Arrival Dunhuang

Silk Road Trips - tour operator

Dunhuang Airport - Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to your hotel.

Dunhuang

Mogao Caves - In the morning, visit the Mogao Caves, the most significant site on the Silk Road. The colorful frescoes and statues narrate various stories about Buddha.

Crescent Moon Pool - In the afternoon, explore the Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Spring in the desert.

Shazhou Nightly Market - In the evening, discover the night market.

Dunhuang/Turpan via Bullet Train

Dunhuang Museum - Visit the Dunhuang Museum (closed on Mondays). Afterwards, you will be transferred to Liuyuan railway station to catch a 3.5-hour bullet train to Turpan. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Turpan/Urumqi

Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves - Today, visit the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, an abandoned site with frescoes and statues dating back to the 15th century.

Astana-Karakhoja Tombs - Next, head to the Astana Tombs, a public cemetery from 1,000 years ago for the citizens of the Gaochang Kingdom. Observe the remarkable tomb paintings in three of the tombs.

Ancient City of Gaochang (Kharakhoja) - Afterwards, explore the ruins of the ancient city of Gaochang, one of the most famous kingdoms in history along the Silk Road. Visit temples, stupas, city walls, and more.

Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto) - Next, visit the ancient City of Jiaohe, built on a 124-foot (38-meter) highland, featuring preserved houses, temples, and stupas.

Karez System - Then, explore the Karez Irrigation System to learn about the water source in the oasis town.

Emin Minaret (Su Gong Ta) - Finally, visit the Emin Minaret, built in 1777 by a local king, Sulaiman. It showcases typical Uyghur architecture and serves as a symbol of Turpan city.

Urumqi/Kashgar Via Flight

Xinjiang Regional Museum (Qu Bowuguan) - In the morning, visit the Xinjiang Museum, where the mummies, especially Loulan Beauty and Xiaohe Beauty, are a must-see.

Tianshan Tianchi Lake - Then, take a one-hour ride to Heavenly Lake to admire the stunning snow-capped mountains. Afterwards, you will be transferred to Urumqi airport to catch a flight to Kashgar. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Kashgar

Abakh Hoja Tomb - First, visit the Abakh Hoja Tomb, built in 1640 AD by local Imam Yusup. Notice its impressive Uyghur Islamic architectural style with minarets and domes.

Id Kah Mosque - Enjoy the architecture and an inside visit of the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in Xinjiang (outside visit only during prayer time).

Kashgar Bazaar - Then, spend ample time shopping in the Grand Bazaar, which dates back to 120 BC.

Departing from Kashgar

• Economy class airfare from Urumqi to Kashgar
• Expert local guide
• Bullet train experience from Liuyuan(Dunhuang) to Turpan
• Well-organized accommodation as per itinerary
• Daily breakfast included
• Private vehicle transportation

• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Gratuities
• Transportation to/from Dunhuang/Kashgar