- Explore Turpan,the oldest Uygur village in China and the best place to learn about Silk Road culture.
- Enjoy the stunning scenery at Heavenly Lake, where you can witness lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and experience the nomadic culture of the local Kazakhs.
- Visit the crystal-clear Kanas Lake, a fairyland with legends of the mysterious water monster.
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Destination
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Trip duration
11 days, 10 nights
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Transport
Private transportation with good AC
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Accommodation
Well-selected hotels
Situated in the middle of Asia, Xinjiang is the meeting place of great cultures from the East and West. It also serves as a vital gateway to the Silk Road, the world’s oldest and historically significant trade route with a history of over 2,000 years. The ancient Silk Road originated from Xi’an in the east, passing through Lanzhou, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang in Gansu, and Turpan, Urumqi, and Kashgar in Xinjiang. Among these cities, Xinjiang stands out as the most mysterious, with its remarkable natural landscapes, well-preserved historical sites, and vibrant minority traditions.
- Immerse yourself in the Tuwa Village of Hemu, known for its waving cooking smoke that rise from traditional houses and picturesque scenery.
- Discover the Old City of Kashgar and enjoy a cup of tea in a 100-year-old tea house, just like the locals do.
- Experience the incredibly lively Sunday Market in Kashgar, which still follows the ancient Silk Road tradition of trading practiced thousands of years ago.
Xinjiang, China
Day 1
Arrival Kashgar
Take your flight to Kashgar. Upon arrival, our guide will meet and greet you at the airport and assist you with the transfer to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to freely explore the exotic sights of Kashgar or simply unwind and rest. Overnight Kashgar
Food
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Day 2
Kashgar - Taxkorgan(320kms, 6hrs driving)
Drive along the famed Karakoram Highway, also known as the China and Pakistan Highway. On this scenic route, you can admire the magnificent White Sand Lake and White Sand Mountain. Regardless of whether it's a sunny or cloudy day, the lake always showcases a mesmerising light blue colour, resembling a gentle blue ribbon caressing the surrounding mountains. The lake is situated in the Pamir Plateau, a vast plateau within the Pamir mountain range, with an average altitude of about 4,500m. The Pamir Plateau has been a vital communication line along the Silk Road since ancient times. Its Chinese section faces west towards Afghanistan and Tajikistan, and south towards Pakistan. In the afternoon, enjoy a delightful lunch overlooking the beautiful Karakul Lake, where you can observe the tranquil lifestyle of Kyrgyz herdsmen. These herdsmen typically settle near the lakeside and graze their livestock, continuing the traditions of their ancestors from thousands of years ago. From the lake, you'll have a stunning view of the famous Muztagh Mountain, situated right in front of you. The remainder of the day is yours to relish the breathtaking views of aquamarine streams and rivers alongside the road, as well as the awe-inspiring snow-capped mountains. Overnight Taxkorgan
Food
B/-/-
Day 3
Taxkorgan - Kashgar
Wake up to the refreshing air and gentle breeze of the Pamir Plateau. Our first destination is the Stone Fortress, an oval-shaped city surrounded by walls constructed with sun-dried bricks atop a stone foundation. The origins of this city remain shrouded in mystery, but historians and archaeologists generally agree that the region's history dates back to the Han dynasty, approximately 2,000 years ago. Adjacent to the fortress lies a vast grassland known as the Golden Wetland. Recently, new wooden pathways have been constructed, allowing you to leisurely stroll through the grassland and capture panoramic photos of the Stone Fortress. Afterward, we will return to Kashgar for an overnight stay. Overnight Kashgar
Food
B/-/-
Day 4
Kashgar - Urumqi
Today is a full day dedicated to exploring the city of Kashgar. Our first stop is the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, where you will witness devout Muslims engaged in prayer. We will then proceed to visit the Old City of Kashgar to attend the captivating opening ceremony. This event will provide a glimpse of the warm hospitality of the Kashgar people, with delightful performances and greetings from girls and boys. Within the old city, you will find a centuries-old tea house at its center, where Uyghur people gather to socialise, engage in conversation, and enjoy singing and dancing. If you are interested, we can also arrange a family visit to experience the authentic lifestyle of the local Uyghurs. In the afternoon, we will explore the bustling Sunday Bazaar, which still retains its original appearance from a thousand years ago. While the covered bazaar, known for selling clothes, nuts, and household goods, may be temporarily closed, the livestock market remains open. Here, you will witness sellers arriving by car, bicycle, horse, donkey, and even camel. During lunchtime, you can savour the local cuisine at a special restaurant, accompanied by traditional Uyghur dancing and singing performances. Afterward we recommend taking a leisurely stroll along Handicraft Street. Each street has its own theme, whether it's dedicated to shoes, musical instruments, or gold and silver decorations. Prepare to be immersed in the dazzling array of goods and the vibrant atmosphere of street vendors. Finally, it's time to bid farewell to Kashgar as we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Urumqi. Take evening flight to Urumqi. Overnight Urumqi
Food
B/-/-
Day 5
Urumqi - Turpan (200km/3hrs driving)
In the morning we will embark on a three-hour drive to Turpan. Our first stop is the Tuyoq Village, the oldest Uyghur village in the world. Situated in the heart of Flaming Mountain Canyon, this place may sound familiar if you are acquainted with the legendary tale 'Journey to the West'. Tuyoq Village is renowned as one of the hottest locations in China. During your visit, you will experience the authentic life of Uyghur people residing in northern Xinjiang through a family visit, and have the opportunity to savour the country's sweetest fruit juice. Next, we will continue our journey to witness an even more ancient historical site, the Jiaohe Ruins. Dating back 2,300 years, these ruins hold the title of the 'Oriental Pompeii' and were inscribed on the World Heritage List on 22 June, 2014. While the passage of time has caused the ancient civilisation to fade away, walking amidst these relics will still evoke their original allure. Overnight Turpan
Food
B/-/-
Day 6
Turpan - Urumqi (200km/3hrs driving)
After breakfast, we will make our way to the Karez Well. This unique irrigation system embodies the wisdom of Uyghur ancestors. Typically, the Karez Well stretches for about 3 to 4 kilometers to ensure the continuous flow of underground streams. Due to its functional use in irrigation and daily life, this technique gradually spread to Central Asia and reached Iran through the Silk Road. Located not far from the Karez Well is the Sugong Minaret. Built in 1778, it is the largest Islamic minaret in China, showcasing magnificent and exquisite craftsmanship that has earned it the reputation of being the most splendid Islamic artwork in the country. Afterwards we drive back to Urumqi. Once there, we can take a leisurely stroll around the International Grand Bazaar, which holds the distinction of being the world's largest bazaar. Prepare to be captivated by the array of dazzling goods and the beauty of the buildings. In the center of the bazaar, you will have the opportunity to enjoy passionate Xinjiang dancing and singing performances. Overnight Urumqi
Food
B/-/-
Day 7
Urumqi – Beitun (540km/7hrs driving)
Today we drive to the enchanting destination of Beitun making a stop beforehand at the picturesque Heavenly Lake. This stunning lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, vibrant wildflowers, and evergreen pine trees, making it an ideal year-round resort. You will have the opportunity to experience different views of the lake depending on the season. Take a leisurely trek along the lakeshore or explore further by taking the cable car to Maya Mountain, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains and the lake. If you prefer water sports, consider going boating on the lake for an excellent experience. Feel fully connected to the lovely lake as you touch the water and appreciate the incredibly beautiful scenery at the same time. After our visit we continue our drive to Beitun for an overnight stay. Overnight Beitun
Food
B/-/-
Day 8
Beitun – Hemu (270km/5hrs driving)
After breakfast we journey to Hemu. Nestled in a serene valley within Kanas, Hemu is a Tuwa Village characterised by its charming wooden huts and livestock pens. Hemu Village is one of the three remaining Tuwa Villages and is also the largest and most remote. Some refer to the Tuwa people as 'a primitive tribe wandering in the depths of Xinjiang'. In Hemu, the morning fog is a captivating sight and is considered one of the must-see attractions in Kanas. The fog envelopes the village almost every day, adapting to the changing seasons and creating an alluring sense of distance. Additionally, Hemu offers the opportunity to witness breathtaking sunrises that are truly worth anticipating. Note: Upon arrival in Hemu, we will transfer to a shuttle bus to reach the village. You may leave your luggage on the coach and just take a washing bag and your essentials. Overnight Hemu
Food
B/-/-
Day 9
Hemu - Kanas (70km/2hrs driving)
Wake up early and immerse yourself in the gentle ambiance of Hemu and witness the breathtaking sunrise. After breakfast we proceed with our journey to Kanas. Kanas Nature Reserve is the largest 5A national scenic area in China, revered as a holy place by photographers. The name 'Kanas' translates to 'a land of beauty and mystery' in Mongolian. One of the must-see attractions within Kanas is Kanas Lake, shaped like a crescent moon and formed during the fourth glacial period around 200,000 years ago. It holds the distinction of being the deepest inland alpine lake in China, with a maximum depth of 188 meters. What makes this lake truly remarkable is its ability to change colors with the seasons and weather. At times, it appears crystal blue, while on other occasions, it may be a deep green or even gray. In August and September, the lake takes on a mesmerising Tiffany Blue tint with milky white as the upstream flow intensifies. Among the popular spots surrounding Kanas Lake are the Fish Pavilion, which offers a bird's-eye view of the lake and its picturesque surroundings, including Fairy Bay, Dragon Bay, and Moon Bay. Later in the day we will drive back to Jiadengyu for a delightful dinner and a well-deserved rest. Overnight Jiadengyu
Food
B/-/-
Day 10
Kanas - Urho (180kms, 4hours driving)
Today we depart for Urho stopping along the way to take in the scenic beauty of Rainbow Beach. This unique Yadan landform has been shaped by years of wind and water erosion. Each layer of rocks has a distinct composition, resulting in different erosion patterns on the surface. As the sunlight angle changes, the uneven surfaces reflect a multitude of colours. The best time to visit is around sunset when the rocks shine in various hues. Stepping onto this vibrant beach, you'll feel as if you've entered a dream world. We will then continue our journey to Urho, where we will explore the magnificent Urho Ghost City, also known as Wuerhe Wind City. It is one of the most famous Yadan landforms in China, formed by powerful winds and erosion. The unique rock formations, shaped by the wind, resemble pagodas, temples, mushrooms, animals, and more. When the wind blows through the area, it creates eerie sounds, leading to its name, the Ghost City. Overnight Urho
Food
B/-/-
Day 11
Urho - Urumqi (470km/5-6hrs driving)
We say our farewell to Urho and drive to Urumqi Airport to catch your flight.
Food
B/-/-
Local 4 star hotels
Local hotels
PICTURES FOR REFERENCE ONLY, SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION
Create the experience of your dream with our travel experts
Make your own trailIncluded
- Airfare from Kashgar to Urumqi (economy class);
- Excellent English-speaking guide service;
- Entrance fees as listed in the itinerary, including shuttle bus services;
- Travel permit to Karakul Lake;
- Allowance for the guide and driver;
- 2 bottles of water per person for daily use;
- Government tax;
- Travel insurance;
- Visa support if necessary.
Not Included
- Flight to Kashgar/from Urumqi
- Full board meals
- Expenditures of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs, and laundry, etc.
- Visa fee for China (if guests enter China twice, then a double-entry visa is required)
- Porterage at the airports and at hotels (in and out)
- Excess luggage surcharge
- Tips for services of local guides and drivers
Payment and Cancellations
- Deposit: 25% of total pacakage to confirm the booking.
- Full payment is due 30 days before departure. We reserve the right to release all services in case of payment overdue
- Intermediate bank charges and fees are the responsibility of the client.
- Cancellation policy:
Between 60 and 30 days prior to arrival : 25% of total amount
• Between 30 and 15 days prior to arrival : 50% of total amount
• Less than 15 days : 100% of total amount
Is this trip guaranteed to run?
- This special departure needs a minimum of 8 travelers to be confirmed
Important notes
Few important details to frame the experience:
- Itinerary is subject to change depending on the confirmed flights, road conditions, and rooms availability. We reserve the right to replace above hotels by other hotels of similar or superior category.
- Peak season supplements may apply during trade fair, public holiday or special events.
- Prices are subject to change in case of VAT or other tax increases.
Prepare for one lifetime experience.
You are booking
North Xinjiang Silk Road Journey
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Destination
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Trip duration
11 days, 10 nights
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Transport
Private transportation with good AC
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Accommodation
Well-selected hotels
About your trip
RESERVATIONS
All tours and services can be booked directly with our office in China
A TRAILS CHINA / DAOCHENG
Beijing Office
Suite 810, SunFlower Tower
#37 Maizidian Street Chaoyang District, Chaoyang District
Beijing 100022, P.R. China
Tel: (86-10) 6515 9259
Fax: (86-10) 6515 9293
Email: info@atrails.cn
CONFIRMATIONS
All reservations are confirmed by return with the up-dated booking status within 2 working days. Due to occasional delays in communication with more remote destinations, it may take a few days longer to get confirmation.
RATES AND AVAILABILITY
All rates are quoted in RMB and are subject to change without prior notice. Inclusions and exclusions in the tour packages are indicated at the end of each itinerary. Commonly our package tour rates include accommodation, transfers, certain meals, and other tour related services. Domestic or international airfares are included where mentioned. Our tour itineraries do not include visa fees and expenses of a personal nature. The validity of our rates is November 01, 2018, until October 31, 2019, unless otherwise specified.
SERVICES
Local English speaking guides are accompanying tours and transfers in each destination. German, French, Italian, Spanish and Russian and Chinese speaking guides are available on request in major cities and subject to confirmation.
DELIVERY FEES
A delivery fee will be charged according to the distance traveled, if any train tickets are required to be delivered to clients’ hotel.
PAYMENT
Full pre-payment by bank transfer is required 30 days before the commencement of services.
Our bank account details are:
Bank Name: Bank of China Beijing JianGuoMen Wai Sub-Branch
开 户 行：中国银行北京建国门外支行
Account Name：ATC TRAVEL SERVICES (BEIJING) LTD.
账 户 名：北京道成国际旅行社有限公司
Account No.：3259 6908 9747
账 号：3259 6908 9747
Swiftcode : BKCH CN BJ 110
For itineraries operated outside China
Account Name：BEIJING GLORY INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SERVICE CO, LTD.
账 户 名：北京千乘假期国际旅行社有限公司
Account No.：3211 6010 0100 1577 67
账号：3211 6010 0100 1577 67
Bank Name: Industrial Bank Co., Ltd Sanyuanqiao Sub-Branch
开 户 行：兴业银行三元桥支行
CHILD POLICY
For children aged between 2 and 11 years following rates will apply:
- Child in shared adults’ room with extra bed will pay 80% of the total package price
A maximum of two children per party is granted such a discount. Besides this general policy, specific conditions may apply case by case.
CANCELLATIONS
For cancellation of confirmed reservations, following general cancellation charges apply :
- Between 30 and 15 days prior to arrival : 20% of the total amount
- Between 15 and 7 days prior to arrival : 50% of the total amount
- Less than 7 days prior to arrival : 100% of the total amount.
Special conditions apply for cruises, beach resorts as well as for some of the boutique and landmark hotels. Expeditions and specific products may have different conditions.
Domestic and international air tickets are non-refundable once issued. You are obliged to pay full airfare (inclusive of any tax and fuel surcharge) of any cancelled tickets based on the contract rate.
PROGRAM CHANGES
We reserve the right to re-arrange the order of any tour program, to cancel or substitute elements of any tour itinerary without notice, when local conditions require such changes. All itineraries depending on domestic flight confirmations are subject to changes.
Any increase in taxes or fuel surcharges imposed by the authorities will be advised as soon as we are informed of them, and they will be added to the invoice.
Flight and train details mentioned in our itineraries are for indicative purposes only.
CONFIDENTIALITY
This agreement, its contents and all related documentation sent over to the customer/tour operator are strictly confidential and must not be disclosed to any third parties.
COMPLAINTS AND IRREGULARITIES
We consider complaints as valuable feedback to improve service delivery levels. We request that service delivery failures or customer concerns, be reported during the customer’s stay, to one of our representatives. It is the aim of the company to solve any irregularity on the spot. The company reserves the right to refuse to take action on perceived irregularities submitted to the company 14 days after the customer returns back home.
FORCE MAJEURE
During the term of this agreement, neither party shall be in default of its obligations to the extent that its performance is delayed or prevented by causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to, acts of God, natural disasters, bankruptcy of a vendor, strikes and other labor disturbances, acts of war, or civil disturbances, or other equivalent or comparable events.
INDEMNITY
The client agrees to indemnify and to save A Trails – Daocheng from harm and against all damage or injury (including death) to property or person(s) resulting from intentional or negligent acts or omissions from their respective officers, employees, agents, contractor or subcontractor in connection with the performance of this agreement.
LEGAL NOTE
This agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of China (and/or applicable in relation to the country it is legally represented) for the time being in force and the parties agree to submit any dispute arising between the parties under this agreement to arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration Rules of the respectable Arbitration Institute, Office of the Judiciary applicable at the time of submission of the dispute to arbitration and the conduct of the arbitration thereof shall be under the auspices of the specific Arbitration Institute accordingly.
IMAGES
Images displayed on the website have a promotional intent only and are not necessarily reflecting the actual destinations and service conditions. These may belong to ATrails staff, customers, photographers we are collaborating with or retrieved from websites such as Pexel, Pixabay, Unsplash or Originoo. While trying to be the most accurate as possible, is agreed that those images do not necessarily depict the actual services promoted.
LIABILITY
We act as an intermediary between the concerned airlines, hotels, all transport operators and local tourist offices providing the services. The Company is therefore not responsible for any loss, injury or damage sustained by the tourists, including those occurring outside the touring programs. Additional expenses incurred due to delay, accidents, natural and disaster, political actions and unrest must be borne by the tourists. Programs and prices, services and conditions are based on those valid at the time of printing and are therefore subject to change without advance notice before or during the tour. Acknowledgment and confirmation of the above-mentioned conditions is active, once clients participate in one of the provided services via us. The itinerary of the excursion, package and/or tour cannot be altered or changed without prior permission from us. We cannot be held liable if you amend the excursion and its content in your brochures or give wrong descriptions to clients that are travelling.
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING AUTONOMOUS REGIONS IN CHINA
The Company is not responsible for any last-minute closure of specific regions or tourism sites caused by decisions taken by local or national authorities to restrict access hereto. We will provide alternative itineraries where necessary and reduce cancellation fees to a minimum, however, such imposed closures are beyond our control and constitute a case of force majeure.
The areas concerned include but are not restricted to : The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Tibet Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, minority regions in Qinghai and Gansu provinces.
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
Travel breaks down borders and brings people together: The nearly 900 million people who travel every year make the sector one of the biggest in the world, a major employer and a key element in the global economy. But this has its downside, too: increasing pollutant emissions from the tourist traffic, loss of coastlines and other landscapes through excessive building development and sexual exploitation of children are just some of the negative consequences of the growth in global tourist travel. In order to minimize the negative impacts and enhance the positive ones, our Corporate Responsibility Strategy focuses on four prime issues:
- We increase efforts to ensure that children and adolescents in tourist areas are protected against sexual exploitation, one of the worst forms of abuse of young people today.
- We promote fair working conditions and sensibly service provider partners to social and environmental concerns.
- The supply and saving of clean water is a further key issue.
- We develop our own projects to meet the growing threat posed by climate change. Indeed, helping counter the adverse effects of global warming is one of the biggest challenges faced by the world tourist.