9 Days Silk Road Express Dream Tour from Dunhuang to Southern Xinjiang

Welcome to Dunhuang City. Getting off the plane, you will find a tour guide expert in Chinese and English is already waiting for you at the airport. 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.

Your first stop will be 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. The city is also featured with romance because of 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. After the tour, you will set your foot on the Silk Road.

As the train slowly pulls into Golmud,with a hearty lunch provided on board, you will head to the Qarhan 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. In the evening, we will continue our journey on the Express to Ruoqiang.

Your morning will start with a visit to the Milan Ancient City Ruins, the capital of the mysterious Loulan Kingdom along the Silk Road. And to allow you to know more about the Loulan people, the car then will take you to the Loulan Museum. As you enter the museum, you are greeted by the haunting beauty of Loulan's relics—exquisitely preserved textiles, delicate pottery, and ancient documents that speak of a sophisticated and enigmatic culture. Then you will embark on the joyous Silk Road Express excursion to Kuqa.

After arriving in Korla, you will be taken to the Bosten Lake. The enchanting scenery around is considered the top attraction. There, you can enjoy activities such as yacht tours, speedboat rides, horseback riding for photos, or fishing with a rod—each activity is captivating and breathtaking. The tranquil and relaxing environment makes it hard to leave, and gazing into the distance feels like witnessing a mirage.

When wake up, you will find yourself in Kashgar. You will be first driven to the Gaotai Ancient Homes. Only here can you really feel the pulse of ancient Kashgar from the unique dwellings. It is also, known as a “living Folk Museum of the Uygur where you will have the opportunity to learn the intangible cultural heritage handicraft-making techniques which are an essential part of the Chinese culture. After lunch, you will head to the Kashgar Ancient City, a bright pearl on the ancient Silk Road. In the end of the day, you will enjoy a Mukam-style dinner (Mukam is a intangible cultural heritage art form). And you will embark on the wonderful Silk Road Express excursion to Tashkurgan.

After breakfast, you will be taken by your driver to the Baisha Lake which has a picturesque natural scenery, with the snow-capped mountains and the lakes and rivers at its bottom, forming a grand and imposing spectacle. Then you will be warmly welcomed by our local Tajik families and experience their culture and lifestyle. And you will have a nice sleep at our 5-star-rated hotel in Tashkurgan.

The first stop in Tashkurgan County will be the Stone City. Tucked inside the area, the ancient relics once functioned as a stronghold along the ancient Silk Road which you can’t miss. Outside is the Jincao Beach where as you can gain unforgettable memories together with the sunshine as your background by taking nice photos. On the way to Kashgar,you will be driven to the much well-known Karakul Lake which means the “Black Sea Lake”. Just immerse yourself in the marvellous natural beauty. Not just a feast for the eyes, it is also a place steeped in history and culture. Located along the ancient Silk Road, the lake has served as a resting point for traders, pilgrims, and explorers for centuries. And you will be welcomed with warm hospitality.

Today our journey comes to an end. After breakfast, your guide will take you to the airport.