Southern Xinjiang: 9-Day A Mosaic of Desert, Glacier & Silk Road Soul

Upon arrival at Urumqi airport in Xinjiang, our dedicated 24-hour pickup team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Settle in, rest, and prepare for the incredible Southern Xinjiang journey that awaits.

Urumqi → Bosten Lake → Korla (490 km, approx. 6.5h)

After breakfast, we travel to Korla. En route, we’ll visit Bosten Lake, the largest inland freshwater lake in China. Its Mongolian name means “Standing Lake,” named for three islets that stand in its waters. This vast expanse, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, green oases, and desert dunes, is a vibrant tapestry of life and color, truly earning its name as a “pearl in the desert sea.” The smaller lake districts, with their fragrant reeds and lotus flowers, feel like a world apart—a true “paradise on earth.”

Korla → Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon → Kuqa (430 km, approx. 5.5h)

Today we journey to the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon. Formed 140 million years ago, its massive red rock formations have been sculpted by eons of wind and water. The canyon’s entrance, flanked by three majestic peaks, is especially stunning at sunrise and sunset, glowing with a fiery intensity that rivals the famous Flaming Mountains. Its “mystery” stems from eerie sounds, shifting, phantom-like shadows, and the enigma of its unique winds and water—a place that must be experienced to be understood.

Kuqa → Kuche King’s Mansion → Old Streets → Flame Spring → Aksu (340 km, approx. 5h)

We begin by visiting the Kuche King’s Mansion, a site embodying the saying, “One mansion holds half the history of Southern Xinjiang.” First built in 1759, it witnessed the glorious fusion of the Western Regions with the Qing Dynasty. Now a “living museum,” it offers a profound dialogue with the ancient Qiuci (Kucha) Kingdom. We’ll then explore Kuqa’s old streets, including the photogenic Restan Street, Men Bazaar, and Guizi Alley. Later, we’ll witness the incredible Flame Spring, a natural phenomenon where underground gas meets the air, creating flames that dance upon boiling spring water—a millennium-old spectacle of fire and water in harmony.

Aksu → Kashgar Old City & Afternoon Tea → Kashgar (480 km, approx. 5h)

We travel to Kashgar, China’s westernmost city and the soul of Xinjiang’s Silk Road heritage. We’ll head straight into the Kashgar Old City, the only preserved labyrinthine urban block of its kind in China. With over a thousand years of history, its culture and atmosphere are unique. As evening falls, we’ll slow our pace to enjoy the magic of the illuminated ancient streets. Here, we’ve arranged a special photoshoot experience (complimentary, 3 retouched photos included) to capture your memories against this timeless backdrop.

Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Karakoram Lake → Stone City → Tashkurgan (340 km, approx. 5.5h)

Today, we ascend the Pamir Plateau. The journey along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (G314) is a spectacle in itself, passing through the crimson Gez Canyon. Our first stop is the surreal Baisha Lake (White Sand Lake), set against the pale, sand-dusted mountains. We then continue to Karakoram Lake, nestled at the foot of Muztagh Ata Peak, the “Father of Ice Mountains.” The lake’s color is ever-changing, shifting from emerald to deep blue to fiery orange as it reflects the sky and mighty peaks. We will take a light trek along its shores before visiting the ancient Stone City, a formidable fortress ruin perched on a high mound. We’ll end the day at the Golden Grassland Wetlands, where a golden meadow, grazing yaks, and the silent, watchful Stone City create a scene of perfect tranquility.

Tashkurgan → Panlong Ancient Road → Bandir Blue Lake → Glacier Park → Kashgar (480 km, approx. 8h)

An epic day awaits as we conquer the Panlong Ancient Road. This 75km mountain pass, with its more than 600 hairpin turns, is a true marvel of engineering and a highlight of the Pamir Plateau. As the local saying goes, “Today you have traveled all the winding roads; henceforth your life will be a smooth path.” We then visit Bandir Blue Lake, a series of five connected reservoirs of an impossibly deep, arresting blue. Finally, we’ll visit the Muztagh Ata Glacier Park, located on the slopes of the 7,546-meter “Father of Ice Mountains.” At an altitude of about 5,000 meters, you can witness the majesty of glaciers, ice caves, and pristine alpine lakes before we return to Kashgar.

Kashgar → Westernmost Frontier Exploration → Kashgar (470 km, approx. 7h)

Today, we journey to the “Westernmost Point” of China. Along the way, we’ll see the Rainbow Yardang landforms, visit Shell Mountain (where ancient sea fossils are clearly visible), and witness the geological junction of the Tianshan and Kunlun mountain ranges. We’ll ascend the Westernmost Point Observation Tower for panoramic views. Our destination is Simhana Village, the last village in China to see the sunset, and home to the local Kyrgyz people. We will visit the Irkeshtam Port, a historic and vital land gateway to Kyrgyzstan, and stop at the Westernmost Post Office—a perfect spot to send a postcard stamped from the edge of the nation.

Today’s Theme: A Fond Farewell, Until We Meet Again in Xinjiang

Your unforgettable journey through Southern Xinjiang concludes today. According to your flight or train schedule, we will arrange your transfer to the airport or station. We hope you leave with cherished memories and look forward to welcoming you back to Xinjiang again.