7 Days Xinjiang Group Tour: Urumqi-Turpan train to Kashgar-Karakul

Meals: B
Altitude: 800m
Accommodation: In Urumqi

Today you will take one-hour car ride to Tianchi or Heavenly Lake in English, which is a high-mountain lake located in the valley of Tianshan Mountains. Inscribed on the list of natural heritage by UNESCO, Tianchi is a well-known spot near Urumqi. You will take the sightseeing bus to the hill, then view the impressive lake with the snow-capped mountains. There are some kazak yurts on the hills, these white tents make a stunning picture with the green lake and mountains.

Later, you will be transferred back Urumqi after sightseeing.

Meals: B
Altitude: 820m
Accommodation: In Turpan

Today you will catch 1-hour bullet train or 3-hour car ride to Turpan, where you will explore with a local guide. Turpan used to be the hub of the business on the ancient Silk Road. Due to its dry climate, there are many ruins and relics that are preserved very well.

Today you will visit Kumtag Desert in Shanshan, to enjoy the fun to walk on the sand.

Then you will visit Bezklik Grottoes that is situated in the Flaming Mountain, which still can see the colorful frescos in the caves.

Later, you will view the Jiaohe City Ruin that is a clay city and abandoned about 700 years ago, but you still can see the well-preserved houses and lanes.

Time permiting, you can visit either Karez or Emin Minaret before check in the hotel.

Meals: B
Altitude: 820m
Accommodation: On the train

Enjoy your free day time before catching the 14-hour overnight train to Kashgar in the evening. You can visit Turpan Bazaar, or Turpan Museum(free entrance with your ID, close on Mondays) in the city. Note you need to check out the hotel room before 2pm, but you can store your baggage in the hotel reception.

Meals: No
Altitude: 1289m
Accommodation: In Kashgar

It is a busy day today to explore Kashagr with a local guide. You will take the city tour by the the first stop to visit the Apa Hoja Mausoleum which was built in 1640 by local Imam for his father, and later it became a family graveyard to bury 72 people for 5 generations. The mausoleum is impressive for its delicate Uyghur architectural style including the blue tiles, the dome and the minaret.

Next, you will visit Kashgar old town to explore the interesting area where there are old houses for shops, workshops, restaurants, bakery, and tea houses etc. It displays the long history and vivid lifestyle in Kashgar from ancient Silk Road period to today. Handicraft Street is a must-see section in the old town, where the huge music instruments and bronze vessels are very impressive. You might taste some local snacks here, such as Nang Bread, grilled eggs, dried fruits etc. before visiting the old Id Ghar Mosque, the biggest mosque in Xinjiang. Enter the mosque at non-praying time to appreciate its architecture and decor, please wear long pants and cover the shoulders for ladies while visiting this mosque.

In the afternoon, you will wander around the Grand Bazaar in Kashgar, which is well-known in Central Asia for its colorful and lively market. As a Uyghur saying goes that you can buy everything except for your parents. There are more people in the afternoon, because the farmers will drive to here from different area in the morning and buy things in the afternoon at the market. Actually the bazaar opens every day, and more people on Sunday. The animal bazaar is relocated near Kashgar Airport and opens only on Sundays. If it is Sunday, you will also visit the Animal Bazaar.

When your tour is finished, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Meals: B
Altitude: 3600m
Accommodation: In Kashgar

Today you will take about 4 hours by a private vehicle departing from Kashgar to Karakul Lake. You will drive along the renowned friendship highway to Pamir Plateau. On the way, you will stop at Upar Uyghur town to buy some snacks and fruits before heading to the mountains.

Then you will view the pretty White Sand Lake that looks like a mirror reflecting the snow-capped mountains on the lake water.

Afterwards you will wander around the stunning Karakul Lake(3600 meter), which is situated beside Muztagh Summit. The mountain, the lake and the yurt around the lake create a picture of paradise.

Later, you will be transferred back to Kashgar.

Meals: B
Altitude: 1289m
No Accommodation

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport and back to your destination. Wish you a pleasant journey home!