TakeTours > Asia > China > 13-Day Silk Road Tour from Kashgar to Xining

13-Day Silk Road Tour from Kashgar to Xining Tour Code: 027-20361

  • Drive along the spectacular China-Pakistan Friendship Highway
  • Visit the ancient Kashgar Old Town and Id Kah Mosque
  • Explore the stunning landscapes of Pamir Plateau including Karakul Lake and White Sand Lake
  • Discover the ancient ruins of Jiaohe City and the Karez irrigation system in Turpan
  • Experience the world-famous Mogao Caves in Dunhuang
  • Walk on the Great Wall at Jiayuguan Pass and Hanging Great Wall
  • Marvel at the colorful Danxia landforms in Zhangye
  • Visit the majestic Qinghai Lake and the 'Sky Mirror' of Chaka Salt Lake
  • Explore the sacred Ta'er Monastery in Xining
Visit Chaka (Chaka Salt Lake), Dunhuang (Mogao Grottoes, Shazhou Night Market, Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring), Jiayuguan (Jiayu Pass, Overhanging Great Wall), Kashgar (China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar Old City), Qinghai Lake (Erlangjian Scenic Area), Tashkurgan (Golden Grass Beach, Karakul Lake, Muztagh Ata Peak, Stone City, Tashkurgan Wetland Viewing Platform, White Sand Lake), Turpan (Jiaohe Ancient City, Karez Well, Sugong Pagoda, Tuyugou Valley), Urumqi (Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), International Grand Bazaar), Xining (Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Temple)), Zhangye (Great Buddha Temple, Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park).
Price In USD (Price per person based on double occupancy)
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2026
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$2099
¥14307
€1783
C$2865
3% Group Discount: 1. Receive 3% off when you purchase 3+ rooms on the same tour (single order only).
2. Receive 3% off when you book 3+ multi-day tours with minimum order total of $500 at once. Not valid in conjunction with any other discounts or pricing offers.
  • Share Room: If a single male or female guest arises and another same-gender solo traveler agrees to share, the travel agency will assist with room sharing; if not possible, a single room supplement applies.
    If the guest decides to change to a private room after the tour has commenced, they must pay an additional charge equal to twice the single supplement will apply.
Price (/Person)
    Single
    $2815
    ¥19187
    €2391
    C$3843
    Share Room
    $2201
    ¥15002
    €1870
    C$3005
    Double
    $2201
    ¥15002
    €1870
    C$3005
Price (/Person)
    Single
    $2609
    ¥17783
    €2216
    C$3561
    Share Room
    $2099
    ¥14307
    €1783
    C$2865
    Double
    $2099
    ¥14307
    €1783
    C$2865
What if my dates are not available or appear as sold out? Notify Me!
3% Group Discount: 1. Receive 3% off when you purchase 3+ rooms on the same tour (single order only).
2. Receive 3% off when you book 3+ multi-day tours with minimum order total of $500 at once. Not valid in conjunction with any other discounts or pricing offers.
  • Share Room: If a single male or female guest arises and another same-gender solo traveler agrees to share, the travel agency will assist with room sharing; if not possible, a single room supplement applies.
    If the guest decides to change to a private room after the tour has commenced, they must pay an additional charge equal to twice the single supplement will apply.
  • Overview
  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8
  • Day 9
  • Day 10
  • Day 11
  • Day 12
  • Day 13
Day 1 Arrive in Kashgar
Day 2 Kashgar - Tashkurgan (292 km)
Day 3 Tashkurgan - Kashgar (292 km)
Day 4 Kashgar - Urumqi (1472 km)
Day 5 Urumqi - Heavenly Lake - Urumqi
Day 6 Urumqi - Turpan (192 km)
Day 7 Turpan - Liuyuan - Dunhuang (805 km)
Day 8 Dunhuang
Day 9 Dunhuang - Jiayuguan (311 km)
Day 10 Jiayuguan - Zhangye (225 km)
Day 11 Zhangye - Xining - Chaka (902 km)
Day 12 Chaka - Xining (299 km)
Day 13 Xining

Day 1: Arrive in Kashgar

Standard Hotel: Kashgar City Hotel
Meal: Excluded
Arrive in Kashgar, known as the 'living ancient city'. After hotel check-in, enjoy free time to explore the vibrant night scene of the ancient city.

Day 2: Kashgar - Tashkurgan (292 km)

Standard Hotel: Tashkurgan Hotel
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to Tashkurgan. Visit scenic spots including Muztagh Ata Peak, White Sand Lake, Karakul Lake, and the Tashkurgan Wetland Viewing Platform.
  • Kashgar, CN

    Kashgar is a historic city in southwestern Xinjiang, a key Silk Road hub known for its strong Uyghur culture, ancient lanes, and vibrant bazaars.

    China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (Passing By)

    The China-Pakistan Friendship Highway is a high-altitude road connecting Kashgar, China, with Pakistan, traversing the spectacular Pamir Mountains with breathtaking scenery.
  • Tashkurgan, CN

    Tashkurgan is a border county town on the Pamir Plateau in Xinjiang, known for its Tajik culture, the ancient Stone City ruins, and surrounding high-altitude lake scenery.

    Muztagh Ata Peak

    Muztagh Ata is a famous snow-capped peak on the Pamir Plateau, over 7,500 meters high, with a majestic presence and perennial glaciers, often called the 'Father of Ice Mountains'.

    White Sand Lake

    White Sand Lake is a lake on the Pamir Plateau, attracting visitors with the striking contrast between its unique white sand dunes along the shore and its deep blue waters.

    Karakul Lake

    Karakul Lake is a high-altitude glacial lake on the Pamir Plateau, with deep waters and the majestic backdrop of Muztagh Ata Peak, offering serene and stunning views.

    Tashkurgan Wetland Viewing Platform

    The Tashkurgan Wetland Viewing Platform offers a vantage point to overlook the plateau wetlands and grassland scenery, with expansive views and a tranquil environment.

Day 3: Tashkurgan - Kashgar (292 km)

Standard Hotel: Kashgar City Hotel
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Visit the ancient Stone City and Golden Grass Beach in Tashkurgan. Then return to Kashgar via the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway.
  • Tashkurgan, CN

    Tashkurgan is a border county town on the Pamir Plateau in Xinjiang, known for its Tajik culture, the ancient Stone City ruins, and surrounding high-altitude lake scenery.

    Stone City

    Stone City is an ancient castle ruin near Tashkurgan, built on a high mound. It was the royal city of the ancient Puli Kingdom on the Silk Road, rich in historical atmosphere.

    Golden Grass Beach

    Golden Grass Beach is a vast wetland grassland near Tashkurgan town. In autumn, the grass turns golden, creating a beautiful scene against the snow mountains and blue sky.

Day 4: Kashgar - Urumqi (1472 km)

Standard Hotel: Urumqi City Hotel
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Visit the Id Kah Mosque and explore Kashgar Old City, including the morning gate ceremony. Later, take a flight to Urumqi.
  • Kashgar, CN

    Kashgar is a historic city in southwestern Xinjiang, a key Silk Road hub known for its strong Uyghur culture, ancient lanes, and vibrant bazaars.

    Id Kah Mosque

    The Id Kah Mosque, located in central Kashgar, is one of the largest mosques in China, with distinctive Islamic architecture. It is a key religious and cultural center in Kashgar.

    Kashgar Old City

    Kashgar Old City is the soul of Kashgar. Its maze-like lanes are filled with traditional Uyghur houses of earth and wood, handicraft workshops, and unique shops, brimming with local life.

Day 5: Urumqi - Heavenly Lake - Urumqi

Standard Hotel: Urumqi City Hotel
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Take a day trip to the Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) in the Tianshan Mountains. Return to Urumqi to visit the International Grand Bazaar.
  • Urumqi, CN

    Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)

    Heavenly Lake is a high-altitude lake at the foot of Bogda Peak in the Tianshan Mountains. Its clear, azure waters are surrounded by snow-capped peaks, forests, and meadows, creating a picturesque scene.

    International Grand Bazaar

    The International Grand Bazaar is a famous market in Urumqi with Islamic-style architecture, offering a wide array of Xinjiang crafts, dried fruits, carpets, and local snacks.

Day 6: Urumqi - Turpan (192 km)

Standard Hotel: Turpan City Hotel
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Drive to Turpan. Visit key historical and cultural sites including Tuyugou Valley, Jiaohe Ancient City, Karez Well, and Sugong Pagoda.
  • Turpan, CN

    Tuyugou Valley

    Tuyugou Valley is a canyon within the Flaming Mountains, famous for its ancient Uyghur village, traditional adobe architecture, and the colorful rock walls on both sides of the gorge.

    Jiaohe Ancient City

    Jiaohe Ancient City is a vast ruin of a Tang Dynasty city in the Turpan Basin, built on a loess cliff at the confluence of two rivers. It is one of the world's best-preserved earthen architecture cities.

    Karez Well

    The Karez Well is an ancient underground irrigation system in the Turpan region, channeling snowmelt from the Tianshan Mountains through underground tunnels. Hailed as an 'underground Great Wall,' it showcases the ingenuity of ancient people.

    Sugong Pagoda

    The Sugong Pagoda is a landmark Islamic-style brick minaret in Turpan, known for its intricate geometric brickwork and historical significance as a relic of the region's cultural heritage.

Day 7: Turpan - Liuyuan - Dunhuang (805 km)

Standard Hotel: Dunhuang City Hotel
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Take a high-speed train from Turpan to Liuyuan. Upon arrival, transfer by road to Dunhuang. Check into your hotel. In the evening, you are free to explore the lively Shazhou Night Market on your own.
  • Dunhuang, CN

    Located in the Gansu Province of western China, Dunhuang was a major stop on the ancient Silk Road. Tourists enjoy visiting the Magao Grottoes (a cave system that is home to thousands of ancient relics) and Crescent Moon Lake.

    Shazhou Night Market

    Shazhou Night Market is Dunhuang's bustling evening hub, offering local snacks, handicrafts, and souvenirs in a vibrant Silk Road atmosphere.

Day 8: Dunhuang

Standard Hotel: Dunhuang City Hotel
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Full day sightseeing in Dunhuang. Visit the Mogao Caves, then explore the Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring.
  • Dunhuang, CN

    Located in the Gansu Province of western China, Dunhuang was a major stop on the ancient Silk Road. Tourists enjoy visiting the Magao Grottoes (a cave system that is home to thousands of ancient relics) and Crescent Moon Lake.

    Mogao Grottoes

    Mogao Grottoes, also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, is an intricate system of sandstone caves that contain thousands of well-preserved examples of ancient Buddhist art dating back to over 1,000 years ago.

    Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring

    The Singing Sand Dunes embrace the Crescent Moon Spring, a rare oasis in the desert. Visitors can experience sand sliding, camel rides, and the unique desert landscape.

Day 9: Dunhuang - Jiayuguan (311 km)

Standard Hotel: Jiayuguan City Hotel
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Drive to Jiayuguan. Visit the Jiayuguan Fortress and the Overhanging Great Wall.
  • Jiayuguan, CN

    The city culture is a combination of Great Wall and Silk Road. It boasts many historical relics referring to these two wonders. The famous ones include Jiayuguan Pass, the Overhanging Great Wall, the First Fire Tower of the Great Wall and Wei-Jin Art Gallery.

    Jiayu Pass

    the magnificent scale and history of the Great Wall of China is present at Jiayu Pass, located near the city of Jiayuguan and is the most intact surviving ancient military building along the Great Wall.

    Overhanging Great Wall

    Built along the steep ridges of the Hei Shan mountains, the Overhanging Great Wall appears to hang in the air. It served as a key western fortification of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall.

Day 10: Jiayuguan - Zhangye (225 km)

Standard Hotel: Zhangye City Hotel
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Drive to Zhangye. Visit the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park and the Great Buddha Temple.
  • Zhangye, CN

    Zhangye, a city on the Hexi Corridor, is famed for its colorful Danxia landforms. It served as a key stop on the ancient Silk Road, blending stunning natural scenery with historical significance.

    Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park

    The Zhangye Danxia Landform features vibrant, layered colorful hills that resemble a painter's palette. This unique geological park showcases striking multicolored rock formations.

    Great Buddha Temple

    The Great Buddha Temple is renowned for housing a massive reclining Buddha statue. It is a significant heritage site of Western Xia Buddhist art, with ancient architecture and cultural relics.

Day 11: Zhangye - Xining - Chaka (902 km)

Standard Hotel: Chaka Town Hotel
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Take a high-speed train to Xining. Transfer to Qinghai Lake to visit Erlangjian Scenic Area. Continue driving to Chaka Town for overnight stay.
  • Qinghai Lake, CN

    Erlangjian Scenic Area

    Erlangjian is a long, narrow peninsula extending into Qinghai Lake's southern shore. It offers ideal vantage points for viewing the vast lake and surrounding grasslands.

Day 12: Chaka - Xining (299 km)

Standard Hotel: Xining City Hotel
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Visit Chaka Salt Lake. After sightseeing, drive back to Xining.
  • Chaka, CN

    Chaka is the gateway town to the famous Chaka Salt Lake. This high-altitude settlement draws travelers with its access to the stunning 'Mirror of the Sky' landscape.

    Chaka Salt Lake

    Chaka Salt Lake's mirror-like surface reflects the sky and distant mountains, earning it the nickname 'Sky Mirror.' The white salt crystals and light blue water create a pure, dreamlike landscape.

Day 13: Xining

Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Visit Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Temple). After the tour, transfer to airport/train station for departure.
  • Xining, CN

    Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Temple)

    Kumbum Monastery is one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It is known for its impressive architecture, murals, embroidery, and butter sculptures.

Complimentary Transfer Service
(Available only on designated group departure and end dates)

  • Free Pick‑up: Arrivals between 08:00 - 22:00

  • Free Drop‑off: Departures between 09:00 - 23:00 (early morning flights are also covered if you are willing to leave in advance)

Transfers are currently provided with a driver only. If multiple guests arrive around the same time, a guide may be arranged at our discretion. Any policy updates will be communicated separately.

  • If you arrive before the group start date or leave after the group end date, a separate transfer fee applies

  • If your arrival or departure falls outside the free transfer time window, a separate transfer fee also applies

  • For shared group transfers, guests with close arrival times will be picked up together, with a waiting time of approximately 1.5 hours. If you prefer not to wait, please notify us at least 1 day in advance to arrange a private transfer at an additional cost.

Price Includes

  • Transportation: High-speed train second-class seat from Turpan to Liuyuan; High-speed train second-class seat from Zhangye to Xining; Economy class air ticket from Kashgar to Urumqi (including 20kg checked baggage).
  • Hotel accommodation in standard twin/double room.
  • Hotel breakfasts.
  • First entrance tickets and necessary shuttle bus within scenic spots listed in the itinerary.
  • All vehicle expenses (including tolls, fuel, vehicle mountain entry fees).
  • Airport/station pickup and drop-off service (shared transfer, waiting time may be up to 1.5 hours).
  • Professional Chinese-speaking guide service.
  • Travel accident insurance, vehicle seat insurance, travel agency liability insurance.
  • Two bottles of mineral water per person per day.

Price Excludes

  • Airfare: International airfare to Kashgar and from Xining.
  • Personal expenses: Laundry, phone calls, hotel mini-bar, snacks, beverages, etc.
  • Force majeure: Additional costs due to unforeseen circumstances (natural disasters, strikes, epidemics, flight changes, etc.).
  • Tips: Suggested gratuity for guide (RMB 40-70 per person per day) and driver (RMB 20-50 per person per day).

Terms & Condition

  • PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
    Booking and Reservation
    All tours are for early booking, tour operator suggests the each passenger should book tour at least 3 weeks before departure date. Passenger may make reservation via email; however, seats will not be assigned until the deposit has been paid. At time of reservation, passenger may require to provide name, phone number and address and specify designated tour and date of travel.All seats are pre-assigned with numbers; seat assignment is based on a first come first serve basis after down payment.
  • Travel Documents
    Each passenger must carry a valid travel document. (Valid visa for countries needed) (E.g. Green Card, Passport, Re-Entry Permit, and etc.) Tour operator is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
  • Cancellation penalties per person (request day and departure day are not counted)
    30 days or more prior to departure - - 10% of total purchase amount..
    15-29 days or more prior to departure - 30% of total purchase amount.
    7-14 days prior to departure - 50% of total purchase amount.
    Within 6 days prior to departure - 100% of total purchase amount.
    Day of departure no show or late - 100% per person.
    Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
    Trips require a minimum number of participants to avoid cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip to fully refund affected customers although tour companies will make every effort to maintain normal operations.
    The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
    NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds more than 30 days after completion of the tour.
  • Travel Insurance
    Tour operator is not responsible for any loss of or damage to personal items, or personal injury that may occur on or during the tour. It is optional that passengers to buy travel insurance, for more information, please consult your travel agent.
  • Itinerary Variations
    We constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary - we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods duplicate departures may operate, and sometimes in reverse order in which case hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages.
  • Tour Cancellation
    We reserve the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. If cancellation is made any time prior to departure of the tour, Taketours only liability will be to refund to the passenger the amount it has received for the tour booking. We are not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations.

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