Hotan Museum provides an opportunity to admire some remarkable murals, which are prized for their craftsmanship, intricate details, and the stories they tell about the region's past.
The desert highway from Kuqa to Minfeng across the Taklamakan Desert has only one rest area. The driving difficulty is relatively high, and speed limits are strictly enforced.
Traveling through the Taklamakan Desert presents significant challenges due to its harsh environment, including intense heat, limited water sources, and the ever-changing sands. While there are roads and routes that traverse the desert, it's essential for you to be well-prepared and equipped for the journey, with ample supplies and a reliable means of transportation.
The ancient city of Kashgar has been a key hub along the Silk Road for centuries, serving as a melting pot of diverse cultures and a center for trade, craftsmanship, and religious exchange. The city's well-preserved old quarter features adobe houses, mosques, and historic buildings that reflect its rich history and the influence of various civilizations.
The Heavenly Lake, also known as Tianchi, is a stunning alpine lake located in the Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China. This picturesque lake is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and lush forests, creating a breathtaking natural landscape.
Flaming Mountains hold cultural significance featuring prominently in Chinese literature and folklore, including the classic novel "Journey to the West."
It's best to ride the first camel when riding a camel, as the experience for the camel behind may not be very good because camels also have their temper. Sometimes, when the camel behind bumps into the front one, the camel at the back will get angry and make noises (similar to rear-ending in traffic). Once the camel starts swaying back and forth in anger, it's easy for the rider to be shaken off, and they can only rely on squeezing the belly with their legs and pulling the small rope with their hands to maintain balance.
The Flaming Mountains are renowned for their vivid red and orange colors, especially during sunset, which gives them a fiery appearance and inspired their dramatic name.
The Emin Minaret, also known as Sugong Pagoda, was built in 1777 during the Qing Dynasty and is a prime example of Uyghur architecture, featuring intricate brickwork and traditional Islamic design elements.
Tuyugou Valley is renowned for its natural beauty, with rugged desert landscapes, lush oases, and striking rock formations.
One of the Tuyoq Valley's most notable features is its ancient cave dwellings and Buddhist grottoes, which date back to the Tang Dynasty.
Kizil Caves are a renowned complex of Buddhist cave temples located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. These caves are notable for their historical and cultural significance, as well as their impressive collection of Buddhist art and murals.
The inside of the Tianshan Mystic Grand Canyon is much colder than the outside, so be sure to pay attention to keeping warm.
The Kizil Caves date back to the 3rd to 8th centuries and represent an important center of Buddhist worship and artistic expression along the ancient Silk Road.
The Kizil Caves contain thousands of murals and sculptures, many of which depict scenes from the life of Buddha, as well as various deities and celestial beings.
Hetian jade or Xinjiang jade, is a type of nephrite jade that is found in the Hotan region of Xinjiang, China. It has been prized for thousands of years for its exquisite beauty and durability. Hotan jade comes in various colors, including white, green, brown, and black, with white being the most prized. It is often used for carving sculptures, jewelry, and other decorative items. In Chinese culture, jade has been highly esteemed for its symbolic meaning, representing virtues such as wisdom, purity, and protection.
The old town of Khotan is renowned for its traditional Uyghur architecture, winding alleyways, and vibrant bazaars. Visitors could explore its narrow streets, visit its historic mosques, and experience the lively atmosphere of its markets, where traditional crafts, textiles, and local goods are on display.
The Yarkand Kingdom, also known as the Yarkant Khanate for its unique blend of Central Asian, Islamic, and Uyghur cultural influences, ruled by a series of khans, and it maintained close ties with other Central Asian powers, an important hub along the ancient Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between East and West.
The Yarkant King's Tombs, also known as the Yarkent Khan's Mausoleum, are a collection of ancient royal tombs, the final resting places of several rulers from the Yarkant Khanate, a historical Uyghur state.
Yarkant old town, known for its well-preserved traditional Uyghur architecture, narrow streets, and ancient buildings.
Karakul Lake is situated at a high altitude, approximately 3,600 meters above sea level. You are treated to panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains, including Muztagh Ata and Kongur Tagh, which tower over the lake, creating a picturesque and serene backdrop.
The Taxkorgan Highway, also known as the Karakoram Highway, is a renowned roadway that stretches from Pakistan to China, passing through the rugged and picturesque landscapes of the Karakoram mountain range.
Taxkorgan, located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, is characterized by its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes, known for its majestic mountain ranges, including the Pamir, Karakoram, and Kunlun Mountains, which contribute to the area's dramatic and awe-inspiring vistas.
Kashgar Animal Bazaar, is a traditional market where livestock such as sheep, goats, cattle, and camels are bought and sold. The market is a lively and colorful gathering place, where local herders and traders come to negotiate prices, showcase their animals, and engage in commercial activities.
Kashgar Bazaar is a melting pot of cultures, attracting traders and visitors from various ethnic backgrounds, including Uyghur, Han Chinese, and other groups. It serves as a vital center for commerce, social interaction, and the exchange of goods and ideas.
Kashgar Bazaar, is a vibrant and historic market, a hub of activity, offering a wide array of goods, including traditional crafts, textiles, spices, fruits, and everyday items.
Kaxgar, is home to an ancient and historically significant city. The old city of Kashgar is renowned for its traditional Uyghur architecture, narrow winding streets, and bustling bazaars, all of which contribute to its unique charm and cultural significance.

TRAVEL SCHEDULE

DAYS CITIES  TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ACCOMMODATIONS
1 Urumqi Arrival Airport/Train Station Pickup Hotel
2 Urumqi Heavenly Lake, Grand Bazaar Hotel
3 Turpan Tuyoq Valley & Ancient Village, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Flaming Mountains Hotel
4 Korla Karez Well, Sugong Minaret, Jiaohe Ruins Hotel
5 Kuqa Kuqa Mosque, Kuqa Old Town Hotel
6 Kuqa Kizil Grottoes, Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon Hotel
7 Minfeng Taklamakan Desert Highway Hotel
8 Hotan Hotan Museum, Hotan Ancient Town Hotel
9 Kashgar Yarkant King Tombs, Yarkant Old Town Hotel
10 Tashkurgan Karakul Lake, Muztag Mountain, Karakorum Highway Hotel
11 Kashgar Stone Fortress, Kaxgar Ancient City Hotel
12 Kashgar Departure Kashgar Bazaar – Sunday Market, Transfer to Kashgar Airport. /

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

PRICE INCLUDES PRICE EXCLUDES
Permits: All required permits to Restricted Travel Areas in Xinjiang (Chinese visa not included). China Visa: You should apply for it in your country. If any visa invitation is needed, please inform us. Visa Invitation is a free offer.
Accommodations: Well-selected 3/4-star hotels with breakfasts (or you can upgrade to higher levels with extra charges). Flights: No international or domestic arrival/departure flights are included on the 1st day and the last day.
Transport: From 5-seat cars to 61-seat tour buses, different types based on group size, but all are well-maintained and comfortable. Gas fees and parking fees are all included. Meals: No lunches or dinners included (your guide can make recommendations according to your needs).
Entrance Tickets: All included except for optional activities. Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, snacks, soft drinks, optional tour activities such as boating, camel riding, performances, etc.
Guide: Licensed local English-speaking guides. Tips: Tips to tour guide and driver.
Travel Insurance: A free one from a Chinese insurance company, but you should buy one from your country for better insurance services. Extra Expenses: Additional days’ cost caused due to unexpected situations such as natural disasters, political incidents, or any other force majeure.

When it comes to exploring the diverse and enchanting landscapes of Xinjiang, Southern Xinjiang is a region that often goes unnoticed. The adventure to South Xinjiang is a treasure trove of ancient history, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking natural beauty.

After a short sightseeing in Urumqi, our journey begins in Turpan, a city known for its ancient ruins and unique landscapes. Here, we’ll explore the mesmerizing Flaming Mountains and its surrounding scenic spots like Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, etc., then delve into the history of the Jiaohe Ancient City, a well-preserved ancient ruin that offers a glimpse into the region’s rich past.

Next, we’ll make our way to Kuqa which is renowned for its Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon. We’ll marvel at the awe-inspiring Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, a testament to the region’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage.

As we venture into the heart of the Taklamakan Desert, we’ll be greeted by an otherworldly landscape of towering dunes and endless horizons. Our desert expedition will lead us to Hotan, where we’ll discover the ancient art of silk making and explore the bustling bazaars in old towns that offer a glimpse into the region’s vibrant trade history.

Continuing our journey, we’ll arrive in Yarkant, a city steeped in tradition and folklore. Here, we’ll visit the imposing Yarkant King’s Mausoleum and witness the skilled craftsmanship of local artisans as they create intricate carpets and textiles.

Our next stop is Kashgar, a city that serves as a melting pot of cultures and traditions. We’ll wander through the lively streets of the Old Town, where we’ll encounter a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and flavors. From the iconic Id Kah Mosque to the bustling Sunday Market, Kashgar is a city that never fails to captivate the senses.

Finally, our adventure culminates in Taxkorgan, a remote area nestled amidst snow-capped mountains, lakes, and pristine valleys. Here, we’ll immerse ourselves in the customs and traditions of the Tajik people, gaining insight into their unique way of life and admiring the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds them.

Join our Taklamakan Desert Adventure along South Xinjiang to journey through the captivating old towns and landscapes of Turpan, Kuqa, Taklamakan Desert, Hotan, Yarkant, Kashgar, and Taxkorgan. Carry with us memories of ancient wonders, warm hospitality, and the untamed beauty of this remarkable region.

Popularity 87%
Difficulty 18%
Cost Performance 34%

  • Customized tour itinerary according to your requirements and needs.

  • Well-prepared oxygen bags in high-altitude areas like Tashkurgan.

  • DAILY complimentary two bottles of mineral water.

  • FREE days in Urumqi & Kashgar can be arranged.

  • BIG discounts for kids or seniors. Please consult your travel advisor for more information.