Duration: 20 Days
Overview
Destinations:Kashgar – Oytagh Glacier Park – Akesu – Kuqa – Yili – Naraty – Qiongkushitai – Sayram Lake -Shihezi – Turpan – Shanshan – Urumqi – Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse – Everest Base Camp
Highlights
- Experience the vibrant culture ofKashgar, from the majesticIdigar Mosqueto the bustling Handicraft Street, and enjoy a heartfelt visit with a local Uighur family.
- Marvel at the breathtaking Pamirs Plateau andOytag Glacier Parkalong theChina-Pakistan Highway, where towering peaks and pristine landscapes create unforgettable vistas.
- Immerse yourself in the livelySunday Bazaarand explore the ancientKuqa Old Town, where traditional bargaining and rich history come alive.
- Discover the spiritual heart of Tibet inLhasa, visiting iconic sites like thePotala PalaceandJokhang Temple, and stroll through the vibrantBakhor Street.
- Witness the majesticMount Everestat sunrise fromRongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery, and explore the unique nomadic lifestyle in Tibetan villages.
Itinerary
Kashgar Arrival
Welcome to
Kashgar
! Your adventure begins in Kashgar, known as the “green glasshouse” or “jade city”. This vibrant city has been a crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures for centuries. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to rest up for the exciting days ahead.
Traffic:
Car
Hotel:
Overnight in Kashgar
Discover the Heart of Kashgar
Today, immerse yourself in the soul of Kashgar. Begin at the majestic
Idigar Mosque
, the largest mosque in China and a spiritual hub for locals. Wander through the enchanting
Old Town
, where time seems to stand still, and visit a Uighur family to experience their warm hospitality and daily life. Savor authentic flavors at a local restaurant before exploring the bustling Handicraft Street, a tr
Along the China-Pakistan Highway
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic drive along the
China-Pakistan Highway
. As you traverse this remarkable route, take in the awe-inspiring views of the
Pamirs Plateau
, with its altitudes ranging from 2,500m to 3,500m and towering peaks reaching up to 7,000m. The highlight of the day will be the majestic
Oytag Glacier Park
, a true natural wonder.
Traffic:
Car
Hotel:
Overnigh
Sunday Bazaar and Kuqa Old Town
The excitement continues. Today, you’ll experience the vibrant
Sunday Bazaar
, divided into two sections: the covered market, brimming with clothing, nuts, and household goods, and the lively outdoor Animal Bazaar, where farmers and buyers gather with their animals. Witness the traditional bargaining methods that have been passed down through generations. After exploring the bazaar, take a mornin
Kizil Grottoes and Tianshan Great Canyon
Your tour continues with a visit to the
Kizil Grottoes
, one of China’s four major grottoes and the oldest among them. Marvel at the well-preserved architecture and murals that offer insights into Buddhist culture and the ancient Qiuci Kingdom. After lunch, venture into the
Tianshan Great Canyon
, a geological wonder that records 400 million years of crustal movement in Xinjiang.
Traffic:
Car
Duku Highway and Kuqa’s Grandeur
Today, you’ll explore the magnificent
Duku Highway
, driving deep into the Tianshan Mountains for about three hours to reach the Wild Dragon Lake. Returning to
Kuqa
, you’ll visit the
Kuqa Grand Mosque
and
Kuqa Palace
, where you can appreciate the unique architectural style of Southern Xinjiang and get a glimpse into the local way of life.
Traffic:
Car
Hotel:
Overnight in Kuqa
Meal
Naraty Grassland – A Kazakh Paradise
Your morning flight to Yining will be followed by a drive to the picturesque
Naraty Grassland
. As one of the four major steppes in the world, this subalpine meadow is a famous pasture that combines stunning grassland scenery with the rich Kazakh folk customs, making it a must-see destination in Xinjiang.
Traffic:
Flight + Car
Hotel:
Overnight in Naraty
Meals:
Breakfast
Nara
Kalajun Prairie – The Dark Wilderness
Depart for Tekes, a 3-4 hour drive away, where you’ll encounter the poetic and picturesque
Kalajun Prairie
. Dotted with springs and serving as a gathering place for nomadic people from May to September, this area is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural activities.
Traffic:
Car
Hotel:
Overnight in Tekes
Meals:
Breakfast
Kalajun Prairie
Kalajun Prairie
Qiongkushitai Village and Yili’s Delights
In the morning, travel to
Qiongkushitai
, a historic village renowned for its Kazakh culture and scenic surroundings. In the afternoon, drive to
Ili
and enjoy dinner at local Uighur restaurants in Kazanqi Village, where the flavors of the region will tantalize your taste buds.
Traffic:
Car
Hotel:
Overnight in Yili
Meals:
Breakfast
Qiongkushitai
Kazanqi
Sayram Lake – The Atlantic’s Last Tear
We’ll visit
Sayram Lake
, the highest, largest, and most beautiful alpine lake in Xinjiang, often referred to as the “last tear of the Atlantic Ocean”. Drive around the lake and climb to the viewpoint to capture the breathtaking scenery of Guozigou Valley and Bridge. Afterward, continue to
Shihezi
.
Traffic:
Car
Hotel:
Overnight in Shihezi
Meals:
Breakfast
Sayram Lake
Turpan’s Ancient Wonders
Start with a 2-3 hour drive to
Turpan
, passing by the impressive wind power station at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains and catching a glimpse of the
Dabancheng Salt Lake
. In Turpan, explore the ancient
Jiaohe Ruins
, the remarkable Karez Well irrigation system, and the majestic
Sugong Minaret
, each offering a window into the region’s rich history.
Traffic:
Car
Hotel:
Overnight in
Tuyoq Village and Kumutag Desert
Begin your day with a visit to
Tuyoq Village
, the oldest Uighur village, nestled within the
Flaming Mountain Canyon
. This village, once a sacred site for both Buddhism and Islam, boasts a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Afterward, travel to Shanshan to explore the vast
Kumutag Desert
, where you can experience the thrill of a camel ride, much like the ancient Silk
Heavenly Lake and Urumqi’s Bazaar
W’ll take the fast train to
Urumqi
and then head to
Heavenly Lake
, nestled at approximately 2,000m in the Tianshan mountain range. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, wildflowers, and evergreen pines, this lake offers a serene and picturesque setting. Enjoy a boat cruise, a leisurely hike, or a cable car ride to Maya Mountain. In the afternoon, return to Urumqi and savor dinner at the vibrant
Gr
Fly to Lhasa – The Roof of the World
Your tour continues as you fly from Urumqi to
Lhasa
. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to freely explore Lhasa, a city steeped in history and culture with numerous historical sites waiting to be discovered.
Traffic:
Flight + Car
Hotel:
Overnight in Lhasa
Meals:
Breakfast
Jokhang Temple
Lhasa Peop
Discover Lhasa’s Treasures
Wake up in the “Sunshine City”, where the skies are almost always brilliantly clear. Your tour begins at the awe-inspiring
Potala Palace
, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama. Towering over Lhasa at 12,139 feet, this 13-story architectural marvel boasts over 1,000 rooms adorned with intricate murals, sacred stupas, and priceless artifacts. Feel the weigh
What’s Included
- Private transportation through out the itinerary. SRT will arrange for all travelers to be met on arrival and seen off on departure based on your flight info.
- Shared accommodations in well located, tourist to superior class hotels include breakfast, service charge and government tax.
- All entrance fees(shuttle bus) sightseeing; excursions and activities as per the itinerary
- Domestic flights and 2nd class express train listed in the itinerary
- Private friendly and professional English-Speaking guides (French, Italy, Russian, German can be arranged per your request)
- Visa support letter for you to apply Chinese visa easily.
- Travel and health insurance when travel with us.
- 8, A 24/7 helpline while you are traveling.
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights not indicated.
- Food, Lunch or dinner not specified
- Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses and the other tours or activities not mentioned