Embark on a fascinating day trip from Urumqi to Turpan and delve into the rich history of the Silk Road. Discover ancient cities, the Karez Irrigation System, Emin Minaret, Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves, and more. Indulge in a delicious Uyghur-style lunch. Perfect for history enthusiasts!
Embark on a fascinating day trip from Urumqi to Turpan and delve into the rich history of the Silk Road. Discover ancient cities, the Karez Irrigation System, Emin Minaret, Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves, and more. Indulge in a delicious Uyghur-style lunch. Perfect for history enthusiasts!
- Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves - At 8:30 am, the guide will meet you in the lobby of your centrally located hotel in Urumqi. You will then embark on a 3-hour journey in a private vehicle from Urumqi to Turpan. Along the way, enjoy views of windmill farms, saltwater lakes, and the Tianshan Valley. Upon arrival in Turpan, explore the Bezeklik…
- Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves - At 8:30 am, the guide will meet you in the lobby of your centrally located hotel in Urumqi. You will then embark on a 3-hour journey in a private vehicle from Urumqi to Turpan. Along the way, enjoy views of windmill farms, saltwater lakes, and the Tianshan Valley. Upon arrival in Turpan, explore the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, an ancient site featuring ruins of frescoes and statues from the 15th century.
- Ancient City of Gaochang (Kharakhoja) - Next, visit the ancient city ruins of Gaochang, once a prominent kingdom along the historic Silk Road. Stroll through the ruins to see temples, stupas, city walls, and more.
- Emin Minaret (Su Gong Ta) - Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, visit the Emin Minaret, constructed in 1777 AD, showcasing traditional Uyghur architectural style.
- Karez System - Before returning to Urumqi, discover how Turpan has sustained itself throughout history by visiting the Karez Irrigation System. After this insightful visit, you will be transported back to your hotel in Urumqi, concluding this delightful day trip.
- Silkroadtrips - tour operator

- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Local guide
- Bottled water
- Private tour
- Lunch
- Transport by private vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Local guide
- Bottled water
- Private tour
- Lunch
- Transport by private vehicle
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
Start your day with an 8:30 am hotel pickup in Urumqi and embark on a picturesque 3-hour drive to Turpan. Along the way, enjoy views of dramatic windmill farms, glistening salt lakes, and the rugged beauty of the Tianshan Mountains. Travel back in time at the atmospheric Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves, where 15th-century Buddhist frescoes tell stories of…
Start your day with an 8:30 am hotel pickup in Urumqi and embark on a picturesque 3-hour drive to Turpan. Along the way, enjoy views of dramatic windmill farms, glistening salt lakes, and the rugged beauty of the Tianshan Mountains. Travel back in time at the atmospheric Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves, where 15th-century Buddhist frescoes tell stories of the past. Then, explore the expansive ruins of Gaochang Ancient City, a once-thriving Silk Road kingdom. Admire the elegant Emin Minaret, a masterpiece of Uyghur architecture, and learn about the ingenious Karez Irrigation System, an ancient engineering marvel that transformed the desert into fertile land. Delight in authentic local flavors during lunch. After a day filled with Turpan’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes, relax on your return trip to Urumqi, arriving at your hotel with unforgettable memories of Xinjiang’s cultural treasures.
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Please wear comfortable shoes
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.