$1 / person
12days
Easy
Kyrgyzstan, China
Tour Route: Urumqi – Turpan – Kashgar – Torugart – Tash Rabat – Naryn – Son-Kul Lake – Kochkor Village – South Shore of Issyk-Kul Lake – Skazka Canyon – Jety-Oguz Gorge – Barskaun Gorge – Karakol – Cholpon-Ata – North shore of Issyk-Kul Lake – Bishkek – Airport
Highlights and Overview of this Trip
Duration: 12 days/11 nights
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 (40 minutes): 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 (1 hour): 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 (1 hour): 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: Kashgar - Sightseeing
Today’s Activities: Kala Kule Lake, Baisha Lake (‘White Sand’ Lake)
Breakfast.
Ancient City Wall (30 minutes): 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, it 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 (3.5 hours): 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 (1 hour): 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 – Torugart – Tash Rabat Caravanserai
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. Meet your local guide. Lunch-picnic.
Drive to Caravanserai sits high at the top of a hill in the valley of the same name, almost 3,500 m (11,483 ft) high. The Tash Rabat caravanserai, whose name in Kyrgyz means “stone fortress”, is located around 80 km (50 miles) from Torugart, a Sino-Kyrgyz border post, and 90 km (56 miles) away from Naryn. This stone building, anchored in the history of the Silk Road, is one of the largest and best-preserved buildings in Central Asia. Explore Tash Rabat.
Dinner and accommodation in the Yurt camp.
Meals: full board
DAY 7: Tash Rabat – Naryn – Son-Kul Lake
Today’s Activities: Drive from Tash Rabat to Son-Kul Lake
Breakfast. Free time. Drive for lunch to Naryn.
Naryn is known for being a scenic city, with the Naryn river – the longest in the country – running through it, surrounded by majestic mountains.
Lunch.
Continue drive to Son-Kul Lake, which is high mountain lake at the altitude of 3060 m, and one the most beautiful places in country, which is, must to visit, where you can see nomadic life, ancient culture, tradition and customs of Kyrgyz nomad’s still alive today. Dinner and accommodation in Yurt Camp.
Meals: breakfast, dinner
DAY 8: Son-Kul Lake – Kochkor
Today’s Activities: Horseback riding, drive to Kochkor village
After breakfast explore Son-Kul Lake surrounding for walking to the mountain or walk along the lakeshore and enjoy the beauty of virgin nature and Nomad’s pasture.
Horseback riding 3 hours. The valley is covering by edelweiss flower, nomad’s yurt camps with their livestock. Lunch in yurt camp.
Transfer to Kochkor village for dinner and accommodation at the guesthouse.
Meals: full board
DAY 9: Kochkor – Skazka Canyon - Jety-Oguz Gorge - Karakol (220 km 5 hrs)
Today’s Activities: eagle hunting show, hiking in Skazka Canyon, Jety-Oguz Gorge
Breakfast. Drive to Karakol city along second largest mountain lake in the world, Issyk-Kul Lake.
In Bokonbaevo village you will see “Eagle hunting show”. Berkutchi (hunter with eagle) will meet you near the lake and share his skills about golden eagle. You will see amazing show with hunting scene.
Then drive to Skazka Canyon (Fairytale), an amazing canyon with red stone formation (hiking 1 hour). In Barskaun village we visit Yurt maker’s village workshop to see the hand manufacture process of Yurt Inn. The Yurt Make Master will demonstrate and tell the manufacturing process and assemble yurt. Lunch in Barskaun village.
Drive to Jety-Oguz Gorge, by nickname as Switzerland thanks to beautiful fir, junipers, and birch tree forests covered valley. Jety-Oguz Gorge Valley with seven red stones rock formation where you can see famous mountains “Broken Heart” and “Seven Bulls”.
Continue drive to Karakol. Check-in to the hotel. Rest. Dinner in Dungan family (Chinese Muslims). Accommodation at the hotel.
Meals: full board
DAY 10: Karakol – Cholpon-Ata (170 km 3 hrs)
Today’s Activities: Karakol sightseeing, visit Semenov and Grigoriev gorge, swimming in second largest mountain lake in the world.
Breakfast. Karakol sightseeing: Dungan Mosque, Russian Orthodox church, local bazar. Dinner in Dungan family (Chinese Muslims).
Drive to Cholpon-Ata along the north shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. On the way visit most beautiful gorges on north shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, Grigoriev and Semenov gorges. Lunch.
Continue drive to Cholpon-Ata. Afternoon, visit ancient stone inscriptions (dating back to 800 B.C.).
Check-in beach resort. Free time. Dinner in resort. Accommodation at the resort.
Meals: breakfast
DAY 11: Cholpon-Ata - Bishkek
Today’s Activities: Drive to Bishkek, Bishkek sightseeing
Breakfast.
Check out from resort. Drive to Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan with interesting architecture (mix modern and Soviet Union architecture). Lunch in Bishkek.
Bishkek sightseeing:
Famous Osh bazar
Ala-Too square with changing of the guards
Victory square and old square with the statue of Lenin
Oak trees park
Central White Mosque
Dinner in restaurant. Accommodation at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
DAY 12: Bishkek – Airport
Today’s Activities: transfer to airport
Breakfast. Transfer to international Airport Manas for flight back home. End of the tour.
Meals: breakfast
Price
Package of China + Kyrgyzstan
on request
The price is influenced by various factors such as group size or season. The accessability of some places can change during the year. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a fixed price.
Price Includes in China:
- 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 in China:
- 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.
Package includes in Kyrgyzstan:
- Accommodation as mentioned in program based on twin shared room
- Transportation as mentioned in the program
- Meals as mentioned in program
- Guide-driver
- Excursions according to tour program
- Entrance fees for all mentioned monuments
- All mentioned activities in the program description
- Eagle hunting show
- Yurt assemble show
- Horseback riding
- Letter of invitation for Kyrgyz e-visa (if need it)
- All local taxes
Package EXcludes in Kyrgyzstan:
- 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.
- Insurance
We strongly suggest you buy travel insurance from your country, even SOS service.