Snaking through the dramatic landscapes of the Pamir Mountains, Panlong Road offers travelers an unparalleled experience that blends stunning natural vistas with a sense of ancient mystique. Known locally as the road that "coils like a dragon," this scenic route is an essential highlight for anyone visiting Tashkurgan.
If natural beauty is what you seek, Tashkurgan does not disappoint. Encircled by the awe-inspiring Pamir Mountains, the area is a paradise for trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're hiking through verdant valleys or picnicking by serene lakes, the vistas are bound to leave you spellbound.
Kashgar Bazaar is not just a market; it's a living museum that captures the essence of the ancient trade route, from the wide array of goods to the blend of languages you'll hear as you navigate through the stalls.
While the rainbow mountain is a spectacle throughout the year, certain seasons amplify its beauty. During sunrise and sunset, the colors burst into life, intensified by the golden rays of the sun.
Tianchi offers an array of activities that range from hiking and horseback riding to boating on the lake itself.
The Sugong Minaret is not merely an architectural wonder; it's a hub of cultural activity. Visit during prayer times to witness the local Uyghur community in their religious practices or attend the various cultural festivals that take place here to get a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of traditions that make up this unique region.
Often hailed as the "Louvre of the East," this unparalleled complex of Buddhist cave temples - Mogao Grottoes offers an unprecedented glimpse into the cultural and religious tapestry of ancient China and the Silk Road.
Mingshashan, also known as the Singing Sand Dunes, is a series of sand dunes that are known for the unique sound they produce when the wind blows.
The crescent lake offers a unique opportunity to experience the allure of nature in an extraordinary setting.
The unique geological formations in Zhangye Danxia Geo Park have been shaped by millions of years of natural forces, resulting in a breathtaking display of vibrant colors.
Chaka Salt Lake is an endorheic salt lake that is part of the ancient Tea Horse Road. Its unique mineral composition and shallow depths make the salt surface highly reflective, giving the illusion of a second sky on earth.
Whether you're an adrenaline junkie looking for your next thrill or someone seeking a peaceful retreat, Qinghai Lake offers something for everyone. From cycling tours around the lake to peaceful boat rides, and from bird-watching to participating in Tibetan cultural festivals, the options for exploration and immersion are endless.

TRAVEL SCHEDULE

DAYS CITIES  TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ACCOMMODATIONS
1 Kashgar Arrival Airport/Train Station Pickup Hotel
2 Tashkurgan Sino-Pakistan Highway, Pamir Plateau, Lake Bulungkol with White Sand Mountain, Lake Karakul with Muztagh Ata Hotel
3 Kashgar Taxkorgan Stone Fortress, Golden Grassland, Tajiks Yurts Hotel
4 Urumqi Kashgar Sunday Bazaar, Kashi Old Town, Id Kah Mosque, Kashi Old Town, Flight to Urumqi Hotel
5 Urumqi Tianchi Heavenly Lake, Xinjiang Grand Bazaar Hotel
6 Turpan Tuyoq Valley, Ancient Tuyuk Village, Jiaohe Ruins Hotel
7 Liuyuan-Dunhuang Karez Well, Emin Sugong Minaret, Bullet Train to South Liuyuan Railway Station, Transfer from Liuyuan to Dunhuang Hotel
8 Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, Echoing Sand & Crescent Lake, Shazhou Night Market Hotel
9 Jiayuguan-Danxia High-Speed Train to Jiayuguan, Jiayuguan Pass, Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park Yurt Guesthouse
10 Zhangye Sunrise of Rainbow Mountains, Mati Temple Grottoes Hotel
11 Xining Bullet Train Zhangye-Xining, Qilian Mountain, Ta’er Monastery Hotel
12 Chaka Biking or Hiking for 2hrs around at Qinghai Lake Hotel
13 Xining Departure Chaka Salt Lake, Transfer from Chaka to Xining Caojiabao Airport /

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

PRICE INCLUDES PRICE EXCLUDES
Trains: 2nd-class seat tickets on high-speed trains from Turpan to Liuyuan, Dunhuang to Jiayuguan, and Zhangye to Xining. 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.
Flight: One way economy-class airfare from Kashgar to Urumqi including airport tax and fuel surcharge. Flights: No international or domestic arrival/departure flights are included on the 1st day and the last day.
Accommodations: Well-selected 3/4-star hotels with breakfasts (or you can upgrade to better levels with extra charges). Yurt guesthouse at Danxia Geopark. Meals: No lunches or dinners included (your guide can make recommendations according to your needs).
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. Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, snacks, soft drinks, optional tour activities such as boating, camel riding, performances, etc.
Entrance Tickets: All included except for optional activities. Tips: Tips to tour guide and driver.
Guide: Licensed local English-speaking guides. Extra Expenses: Additional days’ cost caused due to unexpected situations such as natural disasters, political incidents, or any other force majeure.
Travel Insurance: A free one from a Chinese insurance company, but you should buy one from your country for better insurance services. /

Prepare to be awe-struck by the wonders that await you on this 13-day group expedition through the ancient Xinjiang Silk Road, traversing an array of landscapes, cultures, and historical landmarks that promise to both enlighten and inspire.

Stunning Natural Beauty
Karakul Lake: As your journey kicks off in Xinjiang, you’ll be greeted by the arresting beauty of Karakul Lake. Nestled amidst towering peaks, the lake offers an ethereal display as its waters reflect the holy Muztagh mountain in a myriad of rich colors, creating a picture-perfect canvas for photography enthusiasts.
Heavenly Lake: Nestled within the Tianshan mountain range, the aptly-named Heavenly Lake offers another spectacle of nature. The area teems with thick forests, expansive grasslands, and towering snow-capped mountains, providing a serene backdrop for you to experience the nomadic culture of local Kazakhs.
Chaka Salt Lake: A natural wonder that mirrors the sky, making it seem as if you’re walking among the clouds. It’s a fitting end to a journey that takes you through heaven and earth.

Thrilling Drives
Sino-Pakistan Highway: As you proceed, you’ll get the chance to traverse the fabled China-Pakistan Highway. Your journey will become a visual feast as breathtaking landscapes continue to unfold outside your window, each more striking than the last.

Cultural Richness
Kashgar: A city teeming with history, Kashgar was once a strategic outpost offering easy access to Central Asia and Russia. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in its rich past, marked by a blend of cultures and influences.
Sunday Bazaar in Kashgar: Still operating as it did a millennium ago, the market remains a living relic of the Silk Road, with vibrant displays of crafts, textiles, spices, and much more. Experience trade as it was practiced thousands of years ago and engage with local vendors for a truly authentic experience.

Historical Landmarks
Turpan: One of Xinjiang’s oldest cities, Turpan serves as your window into the ancient Silk Road culture. Its unique landscape also offers a sight to behold with its ingenious irrigation systems, crafted with remarkable local wisdom to sustain life in the arid Gobi desert.
Dunhuang Caves, Jiayuguan, Zhangye Danxia Landform: Mesmerized by these iconic landmarks, each narrating a different chapter of China’s rich history and civilization. From ancient Buddhist art to towering fortifications and surreal landscapes, you’re in for a feast for the senses.

Secure your spot now, and traverse the very route once connected East and West, forging empires and shaping history.

Popularity 91%
Difficulty 14%
Cost Performance 68%
SEASON PRICE
Off Season (Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb.) US$1,969
Shoulder Season (Mar., Apr., May) US$1,999
Busy Season (June, Oct.) US$2,009
Peak Season (July, Aug., Sep.) US$2,119

  • Recommended seasons to join this group is from March to October, with the best time being May, June, and October to avoid crowded Chinese tourists and the excessively hot climate.

  • Guaranteed daily complimentary two bottles of mineral water.

  • Prepared oxygen bags if the package included high-altitude areas like Tashkurgan.

  • FREE days in Xining can be arranged.

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