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Home > Xinjiang & Silk Road > 11 DAYS HISTORICAL SILK ROAD: DUNHUANG TO XINJIANG

11 DAYS HISTORICAL SILK ROAD: DUNHUANG TO XINJIANG

Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi, Korla, Kuqa, Aksu, Kashgar

Outdoor & Adventure, History & Culture, Off the Beaten

Highlights

  • Visiting important Silk Road cities in one trip
  • Relive the Silk Road at ancient cities like Jiaohe and Kashgar, with specialised local guides and exclusive experiences
  • Visiting special access to caves not normally accessible to the public.
  • Selected accommodation throughout

This section of the Silk Road is the highlights of its cultural and historical heritage. From the amazing grottoes of Dunhuang, we will travel through the most important Silk Road cities of Xinjiang before concluding in Kashgar, one of the most important crossroad in ancient times. Be treated to a galore of archaeological and scenic spectacles.

From

SGD 6,500 Per Person

11 Days 10 Nights

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01 ARRIVAL IN DUNHUANG

Dunhuang
N.A.

Transfer: Airport to Hotel

Arriving in Dunhuang Airport, we will transfer to your hotel to rest. Dunhuang is the westernmost outpost of West Han Dynasty where trade, culture and religion were exchanged during the Silk Road times. This evening, you can explore the night bazaar at your own leisure.

Day 02 DUNHUANG

Dunhuang
Breakfast included

Best of Dunhuang

Embark on an exploration of the renowned Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our journey includes special access to caves typically closed to the public, allowing for a unique and immersive experience. If you wish, enjoy a camel ride to witness the breathtaking sunset over the Singing Sands Mountain.

Our adventure continues with a visit to the Crescent Moon Lake, a remarkable natural wonder nestled within the Gobi Desert. Here, take in the serene beauty of the surroundings before concluding the day with a sunset dinner set against the backdrop of the majestic dunes.

Day 03 DUNHUANG / LIUYUAN / TURPAN

Turpan
Breakfast included

Dunhuang Museum

Enjoy some time to explore an artefact-rich journey from prehistoric to Qing Dynasty times at Dunhuang Museum (closed Mon).

Car Transfer: Hotel to Train Station

Afternoon we transfer to Liuyuan Nan Railway Station to take a high speed train to Turpan.

Train Transfer: Liuyuan to Turpan

Train                Liuyuan Nan / Turpan D575                   

1632/1956                   3hr24min

Car Transfer: Train Station to Hotel

Upon arrival be met your guide and transfer to hotel have a good rest.

Day 04 TURPAN

Tuyogou Village Turpan
Turpan
Breakfast included

Essence of Turpan

Visit Gao Chang ruins, an ancient Chinese Silk Road garrison town, where you will be taken by golf cart to visit the temple area. Immerse in the oasis-village of Toyuk Village in the Flaming Mountain gorge which has preserved its ancient Uyghur customs and culture. Marvel at the beautiful Bezeklik Caves, and if time permits, visit the Grape Valley.

Jiaohe Ruins

Embark on an excursion to the ancient city ruins of Jiaohe, a natural fortress atop a plateau that was an important stop on the Silk Road, and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jiaohe was founded by the Han Court in the 1st century B.C. and became an important garrison post, home to a cultural mix of Persian traders, Indian philosophers, Tibetan Warriors, Syrian Christians, and Han Chinese troops.

Day 05 TURPAN / URUMQI

Urumqi
Breakfast included

Car Transfer: Hotel to Train Station via Karez & Ermin

This morning we check out and transfer to Turpan Bei Railway station for a high speed train to Urumqi. On the way to the railway station, we will visit a few sights.

Karez Irrigation System & Ermin Minaret

We will visit Karez Irrigation System, a type of water conservancy system set up in the arid areas of Xinjiang and with water wells connected by underground channels. Appreciate the history of Ermin Minaret. It was built in 1778 and has a history of over 200 years.

Train Transfer: Turpan to Urumqi

Train                Turpan Bei / Urumqi                D8805

                                   1425/1520                    55min

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum

The museum’s standout exhibit features well-preserved corpses interred in ancient times. These bodies differ significantly from the embalmed mummies of Egypt, as they were naturally desiccated by the environment. Among them, the most renowned is the “Loulan Beauty,” dating back approximately 4,000 years.

Day 06 URUMQI / KORLA

Korla
Breakfast included

Car Transfer: Hotel to Airport

You will be transferred to the airport for an early morning flight to Korla.

Flight: Urumqi to Korla

Flight               Urumqi / Korla            CZ6671                        0810/0919       1hr

Car Transfer: Airport to Hotel with Sightseeing

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel with en-route sightseeing.

Local Scenery & Lives of Korla

Visit Bosten Lake Scenic Area. It is the region’s largest lake and one of the country’s largest inland freshwater lakes. The golden reed marsh and azure water create stunning scenery especially during autumn and early winter. We will also visit the Lop Nur people, one of the oldest ethnic groups to live in the Taklamakan Desert. They depend on fishing for their livelihood and developed a distinct culture of their own.

Day 07 KORLA / KUQA

Kuqa
Breakfast included

Car Transfer: Korla to Kuqa

After breakfast, we check out and drive to Kuqa (approx. 308 km/4 hrs).

Ancient Heritage of Kizil Caves & Kuqa

Today, we will visit the Kizil Caves. A large complex of rock-cut Buddhist caves, this area has historically been a thriving Silk Road commercial hub, reflected in the various artistic influences apparent in the cave murals. There are 236 grottoes within the compouned!

Continue approx. 80km/2h to Kuqa Ancient Town, once one of the great powers of ancient China and a major center of Buddhism. Time permitting, we can visit Kuqa King’s Mansion.

Day 08 KUQA / AKSU

Aksu
Breakfast included

Car Transfer: Kuqa to Aksu via Wensu

After breakfast we check out and drive to Wensu Grand Canyon (approx. 225 km/2.5 hrs). Thereafter, continue to drive another 1 hour to Aksu.

Wensu Grand Canyon

Wensu Grand Canyon is the most beautiful Danxia geological wonders in western China. It is home to China’s largest rock salt karst, the peculiar Yadan. Set in the middle of the Tianshan Mountains, it was the only road to cross between the south and north of the Tianshan post.

Aksu Old Town

Early in Qin (221-206B.C.) and Han (202B.C.-220A.D.) dynasties, Aksu was called Gumo, which not to be used until Tang Dynasty (618-907). It is an important stop along the ancient Silk Road in Han Dynasty.

Day 09 AKSU / KASHGAR

Kashgar
Breakfast included

Car Transfer: Aksu to Kashgar

Today we have a long drive from Aksu to Kashgar (approx.460 km/6 hrs)

Upon arrival you can have a leisure time at hotel.

Day 10 KASHGAR

Kashgar
Breakfast included

Sunday Markets

In the morning, we can visit the livestock market (open on Sunday only), a lively place to witness the traders in a traditional environment. Thereafter, if time permits and you are interested, we can visit the Sunday Market in the city.

 

Faces of Kashgar

Explore the Kashgar old town. Most of the houses are of built with adobe brick, it is China’s only labyrinthine city block characterized by Islamic culture. Walking through the intricate Islamic alleys of Kashgar’s old city, you can see the craftsmen who specialize in only one craft during their lifetime. If time permits, enjoy a pot of brick tea entertained by the elderlies in the old street of Ustang Boyi. Proceed to Id Kah Mosque (China’s largest mosque) and the Mausoleum of Abjak Hoja, tomb of Emperor Qianlong’s concubine.

Day 11 DEPARUTRE FROM KASHGAR

N.A
Breakfast included

Car Transfer: Hotel to Airport

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight back to home.

Hotels & Tour Price

Category 1

Indicative Cost Per Person (SGD)

Minimum 2 Pax S$ 9,050
Minimum 4 Pax S$ 6,500
Single Supplement S$ 1,800

Dongyi Dunhuang Hotels and Resorts • Hampton by Hilton • Conrad Urumqi • Korla Fortune – Wanda Jinhua Hotel • Kucha Tian Yuan International Hotel • Aksu Welcome Guest Hotel • Radisson Blu Hotel Kashgar

Dunhuang

Dunhuang

Dongyi Dunhuang Hotels and Resorts

A luxury hotel situated in the core of Dunhuang Cultural District, the hotel complex sits on the sand dunes, and the earthy colour of its architecture blends into the surrounding. (Opened in 2021; Rooms: 60)

Turpan

Turpan

Hampton by Hilton

Hampton by Hilton Turpan is the perfect hotel for your stay where you can relax and unwind. The hotel offers multiple amenities for your stay. Have a good night sleep in one of our guest rooms. The hotel also has meeting spaces where you manage your business requirements with ease. Hotel features 195 sleeping rooms for your comfort stay. (Opened: 2023; Rooms: 195)

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Urumqi

Urumqi

Conrad Urumqi

Hotel is located in the center of Urumqi's friendly business district and is the first luxury hotel in Xinjiang. The hotel is conveniently located only 20 minutes away from the airport and the railway station. (Opened: 2021; Rooms: 230)

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Korla

Korla

Korla Fortune - Wanda Jinhua Hotel

This Hotel is located in the centre of Petrochemical Avenue, and is part of a shopping complex. The hotel is surrounded by restaurants, stores, food and entertainment. Using only high-quality bedding, sound and light fixtures, creating a comfortable place of rest for you. The hotel also provides self-service check-in machines, delivery robots, self-service laundry, WIFI, gym and other leisure facilities. (Opened: 2019; Rooms: 239)

Kuqa

Kuqa

Kucha Tian Yuan International Hotel

With a construction area of 50,000 square meters, it boasts a 22-story building with 261 luxury rooms. Its facilities include Qing restaurant, a Western restaurant, entertainment and fitness facilities. (Opened: 2017; Rooms: 260; Deluxe Room)

Aksu

Aksu

Aksu Welcome Guest Hotel

Aksu Welcome Guest Hotel is located in Jinxiu Road of Dolang River Landscape Belt, it is a garden-type high-end star hotel in Aksu with a larger scale, a more complete function and a better environment at present. (Opened: 2017; Rooms: 203)

Kashgar

Kashgar

Radisson Blu Hotel Kashgar

The first international hotel in Kashgar offers modern rooms with panoramic views of the city and mountains await. If you worked up an appetite during your travels, sit down to a delicious meal at one of our two on-site restaurants or grab a tasty cocktail from the Lobby Lounge. Meeting planners and attendees appreciate our state-of-the-art facilities, which can accommodate up to 1,000 guests for dazzling events. During your downtime, relax in our health club with a swim in the sparkling indoor pool or a jog in the fitness centre. (Opened: 2014; Rooms: 261)

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OPTIONAL UPGRADE - Jangala Dunhuang Hotel (2 Nights)

Indicative Cost Per Person (SGD)

Per Pax S$ 670
Optional Upgrade - Dunhuang (2 nights)

Optional Upgrade - Dunhuang (2 nights)

Jangala Dunhuang Hotel

People have been drawn to the natural wilderness for centuries, but always crave a haven during their adventures. Set near China’s historic Silk Road, Jangala Dunhuang perfectly encapsulates this search for sanctuary. Taking its name from the Sanskrit for ‘desert garden’, its entire ethos – from its mountain backdrop to its beautiful rooms and suites – puts guests at the heart of the natural world.(Opened: 2022, Rooms: 25)

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COST INCLUDES:

  • Accommodation on twin share basis, unless on single supplement, on bed & breakfast basis
  • All transportations and transfers on an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Service of local English-speaking guide
  • All entrance fees in sights as stated
  • All tipping to local guides, porters and other local service staffs

COST EXCLUDES:

  • International airfare and taxes
  • Visa and entry taxes (if required)
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses e.g. telephone bill & laundry
  • Domestic Flight

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