Turpan Day Trip: Explore Ancient Cities and Silk Road History from Urumqi
4.8
4 Ratings
Turpan
Embark on a fascinating day trip from Urumqi to Turpan and delve into the rich history of the Silk Road. Discover ancient cities, the Karez Irrigation System, Emin Minaret, Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves, and more. Indulge in a delicious Uyghur-style lunch. Perfect for history enthusiasts!
Duration: 14 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves - At 8 o’clock in the morning, your guide will pick you up at the lobby of your centrally located hotel in Urumqi. Then, you will take a 3-hour ride in a private vehicle from Urumqi to Turpan. On the way, you will see windmill farms, saltwater lakes, and valley of Tianshan. After arriving in Turpan, visit Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves, which is an abandoned site that has ruins of fresco and statues from 15th century.
  • Ancient City of Gaochang (Kharakhoja) - Afterwards, you will go to ancient city ruin of Gaochang which was one of the most renowned kingdom along the Silk Road in the history. You can wander around to visit temples, stupas, city walls…etc among the ruin.
  • Emin Minaret (Su Gong Ta) - Lunch will be provided in the yard of a local Uyghur house. Next, you will go to Emin Minaret that was built in 1777AD with a typical Uyghur architectural style.
  • Karez System - Later, before you head back to Urumqi, you will learn why Turpan could sustain itself in long history by visiting the Karez Irrigation System. After the irrigation system visit, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Urumqi where this wonderful day trip concludes.
  • Silkroadtrips - tour operator
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Local guide
  • Bottled water
  • Private tour
  • Lunch
  • Transport by private vehicle
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on a thrilling three-hour journey from Urumqi to Turpan, where you can delve into the splendid basin featuring intact historical cities, the ingenious Karez Irrigation System, the towering Emin Minaret, Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves, and the historical remnants of Gaochang! Enjoy an authentic Uyghur-style meal included in your visit. Ideal for history enthusiasts captivated by the lore of the ancient Silk Road!

  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Please wear comfortable shoes
Location
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
Shengjin Country,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(4 Ratings)
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1 star
Niko
Aug 10, 2023
Wild, Wild West - It‘s a fascinating place, far off any beaten track, and the tour really takes you to places where you wouldn’t go by yourself, and later wouldn’t even know what you‘ve missed. The vastness of the area is amazing, the thought that people with camels arrived there to trade and rest and then continue onwards even more. Past fields of grapes and melons to ancient original mummies and grottos at one of the world‘s lowest points. Great guide (and yes, fluent English!), lots of room for individual schedule-requests.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adriana
Sep 25, 2019
best ever trip - the trip was perfectly organized you have seen amazing places it was one time life experience staff very helpful Sunny thank you for your support and cooperation
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paul
Sep 16, 2018
Jenny Jian-Wei did a great job of... - <p>Jenny Jian-Wei did a great job of introducing me to the wonderful scenic sites included in this all day tour. From start to finish, she provided the information I needed to understand the history behind the places we visited. The lunch under a grape vine was sumptuous and had a variety of the best of the local foods. I especially enjoyed the visit to Turpan and Gaocheng ancient city and the day was highlighted by a visit to the beautiful scenic mountain area that houses the Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves. I recommend this tour to anyone who wants to get a day long adventure where you can see history and culture in the Xinzhang Urumqi region. You won't be disappointed!</p>
Review provided by Viator
Jacquew50
Apr 13, 2019
Holiday At Urumqi - Turpan is a very unique place to visit which places filled with historical events such as Karez on how they build the irrigation system till now still using it. Excitement at Shanshan desert which have a good experience. We also tasted their local breakfast in one of the county. Overall worth a visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1
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May 2024
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