Arriving in Urumqi

Silkroadtrips - Tour Operator

Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport - Upon arrival at Urumqi Airport or Urumqi Rail Station, the guide will escort guests to the hotel for check-in.

Urumqi - Heavenly Lake - Urumqi

Xinjiang Regional Museum (Qu Bowuguan) - Explore the Xinjiang Museum, showcasing well-preserved Chinese mummies, including the remarkable “Beauty of Loulan.” (Closed on Mondays)

Tianshan Tianchi Lake - After lunch, enjoy a one-hour drive to Heavenly Lake, situated on the northern side of the Tianshan Mountains, to admire the stunning mountain vistas and tranquil lake views.

Erdaoqiao Market - Later, return to Urumqi and wander through the Erdaoqiao Bazaar.

Urumqi - Turpan

Karez System - Embark on a 3-hour drive to Turpan, a fertile oasis and key trade hub along the Silk Road. Visit the Karez Irrigation System, an ancient canal network used for farming in Turpan.

Ancient City of Gaochang (Kharakhoja) - Next, explore the Ancient City of Gaochang, once a significant city in history.

Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto) - Afterwards, visit the ruins of the ancient Jiaohe City, the former capital of the Anterior Jushi kingdom from 108 B.C. to 450 A.D., abandoned in the 15th century.

Turpan - Liuyuan (via bullet train) - Dunhuang

Dunhuang - Jiayuguan by vehicle

Mogao Caves - Discover the highlight of the Silk Road, the Mogao Grottoes (Caves of the Thousand Buddhas). These caves are examples of rock-cut architecture in soft gravel conglomerate, unsuitable for sculpture or intricate architectural details. After lunch, enjoy a 5-hour drive to Jiayuguan.

Jiayuguan - Zhangye by vehicle

Jiayuguan Fortress - Visit Jiayuguan Fort, known as The First Pass Under Heaven, marking the western end of the Great Wall during the Ming Dynasty.

Zhangye Danxia Geopark - Then, take a 2-hour drive to Zhangye Rainbow Danxia, renowned for its vibrant clay mountains.

Departing from Zhangye, tour ends.

Zhangye - If time permits, visit Dafo Temple before proceeding to Zhangye Airport or station, where the tour concludes.

• Local guide
• Entrance fees
• Lunch
• Accommodation as per itinerary
• Breakfast
• Bullet train from Turpan to Liuyuan (Dunhuang)
• Transport by private vehicle

• Alcoholic drinks (available for purchase)
• Gratuities

This 6-night private tour offers a journey through the Chinese section of the ancient Silk Road’s northern route, starting from Urumqi and ending in Dunhuang, then Zhangye. Follow the historic path of countless merchants and camel caravans to see how it has transformed in modern times. Highlights of this tour include Jiayuguan Fort, Mogao Grottos, Turpan Oasis, Heavenly Lake on the northern side of the Tianshan Mountains, and Zhangye Rainbow Danxia Mountain.

• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

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.