Arrival in Urumqi

Upon arrival in Urumqi Airport, transfer for lunch before visiting the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum which houses over 40,000 items including cultural relics from Xinjiang’s ethnic and minority groups, archaeological treasures from the Silk Road and ancient mummies aged more than 4,000 years.

Journey to Hemu Village

Transfer to Urumqi Airport for your domestic flight to Burqin Kanas Airport. After arriving, drive about 2.5 hours to the idyllic Hemu Village, the northernmost village in Western China and the biggest among the three only existing Tuva minority villages in China. If time permits, hike up to the Hemu Observation Deck for an expansive outlook of the beautiful village.

Exploring Kanas Scenic Area

After breakfast, set out on a 2-hour drive to the Kanas Scenic Area with stunning natural landscapes. Keep your eyes peeled for the picturesque Dragon Bay (Wolong Bay), Moon Bay (Yueliang Bay) and Fairy Bay (Shenxian Bay). Then, proceed to Fish Watching Pavilion (Guanyu Tai) where you climb up about 1,100 wooden steps to be rewarded with the best panoramic view of Kanas!

Return to Hemu Village, take a leisurely stroll around the village to admire its lovely wooden houses and natural surroundings, extra spectacular during autumn and early winter.

Journey to Turpan

This morning, drive about 2.5 hours to Burqin Kanas Airport for your return flight to Urumqi.

Upon arrival in Urumqi, we drive about 3 hours to Turpan, a historic oasis city located in the Turpan Depression and check-in to your hotel. Turpan has a rich history dating back thousands of years, and was a crucial stop along the ancient Silk Road, serving as a major trading hub between China and the West.

Turpan: The Flaming Mountain and its Surrounding

Set out early this morning to the Flaming Mountain, well known from the classic story of the Journey to the West, and the hottest place in China. Visit the Flaming Mountain Grand Canyon and Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. Afterwards, proceed to Tuyuk Valley where we will visit the quaint Mazar Village, an ancient Uyghur oasis-village.

Continue to Gaochang to explore the ruins of this ancient city, an important site along the ancient Silk Road. Built on the northern edge of the unforgiving Taklamakan Desert, Gaochang was once the biggest city in Xinjiang, and part of its legacy are artwork and documents at the Astana Tombs.

Turpan Discovery Continues

Today, set foot in Jiaohe Ancient City, a natural fortress located atop a steep cliff that is renowned as the best-preserved ancient city ruins of China, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, visit the Karez Irrigation System, a type of water conservancy system set up in the arid areas of Xinjiang with water wells connected by underground channels.

Then we continue to visit Emin Minaret, also known as Sugong Tower, the tallest minaret in China that was built in the reign of Qianlong Emperor during the Qing Dynasty. Proceed to visit Grape Valley, famous for the cultivation of many kinds of grapes and other fruits in the oasis.

Turpan to Kuqa by Flight

Transfer to Turpan Airport for your domestic flight to Kuqa, once the homeland of the ancient Buddhist Kingdom of Kucha and one of the essential towns on the ancient Silk Road.

Kuqa Historic Sites

Visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, believed to be the earliest large-scale Buddhist cave complex in China. Unfortunately, many of the finer frescoes were removed by foreign archaeologists in the early twentieth century, but what remains are noteworthy.

Later, visit Grand Kucha Mosque, Kuche Royal Palace and stroll through the charming old town of Kuqa.

Geological Wonder of Aksu

After breakfast, drive about 3.5 hours from Kuqa to Wensu where we will spend our afternoon to admire the spectacular Wensu Grand Canyon, a scenic red-rock geological area located in the main peak of Tianshan Mountains.

Thereafter, we drive 1 hour to Aksu to rest for the night.

Journey to Kashgar

Today, we will drive about 6 hours on the highway from Aksu to Kashgar, with views of the rugged Tianshan Mountains on one side, and Taklamakan Desert on the other. Then, check-in to your accommodation in Kashgar.

Road Trip to Tashkurgan

Today we will embark on a 7-hour scenic journey from Kashgar to Tashkurgan, driving on the Karakorum Highway and crossing the Pamir Plateau which is known as “roof of the world”. Enroute, stop by the stunning White Sand Lake (Baisha Lake), formed by glacier waters mainly from the Muztagh Ata Mountain, the “Father of Ice Mountain”.

Next, we will stop at Karakul Lake at an altitude of 3,600 meters, for a tea break specially arranged while immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery. Continue your journey towards Tashkurgan for the night.

Tashkurgan: Far West of China

Tashkurgan is a culturally rich city where the majority of its population are ethnic Tajiks, who have a distinct culture, language, and way of life, influenced by their neighboring Central Asian heritage. Head to the ruins of the historical Stone City, which was made the capital of Puli Country in Western Regions during the Han Dynasty owing to its strategic location. Also, soak in the views of the Golden Grasslands (Jincaotan).

Drive around 5 hours back to Kashgar, enroute stop at Upal Village.

Kashgar: An Exotic City

Devote your day to discover Kashgar. As a pivotal point along the Silk Road, Kashgar has long been a meeting place for diverse cultures, religions, and ethnicities, creating a unique fusion of traditions and customs. Visit the bustling Kashgar Sunday Livestock Market for a fascinating insight into the traditional way of life in Xinjiang. Proceed to Kashgar Bazaar to experience its vibrant atmosphere and unique charm.

We will visit Abakh Hoja Tomb, constructed in the 17th century to serve as the final resting place for Abakh Hoja, a prominent religious and political figure, and several of his descendants. This mausoleum is commonly known as the Tomb of Fragrant Concubine, a Uyghur princess who became the consort of Emperor Qianlong. Thereafter, continue to the historic Id Kah Mosque and explore the old town area.

Intriq Signatures Collection: Private Muqam Performance

This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner and private Muqam performance, which is a mesmerizing showcase of traditional Uyghur music, dance, and storytelling, characterized by intricate melodies, graceful movements, and vibrant costumes.

Transfer: Hotel to Kashgar Airport

Transfer to Kashgar Airport for your flight out.