Overview 

Setting off from Urumqi, we embark on a rendezvous with Xinjiang. Passing through the crystal-clear Lake Sayram, we encounter the magnificent Duku Highway, running freely amidst the sea of flowers on the grasslands, and experiencing the vibrant life in ancient streets. Along the way, we see mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas, as well as folk customs and history. These 13 days will be an exclusive treasure etched deep in our memory, never fading.

Tour highlights:

D1: Urumqi airport pick-up

D2: Urumqi-Sayram Lake

D3: Sayram Lake-Yining

D4: Yining-Zhaosu-Xiatagudao

D5: Chateauteau-Karakun Grassland-Tekes

D6: Tekes-Narat

D7: Narat-Duku Highway-Kuche

D8: Kucha

D9: Kucha-Aksu

D10: Aksu-Makit

D11: Makit-Kashgar

D12: Kashgar-Kizilsu Tianmen

D13: Send the plane to Kashgar

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1: Urumqi

Upon arrival in Urumqi, you will checked into the hotel and took a short rest. Then heading to Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar to taste grilled lamb skewers, hand-grabbed rice and other delicious food, and bought special souvenirs. I enjoyed the night view of the bazaar and experienced Xinjiang song and dance performances.

Day 2: Urumqi-Sayram Lake

Start from Urumqi and go to Sayram Lake. When you arrive at Sayram Lake scenic area. Lake Sayram has the reputation of "the last tear of the Atlantic". It is surrounded by mountains, and the lake is clear and blue. The lake and mountains reflect the surrounding grasslands and forests, forming a picturesque and picturesque landscape. walk or ride along the lake to enjoy "the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean". Stay in Sayram Lake and enjoy the starry sky.

Day 3: Sayram Lake-Yining City

Waking up early to watch the sunrise over Lake Sayram, continue your exploration. Head to Yining City passing through Guozigou Bridge to enjoy the beautiful scenery, visit the Six-Star Street to admire its unique hexagonal layout and colorful buildings, and savor local delicacies like Gulandam ice cream and blue-walled lungzis. Then head to the Kazanqie Folk Tourism Area, where you can choose to cycle around and experience the local lifestyle, enjoying traditional dwellings. In the evening, visit the Ili River Scenic Area, walk up the bridge to watch the sunset, and enjoy the vast river surface, snow-capped peaks along the banks, and lush trees, feeling the tranquility and beauty of nature.

Day 4: Yining-Zhao su-Shota Ancient road 

Travel along the Yizhao Highway to Zhao su, enjoying the scenic views of high mountain meadows and snow-capped peaks along the way, and take a short rest upon arrival. Head to the Shota ancient road Scenic Area, take a shuttle bus to the hot spring hotel, and then choose to hike or ride horses along the wooden boardwalk to admire the grasslands, canyons, and snow-capped mountains.

Day 5: Shota ancient road-Karajun Grassland-Tekes

After breakfast, we will go to Karajun Grassland to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the grassland, undulating mountains and dense forests. We can take a regional bus for sightseeing and get off at appropriate places to take photos and play. After returning, we will visit Tekes Bagua City to appreciate the unique layout of the city.

Day 6: Tekes-Narat grassland 

After breakfast, we will go to Narat Grassland, which is a national 5A scenic spot located in the eastern end of the Ili River Valley in the hinterland of Tianshan Mountains. It is one of the four major high mountain river valley grasslands in the world. Together with the two, they form a magnificent natural and cultural picture of Xinjiang. Enjoy the beautiful grassland scenery and snow mountain beauty.

Day 7: Narat-Duku Highway-Kucha

After breakfast, we will travel along the southern section of Duku Highway to Kuche and enjoy the scenery along the way, which is "four seasons in one day and different weather every ten miles". We will pass by Bayinbuluke Grassland, where we can enjoy the sunset scenery of Jiudu River with its nine bends and eighteen turns. Then we will continue to Kucha.

Day 8: Kucha

Visit the ruins of Subash Buddhist Temple, wandering through this ancient cluster of Buddhist architectural relics, feeling the vicissitudes and weight of history, appreciating unique architectural styles, understanding the spread and development of ancient Buddhism in the Western Regions, and checking in at the iconic buildings of East Temple and West Temple. Come to the old city of Kucha, strolling through the streets filled with the atmosphere of daily life.

Day 9: Kucha-Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves-Aksu

After breakfast, we went to the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, which are rich in mural themes and integrate various artistic styles, which is of great significance for the study of Buddhism, art and Silk Road culture. We visited the Wensu Grand Canyon, where the Danxia landform and Yadan landform are amazing.

 Day 10: Aksu-Makit county

After breakfast, head to the Turpan-Hotan highway along the Taklimakan Desert, where the grandeur of the Taklimkan deserrt, the vitality of the oases, and the majesty of the mountains and rivers intertwine into a breathtaking landscape. Each scene tells the story of this land. Upon arrival, visit the Dolan Painting Village to learn about Dolan culture and appreciate folk painting art. Experience local customs such as the Dolan Muqam performance, immersing yourself in the rich Dolan atmosphere. Then proceed to N39 Desert, where the sea of sand stretches endlessly, creating a magnificent sight.

Day 11: Makit-Kashgar

Visit the ancient city of Kashgar, enter through the East Gate, and participate in the opening ceremony. Stroll through the characteristic bazaars such as the Flower Pot Bazaar, Matuk Bazaar, and Flower Hat Bazaar within the old town, admiring various handicrafts and specialty goods. Then visit the Aitigah Mosque to experience its solemn and dignified atmosphere. visit the Fragrant Concubine Garden to learn about the legendary story of the Fragrant Concubine, and enjoy the ancient architecture and garden scenery inside. Next, head to the GaoTai residential area, which has a history of 600 years, built along the cliff with a staggered layout, integrating ancient residential architecture, folk customs, and intangible cultural heritage. Watch the local ethnic song and dance performances to feel the charm of Xinjiangs folk culture.

Day 12: Kashgar

After breakfast, head to the Kizilsu Tianmen "Shipton's arch" Grand Canyon. Once inside the canyon, follow the trail on foot, admiring the cliffs that seem to have been torn off by mountains, marveling at natures incredible craftsmanship. In the afternoon, visit the bazaar to watch locals haggling and trading cattle and sheep, experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of daily life.

Day 13: Kashgar-home

After breakfast you will transfer to the airport see off the kashgar.