14 Days China Silk Road Embedded Tour

Destination:Aksu, Hotan, Kashgar, Korla, Kucha, Minfeng, Turpan, Urumqi

Tour Code: SK05

Tour Duration: 14 Days

Tour overview:
In 14 days trip you will have an unusual impression by touring along the ancient Silk Road, visiting the historical ruins and caves symbolising the ancient civilisation, here you will immerse yourself in the fabled landscapes and cities of western China. Highlights of this tour are the trip to Karakuli Lake and through the Taklamakan Desert to enjoy the scenery of Sand dune.

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Day by Day Itinerary

Tour Summary

Reviews

B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner

Day 1

Arrive in Urumqi

Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement

Upon your arrival you will be greeted by our local guide and then transferred to your hotel by a private air-conditioned car. For the rest of the day you will enjoy some leisure time.     

Day 2

Urumqi/Turpan (B,L)

Urumqi/Turpan (B,L)

Transfer via: Private Vehicle on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museumin, Jiaohe Ruins, Karez Well,

Today you will first visit Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum with exhibits of local arts and crafts. The building occupies a space of 11,000 square meters and is built in a modern style enhanced by local architectural features. The central dome is thirty meters high and from its height one can view the entire city of Urumqi.

Then you will be driven to Turpan. Arrive in Turpan, you will have the city tour to s explore the Jiaohe Ruins, the remains of an ancient walled capital of the Uighur with its large monastery and palace. It is probably the same size as Gaochang but better preserved. UNESCO has contributed to its preservation. The dry weather has helped city preserve its cityscape. It is a life-sized model of a Tang Dynasty city.

Move on to visit Ancient Karez system – Karez Well.The entire Turpan region has for 2000 years relied upon the Karez underground irrigation system for sustenance; There is currently one karez well site open for exhibition. It is complete with a museum of displays and pictures. It is a good way to get an understanding of how the tunnels were dug.

 

Day 3

Turpan (B,L)

Turpan (B,L)

Transfer via: Private Vehicle on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Astana Tomb,Passing by Flaming Mountain to Visit the Bezkelik Thousand Buddha Caves, Grape Valley

Today you will visit to The Astana Tomb, which is located in the Gobi Desert and 6km from the Gaochang Ancient City. Astana means capital in Uygur. Covering an area of 10 square kilometers, the tombs were the public cemetery of the ancient Gaochang residents, both aristocrats and commoners.

Passing by Flaming Mountain to Visit the Bezkelik Thousand Buddha Caves, Once an important Buddhist site with many caves covered with brightly painted murals, Bezeklik means "place of paintings" in Uighur. The caves were hewn into the cliffside, and large murals, Monks used to live inside the caves and the frescoes here clearly represent the life work of generations of devotees. Unfortunately, this place was damaged by the locals who converted to Islam in the 10th century and looted by the western archaeologists in the early 20th century.

Then we will proceed to visit Grape Valley. Lying at the base of the western end of Flaming Mountains, Grape Valley is a unique world of vineyards and fruit trees. you can sit in the shades and sip the local wines to kill a brutally hot afternoon.

Day 4

Turpan/Kucha (B,L)

Transfer via: Private Vehicle on our arrangement

After breakfast, we will drive to Kucha (660km). On the way to Kucha, you can enjoy the beautiful landescape of the Tianshan mountain and the northside of Taklamakan Desert, the osais and Gobi.

Day 5

Kucha (B,L)

Kucha (B,L)

Sightseeing: Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Grand Kuqa Mosque

Today we will first visit the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves. It is about 60 miles away from the southeast of Baicheng County, is one of the key national cultural protection units. Kizil means red in the Uigur. The caves are dug between the cliffs of Mingwu Dage Mountain in the north bank of Muzhadi River. Some existing caves retain the number serial such as the No.236 caves, and about one-third of the caves retain relatively complete shape and murals.

Then we will visit Tianshan Grand Canyon. It is located in the north of Aksu kuche county. It is about 5.5 kilometers from the east to the west and made of Reddish-brown rocks.The average elevation of the canyon is 1600 meters, and its peak is 2048 meters.

Finally, you will go to the Grand Kuqa Mosque, it was first built in the 16th century and reconstructed in 1931 after being damaged by fire, that first signified dominance of Islam over Buddhism in Xinjiang. It is the region's second largest mosque after the Etigar Mosque in Kashgar and has capacity for 3,000 worshipers. Within its compound is Xinjiang's sole religious court. Kuqa is also site of the sacred Molanaershiding Tomb to which Xinjiang's Muslims make regular pilgrimages.

Day 6

Kucha/Aksu (B,L)

Transfer via: Private Vehicle on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Shenmu Garden. Numinous Wood Garden in Wensu.

After breakfast, we will drive 289km to Aksu. On the way, you can visit Shenmu Garden, which is located northwest 60 km of Wensu County , elevation 1,700 meters, covering more than 600 acres, also known as "Pearl of the Gobi".

You will also visit the Numinous Wood Garden in Wensu.It is in the south of Tomur Peak, in Wensu County. Its area is 680 mu, and it is more than 1700 meters above the sea level. It is 72 km far away from Aksu.The environments of the garden is unique, the earth, water and plants are coexist in harmony. There are old and famous trees, rare flowers and herbs, unimproved woodlands, meadow, wet land, cliff, waterfall, stream, Gobi desert and maintenance of historical relics and sites. All of these make it a tour area full of natural scenery, humanity scenery and folk customs.

Day 7

Aksu/Kashgar (B,L)

Transfer via: Private Vehicle on our arrangement

After breakfast, drive to Kashgar (430km). On the way, visit the local workshop linked knives, leather and goods.

Day 8

Kashgar (B,L)

Sightseeing:Id Kah Mosque, Sunday bazaar,The Abakh Khoja Tomb, The old twon of Kashgar.

Today’s ctiy tour include ID Kah Mosque. It is the largest mosque in China. Every Friday, it houses nearly 10,000 worshippers and may accommodate up to 20,000.

Then we will visit the Abakh Khoja Tomb, which is also known as the Tomb of Xiang Fei (Fragrant Lady) in China. Situating 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) northeast of Kashgar City, Abakh Khoja Tomb is an ancient Islamic building, where five generations of a famous Islamic master were buried. It is also commonly known as the tomb of Xiangfei, the only Uygur concubine of Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).,

Later, we will go to Sunday Bazzar. There is a bazzar everyday in Kashgar, but the one on Sunday is the liveliest, as the whole community gets together. The Bazzar in Kashgar is a social and commercial highlight of the week in Western  Xinjiang. In the bazaar you can find different kinds of goods: ironware, silverware, fruit, clothes, local food, livestock, etc. Traders are buying and selling one week's stock of cows, sheep, goats and horses. The process of bargaining is fantastic.

Finally, we will have a visit to The old twon of Kashgar,contains a large group of Uygur residential houses. The Old Town city is now home to 630 homes with more than 2450 people, all of whom are Muslims.

Day 9

Kashgar-Karakuli Lake (B,L)

Kashgar-Karakuli Lake (B,L)

Transfer via: Private Vehicle on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Karakuli Lake

Full day round trip to the Karakuli Lake. This Lake is 3,600 meters above sea level, at the foot of the Maztagata Mountain, some 190 kilometers from Kashgar and about 1,500 kilometers from Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Karakuli means" black sea" in the local dialect, and resembles a glittering pearl embedded among the alpine peaks, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains.           

Drive back to Kashgar in the afternoon.

Day 10

Kashgar/Hotan (B,L)

Transfer via: Private Vehicle on our arrangement

After breakfast, we will drive to Hotan (510km). You will enjoy the landscape along the road. Arrival at Hotan, check in the hotel.

Day 11

Hotan (B,L)

Sightseeing: The Hetian Museum, Melikawat Ruins

Today you will first visit the Hetian Museum. It was built in 1995, and it has an area of 3400 square meters. It boasts over 9000 pieces of cultural relics; most of which were discovered by archaeologists after 1949 and a small number were donated by the locals. The collections in the Hetian Museum provide a vivid picture of the splendid culture of ancient Hetian area in the fields of manual textile technology, art pottery, painting art and the Buddhist culture.

Forwards to visit the Melikawat Ruins. Melikawat is the ruins of an ancient and enormous Buddhist monastery located about 28 km south of central Hotan. Because the monastery was built along the Yorungkash River, most of the site has been buried in several meters of silt over more than a thousand years. Only a few eroding remnants of the tallest buildings emerge above the plain.

Day 12

Hotan/Minfeng (B,L)

Tranfser via: Private vehicle on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Silk Village, local bazaar and local family

Today we will drive from Hotan to Minfeng ( 320km). Hand craft production incomes for local people. On the way, visit the Silk Village and visit a local bazaar and a local family.

Day 13

Minfeng/Korla (B,L)

Minfeng/Korla (B,L)

Tranfser via: Private vehicle on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Taklamakan Desert

Drive from Minfeng to Korla. This is a day you can enjoy fabulous views of the Taklamakan Desert while we driving the Desert highway crossing the heart of the taklamakan desert, you will enjoy the scenery of sand dune. The sun rise in the desert will be a scene you may never forget. With a total area of 337.6 thousand square kilometers, Taklamakan lies in the center of the Tarim Basin, it is the scond largest desert on the earth just next in area to the Sahara Desert in Africa. It is 1000km long and 400km wide.

Day 14

Korla/Urumqi (B)

Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement

After breakfast, you will be transferred to airport to take flight for Urumqi and connect your flight for your next destination.

B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner

Tour Dates Destinations Services Provided Meals Included
Day 1
Urumqi

Arrive in Urumqi,be met and transferred to your hotel. Free for rest of the day.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Hoi tak Hotel Urumqi Xiangjiang Lihua Hotel Jingu Hotel - Urumqi
B L D
Day 2
Urumqi/Turpan

Visit the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum . After lunch, drive to Turpan. City tour to Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto) Karez Well System, Turpan Grape Valley, Turpan

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Tuha Petroleum Hotel Grand Hotel Turpan Silk Road Oasis Hotel
B L D
Day 3
Turpan

After breakfast, visit the Astana-Karakhoja Ancient Tombs Flaming Mountain, Turpan Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Caves

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Tuha Petroleum Hotel Grand Hotel Turpan Silk Road Oasis Hotel
B L D
Day 4
Turpan/Kucha

Drive to Kucha (660km). On the way to Kucha, enjoy the beautiful landescape of the Tianshan mountain and the northside of Taklamakan Desert, the oasis and Gobi.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Kucha International Hotel Kucha International Hotel Kucha Hotel
B L D
Day 5
Kucha

Full day visit to Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves,Tianshan Grand Canyon, Grand Kuqa Mosque

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Kucha International Hotel Kucha International Hotel Kucha Hotel
B L D
Day 6
Kucha/Aksu

After breakfast, drive 289km to Aksu. On the way, visit Shenmu Garden. Numinous Wood Garden in Wensu.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Hongfu Jinlan Hotel Hongfu Jinlan Hotel Jindu Hotel
B L D
Day 7
Aksu/Kashgar

After breakfast, drive to Kashgar(430km). On the way, visit the local workshop linked knives, leather and goods.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Kashgar International Hotel Kashgar International Hotel Kashgar Golden Great Wall Hotel
B L D
Day 8
Kashgar

Full day tour of Idgar Mosque, Kashgar Sunday Bazzar Abakh Khoja Tomb Kashgar Old Town

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Kashgar International Hotel Kashgar International Hotel Kashgar Golden Great Wall Hotel
B L D
Day 9
Kashgar

Full day round trip to the Karakuri Lake . Back to Kashgar in the afternoon.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Kashgar International Hotel Kashgar International Hotel Kashgar Golden Great Wall Hotel
B L D
Day 10
Kashgar/Hotan

Drive to Hotan (510km). Arrival at Hotan, check in the hotel.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Hotan Wenzhou Hotel Hotan Wenzhou Hotel Hotan Wenzhou Hotel
B L D
Day 11
Hotan

Visit The Hetian Museum, Melikawat Ruins

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Hotan Wenzhou Hotel Hotan Wenzhou Hotel Hotan Wenzhou Hotel
B L D
Day 12
Hotan/Minfeng/Hotan

Drive to Minfeng ( 320km). On the way, visit the Silk Village and visit a local bazaar and a local family.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Hotan Wenzhou Hotel Hotan Wenzhou Hotel Hotan Wenzhou Hotel
B L D
Day 13
Minfeng/Korla

Drive to Korla (693km) through the Taklamakan Desert and enjoy the scenery of sand dune.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Kangcheng Jianguo International Hotel Silver Star Hotel Golden Leaf Hotel
B L D
Day 14
Korla/Urumqi

After breakfast, take flight for Urumqi and connect your flight for your next destination
B L D

-NOTE:

1. Normally hotels allow a maximum of 3 adults per room with an extra bed, at extra charge. Some hotels will allow three adults and a small child.

2. Tour price is indicative only, please enquire for a detailed quotation.

3. More people more discounts. Please enquire for more details.

Price Includes

A. Entrance fees：To scenic spots as listed above in the itinerary.
B. Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary.
C. Private Transfers: Among airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in the above cities by the private air conditioned vehicle.
D. Guide and Driver: As outlined in the itinerary, a well selected English-speaking guide and driver will accompany you throughout the entire tour in that city. They do not fly with you from one city to another.
E. Hotels: Hotel Based on two persons sharing one room with twin beds. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast. All rooms are air-conditioned with private facilities unless specified.
F. Luggage Transfers: Between airports and hotels.
G. Service Charge & Government Taxes.
H. Travel insurance in mainland China during the above travel period.
I. Arrangements: The tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

Quick Questions

Our team is waiting for your questions. Please feel free to ask us any questions you might have about our China package tours, Chinese culture, or the sites available. We will gladly help you with any special needs you might have and all questions, like our trip designing is completely free of charge.