Silkroad Xinjiang to Kyrgyz Border, 6 days

$1 / person

6days

Easy

China

Tour Route: Urumqi – Turpan – Kashgar

This tour operates from one of our chinese partners and you can continue with a different route in Kyrgyzstan. Or you can choose the whole tour: Best of China and Kyrgyzstan

Highlights and Overview of this Trip

Duration: 6 days
Trip Season: May – October
Accommodation: Hotels, Guest houses, Yurt Camps
Difficulty: Easy
Type: cultural tour

program:

DAY 1: Airport – Urumqi

Meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel. Free time.

Dinner in local restaurant. Accommodation at the hotel.

Meals: none

DAY 2: Urumqi - Sightseeing

Urumqi to Heavenly Lake, then back to Urumqi

Today you will take one-hour car ride to Heavenly Lake (or Tianchi in Chinese) which is a high-mountain lake located in the valley of Tianshan Mountains. Inscribed on the list of natural heritage by UNESCO, Tianchi is a well-known attraction near Urumqi. You will take the sightseeing bus to the hill, then view the impressive lake with the snow-capped mountains. There are some kazak yurts on the hills, these white tents make a stunning picture with the green lake and mountains.
Later, you will be transferred back Urumqi after sightseeing.
Upon arrival, you can visit the Red Hill and the Grand Bazaar.

Meals: breakfast

DAY 3: Urumqi - Turpan (Overnight in train)

Today’s Activities: Our guide and driver will escort you from Urumqi to Turpan passing Tuyoq Village and Tuyugou Canyon, Suleiman Minaret, The Karez Wells, The Ruins of the Jiaohe Ancient City. Your tour ends at the trainstation for the overnight-train to Kashgar

Breakfast.

The Ruins of the Jiaohe Ancient City: Jiaohe was built by the ancient Cheshi people in the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC) and the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). Located in the Yarnaz Valley, 8 km (5 mi) west of Turpan, it was dug out of and constructed from the yellow-gray parched ground of a narrow 30-meter-high, 1.5-km-long vertical sided island in a river. It is a good vantage point for seeing the surrounding landscape of vineyards and orchards followed by desert and mountains.

The Karez Wells: This irrigation system of wells connected by underground channels is considered to be one of the three great ancient projects in China. The Karez Wells Folk Garden and Museum is located adjacent to Turpan, 3 kilometers west of the city center. The famous fruit and vineyards of these hot, dry desert communities owe their existence to the Karez wells, ancient underground irrigation channels fed by wells that tap into the snowmelt from surrounding mountains. These systems are still maintained and functioning today. A small museum provides an insight into their intriguing history and construction, and takes you below ground for a first-hand view.

Suleiman Minaret: Also known as Sugong Tower, it is the biggest ancient tower existing in Xinjiang and the only ancient Islamic minaret in the country. It is located 2 kilometers southeast of Turpan’s center.

Meals: breakfast

DAY 4: Overnight train to Kashgar

After arrival at the Train station in Kashgar and check-in at the Hotel have a short rest. Then we start a Kashgar City Tour visiting Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar Old Town and a Handicraft Street

Breakfast.

Id Kah Mosque: This 15th century mosque is one of the largest and busiest in China. At midday on Fridays around 10,000 people will gather to pray and study the Koran, and prayer 5 times/day on other days. You’ll be asked to remove your shoes before entering the Main Hall, which has traditional Islamic pillars, carvings and rugs strewn over the floors. Women are adviced to cover upper arms and legs, a scarf is not compulsory, but is seen as a mark of respect. This is a must visit place for tourist in Kashgar.

Kashgar Old Town: Kashgar is an ancient city, and in walking the streets of its Old Town, will provide a sense of what this legendary Central Asian hub was like in the days when the Silk Road was at its zenith. 500-year-old remnants of the city wall, narrow lanes and colorful multi-ethnic crowds combine to make Kashgar’s historic district a highlight of any visit to the city.

Handicraft Street: It is close to Id Kah Mosque, an old street with an amazing range of goods being crafted for sale by hand, from strictly utilitarian cookware to exotic musical instruments. There’s not much light industry in Kashgar, so everything is hand-made or imported from a very distant place. Copper, metal, porcelain, woodwork, jewelry and other goods are seen to be made and you will marvel at incredible devices like the wooden objects that prevent babies from wetting the bed.

You will have a break at the ancient teahouse- with over 100 years’ history, which gather many unengaged locals here to chat, enjoy tea break and play music and dance spending a whole afternoon. Dinner in local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: breakfast

DAY 5: Baisha Lake & Kala Kule Lake

Today’s Activities: Kala Kule Lake, Baisha Lake (‘White Sand’ Lake)

Breakfast.

Ancient City Wall: The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete city defenses still around. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City, is surrounding the city center. You can walk or pay extra cost to rent a bike (CNY40 per person), or an electric cart (CNY80 per person) around the full 14km circuit, with great views of the city on either side.

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses: Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin’s tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars. 1.5 hours from Xian, there is also an excellent museum and film about the history of the vaults. Photos (no flash) are allowed. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Learn How to Make Terracotta Warriors from Local Artisans: Visit the family workshop in the countryside, learn how to make Terracotta Warriors from a local artisan. Do you know how life-sized warriors been made in the ancient time? Do you know what is the most difficult step? Find the answers by visiting the place. Not only know detailed steps of making procedure, but also have a nice interact with the local.

Muslim Quarter: The Muslim quarters lies 100 meters west of the Bell tower in downtown Xi’an. The 500 meters long avenue paved by bluestones are dotted with many unique stall, souvenir shop, café and bars which are mostly run by Muslim people. Tourists, especially from overseas come and shop here. Dinner. Accommodation at the hotel.

Meals: breakfast

DAY 6: Kashgar – Tash Rabat Caravanserai/Kyrgyz Border

Today’s Activities: Transfer from Kashgar to border in Torugart, cross Kyrgyz-China border, transfer to Tash Rabat

Breakfast.

Transfer to Kyrgyz-China border (4hrs). Cross the border to meet your next guide or just continue your plans.

It’s also possible to stop this tour already in Kashgar

Package of China for 2 persons

$2150

The price serves as a guideline and unfortunately varies regularly. It is influenced by fees, group size, season, and region.

The accessability of some places can change during the year. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a fix price

Price Includes:

Entrance fees: To scenic spots as listed in the itinerary.
Private Transfers: Transfers between airports, railway stations, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in Shanghai, Beijing, Xian by private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver and English-speaking guide (as listed above)
Guide: As outlined in the itinerary; a local English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city.
Hotels:
- Service includes 1 room for 2 persons.
- Please note double bed room is on request basis which is subject to Hotel’s availability and re-confirmation upon check-in.
  Hotel check-in is usually available at 12 noon however some hotel only allows check in after 2pm. Check-out is usually 12 noon on the day of check-out.
- Early check-in may be available on a case-by-case basis by request in advance.
Transport Turfan Bei (North) To Kashi Transfer via Train, T9521 (Soft sleeper)
Rail Travel Railway booking offices do not accept reservations until 10 days (or longer in some special periods, like National Day, Labour Day) before departure. China Highlights is normally able to secure all proposed tickets (98%), but occasionally government action (e.g., train charter) or other forces intervene, making tickets unavailable. We reserve the right to change your tickets to other means of transport if appropriate, which may result in some changes to your schedule.

!!! Please take good care of your train ticket stub as it will be checked when you leave the train station.

Service Charge & Government Taxes
Airport Tax and Fuel Fee

Price Excludes:

International Flights

Hotel Deposit:
When you check in at a hotel, they will ask for a deposit, which is not included in the tour cost. You will need to pay the deposit on the spot to the hotel. Most large hotels will accept international credit/debit cards but mark “expense”, while the hotel will refund you the deposit fully if there are no additional hotel expenses (mini bar use, laundry, other hotel services, etc.) or damage to hotel property.

Personal Expenses:
Expenses of a purely personal nature such as laundry, snacks or drinks, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary.

Meals:
Any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary or takes place at local restaurants.

Single Room Supplement:
Important note for those who choose to pay a single room supplement fee: The fee only covers hotel single room supplements.

Visa Fees
We cannot guarantee nor be held responsible for any visa applications that are declined. China: All travelers to mainland China require a valid China visa. Please ensure that you have a China visa before your departure. We will provide a Visa Invitation Letter when you book a tour.

Gratuities, Tips to Guides or Drivers
Unlike other travel agencies in China, we pay the guides and drivers a base salary. The tipping is not mandatory however the guides and drivers, as in many other countries, will usually expect a tip. Those customers wishing to tip often ask us what they should give. Our suggestion would be:1 person CNY 150-200/day, 2 people in a group CNY100 day/person, 3-5 people in a group: 50-70 CNY /day/person, 6-9 people in a group:40-50 CNY /day/person, ≥10 people in a group: 20-30 CNY /day/person. The driver would be half the amount, and separate offer to each is best. Of course, only tip if the service has truly satisfied you. Hotel bell boys require a tip of about CNY10 per bag. It is not required to tip in restaurants.

Insurance
We strongly suggest you buy travel insurance from your country, even SOS service.

NOTES

Contact us for addition nights, activites or any other questions
You can add other trips to your journey
Tour Operator reserves the right to modify itineraries and/or substitute hotels of a reasonably similar quality, when available, should circumstances beyond our control deem it necessary.
Domestic flights are booked as per availability, if flight is cancelled or no tickets available on the time of booking, itinerary will be modified as per timetable

Clothing

Layered clothing: Include base layers, mid-layers, and outer layers to adapt to varying weather conditions.
Waterproof jacket and pants: To stay dry during rain or wet conditions.
Warm hat and gloves: To protect against the cold, especially at higher altitudes.
Comfortable boots: Well-fitted and sturdy, preferably waterproof.
Additional pair of shoes or sandals for leisure time
Extra socks and underwear: Moisture-wicking and quick-drying options are best.

Gear

Backpack: A durable and comfortable backpack with a capacity suitable for the length of your trek. Recommended weight maximum 10kg
Sleeping bag liner: Adds warmth and ensures cleanliness. We cannot give you 100% guaranty that mattresses at the Yurt Camps or Homestays will be ideally clean and meet your standards. That is why better to put your own inlet to these beds.
Headlamp or flashlight: With extra batteries, for visibility at night.
Multi-tool or knife: Useful for various tasks.

Food and Water

Water bottles: To reduce waste we’ll recommend you to buy 7-10l Bottles from the stores and refill your bottles.
Food: meals which are not included to the program, you’ll have the choice to try local food at markets/bazars on the way, at restaurant or cafes.

Safety

First aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
Personal hygiene items: Biodegradable soap, toilet paper, wet wipes.
Medications: Any personal medications, plus extras in case of delays. We are sometimes in very remote areas, so obtaining these items could be difficult.
Sun protection: Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF, hat, sunglasses.
Insurance: Travel insurance is not included in the tour package. It is highly recommended that clients have their own travel insurance to cover illness, injury, and loss or damage to personal belongings. In case of an emergency, the staff will do their best to assist and transport you to a hospital or another point of care. However, if you do not have insurance, you will be required to cover the charges yourself. Your insurance should also cover helicopter services and rescue/search operations in the mountains.

Miscellaneous

Money: it’s common to pay by cash.
Credit cards and Visa cards to withdraw money can be used in Bishkek, Karakol only.
In bigger restaurants, cafes or gas station sometimes you can pay by card.
Camera or smartphone: To capture the beautiful scenery.
Power bank: To keep your electronic devices charged. In theory, accommodation places in the countryside have electricity. But it does not mean “automatically” that in practice it’ll be so. Sometimes there is the problem with electricity in some places but it is very unpredictable.
Wifi: at accommodation at the moutains can be possible but don’t expect it. Same with mobile phone reception
Reusable bags: For carrying trash out of remote areas.

Remember, packing light is important, but make sure you have all the essentials to stay safe and comfortable during your horse trekking adventure. Enjoy the ride!