Experience in 10 days the diversity of Chinas largest province. Xinjiang, home of the Uyghurs, is know for its desert landscapes and verdant oasis. You will start the journey in Urumqi and visit the Tianshan Mountain & Lake on the next day. You continue towards the historical Trupan and the ancient cities of Jiaohe and Gaocheng. After a flight to the most western city of the country you will explore more highlights of this region. The Karakul Lake surrounded by majestic mountain ranges will be the location of an authentic overnight stay in a traditional yurt close to the lake. The journey will be concluded by Tashkurgan and the picturesque Shitoucheng.

 

 

Date: On request
Price: On request
Highlights: Tianshan Berg & See – Jiaohe Ruinen – Gaocheng  – Kashgar – Karakul See – Shitoucheng
Length: ~ 1850Km (inkl. Flight)
Duration: 10 Days
Character / Style: Activ holiday with focus on walking tours / landscape / culture
Media:
Vehicle: 4×4, SUV, Van, Bus

 

 

Route: Xinjiang

Day Route: Description
1  Arrival in Urumqi: Pick-up service from the airport and transfer to hotel. After dinner and free time.  
2  Urumqi – Tianshan Heaven Lake – Urumqi: Transfer from Urumqi to Tianshi. Hike along the lake. On the western foothills of the near mountain range you will find some steep ascents. It is possible to hike around the lake in a couple of hours. In the late afternoon you will be transfered back to Urumqi.
[icon color=”#3f3f3f” size=”20px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-stopwatch”] 3,5h
 
3  Urumqi – Turpan: The next day you are taking off to Turpan. Turpan is located 150 meters below sea leavel and by that fact the second lowest place on earth. Here grapes are growing, which are exported to China in the form of wine or raisins. Visit of the ruins of Jiaohe. Jiaohe was an garrison town, the oldest ruins are around 1600 years old and are some of the worlds oldest.
[icon color=”#3f3f3f” size=”20px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-stopwatch”] 2,5h
 
4  Turpan – Urumqi: 

Other places you visit are Toyoq and Gaochang, the latter one was build around the 7th century bc. In the local language it is reffered to as Kocho and was firstly blooming during the Tang Dynasty. This Ruin City is full of religious historty In the evening you will be transfered back to Urumqi.
[icon color=”#3f3f3f” size=”20px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-stopwatch”] 2,h
 
5  Urumqi – Flight to Kashgar: Transfer to the airport to Urumqi and flight to Kashgar. Free time in the afternoon after checking-in and short orientation walk in the evening.
[icon color=”#3f3f3f” size=”20px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-stopwatch”] 3h
 
6  Kashgar: you will visit the splendid old town of Kashgar and its traditional Ostangboyi tea house. Other sights are the Id Kah Mosque and the Abakh Hoja monument. Additionally there is a market taking place every night around 11, where they sell sheeps; an unusual occasion.  
7  Kashgar – Karakul-Lake: Ride to the Karakul-Lake, situated between the mountains of the Pamir and the Himalayas at the Karakorum Highway. The first stop will take place in Upal, an Oasis about one hour from Kashgar. Here you will visit, if compatible, the monday market and the monument of Mahmud Kashgari, a scholar from the 11th century. Through the gorges of the Ghez-River the road leads all the way of to the Pamir-Plateau. From here you have an astonishing view upon Mount Kongur (7719m). Arrival at the lake. The overnight stay will take place in a Kyrgyzstan yurt close to the lake bank.
[icon color=”#3f3f3f” size=”20px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-stopwatch”] 4,5h
 
8  Karakul-Lake – Tashkurgan: A whole day to experience the beauty and nature of this lake. The Sunrise above the mountains and the lake is especially pleasant and should not be missed.  A hike along or around the lake to different vantage points in the surrounding mountains or hills will do the magic. Phantastic views upon the Mustagh Ata and the Kongur will present themselves to you. The road to Tashkurgan provides beautiful grass lands, yaks, horses and the views on that route are definitely on of the highlights.
[icon color=”#3f3f3f” size=”20px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-stopwatch”] 2h
 
9  Tashkurgan – Kashgar: In Tashkurgan we will visit the Folk Cultural Museum and Shitoucheng, a stone village, which once served as fortifications. The 1400 years old complex was used as a scenery in the movie Kite Runner. Afterwards you will drive back to Kashgar.
[icon color=”#3f3f3f” size=”20px” target=”_blank” name=”moon-stopwatch”] 6,5h
 
10  Kashgar – Departure: Until the flight you can spend the time as you wish. Transfer to the airport.

 

 

Inkluded services:
Overnight stays in mid range hotels
Tibetmoto-Guide
Vehicle with driver
All transfers to and from the airport
Flight Urumqi – Kashgar
Courier in Englisch
Meals (Breakfast and Lunch)
Help for applying a Chinese visa
Flight booking service