Arrival in Urumqi (Airport Pickup)

All participants will gather in Urumqi.

Urumqi
Known as the world’s most inland city, Urumqi is the geographical center of Asia and a key stop along the northern route of the ancient Silk Road.
Xinjiang covers one-sixth of China’s total territory, making it the nation’s largest provincial-level region. It features a typical temperate continental arid climate, with an average annual precipitation of just 155 mm.
Snowmelt from surrounding mountains nourishes numerous rivers, forming oases along basins and river valleys. These oases account for about 5% of Xinjiang’s total land area and exhibit a unique oasis ecological landscape.

Meals: Not included

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Urumqi

Urumqi – Bosten Lake – Korla

Bosten Lake
The name “Bosten” comes from a Uyghur word meaning “oasis.” It is China’s largest inland freshwater outflow lake, fed mainly by the Kaidu River and forming the headwaters of the Peacock River. Surrounded by vast reed fields, it is one of China’s major reed production areas and Xinjiang’s biggest freshwater fishery base.
In 2002, Bosten Lake was designated as a National Key Scenic Area and later became a National 5A Tourist Attraction in 2014.

Meals: Breakfast included

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Korla

博斯騰湖

博斯騰湖

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Korla – Tarim Poplar Forest – Kuqa

Tarim Poplar Forest National Park
Covering 100 km², this park sits along the midstream Tarim River near Luntai County, on the northeastern edge of the Taklamakan Desert. It is the largest preserved natural Euphrates poplar forest in Xinjiang and the most concentrated poplar ecosystem along the Tarim River basin.

Meals: Breakfast included

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kuqa

Tarim Poplar Forest National Forest Park

Tarim Poplar Forest National Forest Park

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Kuqa: Kuqa King’s Palace, Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon

Kuqa King’s Palace
Originally built in 1759 by order of Emperor Qianlong to honor the local Uyghur leader for assisting in quelling the Khoja Rebellion. Only fragments remained by the early 20th century, and the palace was reconstructed in 2004 based on historical accounts. Visitors can experience the grandeur of the Kuqa royal family, explore the rich heritage of ancient Qiuci culture, and hear stories about the palace’s history and influential figures.

Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves
One of the most important Buddhist cave complexes of the ancient Qiuci Kingdom, begun in the 5th century. Among over 50 surviving caves, many contain valuable Buddhist murals and relics. The caves sit along a crucial section of the Silk Road.

Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon (Kuqa Grand Canyon)
Located 72 km north of Kuqa, this canyon is renowned for its striking red sandstone formations. With dramatic cliffs, winding passageways, and towering peaks, it combines mystique, majesty, and natural artistry—one of Xinjiang’s most awe-inspiring geological wonders

Meals: Breakfast included

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kuqa

Kuche Imperial House

Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan Mountains

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Kuqa – Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon – Aksu

Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon
The largest and most visually stunning red-layer canyon in the Tianshan region, known as the “King of Canyons.” Stretching 25 km east to west and 20 km north to south, it includes 3 main valleys, 12 tributaries, and hundreds of smaller gullies.
Its geological diversity includes canyon, wind-eroded, fluvial, tectonic, and rock-salt landforms. Notable sights include the Five-Colored Mountain, Hero Valley, Heavenly Gate, Golden Kiss, Hanging Nose Cliff, and City of Thousands of Peaks.

Meals: Breakfast included

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Aksu

天山托木爾大峽谷

天山托木爾大峽谷

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Aksu – Kashgar (Kashgar Old City)

Kashgar Old City
Home to one of the world’s largest clusters of earthen residential architecture. The maze-like alleyways and centuries-old homes reflect a blend of Han-Tang influences, ancient Roman elements, and modern Uyghur traditions. It is China’s only Islamic-style ancient urban district.

Meals: Breakfast included

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kashgar

喀什古城

喀什古城

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Kashgar – White Sand Lake – Karakul Lake – Muztagh Ata – Tashkorgan

White Sand Lake
Also known as Chakrak Lake, this surreal lake sits beside immense white sand mountains at the gateway to the Pamir Plateau. Its mirror-like waters and wind-sculpted dunes create breathtaking scenery.

Karakul Lake
Nestled beneath the legendary Muztagh Ata (“Father of Ice Mountains”), Karakul Lake is known for its dramatic shifts in color—turquoise, blue, gold, or even deep black during storms. The surrounding grasslands host grazing herds and wild birds, adding to the serenity.

Muztagh Ata
Standing at 7,509 m, this iconic glacier-covered peak is one of the most photographed mountains along the China–Pakistan Friendship Highway. With year-round snow, hanging glaciers, and mystical shifting clouds, it is a dream destination for climbers and photographers.

Meals: Breakfast included

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Tashkorgan

Baisha Lake

Karakul Lake

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Tashkorgan – Wakhan Corridor – Panlong Ancient Road – Bandier Blue Lake – Tashkorgan

Wakhan Corridor
A high-altitude valley linking China with Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, historically part of the Silk Road and a key passage between Chinese and Indian civilizations. The corridor sits at an average elevation of over 4,000 m.

Panlong Ancient Road
Also called the Waqia Highway, this astounding mountain road climbs from 3,000 m to over 4,200 m within only 15–20 km. Featuring 639 hairpin bends, it is known for its dramatic S-curves resembling ribbons floating across the mountains.

Bandier Blue Lake
Located at 3,050 m in the remote Pamir region, this brilliant blue lake is also known as the Xiabandi Reservoir. Surrounded by unspoiled mountains, it is considered one of the “sacred lakes” along with Karakul and White Sand Lake.

Meals: Breakfast included

Accommodation: Longting Hotel or similar

Wahan Corridor

Bandair Blue Lake

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Tashkorgan – Stone Fortress – Kashgar

Stone Fortress
An ancient stronghold of the Puli Kingdom and an important Silk Road hub. Built atop a steep mound, the fortress once guarded strategic routes connecting Kashgar, Shache, Yengisar, and Yecheng to the Pamir Plateau. Today, only remnants remain, but the adjacent Golden Grassland provides excellent views and photography opportunities.

Meals: Breakfast included

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kashgar

Stone City

Stone City

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Departure from Kashgar

We will take you to the airport according to your flight schedule.

Meals: Breakfast included

Accommodation: Return trip