11 Days South Xinjiang Tour in Apricot Season

Welcome to Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region and the farthest land from any ocean.  It is the heaven of travelers for its beautiful natural scenery, profound cultural deposits and special local customs and practices. Upon arrival, be transferred to the hotel and check in. The rest of day is free at leisure.

After buffet in the hotel, transfer to the ariport to take the flight to Kuqa. We will head to the Kizil Caves located in Kizil Township of Baicheng County and 67 kilometers away from Kucha, the caves were excavated on the cliff of Qul-tagh Mountain by the Muzart River. The listed 236 caves can be divided into four parts: west of the valley, inner valley, east of the valley and back mountain. The earliest caves might be excavated in the Eastern Han Dynasty and the Southern and Northern Dynasties was prosperous period, the latter ones belong to the Tang Dynasty. After visiting, bring to downtown hotel and check in.

Morning breakfast at the hotel, then we will drive to the Tomour Peak situated in the north of Wensu County, which is the tallest peak of the Tianshan Mountains with an elevation of 7435 meters, and also the largest modern glacial area of China. There are not only unique natural sights but also numberless rare and valuable wild animals, like the Tianshan red deer, snow chicken, marmot, yak, brown bear, snow leopard and black stork. The area around the Tomour Peak is also an important zone of forest resources and a famous scenic spot for mountaineering exploration and scientific expedition. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel and check in.

Delighted buffet at hotel, we will drive to Hotan, drive along the Taklamakan Desert Highway, which is currently the world's longest grade highway through flowing deserts, and it is also China's first desert highway. It has been the center of the ancient Silk Road since ancient times. It is now the main battlefield for oil exploration and development. And it is also one of the destinations for many tourists. This road is a grand project to conquer the "Sea of Death", making the millennium dream a reality, and becoming the world's longest flowing desert-grade highway, setting a Guinness World Record. Upon arrival, drive you to the hotel and check in.

Today after breakfast, we will drive to Kashgar, upon arrival, the tea house is our special arrangement for you to relax and get a feel for the local culture and traditions. Tea House in Kashgar Old Town remains popular among residents and tourists alike. It maintains very reasonable prices, with a pot of ordinary tea sold at five yuan. For two more yuan, one can also purchase a nang, a kind of crusty pancake common in Xinjiang. The cheap snack is popular among locals, while tourists usually prefer slightly more expensive medicinal teas, such as those containing rose, saffron, honey and other ingredients.

Today we will adventure to Taxkorgan, a town in the far west of Xinjiang Province in China, bordering Pakistani, Tajik, and Afghani.This region is commonly known as the main road of the "old Silk Road" the main route leading from China to West Asia.

On the way, you can experience beautiful Karakul Lake where the herds of livestock around the lakeside are reflected in lake Kirghiz herdsmen usually settle down and graze their herds before shuttling you onward to Kashgar. Walking around the White Sand Lake which is covered by the blown sand, and is always shining in the sunshine. This lake is on the way from Kashgar to the Karakul Lake. You will have ample opportunity for leisure walking and enjoy the Magnificant Muztagh Peak. 

Stay one night and explore its peculiar folk customs of Tajik nationality. Taste snack and milk tea provided by local herdsman and spend your rest of day at leisure.

Morning we will drive to Datong County, which is located in the plains of the Pamirs, less than 2000 meters above sea level. In spring, if you stand high on the mountain road, you can see the pink apricot blossom in the village in the distance, which surrounds the front and back of the Tajiks. After entering Datong Township, full of apricot flowers, like a feast of color, and the cold snow mountains and desolate canyon around those apricot flowers woods, visual sharp contrast, beautiful suffocating, the magnificent landscape painting became another pastoral painting.

Today we will continue the tour to pay a visit to apricot blossom. When you walk into Xinghua Village, you will be suddenly bright. At different altitudes, clusters of pink flowers bloom one after another, continuously becoming a hidden apricot flower valley. The centuries-old apricot trees cover the sky, and the clouds-like flowers bloom proudly on the branches. The breeze was blowing, the apricot petals drifted in the wind, and even the air exudes a refreshing floral fragrance.

Morning after delighted buffet, we will drive back to Kashgar, on the way, you will visit the Stone Fortress. The city is oval in shape and the city walls were built with sun-dried bricks on stone foundation. Surrounded by the grassland, snow mountains and rivers, it is a strategically important castle on the ancient Silk Road. Afterwards, walk around the Golden Grasslend to see Local Tajiks customs. 

Today you will enjoy a full-day excursion of Kashgar. Pay a visit to Id Kah Mosque, the largest Mosque in China and the most sacred mosque for the locals to practise their Islamic activities. Continue the visiting to Old Town with the open ceremony of Maxilap show. Come and join the exciting movement in this well-preserved Uighur residential area. Afterwards, further exploration to the special culture and experience the lifestyle with the arrangements of the visiting to the Terraced Households.

Today our journey comes to a halt after a good breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport or train station based on your schedule.