15 Days Silk Road and Northern Xinjiang Tour

Welcome to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. Getting off the plane or the train, you will find your tour guide is already waiting for you. Along the way to your hotel, you can enjoy the charming natural scenery and learn more about the history, culture and customs of the vast region from the guide. And you can get a nice rest once arriving at the hotel.

With a nice breakfast, you will then be taken to visit the Heavenly Lake, which is located halfway up the Bogda Peak, the highest mountain in the eastern Tianshan Mountains. The Lake will offer you picturesque scenery that earns it the name of the“Yaochi”(a fairyland in a Chinese myth). Trekking, taking the cruise or even the cable car to the Maya Mountains, you'll harvest an incredible view of Bogoda Peak. Still, the surprise hasn't done yet until your arrival in Fuhai. 

Today your mission is to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing day in the picturesque Hemu Village, where you can soak in the serene atmosphere of this charming countryside nestled in the Altay Mountains. Why not take a leisure stroll along the Hemu River, which meanders through the vast, open grasslands, or venture deeper into the serene landscape to fully immerse yourself in its peaceful charm, and do produce some nice photos there.

The reason why you are here is not only for the natural beauty, but also for the cultural exploration. Right, you are going to visit some Kazakh families, enjoy the cuisines they prepare for you with melodious sounds around. 

Enjoy a chill morning, and then your day will start with the breathtaking Kanas Lake. Known for its stunning natural beauty and the mysterious legend of the Kanas Lake Monster, this scenic area feels like a fairyland coming to life.

You'd better go up to the Guanyu Pavilion if you want to gain a panoramic view of natural wonders such as the well-known Three Bays (Moon Bay, Dragon Bay, Immortal Bay) or simply the tranquility of the area. The Lake promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of Xinjiang's beauty.

Maybe it seems your tour is finished when it's dark, but without a campfire, we cannot call it a day.

There are two highlights today. First, you will have a wonderful view of the much well-known Five Colored Beach, a natural masterpiece that feels like stepping into a painter's dream. As you wander through this stunning landscape, you'll be captivated by the vibrant layers of red, yellow, green, and purple hues that streak across the cliffs, creating a mesmerizing contrast against the deep blue sky and the shimmering river below.

As dusk falls, witness the breathtaking sunset over Urho Ghost City–a spectacular wind-sculpted landscape where eerie rock formations glow crimson under the twilight sky. This otherworldly terrain earns its“Ghost City" moniker from the haunting winds that constantly whistle through its maze-like canyons, creating an atmosphere of mysterious beauty. 

After savoring a steaming bowl of naan bread with fragrant milk tea, your driver will navigate the serpentine roads of the Xinjiang landscape, guiding you back to Urumqi's bustling bazaar where the scent of cumin and roasting lamb already permeates the skyline. And you can have a good rest at your hotel upon arrival.

Today is yours to relax and explore Urumqi however you wish. Sleep in, savor a leisurely breakfast, or wander through the city's charming streets lined with Silk Road-inspired shops and local markets.

You can head to the International Grand Bazaar which is the largest bazaar in Urumqi. There you'll find a bustling market filled with fruit, clothing, crafts, knives, carpets and almost anything that you can imagine.

Or you can visit the Hongshan Park. More of an amusement park than a natural wonder, it is nevertheless a great place to stroll and enjoy the good city views, particularly from the 18th-century hilltop pagoda, which has become something of a city icon. And modern entertainment facilities and ethnic performances bring a fresh and lively atmosphere to the park. 

Today you will enjoy a full day excursion Turpan. And your journey must begin with Tuyoq Village, the ancient Uyghur settlement nestled deep in the heart of Flaming Mountain Canyon. As one of Xinjiang's oldest continuously inhabited villages, it whispers tales of its sacred past—once a revered Buddhist and Islamic pilgrimage site. Wander through its four captivating sections: the dramatic canyon vistas, the mystical Maza tombs, and the weathered adobe houses of the old quarter.

Following is the visiting to the Jiaohe Ruins. Having a walk on the trails, you'll have a profound understanding of its millennia history. And when night falls, you can also enjoy joyous music played by some locals. In the end of the day, we'll have you back to the hotel for rest. That's our whole schedule.

Your day begins with a morning departure from the hotel, venturing first to the remarkable Karez Well—an ingenious underground irrigation network that has sustained life in this arid region for over 2,000 years. Wander through its cool, shaded tunnels to marvel at this ancient engineering wonder while escaping the summer heat.

Then, you will stand in awe before the Sugong Minaret, China's tallest Islamic tower dating back to 1778. Its intricate brickwork and towering presence whisper stories of the Silk Road's spiritual legacy.

As night falls, you will board on a high-speed train to Liuyuan Station, gateway to Dunhuang, a stronghold along the Silk Road.

Today we will have a full day sightseeing in Dunhuang. First, you'll head to the world-renowned Mogao Grottoes, where you can admire the exquisite murals and sculptures under the guidance of a professional guide. Immerse yourself in the charm of thousand-year-old Buddhist art and learn about the history and culture of the Silk Road.

Apart from that, you will visit the Mingsha Mountains. Under the glow of the setting sun, you can ride a camel through the desert, listening to the rhythmic sound of camel bells, or climb the sand dunes barefoot, feeling the fine sand slip through your fingers.

In the evening, we will stroll around the Shazhou Night Market, where is a distinctive local attraction, you can taste the local cuisine and relax here. In addition to local specialties, there are many handicrafts waiting for you to discover.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will embark on the journey to the legendary Jiayuguan Pass—the mighty western gateway of the Great Wall. Standing proudly since the Ming Dynasty, this imposing fortress once marked the farthest frontier of ancient China, where soldiers kept watch over the vast Silk Road.

Next, you will step into the Great Wall Museum, the first of its kind dedicated to preserving the Wall's rich legacy. Since its opening in 1989, it has brought history to life through fascinating artifacts, detailed exhibits, and immersive storytelling—giving you a deeper appreciation of this UNESCO wonder.

As the day winds down, you will journey further into nature's masterpiece: the Danxia National Geological Park. Here, surreal rainbow-colored mountains stretch endlessly under wide-open skies. After sunset, prepare to be mesmerized for the park will transform into a starry paradise. Tonight, you'll sleep under a blanket of stars, surrounded by Earth's most vibrant hues.

Please, get up early to catch the sunrise in the splendid Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park. Ribbons of reds, oranges and yellows slice through the rock, to create a rainbow vista contained only by the contours of the jagged mountain peaks.  

Continue our trip to Mati Temple, which was built in Jin Dynasty. There, a series of horse shoe prints are visible in Grotto 9, which are said to be left by a heaven horse. Hence, the temple was named for the horseshoe prints left by the legendary heaven horse, which becomes the treasure of the temple. 

Enjoy a morning at the hotel, around 9am, you will take the fast train along the Qilian Mountain with the splendid scenery to Xining.

There, what you can't miss is the grand Kumbum Monastery, also known as Ta'er Monastery standing as a beacon of Tibetan Buddhism and a testament to centuries of spiritual devotion. As you approach this sacred site, the air seems to thicken with the scent of incense and the soft murmur of prayers, creating an atmosphere that is both tranquil and profoundly moving. 

Another delighted day is coming. And today you will have a your inside the city. You can ride the bikes around the beautiful Qinghai Lake after 2hrs driving, or have the light trekking in the cole flower sea. It's no exaggeration to say that Qinghai Lake is a miracle that is endowed by a deity. Then you will head to the Chaka Salt Lake.

Today is the last day of our journey, we are going to enjoy the beautiful Chaka Salt Lake, this vast“Mirror of the Sky”resembles a huge piece of jade inlaid in the Gobi Desert. Walking by the lake, you can experience the purity and magnificence of the lake.

After that, your enjoyable Silk Road trip is about to end, you will be back to Xining to catch your flight. Wish you have a pleasant journey back home!