✉ booking@silkroadwondertours.com 📞 +86 15347723823
📖 Facebook 📷 Instagram

11 Days China to Kyrgyzstan Overland: Urumqi to Bishkek

πŸ“ Urumqi β†’ Kashgar β†’ Torugart Pass β†’ Tash Rabat β†’ Kochkor β†’ Issyk Kul β†’ Bishkek
πŸ”οΈ Cross-Border Adventure⭐ 4-Star HotelsπŸŽ“ English Guide

Tour Overview

This extraordinary 11-day overland adventure traces the ancient Silk Road from China into the heart of Kyrgyzstan. Begin in Urumqi, travel through the fabled oasis city of Kashgar, then cross the remote Torugart Pass at 3,752 meters into a land of nomads, alpine lakes, and towering peaks. From the ancient caravanserai of Tash Rabat to the shores of Issyk Kul β€” the world's second-largest alpine lake β€” this journey reveals a side of the Silk Road few travelers ever experience.

Trip Highlights

  • Cross the Torugart Pass at 3,752m into Kyrgyzstan
  • Explore Kashgar's Sunday Market and Old City
  • Stay in a traditional yurt at Tash Rabat caravanserai
  • Experience nomadic life in Kochkor
  • Relax on the shores of Issyk Kul Lake
  • Visit the ancient Burana Tower near Bishkek
  • Taste Central Asian cuisine across two cultures
  • Journey along one of the Silk Road's most dramatic routes

Day-by-Day Itinerary

  • 1Day

    Arrive in Urumqi

    Arrive in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang. Transfer to your hotel. Evening visit to the Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar β€” one of the largest markets in Central Asia. Welcome dinner with traditional Uyghur cuisine.

    🏨 Urumqi 4β˜…πŸ½ Dinner
  • 2Day

    Urumqi ✈ Kashgar

    Morning visit to the Xinjiang Regional Museum to see the famous Tarim mummies. Afternoon flight to Kashgar, the legendary Silk Road trading city. Evening walk through the Old City β€” a living museum of Uyghur culture.

    🏨 Kashgar 4β˜…πŸ½ B/L/D
  • 3Day

    Kashgar β€” Sunday Market & Old City

    Experience the legendary Kashgar Sunday Market β€” a centuries-old trading hub where the Silk Road spirit lives on. Visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest in China, and wander through the maze-like alleys of the Old City.

    🏨 Kashgar 4β˜…πŸ½ B/L/D
  • 4Day

    Kashgar β€” Karakoram Highway to Taxkorgan

    Drive the spectacular Karakoram Highway. Visit Karakul Lake at 3,600m with views of Muztagh Ata (7,546m). Arrive in Taxkorgan, China's westernmost town near the Tajikistan border.

    🏨 Taxkorgan 3β˜…πŸ½ B/L/D
  • 5Day

    Taxkorgan β€” Stone Fort β†’ Return to Kashgar

    Visit the ancient Stone Fort and pristine grasslands. Return to Kashgar via the Karakoram Highway with stunning mountain scenery. Free evening for last-minute exploration.

    🏨 Kashgar 4β˜…πŸ½ B/L/D
  • 6Day

    Kashgar β†’ Torugart Pass β†’ Tash Rabat (Kyrgyzstan)

    Early morning departure for the Torugart Pass border crossing at 3,752m. After immigration formalities, descend into the dramatic landscapes of Kyrgyzstan. Arrive at Tash Rabat β€” a remarkably preserved 15th-century stone caravanserai nestled in a mountain valley. Overnight in a traditional yurt camp.

    πŸ•οΈ Yurt Camp🍽 B/L/D
  • 7Day

    Tash Rabat β†’ Kochkor

    Explore the Tash Rabat caravanserai in the morning light. Drive through the scenic Tian Shan Mountains to Kochkor β€” a village known for its traditional felt carpet (shyrdak) workshops. Meet local artisans and try your hand at felt-making.

    🏨 Guesthouse🍽 B/L/D
  • 8Day

    Kochkor β€” Issyk Kul Lake

    Drive to the southern shore of Issyk Kul, the "Warm Lake" β€” the world's second-largest alpine lake after Titicaca. En route, visit the ancient petroglyphs at Cholpon-Ata. Afternoon free to swim or walk along the shore.

    🏨 Issyk Kul 4β˜…πŸ½ B/L/D
  • 9Day

    Issyk Kul β€” Free Day

    Full day at leisure on the shores of Issyk Kul. Options include hiking in the surrounding mountains, boat trips, visiting local fish markets, or simply relaxing on the beach. This is your day to unwind in one of Central Asia's most beautiful settings.

    🏨 Issyk Kul 4β˜…πŸ½ B
  • 10Day

    Issyk Kul β†’ Burana Tower β†’ Bishkek

    Drive to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's leafy capital. En route, visit the Burana Tower β€” an 11th-century minaret and the last remnant of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagun. Afternoon city tour of Bishkek: Ala-Too Square, Osh Bazaar, and the White House.

    🏨 Bishkek 4β˜…πŸ½ B/L/D
  • 11Day

    Depart Bishkek

    Free time until your airport transfer. Your epic overland Silk Road adventure concludes in Bishkek. Π”ΠΎ свидания!

    🍽 B

What's Included

βœ“

10 nights accommodation (hotels + yurt + guesthouse)

βœ“

English-speaking guide throughout

βœ“

Domestic flight: Urumqi β†’ Kashgar

βœ“

Private air-conditioned vehicle & driver

βœ“

Border crossing assistance at Torugart Pass

βœ“

Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

βœ“

All entrance fees & listed activities

βœ“

Airport transfers on arrival & departure

What's Excluded

βœ—

International flights to/from China & Kyrgyzstan

βœ—

China & Kyrgyzstan visa fees

βœ—

Personal expenses & tips

βœ—

Single room supplement ($320)

Frequently Asked Questions

Most nationalities need a Chinese visa and a Kyrgyzstan e-visa (or qualify for visa-free entry). Our team will assist you with the invitation letter and application process for both countries.

The pass sits at 3,752m, so some may experience mild altitude effects. The crossing itself takes 2-3 hours for immigration formalities on both sides. Our guide handles all procedures.

We combine comfortable hotels with a memorable yurt stay at Tash Rabat (mattresses and warm blankets provided) and a local guesthouse in Kochkor for authentic cultural experience.

Cross the Roof of the World

From the deserts of Xinjiang to the alpine lakes of Kyrgyzstan β€” this is the Silk Road as the ancient caravans knew it.

Start Booking

Quick Inquiry Ҁ” Free, No Obligation