Arriving in Dunhuang

Silkroadtrips - Tour Operator

Shazhou Night Market - Upon arriving at Dunhuang Airport or Dunhuang Rail Station, meet the guide in the arrival lobby and proceed to the hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day leisurely exploring the streets of Dunhuang. In the evening, make sure to visit the nearby night market!

Dunhuang to Liuyuan (via bullet train) to Turpan

Mogao Caves - Today, visit the highlight of the Silk Road, the Mogao Grottoes (Caves of the Thousand Buddhas). Be amazed by the frescoes and statues within the caves. These caves are examples of rock-cut architecture made from soft gravel conglomerate, not suitable for sculpture or intricate architectural details. In the afternoon, board a bullet train to Turpan, arriving in about 4 hours, and transfer to the hotel in approximately 30 minutes.

Turpan

Emin Minaret (Su Gong Ta) - After breakfast, begin exploring Turpan, a fertile oasis and significant trade center along the Silk Road, once near the kingdoms of Kroran and Yanqi. Visit the Emin Minaret, the symbol of Turpan, before enjoying an authentic local lunch at a Uyghur home under grapevines in the open air.

Ancient City of Gaochang (Kharakhoja) - Later in the afternoon, explore the Ancient City of Gaochang.

Astana-Karakhoja Tombs - The Astana-Karakhoja Ancient Tombs are part of the Underground Museum of Turpan and the Living Archives of Gaochang. Astana means capital in Uigur; Karakhoja was a Uigur hero who defended his people from a fierce dragon.

Karez System - The Karez Irrigation System was developed by ancient Uygur people in the latter half of the 18th century. It is primarily found in the areas of Turpan, Hami, and Helei. If all these underground channels were connected, their total length would exceed 5000 km, making it one of ancient China’s greatest public projects.

Turpan to Urumqi

Xinjiang Regional Museum (Qu Bowuguan) - After breakfast, take a 3-hour ride to Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The highlight of the day is the Xinjiang Museum, where well-preserved Chinese mummies are displayed. Among them, the “Beauty of Loulan,” buried 4,000 years ago near Loulan in the Taklimakan Desert, stands out. She was remarkably preserved in an open coffin under the hot desert sands of the Taklimakan when excavated.

Erdaoqiao Market - Later, enjoy a stroll through the vibrant Erdaoqiao Bazaar before returning to the hotel.

Urumqi to Heavenly Lake to Urumqi

Tianshan Tianchi Lake - Today, take a one-hour ride to Heavenly Lake, located on the north side of the Bodga Shan range of the Tianshan Mountains, to enjoy breathtaking mountain views and tranquil lake scenery. Then return to the hotel.

Departing Urumqi

Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport - Transfer to Urumqi Airport, where the tour concludes.

• Accompanied by a local guide
• Delicious lunch included
• Travel swiftly via bullet train from Liuyuan (Dunhuang) to Turpan
• Cozy accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
• Daily breakfast provided
• Transportation in a comfortable private vehicle

• Alcoholic drinks (available for purchase)
• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Airfare for flight to/from Urumqi/Dunhuang
• China Visa
• Gratuities

This 5 nights classic private tour takes you to explore Chinese section of ancient Silk Road northern route from Dunhuang to Urumqi. You will travel the path of thousands of merchants and camel caravans and witness its changes in modern days. Attractions you will visit during this tour includes Mogao Grottos, Turpan Oasis, Loulan Mummies, and Heavenly Lake located on the northern side of Tianshan Mountains.

• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes
• Passport name and number is required at time of booking for all participants
• Adult pricing applies to all travelers over 3 year old

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.