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12-Day Southern Xinjiang Silk Road, Taklimakan Desert & Pamirs Private Tour

🏜️ Follow the southern Silk Road from 【Urumqi】 through 【Turpan】, 【Kuqa】 and 【Khotan】 to 【Kashgar】. Explore ancient city ruins, Buddhist grottoes and remarkable desert canyons before crossing the vast 【Taklimakan Desert】. Discover Kashgar's historic streets and traditional crafts, then journey into the Pamirs to admire 【Baisha Lake】, 【Karakul Lake】 and snow-capped mountain scenery. 🏔️
12-Day
From US$3,589 p/p
Highlights
Itinerary
Transportation
Accommodation
Cost
FAQs
🏯 Trace the Ancient Silk Road
Explore the ruins of Jiaohe Ancient City, Subashi Ancient Temple and Kizilgaha Beacon Tower to discover the history of oasis settlements and trade routes across Xinjiang.
🪷 Discover Buddhist Art and Desert Canyons
Visit the Bezeklik and Kizil grottoes, then explore the striking red sandstone landscapes of Tianshan Grand Canyon near Kuqa.
🏜️ Cross the Taklimakan Desert
Travel by road from Alear to Khotan, passing expansive sand landscapes, desert vegetation and areas protected by sand-stabilization measures.
🧵 Experience Southern Xinjiang's Living Culture
Discover Khotan's regional history, stroll through Kashgar's craft streets, enjoy tea at a historic teahouse and observe the city's everyday market life.
🏔️ Journey into the Pamirs
Follow the China–Pakistan Highway to Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, where mountain and lake views change with the weather and light.
Day
01
Urumqi Arrival Airport → Urumqi Hotel
Approx. 15–35 km / 0.5–1 hr
Day
02
Urumqi Hotel → Tuyugou Village → Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves → Flaming Mountain Viewing Area → Jiaohe Ancient City → Turpan Hotel
Approx. 230–320 km / 4–5.5 hrs
Day
03
Turpan Hotel → Emin Minaret → Karez Well System → Korla Hotel
Approx. 390–450 km / 5–7 hrs
Day
04
Korla Hotel → Subashi Ancient Temple Ruins → Kizilgaha Beacon Tower → Kuqa Hotel
Approx. 310–390 km / 4.5–6 hrs
Day
05
Kuqa Hotel → Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves → Tianshan Grand Canyon → Kuqa Hotel
Approx. 220–300 km / 4–5.5 hrs
Day
06
Kuqa Hotel → Kuqa Grand Mosque → Kuqa Royal Palace → Tarim River Road Corridor → Alear Hotel
Approx. 250–330 km / 4–5.5 hrs
Day
07
Alear Hotel → Taklimakan Desert Highway → Khotan Hotel
Approx. 430–500 km / 6–8 hrs
Day
08
Khotan Hotel → Khotan Museum → Yuetegan Ancient City → Khotan Hotel
Approx. 20–50 km / 1–2 hrs
Day
09
Khotan Hotel → Yarkant → Mausoleum of Amani Shah Khan → Kashgar Hotel
Approx. 490–550 km / 6.5–8.5 hrs
Day
10
Kashgar Hotel → Kashgar Old Town → Handicrafts Street → Historic Teahouse → Id Kah Mosque → Kashgar Hotel
Approx. 10–30 km / 0.5–1.5 hrs
Day
11
Kashgar Hotel → China–Pakistan Highway → Baisha Lake → Karakul Lake → Kashgar Hotel
Approx. 380–430 km / 7–9 hrs
Day
12
Kashgar Hotel → Kashgar Airport
Approx. 10–25 km / 0.5–1 hr
7-Seater · 2–6 Guests · Exterior
7-Seater · 2–6 Guests · Exterior
7-Seater · 2–6 Guests · Interior
7-Seater · 2–6 Guests · Interior
9-Seater · 2–8 Guests · Exterior
9-Seater · 2–8 Guests · Exterior
9-Seater · 2–8 Guests · Interior
9-Seater · 2–8 Guests · Interior
Minibus · 10–29 Guests · Exterior
Minibus · 10–29 Guests · Exterior
Minibus · 10–29 Guests · Interior
Minibus · 10–29 Guests · Interior
Coach · 20–60 Guests · Exterior
Coach · 20–60 Guests · Exterior
Coach · 20–60 Guests · Interior
Coach · 20–60 Guests · Interior
Day
01
Urumqi Selected Hotel
Standard Double Room
Day
02
Turpan Selected Hotel
Standard Double Room
Day
03
Korla Selected Hotel
Standard Double Room
Day
04
Kuqa Selected Hotel
Standard Double Room
Day
05
Kuqa Selected Hotel
Standard Double Room
Day
06
Alear Selected Hotel
Standard Double Room
Day
07
Khotan Selected Hotel
Standard Double Room
Day
08
Khotan Selected Hotel
Standard Double Room
Day
09
Kashgar Selected Hotel
Standard Double Room
Day
10
Kashgar Selected Hotel
Standard Double Room
Day
11
Kashgar Selected Hotel
Standard Double Room
The Cost Includes

• English-speaking local guide for scheduled sightseeing and transfers

• Private air-conditioned business vehicle with driver for scheduled road transfers and sightseeing

• 11 nights of accommodation in the overnight locations specified in the confirmed itinerary

• Admission tickets and activities expressly listed in the final confirmed itinerary

• Scheduled visits to Tuyugou Village, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves and Jiaohe Ancient City

• Scheduled visits to Emin Minaret and the Karez Well System

• Scheduled visits to Subashi Ancient Temple Ruins and Kizilgaha Beacon Tower

• Scheduled visits to Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves and Tianshan Grand Canyon

• Scheduled visits to Kuqa Grand Mosque and Kuqa Royal Palace

• Scheduled road journey across the Taklimakan Desert

• Scheduled visits to Khotan Museum and Yuetegan Ancient City

• Scheduled visit to the Mausoleum of Amani Shah Khan in Yarkant

• Scheduled visits to Kashgar Old Town, Handicrafts Street, a historic teahouse and Id Kah Mosque

• Scheduled Pamirs excursion along the China–Pakistan Highway, including Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake

• Urumqi arrival pickup and Kashgar departure transfer

• Meals expressly included in the final confirmed meal plan

• Travel assistance and 24/7 helpline service as specified in the confirmed booking

The Cost Excludes

• International and domestic flights or train tickets to Urumqi and onward from Kashgar

• China visa, if required

• Meals not expressly included in the final confirmed meal plan

• Additional food, snacks, tea and drinks purchased independently

• Yuetegan Ancient City evening-performance tickets unless expressly included in the confirmed itinerary

• Kashgar Livestock Market visit unless separately arranged and confirmed

• Optional craft workshops or purchases not listed in the confirmed itinerary

• Extra scenic-area transport, special grotto access or activities beyond the confirmed admission arrangements

• Additional sightseeing, route changes or vehicle services requested during the tour

• Personal shopping and other personal expenses

• Single Room Supplement

• Travel insurance

• Tips to guides and drivers

• Any service not specifically listed under "The Cost Includes"

Booking Notice

• The published reference price is based on 2 people traveling together on a private tour. Final pricing depends on travel dates, group size, hotel selection and itinerary adjustments.

• This is a long-distance road journey across southern Xinjiang. Several days involve extended driving, and the itinerary may be adjusted for weather, road access and local visitor arrangements.

• The visits to Bezeklik and Kizil grottoes depend on confirmed admission, cave availability and current conservation regulations. Special caves are not automatically included.

• Day 7 crosses the Taklimakan Desert by road. This is a scheduled highway journey, not an off-road desert-driving activity.

• Day 8 includes Yuetegan Ancient City. The evening show is subject to its operating schedule; ticket inclusion must be confirmed before booking.

• The Kashgar Livestock Market may be added on Day 10 only when the date and market operations allow. It is not a guaranteed daily attraction.

• Day 11 includes a long round-trip drive to the Pamirs and high-altitude sightseeing at Karakul Lake. Avoid strenuous activity and inform your guide if you feel unwell.

• Carry your passport for accommodation, transport and any required route checks. Some attractions may restrict photography or access.

• The public reference page does not provide a complete daily meal table. Confirm all breakfasts, lunches and dinners in the final quotation.

• Please provide your Kashgar departure details in advance. This private itinerary can be adjusted to suit your travel schedule and interests.

Refund Policy

• More than 30 days before departure: 10% cancellation fee

• 30–15 days before departure: 20% cancellation fee

• 14–7 days before departure: 30% cancellation fee

• 6–2 days before departure: 50% cancellation fee

• Less than 48 hours before departure or no-show: 100% cancellation fee

• Any non-refundable costs already incurred for hotels, tickets, transportation or other services will be handled according to the final confirmed booking terms.

FAQ
Which meals are included?
The public reference page says that meals listed in the itinerary are included but does not provide a complete day-by-day meal table. All breakfasts, lunches and dinners must be confirmed in the final written quotation.
Is the Pamirs excursion suitable for everyone?
Day 11 includes long mountain-road transfers and high-altitude sightseeing. Travelers with relevant health or accessibility concerns should discuss their needs before booking.
Do we stay overnight in the Pamirs?
No. Day 11 is a round-trip excursion from Kashgar to Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, followed by a return to Kashgar for the night.
Does the tour include Kashgar Livestock Market?
It may be arranged on Day 10 if your visit falls on a Sunday and the market is operating. It is an optional visit rather than a guaranteed standard activity.
Is the Yuetegan Ancient City evening show included?
Day 8 includes a visit to Yuetegan Ancient City. The evening show's operating schedule and ticket inclusion must be confirmed separately before it can be treated as a guaranteed part of the tour.
Which Buddhist grottoes are included?
The standard itinerary includes Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves near Turpan on Day 2 and Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves near Kuqa on Day 5. The specific caves open to visitors depend on the confirmed admission arrangements.
Which Buddhist grottoes are included?
The standard itinerary includes Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves near Turpan on Day 2 and Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves near Kuqa on Day 5. The specific caves open to visitors depend on the confirmed admission arrangements.
Does the tour include crossing the Taklimakan Desert?
Yes. Day 7 includes a scheduled road journey from Alear to Khotan across the Taklimakan Desert. It is a highway journey rather than an off-road driving activity.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins with an arrival pickup in Urumqi on Day 1 and ends with a departure transfer to Kashgar Airport on Day 12.
Can this itinerary be customized?
Yes. This is a private tour. Accommodation, sightseeing pace and cultural experiences can be adjusted according to your interests and travel schedule.
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