01
Arrive Xi'an
Welcome briefing. Evening at the city wall.
Signature · Westward to the gates of Central Asia
The Silk Road Journey
12 days · From USD 3,999 per person · Xi'an · Dunhuang · Turpan · Kashgar
Inquire About This Journey
Overview
A westward journey from the old Tang capital to the foothills of the Pamirs. Visit Mogao Caves where Buddhist art has been preserved for 1,500 years, the underground Karez tunnels of Turpan, and Kashgar — where Uyghur, Kyrgyz, Tajik and Han cultures meet.
Duration
12 days
From
USD 3,999
per person
Tier
Signature
Service Level
Signature tier
Senior local guides (Silk Road specialists where available). 4-star hotels. Domestic flights between cities (necessary given the distances).
Best For
- ● History buffs
- ● Photographers
- ● Independent-minded travelers
- ● Repeat China visitors
Highlights
What makes this journey distinct
- ✦ Mogao Caves with knowledgeable guide
- ✦ Camel ride at Singing Sand Dunes (sunset)
- ✦ Crescent Moon Lake oasis
- ✦ Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
- ✦ Karez underground irrigation system
- ✦ Sunday Livestock Market in Kashgar
- ✦ Old City of Kashgar walking tour
- ✦ Optional: Karakul Lake at Pamir Mountains
Day by Day
The Itinerary
02
Xi'an Imperial
Terracotta Warriors with senior guide. Muslim Quarter food walk evening.
03
Xi'an → Dunhuang
Morning flight to Dunhuang. Afternoon at Singing Sand Dunes — camel ride at sunset, walk down to Crescent Moon Lake.
04
Mogao Caves
Half-day at Mogao Caves with specialist guide. Afternoon at Crescent Moon Lake area or Mogao Digital Center.
05
Yumen + Yangguan Passes
Drive to Yumen Pass and Yangguan Pass — the historical western gates of the empire.
06
Dunhuang → Turpan
Flight via Urumqi to Turpan. Karez underground irrigation tour. Grape valley walk.
07
Turpan Wonders
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Flaming Mountains, Jiaohe ancient city ruins (2,300+ years old).
08
Turpan → Kashgar
Flight to Kashgar. Old City walking tour.
09
Sunday Market
Kashgar Sunday livestock market — one of Asia's greatest markets. Id Kah Mosque (largest in China). Apak Hoja Tomb.
10
Karakul Lake (Optional)
Optional all-day excursion up the Karakoram Highway to Karakul Lake.
11
Kashgar Crafts
Old City workshops — traditional crafts, blacksmiths, hat-makers.
12
Departure
Flight from Kashgar via Urumqi to your international gateway.
What's Included
Inclusions
- ✓ Senior English-speaking guide throughout
- ✓ Private vehicle with driver
- ✓ 11 nights 4-star hotels
- ✓ All domestic flights
- ✓ All entrance fees including Mogao Caves
- ✓ Most meals
- ✓ Permits where required
- ✓ WhatsApp concierge during trip
Not Included
Exclusions
- ○ International flights
- ○ China visa
- ○ Travel insurance
- ○ Optional Karakul Lake day trip ($200-300)
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