The journey continues along dramatic routes including the Panlong Ancient Road and the legendary Desert Highway, crossing the vast Taklamakan Desert. Along the way, you’ll experience unique landscapes like the Wensu Grand Canyon and visit the westernmost point of China.
Throughout the trip, you’ll discover local traditions, historical sites, and diverse scenery, from high mountains and glaciers to deserts and ancient Silk Road towns. This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking a combination of natural landscapes, road trip adventure, and authentic cultural experiences.
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Trip type
Private tour - minimum 2 guests -
Country
China & XINJIANG
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Duration
10 days -
Starting Location
Kashgar
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Ending Location
Kashgar
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Price
Each trip is priced individually - trips differ in the number of people, selected hotels, and attractions.
- Professional driver
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Drone aerial photography
- Private transfer in a business vehicle
- 9 nights‘ hotel and guesthouse accommodations
- Entrance fees to all attractions listed in the itinerary
- 9 breakfasts
- 5 local specialty meals and traditional experiences
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed
- Personal expenses
- Single room supplement
Experience Highlights
Day 1: Kashgar
Upon arrival in Kashgar, your tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. You are then free to arrange your remaining time, such as a short tour of the city. Meals for today are at your own expense, but your guide will recommend local restaurants. At 8 PM, we will hold a pre-trip briefing to introduce the travel itinerary and important information.
Day 2: Kashgar - Baisha Lake - Muji Crater - Tashkurgan
After breakfast, you will depart for White Sand Lake, a place where half is a pale desert and the other half is azure water. In the afternoon, you will begin your tour of the Muji Crater, known as the “Eye of the Pamirs,” with distant views of the Eighteen Arhats Peaks and admire the hundreds of kilometers of snow-capped mountains. Next, you will venture into the Muztagh Ata Glacier, enjoying a close-up view of its majestic and awe-inspiring grandeur. Overnight in a hotel in Tashkurgan County, followed by dinner.
Day 3: Tashkurgan - Panlong Ancient Road - Tashkurgan
After breakfast, we will first head to the famous Wakhan Corridor, then traverse the Panlong Ancient Road, which boasts over 600 bends and is truly breathtaking. In the afternoon, we will visit Bandir Blue Lake, known as the “Pearl of the Pamir Plateau,” and after the tour, we will return to Tashkurgan for overnight accommodation.
Day 4: Tashkurgan - Tasha Ancient Road - Yarkand
After breakfast, we will traverse the Tasha Ancient Road in the morning. This place has a history of 1400 years and is said to be the route taken by the Buddhist monk Xuanzang on his return journey from his pilgrimage to the West. We will arrive in Shache in the afternoon and check into our hotel.
Day 5: Yarkand - Hotan
After breakfast, visit the Yarkand Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, where you can enjoy unique Dawaz performances and traditional acrobatic shows. Have lunch in Yarkand at your own expense. In the afternoon, arrive at the ancient city of Yotkan, where an immersive performance will transport you back to the ancient Silk Road. Overnight at your hotel in Hotan.
Day 6: Hotan - Desert Highway - Aksu
After breakfast, we began our journey across the desert highway, flanked by the Taklamakan Desert, known as the "Sea of Death." The days journey was quite long, but the experience of crossing the desert was truly unique. We arrived in Aksu that evening and checked into our hotel for rest.
Day 7: Aksu - Wensu Grand Canyon - Wuqia
After breakfast, depart for Wensu Grand Canyon, home to magnificent red rock formations, a truly photogenic destination. Overnight stay in a hotel in Wuqia.
Day 8: Wuqia - Westernmost Point - Kashgar
After breakfast, we will arrive in the morning for a tour of Chinas westernmost point, where you can send a postcard from the westernmost point of China. After returning to Kashgar, we will check into our hotel for rest.
Day 9: Kashgar
After breakfast, embark on a day trip to Kashgar. The architecture of Kashgar Old City is unique and full of exotic charm, every alleyway offers a different surprise and is perfect for taking photos. In the morning, you can watch the opening ceremony of the Old City, and then explore the Old City at your leisure, searching for some local delicacies.
Day 10: Leaving Kashgar
Enjoy a final breakfast in Kashgar before being transferred to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your 10-day Xinjiang journey.
