Southern Xinjiang Desert Highway Tour from Urumqi to Kashgar

Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang province, is the entrance point of this memorable Silk Road adventure. Once you arrive at the airport or train station, your local guide will meet and assist you to the downtown hotel. The rest of today is left free, have a rest or explore Urumqi Grand Bazaar, which is regarded as the world’s window in Xinjiang. The word “bazaar” means market in Uyghur language. Wander around here to see lots of stores selling ethnic handicrafts, carpets and dry fruits. Built in the traditional Moslem style, the buildings here show distinctive ethnic and folk culture.

Notice the clock time in Urumqi of Xinjiang is the same as Beijing Time, but there is 2 hours difference because of the longitude. You should adjust your rest and dinning time 2 hours later as compared with that in mainland China.

Start your trip by visiting the Xinjiang Museum in this morning. Considered as a research and collection center for relics in Xinjiang, this museum provides a great opportunity to learn about the past civilizations along the ancient Silk Road as well as the culture and history of Uyghur people. After, say farewell to Urumqi as you will drive to Turpan, an oasis city located in the southeast. The drive takes over 3 hours, and you will witness the largest wind power station in China along the highway. 

As you arrive in Turpan, visit the Karez Well, an ancient irrigation system with a long history of 2,000 years. These wells are made up of vertical wells, underground canals, above-ground canals and small reservoirs. During your stay in the underground canals, you will find this place is also a perfect escape from the intense heat of Turpan. Next with a visit to the Jiaohe Ruins, which is currently the largest and oldest earth city in the world. The remains you see today was descended from the Tang Dynasty. Most of them are well preserved due to the high location and dry climate. At last but not least, head to the Emin Minaret (Sugong Pagoda) for a visit. It is one of the most famous Muslim pagodas in China because of its unique appearance. 

After breakfast, head to the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, an ancient site carved into the cliffs of the Wood Valley in the Flaming Mountains. These grottoes were once adorned with colorful murals and artwork created by people from diverse cultures, depicting scenes of daily life and Buddhist traditions. Though time has faded many of the paintings, you can still appreciate their beauty and historical significance.

Next, take in the dramatic Flaming Mountains, where barren red sandstone hills stretch as far as the eye can see (note: no entry to the site). Then, continue to the Astana Tombs, an ancient burial site in the Gobi Desert north of the Gaochang Ruins. Here, you’ll see two remarkably well-preserved mummies, along with other relics that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

For lunch, enjoy a traditional Uyghur meal in a village in Tuyuk Valley, a great opportunity to experience local flavors and culture.

If time allows, visit the Gaochang Ruins, an ancient Silk Road city that was once a thriving trade hub. Walk among the remnants of its old city walls and buildings, imagining what life was like centuries ago.

Afterwards, head to Turpan train station for your train to Kuqa (T9521, 15:58–22:37, approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes). Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to hotel for the night in Kuqa.

After breakfast, drive to the Ruins of Subashi Ancient City, one of the largest Buddhist temple sites in Xinjiang. Located north of Kuqa and divided by the Kuqa River, it was once a major religious center on the ancient Silk Road. As you explore the weathered ruins, imagine the monks, pilgrims, and merchants who once passed through this desert hub.

Then, head to the Mystic Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains, a striking red sandstone gorge shaped by millions of years of erosion. Walk through its winding paths, admire the towering cliffs, and capture the dramatic scenery with your camera.

Return to Kuqa in the afternoon. Enjoy free time to explore the old town and get a feel for the local Uyghur culture. Overnight in Kuqa.

Today, explore several cultural highlights in and around Kuqa. Your first stop is the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, considered the earliest treasure trove of Buddhist art in China. These grottoes hold great significance in both Buddhist heritage and Kuqa’s history, especially for their long corridors of ancient murals.

Next, drive to the Kizilgaha Beacon Tower, built nearly 2,000 years ago as a watchtower for frontier defense. The rectangular structure still features remnants of a wooden watch cabin atop the tower, offering a glimpse into the region’s military past.

In the afternoon, visit the Grand Mosque of Kuqa, the second-largest mosque in Xinjiang. Its Great Praying Hall can host up to 1,000 worshippers and is supported by 88 beautifully carved, multicolored pillars, an architectural highlight of the city.

After your visits, drive to Alar for an overnight stay. If traveling in October or November, make a scenic stop at the Shaya Populus Euphratica Forest, where the golden autumn leaves create a spectacular natural display.
Overnight in Alar.

Today, drive along the desert highway to Hotan, crossing the vast Taklamakan Desert, the largest desert in China and the second-largest shifting-sand desert in the world. Often called the “Sea of Death,” the Taklamakan is known for its endless dunes, extreme dryness, and dramatic landscapes sculpted by wind over thousands of years.

Along the way, pass through stretches of Populus Euphratica Forests along the Tarim Basin. If traveling in autumn (late October to November), stop to admire the golden leaves of these ancient poplar trees, which form a stunning contrast against the desert’s stark beauty.

Overnight in Hotan.

This morning, discover Hotan’s traditional paper-making craft, a rare heritage preserved by one of the last families still practicing this ancient technique. Made from the bark of mulberry tree branches, this handmade paper dates back over a thousand years and reflects the region’s deep cultural roots.

Next, head to the Yorung Kash (White Jade River), where you can watch local people search for Hotan jade, one of the most prized gemstones in Chinese history. This white nephrite jade has been cherished for centuries. You may also visit the local market to explore a variety of authentic Uyghur handicrafts, including jade carvings, silk textiles, and traditional carpets.

In the afternoon, set out for a camel ride across the golden sand dunes of the Taklamakan Desert. (Note: Camel rides are subject to availability. Please confirm with your travel advisor.) Take in the awe-inspiring desert scenery and enjoy a peaceful moment as the sun sets over the shifting sands.

Tonight, experience a special overnight stay in the desert. You will camp under a sky full of stars with quality camping equipment, dinner, fresh water, and fruit provided, ensuring a memorable and comfortable evening in this unique landscape.

Wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Taklamakan Desert. As the first light touches the endless dunes, watch golden hues slowly fade into the crisp clarity of the desert landscape. Be sure to capture this unforgettable moment, it’s a sight you won’t want to miss.

After enjoying the beauty of the morning, say farewell to the Taklamakan Desert and begin your journey to Kashgar. Along the way, stop in Yarkand, a city rich in history and Uyghur culture. Visit the Golden Graveyard, where members of Yarkand’s royal family are buried, and continue to the Tomb of Aman Nisahan. A queen, poet, and cultural icon, she was responsible for transcribing the Twelve Mukam, a classical masterpiece of Uyghur music. As you explore, your guide will share stories of her life and legacy. If time permits, wander through Yarkand Old Town, where narrow alleys, lively markets, and traditional Uyghur homes reflect the rhythms of daily life.

Before reaching Kashgar, make a brief stop in Yengisar, famously known as the “knife town” of Xinjiang. Visit a local knife-making workshop, where skilled artisans handcraft ornate Uyghur knives, a tradition passed down for generations.

Overnight in Kashgar.

Today you will visit the enchanting Karakul Lake on the drive from Kashgar to Tashkorgan.
Set out from Kashgar this early morning, and drive along the Sino Pakistan Karakorum Highway. Stop at the Opal Village for a short break after one hour of driving, then finally enter the Kunlun Shan Mountain range, one of the last truly unexplored places on earth. Enjoy the surreal glacier scenery along the way before you arrive at the Karakul Lake. 

Lying at the foot of Mount Muztagata, Karakul Lake is so clarity as you will clearly see the reflection of the snow capped mountains surrounding the lake in the water. Walk on the grassland with roaming flocks and herds along the shore of the lake. Visit a local Kyrgyz family to experience their customs and culture in this afternoon. Afterwards, drive about 1.5 hours to Tashkorgan for overnight.

Start today with a visit to the Stone Fort located in the north of Tashkorgan. It was once a bustling city since it was built at the junction of the middle route and southern route of the ancient Silk Road. At present, the remaining city wall still can be recognized clearly. Afterwards, spend couple of hours to savor the beautiful scenery of the surrounding Tashkorgan Grassland. See the magnificent Mount Muztagata and Pamir in distance. In the late afternoon, drive back to Kashgar city and prepare for the next day.

Spend today to walk around the downtown of Kashgar and visit several highlights, Abakh Khoja Tomb, Sunday Market and Id Kah Mosque. Abakh Khoja Tomb is the final resting place for five generations of the Apak Khoja family, including what is purported to be the body of Xiang Fei, a famous concubine in Qing Dynasty. Notice the pillars in the Tomb which decorated beautifully and designed perfectly while visiting here. Next with a walk around the famous Sunday Market, which is jammed with many small shops for selling numerous commodities, traditional scarves, leathers, clothes, and knick-knacks. This market attracts numerous merchants from all over Xinjiang plus nearby countries such as Pakistan and Kirghizstan.

In the afternoon, after wandering in the Kashgar Old Town, visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest and busiest one in China. The mosque is located in the heart of Kashgar city. Be impressed by the old Islamic architectures with strong ethnic style and religious features. See numerous worshippers coming from different places of Xinjiang. End the tour today with a visit to the Handicraft Street. You will have the dinner tonight with a local Uyghur family. 

Say farewell to your guide and drive this morning as they will pick you up from the hotel and drive to the airport or train station for departure. If you wish to continue your travels, we are experts in tailor made trips and ready to assist you in extending your stay in China.