12-Day Urumqi-Turpan-Altay-Kashgar Tour
Embark on a 12-day journey through the wonders of Northern Xinjiang, a region steeped in history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Explore highlights like Urumqi, Turpan, Altai, Kanas, and Tianshan, while immersing yourself in the rich heritage of diverse ethnic groups, including the Uighurs and Kazakhs. Discover the serene Heavenly Lake, the ancient ruins of Jiaohe, and other iconic sites that blend history with stunning landscapes. With private transportation, expert guides, and carefully selected accommodations, this tour ensures a seamless and unforgettable experience filled with cultural exploration and scenic marvels.
Itinerary
Our thoughtfully planned 12-day China tour ensures you make the most of your time in China's most iconic cities, offering rich cultural experiences that will leave a lasting impression:
Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi
Begin your journey through Northern Xinjiang in Urumqi, the vibrant capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Upon arrival, take the rest of the day to relax and acclimate. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city and visit the renowned International Grand Bazaar, a hub for local handicrafts, spices, and textiles. In the evening, savor a delicious Uyghur dinner to start your culinary adventure.
- Meals: Dinner
- Transportation: Private transfer from airport/railway station to hotel
Day 2: Explore Urumqi's Key Sights
Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum to learn about the region's rich history and diverse cultures. Then, head to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), a stunning alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The scenic area offers hiking opportunities, and you can enjoy a boat ride on the lake.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 3: Urumqi to Turpan - Ancient Oasis City
Travel to Turpan, an ancient oasis city located in the Turpan Depression. Start with a visit to the Jiaohe Ruins, an ancient city built from mud brick that once housed over 10,000 residents. Next, explore Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, an important Buddhist site filled with murals and sculptures.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: High-speed train from Urumqi to Turpan, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 4: Grape Valley & Karez System
Spend the day exploring Turpan's famous Grape Valley, known for its lush vineyards, and sample some of the finest local grapes. Afterward, visit the Karez Irrigation System, an ancient underground water channel that has been in use for centuries. Finish the day with a visit to the Flaming Mountains, known for their red rock formations.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 5: Turpan to Altay - The Kazakh Grasslands
Fly to Altay, located in the far northwest of Xinjiang, known for its beautiful grasslands and alpine scenery. Spend the day exploring the Altai Mountains and its picturesque Kazakh yurts. You can take a horseback ride through the vast grasslands or visit a local Kazakh family to learn about their nomadic traditions.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight from Turpan to Altay, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 6: Altay's Kanas Lake
Travel to the stunning Kanas Lake, one of the most scenic spots in Northern Xinjiang, located in the Altai Mountains. The lake, surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped peaks, offers opportunities for boating, photography, and hiking. Explore the nearby Hemu Village, a picturesque settlement where you can experience the culture of the Tuva people.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 7: Hemu Village Exploration
Spend the day exploring Hemu Village and its surroundings. Take a guided hike around the lake, enjoy the breathtaking views, and learn about the traditions of the Tuva people. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Tuva-style dinner, featuring local ingredients such as lamb and dairy products.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 8: Altay to Urumqi - Tianshan Mountains
Return to Urumqi and head to the Tianshan Mountains for a day of scenic exploration. Visit Tian Shan's Bogda Peak and hike through its alpine meadows, enjoying views of glaciers and valleys. If you're lucky, you may catch sight of local wildlife, such as ibex and snow leopards.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 9: Urumqi to Kashgar - Arrival in the Silk Road City
Fly from Urumqi to Kashgar, one of the most famous cities along the ancient Silk Road. Visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, and explore the bustling Kashgar Old City, where the vibrant markets and winding alleyways showcase the city's rich culture and history.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight to Kashgar and private transfer
Day 10: Visit the Livestock Market & Mausoleum of Abakh Hoja
Start your day by visiting the Kashgar Livestock Market, a vibrant bazaar where locals trade animals, textiles, and food. Next, visit the Mausoleum of Abakh Hoja, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture. Finish the day at the Kashgar Sunday Market, one of the largest markets in Central Asia.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 11: Karakul Lake & Tashkurgan
Take a scenic drive to Karakul Lake, located at the foot of the towering Mount Muztagh Ata. This stunning lake is set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, offering unparalleled views and photography opportunities. Afterward, visit Tashkurgan, a historic city known for its ancient ruins and unique Tajik culture.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 12: Departure from Kashgar
Spend your final day in Kashgar at leisure, exploring more of the city's bazaars or enjoying the local cuisine. When it's time, head to the airport for your flight to your next destination.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transportation: Private transfer to Kashgar airport
Accommodations
You may choose 5-star or 4-star accommodations for your journey. The following list is a sample of hotels you may stay in. An alternative hotel of similar grade may be chosen if the following hotels are not available. All of our accommodations are carefully selected for comfort and convenience.
5-Star Hotels List:
- Urumqi
- Conrad Urumqi
- Wanda Vista Hotel Urumqi
- Turpan
- Huoshanhong Hotel
- Hotels in Turpan West
- Altay
- Koktokay Six Terrace
- Kashgar
- Raddison Blu Kashgar
4-Star Hotels List:
- Urumqi
- Urumqi Belle Hotel
- Atour Hotel
- Turpan
- Hampton by Hilton Turpan
- Altay
- Hemu Surprise Hotel
- Kashgar
- Hampton by Hilton Kashgar
Inclusion/Exclusion
- What's Included:
- Panda Tourism's expert travel director and skilled professional driver
- Luxury 5-stars hotels with proven quality or comfortable high-end 4-stars hotels
- Inclusive of porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel service charges, tips, and local taxes covered
- Daily breakfasts and up to half of your evening meals included
- Iconic sightseeing highlights plus unexpected extras
- Audio headsets for special destination tours
- Private premium transportation coach/vehicle
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Optional experiences and plenty of leisure time
- Flights and train rides within China included
- What's Not Included:
- International flights to and from China
- China visa fees
