the Sky Grassland, horse riding (optional) and appreciating the Kazakh way of life and its customs.  End the day at a neighbouring town.

Day 07 – NALATI GRASSLANDS – YINING  [B]
Today, continue with the tour of the Nalati Grasslands, viewing the Hegu Grassland that is famous for its valley landform, snow-capped peaks in the distance, lush forests on the hill slopes and herds of cattle and sheep grazing on the alpine meadows.  Thereafter, take a high-speed train ride (back) to Yining.  On arrival in Yining, explore the colourful and fascinating Liuxing Street, a hexagonal block lined with colourful buildings and eateries.

Day 08 – YINING – KASHGAR  [B]
Today, board a flight to Kashgar, a historic city located in the westernmost part of Xinjiang and a vital hub along the Ancient Silk Road connecting China to Central Asia, Europe and the Middle East.  This legacy is evident in the city’s architecture, cultural heritage and cuisines reflecting its ethnic diversities – the Uyghurs, Han Chinese, Tajiks and others.  Arriving in Kashgar, at your own leisure, enjoy the city and, in the evening, its nightlife and night bazaars.

Day 09 – KASHGAR  [B]
Enjoy the Kashgar Old Town/Ancient City.  The daily opening of the Kashgar Old Town in the morning is accompanied by a cultural ceremony that is not to be missed.  The Old Town has well-preserved Central Asian and Islamic architecture; in fact, the Old Town is regarded by many as worthy of UNESCO World Heritage accreditation.  Get lost in the narrow alleys of the Old Town and enjoy the sights of traditional Uyghur dwellings with carved wooden doors and colourful balconies with otherwise hidden courtyards, teahouses and craft workshops with artisans at work producing silk carpets, hand-painted hats and others.  
With Kashgar’s rich Islamic heritage, it should be of no surprise that the largest mosque in China, the Id Kah Mosque, is in Kashgar.  Visit the Id Kah Mosque and the Xiang Fei Mausoleum that was dedicated to the memory of a legendary concubine given the title “Fragrant Concubine” (Xiang Fei) by the Qing Dynasty Emperor Qianlong.

Day 10 – KASHGAR – TASHKURGAN  [B]
Today, head to Tashkurgan, a town in the far western region of China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and close to China’s border with Tajikistan.  Situated in the Pamir Mountains, Tashkurgan is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and no less also its rich history and diverse cultural heritage thanks in no small part to its role as a crucial hub on the ancient Silk Road.  Sitting at an elevation of over 3,000m, the town is one of the highest towns in China.  
A key attraction in Tashkurgan is the Tashkurgan Fort (Stone Fortress), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back over 2,000 years.  Other attractions enroute to or in the region of Tashkurgan include: (1) the impressive rock formations of the Hongshan (Red Mountain) and Oytagh Canyon; (2) Baisha Lake a.k.a. White Sands Lake (at 3,300m), where the reflections of the surrounding landscape in the turquoise waters of the lake are reputedly mesmerizing; (3) Lake Karakul (at 3,600m), the highest alpine lake on the Pamir Plateau encircled by majestic snow-capped mountains such as Muztagh Ata at 7,546m and Gonger Tagh at 7,719m.

Day 11 – TASHKURGAN – KASHGAR  [B]
Today, visit the Bandir Blue Lake, a scenic alpine lake located on the Pamir Plateau that is renowned for its stunning blue colour that is typically vibrant in summer with a deeper hue in winter.  Time permitting and depending on the time of the year, the Muztagh Ata Glacier Park may be visited for an up close and personal experience of a glacier.  However, if the ability to adapt to high altitudes in excess of 5,000m is in question or may prove challenging in the first instance, this attraction will be replaced with a stop at Lake Karakul (again) to enjoy the beauty of the place and the spectacular sights it affords that include the majestic peaks of the Muztagh Ata and Gonger Tagh.  Back in Kashgar for the night, continue to enjoy Kashgar at your own leisure.

Day 12 – DEPART KASHGAR  [B]
Free time until your transfer to Kashgar airport for your departure flight.

Whether you prefer the above itinerary “as-is” or have it customised, if you will indicate the start/end dates of your intended travel and provide your contact details, we will get in touch with you to discuss the itinerary on a no-obligations basis on your part.