13 Days Silk Road Group Tour: Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai

Tour Overview

This 13-day Silk Road group tour is our most popular itinerary, taking you through three of China's most legendary provinces. From the vibrant Sunday Market in Kashgar to the rainbow mountains of Zhangye and the mirror-like Chaka Salt Lake, every day brings a new wonder. Travel with a small group (max 16), stay in comfortable 4-star hotels, and enjoy the expertise of our English-speaking guides.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

• 1Day

  Arrive in Kashgar

  Arrive at Kashgar Airport. Your guide will meet you and transfer to your hotel. Free time to explore the Old City and enjoy local Uyghur cuisine.

  🏨 Kashgar 4★🍽 Dinner
• 2Day

  Kashgar — Sunday Market & Old City

  Experience the legendary Kashgar Sunday Market — a centuries-old trading hub. Visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest in China, and wander through the maze-like alleys of the Old City. Afternoon visit to Abakh Khoja Tomb.

  🏨 Kashgar 4★🍽 B/L/D
• 3Day

  Kashgar — Karakoram Highway to Taxkorgan

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

  🏨 Taxkorgan 3★🍽 B/L/D
• 4Day

  Taxkorgan — Stone Fort → Return to Kashgar

  Visit the ancient Stone Fort and the grasslands. Return to Kashgar via the Karakoram Highway, stopping at scenic viewpoints.

  🏨 Kashgar 4★🍽 B/L/D
• 5Day

  Kashgar ✈ Urumqi

  Morning flight to Urumqi. Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum to see the famous Tarim mummies. Afternoon at Hongshan Park for panoramic city views.

  🏨 Urumqi 4★🍽 B/L/D
• 6Day

  Urumqi → Turpan

  Drive to Turpan (3 hours), the second-lowest depression on Earth. Visit the ancient Jiaohe Ruins and the ingenious Karez underground irrigation system.

  🏨 Turpan 4★🍽 B/L/D
• 7Day

  Turpan → Dunhuang (High-speed train)

  Morning visit to the Flaming Mountains and Grape Valley. Afternoon high-speed train to Dunhuang (approx. 4 hours).

  🏨 Dunhuang 4★🍽 B/L
• 8Day

  Dunhuang — Mogao Caves & Singing Sand Dunes

  Full UNESCO day. Morning at the Mogao Caves (8 caves included). Afternoon camel ride and sand surfing at the Singing Sand Dunes. Optional sunset at Crescent Moon Spring.

  🏨 Dunhuang 4★🍽 B/L/D
• 9Day

  Dunhuang → Jiayuguan

  Drive to Jiayuguan (5 hours) through the Gobi Desert. Visit the Jiayuguan Fortress, the western end of the Great Wall of China.

  🏨 Jiayuguan 4★🍽 B/L/D
• 10Day

  Jiayuguan → Zhangye

  Morning visit to the Overhanging Great Wall. Drive to Zhangye (2.5 hours). Late afternoon at Zhangye Danxia — the famous rainbow-colored rock formations, best photographed at sunset.

  🏨 Zhangye 4★🍽 B/L/D
• 11Day

  Zhangye → Xining (High-speed train)

  Morning at the Giant Buddha Temple. High-speed train to Xining (approx. 3 hours). Visit Dongguan Mosque and stroll through the Muslim quarter.

  🏨 Xining 4★🍽 B/L
• 12Day

  Xining — Chaka Salt Lake

  Drive to Chaka Salt Lake (4 hours), the "Mirror of the Sky." Walk on the salt flats and capture stunning reflection photos. Visit Kumbum Monastery on the return journey.

  🏨 Xining 4★🍽 B/L/D
• 13Day

  Depart Xining

  Free time until your airport transfer. Your Silk Road adventure concludes. 再见!

  🍽 B

What's Included

What's Excluded

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