WhatsApp Chat now

Menu

Chat On WhatsAPP Send Messenger
Nacayo
Your travel consultant
Nacayo
Nacayo Travel
Planning your China journey?
Tell us what you're looking for.

12-Day Xi'an to Kashgar Classic Silk Road Private Tour

🏯 Follow the ancient Silk Road from 【Xi'an】 to 【Kashgar】. Meet the 【Terracotta Warriors】, admire the colorful hills of 【Zhangye Danxia】 and explore the Buddhist art of 【Mogao Caves】. Ride a camel beside 【Crescent Moon Spring】, discover 【Jiaohe Ancient City】 and experience the markets and teahouses of Xinjiang. End your journey with a scenic drive toward the Pamirs and the waters of 【Karakul Lake】. 🐪
12-Day
From US$4,279 p/p
Highlights
Itinerary
Transportation
Accommodation
Cost
FAQs
🏯 Begin the Silk Road in Ancient Xi'an
Meet the life-sized Terracotta Warriors, make a miniature warrior with a local craftsperson and explore the historic streets and cultural landmarks of Xi'an.
🌈 Discover Zhangye's Rainbow Mountains
Explore the layered colors of Zhangye Danxia, then encounter the Buddhist and architectural heritage of Zhangye's historic temples.
🪷 Explore Dunhuang's Buddhist Art and Desert
Admire the murals and sculptures of Mogao Caves, then ride a camel near Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring.
🏘️ Trace the Silk Road Through Turpan
Discover the Karez Well System, explore the ruins of Jiaohe Ancient City and experience Turpan's vineyard and village landscapes.
🍵 Experience Kashgar and the Pamir Landscapes
Explore Kashgar's historic streets and teahouse, then travel toward the Pamirs to admire Karakul Lake and views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Day
01
Xi'an Arrival Airport / Railway Station → Xi'an Hotel
Approx. 15–55 km / 0.5–1.5 hrs
Day
02
Xi'an Hotel → Terracotta Warriors → Local Craftsman's Cave Dwelling → Muslim Quarter → Great Mosque → Xi'an Hotel
Approx. 90–120 km / 2–3 hrs
Day
03
Xi'an Hotel → Xi'an Ancient City Wall → Big Wild Goose Pagoda → Xi'an Airport → Flight → Zhangye Airport → Zhangye Hotel
Approx. 45–80 km / 1.5–2.5 hrs by road; flight time and connections to be confirmed
Day
04
Zhangye Hotel → Zhangye Danxia Geopark → Wooden Pagoda Temple → Giant Buddha Temple → Zhangye Hotel
Approx. 100–140 km / 2–3 hrs
Day
05
Zhangye Hotel → Jiayuguan Pass → Hanging Great Wall → Dunhuang Hotel
Approx. 600–650 km / 7–9 hrs
Day
06
Dunhuang Hotel → Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring → Dunhuang Hotel
Approx. 60–90 km / 1.5–2.5 hrs
Day
07
Dunhuang Hotel → Han Dynasty Great Wall Ruins → Confirmed Departure Railway Station → Train → Confirmed Turpan Arrival Station → Turpan Hotel
Approx. 170–250 km / 2.5–4 hrs by road; train time to be confirmed
Day
08
Turpan Hotel → Emin Minaret → Karez Well System → Jiaohe Ancient City → Local Vineyard → Tuyugou Village → Turpan Hotel
Approx. 100–150 km / 2.5–4 hrs
Day
09
Turpan Hotel → Turpan Museum → Urumqi → Erdaoqiao Market → Urumqi Hotel
Approx. 200–250 km / 3–4.5 hrs
Day
10
Urumqi Hotel → Urumqi Airport → Flight → Kashgar Airport → Id Kah Mosque → Handicrafts Street → Historic Teahouse → Kashgar Hotel
Approx. 30–55 km / 1–2 hrs by road; flight time to be confirmed
Day
11
Kashgar Hotel → China–Pakistan Highway → Karakul Lake → Kashgar Hotel
Approx. 380–430 km / 6–8 hrs
Day
12
Kashgar Hotel → Kashgar Airport
Approx. 10–25 km / 0.5–1 hr
Day
01
Selected Hotel in Xi'an
Standard Double Room
Day
02
Selected Hotel in Xi'an
Standard Double Room
Day
03
Selected Hotel in Zhangye
Standard Double Room
Day
04
Selected Hotel in Zhangye
Standard Double Room
Day
05
Selected Hotel in Dunhuang
Standard Double Room
Day
06
Selected Hotel in Dunhuang
Standard Double Room
Day
07
Selected Hotel in Turpan
Standard Double Room
Day
08
Selected Hotel in Turpan
Standard Double Room
Day
09
Selected Hotel in Urumqi
Standard Double Room
Day
10
Selected Hotel in Kashgar
Standard Double Room
Day
11
Selected Hotel in Kashgar
Standard Double Room
The Cost Includes

• English-speaking local guide for scheduled sightseeing and transfers

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

• 11 nights of hotel accommodation

• Hotel breakfast from Day 2 to Day 12

• Scheduled lunch on Days 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12, with Day 12 subject to the confirmed departure schedule

• Admission tickets and scheduled activities listed in the confirmed itinerary

• Scheduled Terracotta Warriors visit and mini terracotta-warrior making experience

• Scheduled visits to Xi'an Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Great Mosque

• Scheduled visits to Zhangye Danxia Geopark, Wooden Pagoda Temple and Giant Buddha Temple

• Scheduled visits to Jiayuguan Pass and the Hanging Great Wall

• Scheduled standard Mogao Caves visit and camel-riding experience at Mingsha Mountain

• Scheduled visits to the Han Dynasty Great Wall ruins, Emin Minaret, Karez Well System and Jiaohe Ancient City

• Scheduled visits to Kashgar's Id Kah Mosque, Handicrafts Street and historic teahouse

• Scheduled private road excursion from Kashgar to Karakul Lake

• Scheduled airport, railway station and hotel transfers

• Travel assistance during the tour

The Cost Excludes

• International flights and travel to Xi'an or onward from Kashgar

• China visa

• Lunch on Days 1, 3 and 9, and dinners throughout the tour

• Food, tea, snacks and drinks purchased independently

• Domestic flight and train ticket charges or upgrades not expressly included in the final written quotation

• Special Mogao Caves admission beyond the confirmed standard ticket

• Optional Dunhuang mural-copying workshop or additional research-academy experience unless separately confirmed

• Optional attractions, extra camel-riding time and activities not listed in the confirmed itinerary

• Personal purchases at vineyards, markets and handicraft streets

• Personal expenses

• Single Room Supplement

• Travel insurance

• Tips to guides and drivers

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

Booking Notice

• The reference price is based on 2 people traveling together on a private tour. Final pricing varies by date, group size, hotel choice and itinerary adjustments.

• The route includes a Xi'an → Zhangye flight, a Dunhuang-area → Turpan train journey and an Urumqi → Kashgar flight. Confirm ticket inclusion, flight connections, train stations, seat class and baggage allowance in the final quotation.

• The reference page also mentions an overnight sleeper train, although the detailed itinerary shows a daytime train and a Turpan hotel stay. The confirmed transport and accommodation plan takes precedence.

• Mogao Caves require advance real-name booking and have daily visitor limits. Standard, emergency and special-cave tickets offer different access; specific caves cannot be guaranteed.

• Day 6 mural copying and additional cave visits are optional customization items, not standard included experiences.

• Day 8 includes outdoor sightseeing in Turpan's dry, hot climate. Carry water, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes.

• The Kashgar → Karakul Lake excursion involves a long mountain-road journey and high-altitude scenery. Travel time and access depend on road, weather and local entry arrangements.

• The reference itinerary lists lunch on Day 12, but an early flight may prevent a scheduled restaurant meal. Confirm the meal and airport-transfer timing before booking.

• Attraction access, family visits and cultural experiences are subject to current opening hours and host arrangements.

• This private itinerary can be customized to suit your interests and travel schedule.

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 deducted from the refundable amount.

FAQ
Where does the tour end?
The tour ends with a scheduled transfer to Kashgar Airport on Day 12.
Which meals are included?
Hotel breakfast is scheduled from Day 2 to Day 12. Lunch is listed on Days 2, 4–8 and 10–12; Day 12 lunch must be coordinated with the departure flight. Lunch on Days 1, 3 and 9, and dinners throughout the tour, are not included.
Is the Karakul Lake excursion suitable for everyone?
The excursion includes a long mountain-road journey to a high-altitude destination. Travelers should discuss any relevant activity or accessibility concerns before booking and follow their guide's advice during the visit.
Does the tour include a visit to Baisha Lake?
The reference overview mentions Baisha Lake, but the detailed Day 11 itinerary specifically schedules Karakul Lake. Baisha Lake should not be treated as a guaranteed additional visit unless it appears in the final confirmed itinerary.
Are special Mogao Caves and mural-copying activities included?
The standard itinerary includes a scheduled Mogao Caves visit. Special caves and the mural-copying workshop require separate confirmation.
Does Day 7 include a sleeper train?
The detailed reference itinerary lists a train to Turpan and a hotel stay that night, but another note on the page mentions an overnight sleeper train. Your final booking must confirm one consistent transport and accommodation plan.
Does the tour include domestic flights and train tickets?
The route includes a Xi'an → Zhangye flight, a train from the Dunhuang area to Turpan and an Urumqi → Kashgar flight. The exact ticket inclusions, train service, seat class and baggage arrangements must be confirmed in the final written quotation.
Can this itinerary be customized?
Yes. This is a private tour. The sightseeing pace, accommodation, cultural experiences and transportation arrangements can be adjusted according to your interests and schedule.
Tailor-Made Trips
Thoughtfully Planned, Personally Yours

Plan My Trip