15 days Silk Road Tour from Xi’an to Kashgar

Xi'an, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, is the first destination of this amazing tour. Roaming around and visiting the cultural heritages in Xi'an, you will feel the unique charming of this famous ancient capital in China.

Once you arrive at Xi'an airport or train station, our guide will pick you up and assist you to the hotel in downtown. Have a rest during the reminder of the day and prepare for the following Silk Road adventure.

Have a cultural tour in Xi'an today. After breakfast, drive half an hour to the east countryside of Xi'an to visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, the Eighth Wonder of the World. The find of Terracotta Warriors in 1970s could be one of the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. More than 10,000 life size terracotta figures of warriors and horses were excavated to  reveal the burial secret of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China.

In the afternoon, drive back to the downtown of Xi'an and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. As the landmark of the old-line Xi'an, this pagoda is a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. You will climb to the top of the pagoda to have a bird eyes view of Xi'an city. Afterwards head to take a walk on the Xi'an City Wall, the oldest city wall in China, where you can choose to explore by walking or renting a bicycle. Evening wonder at the Muslim Quarter, where you'll find a cornucopia of local street food and souvenirs for sale. You'll stay overnight in Xi'an before moving along the Silk Road path.

Begin the day with a high-speed train ride to Tianshui, the first major Silk Road city after Xi’an, located along the Wei River. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. In Tianshui, you’ll meet your guide and visit the Maijishan Grottoes, a remarkable network of caves and walkways carved into a cliff face, filled with vibrant Buddhist sculptures and murals. Continue to the Fuxi Temple, built in the Ming Dynasty to honor Fuxi, a legendary ancestor of Chinese civilization and the creator of the Eight Trigrams, a core element of traditional Chinese philosophy.

In the late afternoon, take another high speed train to Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province - a historic Silk Road city on the banks of the Yellow River. Stay overnight at Lanzhou.

Today, drive about 4 hours from Lanzhou to Xiahe, a Tibetan town on the edge of the grasslands. After checking in, head to Sangke Grassland, located 10 km west of town, where you'll spend the afternoon.

Named after the summer-blooming sangke flowers, the grassland stretches out like a vibrant green carpet. The Daxia River winds through the plains, reflecting the sky and distant snow-capped peaks. You’ll see herds of yaks and sheep, and visit a local Tibetan family to sample traditional food and learn about their culture. Overnight in Xiahe.

After breakfast, visit Labrang Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of the Gelukpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Famous for its large collection of Buddhist scriptures, statues, and murals, Labrang is also known for having the longest prayer wheel corridor in the world. Explore the monastery complex and get a glimpse into Tibetan monastic life. After lunch, drive back to Lanzhou and take the late afternoon train to Zhangye (D2751, 17:21 - 20:22). Upon arrival, to be picked up and transferred to hotel in Zhangye.

Morning visit the Grand Buddha Temple, believed to be the birthplace of Kublai Khan, the great Mongolian emperor. The temple houses the largest indoor reclining clay Buddha in Asia. You’ll also find rare Ming Dynasty hand-written scriptures and a wealth of cultural relics.

Afterwards, drive to visit the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, also known as the Rainbow Mountains. Famous for its vibrant, multi-colored rock formations, it’s one of the most visually stunning sites along the Silk Road. Spend a few hours exploring the scenic trails and boardwalks leading to several stunning viewpoints. Platform No. 1 is easily accessible and offers a great overview, while Platform No. 4, though a bit of a climb, rewards you with the most stunning panoramic views. Watch the colors shift across the Rainbow Mountains as the light changes.

In the afternoon continue west along the ancient Silk Road to Jiayuguan. Overnight at Jiayuguan.

Today, continue west along the ancient Silk Road to Jiayuguan, home to the famous Jiayuguan Pass, once the westernmost stronghold of the Ming Great Wall. Known as the 'First and Greatest Pass under Heaven,' it played a key role in guarding China’s frontiers. Walk to the First Fire Tower, perched high on a cliff above the Gobi Desert, with views of the Talai River and surrounding landscapes.

Next, visit the Overhanging Great Wall (Xuanbi Great Wall), dramatically built along a steep ridge and offering one of the most scenic spots on the Great Wall.

End your day at the Wei-Jin Art Gallery, an underground complex of over 1,400 ancient tombs from the 3rd to 5th centuries, known for its well-preserved murals that bring early Chinese life and customs to vivid life.

This morning, drive about 4 hours to get to Dunhuang.

In the afternoon head to visit Echoing Sand Mountain (Mingsha Mountain) for a camel ride through golden dunes and reach to Crescent Spring, a tranquil desert oasis shaped like a crescent moon. The sand produces a humming sound when disturbed, adding to the mystical desert experience.

In the evening, suggest you to take a stroll through the lively Shazhou Night Market. It’s a great place to try local snacks, shop for handmade crafts, and soak up the local vibe.

Start your day with a visit to the renowned Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important cultural treasures of the ancient China Silk Road. These caves house thousands of Buddhist murals and statues dating back over 1,500 years, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and artistic exchange between East and West. If time is available, visit Dunhuang Museum, to learn about the region’s Silk Road history through exhibits on Buddhist art, archaeology, and replicas of the Dunhuang manuscripts.

In the afternoon, drive to Liuyuan South Railway Station (approx. 2 hrs) and board a bullet train to Turpan (about 3.5 hrs). Arrive in the evening at Turpan and transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, set off to explore the highlights of Turpan, a key hub along the ancient Silk Road. Your first stop is the Gaochang Ruins, once a thriving desert city that welcomed travelers, traders, and monks from across Central Asia. Though long abandoned, its city walls and temple remains still tell stories of its past glory.

Continue to the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, tucked into the cliffs of the Flaming Mountains. These ancient grottoes are filled with colorful murals dating back over a thousand years, reflecting the rich Buddhist heritage of the region.

Midday, enjoy a traditional Uyghur lunch in the quiet village of Tuyuk Valley, where mud-brick homes and grapevines create a peaceful backdrop. On your way back to Turpan, you’ll pass the Flaming Mountain, known for its glowing red slopes and extreme summer heat.

End the day at the Jiaohe Ruins, the world’s largest and best-preserved earthen city. Perched on a natural plateau between two rivers, this ancient site dates back over 2,000 years and offers an unforgettable glimpse into Turpan’s distant past. Return to the city for an overnight stay.

Start the day with a visit to the Karez Well System, an ingenious underground irrigation network developed over 2,000 years ago. Consisting of vertical shafts, underground channels, and surface canals, it once provided essential water to the people of Turpan. Walking through the cool underground tunnels also offers a refreshing break from Turpan’s desert heat.

Next, visit the Sugong Pagoda, the tallest ancient Islamic tower in Xinjiang, known for its distinctive architectural style and cultural significance.

In the afternoon, soak in local life at a Turpan bazaar, browsing stalls filled with fresh produce, dried fruits, spices, and handmade local crafts.

Catch the late afternoon flight to Kashgar. If no direct flight is available, you’ll be transferred to Urumqi for a connecting flight.

Begin your adventure in Kashgar and travel along the world famous Karakoram Highway, one of the highest and most spectacular mountain routes on earth. Your first stop is Upal Village, where you can buy fresh fruit, local nang bread, and simple snacks while enjoying the lively atmosphere of a traditional Xinjiang market.

Continue driving along the Karakoram Highway toward the dramatic Oytagh Red Mountain, stopping to photograph its brilliant red cliffs framed by the snowcapped Kunlun Mountains.

Arrive at Baisha Lake, also called White Sand Lake, where turquoise water meets snow white sand dunes to create one of the region’s most unique landscapes. Take a short lakeside walk and enjoy the peaceful highland scenery.

Continue west along the highway to Karakul Lake at 3600 meters. Set beneath the towering peaks of Muztagh Ata at 7546 meters and Kongur at 7719 meters, the lake offers magnificent reflections and classic Pamir Plateau views. Spend time exploring and relaxing by the lakeshore. Late afternoon drive to Tashkorgan, suggest to try local famous yak meat hot pot.

Overnight in Tashkorgan.

After breakfast, visit the ancient Tashkorgan Stone Fortress, one of the most important fortifications on the Silk Road. Surrounded by vast grasslands and snowcapped peaks, the site preserves remnants from the Tang and Qing dynasties including old city walls, temples, and administrative ruins that once oversaw Silk Road caravans.

Walk through the nearby Tajik grasslands to experience local pastoral life and take in wide open views of the Tashkorgan valley.

In the afternoon, rejoin the Karakoram Highway for the scenic return drive to Kashgar, arriving at your hotel in the evening.

Spend the day exploring the rich history and vibrant culture of Kashgar, one of the most influential trading hubs of the ancient Silk Road.

After breakfast, start with a visit to the Abakh Khoja Tomb, a beautifully designed mausoleum that holds the remains of five generations of the Abakh Khoja family. Among them is Xiang Fei, the legendary "Fragrant Concubine" of the Qing Dynasty. Admire the elegant domes and ornately decorated pillars of this important Islamic site.

Afterwards, head to the lively Sunday Bazaar (also open on other days), one of the largest markets in Central Asia. Browse countless stalls selling traditional Uyghur scarves, handmade leather goods, local snacks, clothing, and souvenirs.

In the afternoon, stroll through the winding alleys of Kashgar Old Town, where centuries-old mud-brick houses and artisan shops create a vivid picture of local life. Visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China and a central gathering place for worshippers, especially on Fridays and religious holidays.

End your day at the bustling Handicraft Street, where you can watch craftsmen at work and shop for unique handmade items. In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local Uyghur family, a warm and memorable cultural experience.

This amazing Silk Road tour comes to an end today. Your guide and drive will pick you up from the hotel and drive you to the airport or train station for departure this morning. 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.