11 Days Xinjiang Group Tour to Kashgar & Kanas
Tour Overview
This 11-day Xinjiang group tour takes you from the legendary Silk Road hub of Kashgar to the breathtaking alpine landscapes of Kanas. Journey along the Karakoram Highway to China's western frontier, explore the ancient oasis town of Turpan, then fly north to the Altai Mountains where Hemu Village and Kanas Lake await —often called "China's Switzerland." With comfortable 4-star hotels, English-speaking guides, and a well-paced itinerary, this tour captures the very best of Xinjiang.
Trip Highlights
- Experience Kashgar's legendary Sunday Market
- Drive the stunning Karakoram Highway to Taxkorgan
- Visit Karakul Lake beneath the mighty Muztagh Ata
- Explore the ancient Jiaohe Ruins in Turpan
- Discover Kanas Lake —China's Switzerland
- Watch sunrise over the wooden cabins of Hemu Village
- Wander through the wind-carved formations of Urho Ghost City
- Learn about Xinjiang's diverse cultures and history
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1Day
Arrive in Kashgar
Welcome to Kashgar, the legendary Silk Road crossroads! Upon arrival at Kashgar Airport, your English-speaking guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Take some time to settle in and, if energy permits, stroll through the atmospheric lanes of the Old City. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Uyghur cuisine —think fragrant lamb kebabs, hand-pulled laghman noodles, and freshly baked naan.
- 2Day
Kashgar —Sunday Market & Old City
Today is market day in Kashgar —a centuries-old tradition you won't want to miss. Dive into the vibrant chaos of the Kashgar Sunday Market, where traders from across Central Asia sell everything from carpets and spices to livestock and handicrafts. Afterward, visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, and explore the maze-like alleys of the Old City with its mud-brick homes and ornate wooden balconies. Later, visit the Abakh Khoja Tomb, an architectural gem and the holiest Muslim site in Xinjiang.
- 3Day
Kashgar —Karakoram Highway to Taxkorgan
An unforgettable day on one of the world's highest paved roads. Drive south along the legendary Karakoram Highway, threading through the Pamir Mountains toward the Pakistan border. Stop at the stunning Karakul Lake at 3,600 meters —its turquoise waters set against the towering Muztagh Ata (7,546m) create one of Xinjiang's most iconic views. Continue to Taxkorgan, China's westernmost town, where Tajik culture and high-mountain scenery blend beautifully.
- 4Day
Taxkorgan —Stone Fort & Return to Kashgar
Start the morning exploring the Stone Fort (Tashkurgan Fort), an ancient Silk Road outpost dating back over 2,000 years, perched on a grassy hill overlooking the valley and the snow-capped Pamir peaks. Visit the nearby Golden Grasslands before beginning the return journey along the Karakoram Highway. Stop at scenic viewpoints along the way —the mountain light changes beautifully throughout the day. Arrive back in Kashgar in the late afternoon.
- 5Day
Kashgar 鉁?Urumqi —Xinjiang Museum
After breakfast, catch a morning flight to Urumqi, Xinjiang's modern capital. Settle into your hotel then visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum, home to the world-famous Tarim mummies —remarkably preserved Bronze Age bodies with European features found in the Taklamakan Desert. Later, head up to Hongshan Park for panoramic views of the city with the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains on the horizon. The evening is yours to explore Urumqi's lively food scene.
- 6Day
Urumqi 鈫?Turpan —Jiaohe Ruins & Karez System
Drive southeast to Turpan (approx. 3 hours), descending into the Turpan Depression —the second-lowest point on Earth at 154 meters below sea level. Visit the Jiaohe Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage site built on a 30-meter-high plateau between two rivers. It's one of the best-preserved ancient cities along the Silk Road. Then discover the ingenious Karez underground irrigation system, a 2,000-year-old engineering marvel that channels glacial meltwater to the oasis. Evening is free to sample Turpan's famously sweet grapes.
- 7Day
Turpan 鉁?Beitun 鈫?Hemu Village
Morning visit to the Flaming Mountains, known for their scorching red sandstone ridges —they truly appear to be on fire under the midday sun. Then head to Grape Valley to see Turpan's lush vineyards before your afternoon flight from Turpan to Beitun. From Beitun, drive through the scenic Altai Mountains to Hemu Village, a hidden gem of wooden cabins, birch forests, and winding streams. Arrive in time to watch the golden evening light wash over this dreamlike valley.
- 8Day
Hemu Sunrise 鈫?Kanas Lake & Boat Cruise
Rise early for the iconic Hemu sunrise —climb the viewing platform to watch the morning mist rise over the wooden cabins, with golden light spilling across the valley. It's a photographer's dream. After breakfast, drive to Kanas Lake Nature Reserve (approx. 2 hours). Board a boat for a cruise on Kanas Lake, surrounded by dense taiga forest and the snow-tipped peaks of the Altai Mountains. Keep your eyes peeled —legend has it a lake monster lurks in these deep glacial waters!
- 9Day
Kanas —Moon Bay, Dragon Bay & Exploration
A full day to explore the magic of Kanas, often called "China's Switzerland" or "God's Private Garden." Hike between the scenic viewpoints of Moon Bay, Dragon Bay, and Immortal Bay —each turn reveals a new palette of turquoise water, emerald forest, and dramatic mountain backdrops. Ride the shuttle bus to the Fish Viewing Pavilion for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Kanas Lake. In the afternoon, stroll the Tuvan village to experience the culture of the local ethnic minority.
- 10Day
Kanas 鈫?Urho Ghost City 鈫?Urumqi
Bid farewell to Kanas and drive south through the Junggar Basin. Stop at Urho Ghost City (also called the Wind City) —a surreal landscape of Yardang landforms sculpted by millennia of wind erosion. When the wind howls through the rock formations, it creates an eerie sound that gave rise to the name Ghost City. After exploring this otherworldly terrain, continue the drive to Urumqi. Celebrate your final night with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
- 11Day
Depart Urumqi
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Free time for some last-minute souvenir shopping at the Erdaoqiao Bazaar before your private transfer to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport. Your unforgettable 11-day Xinjiang adventure concludes. Safe travels —鍐嶈�!
What's Included
10 nights accommodation (4-star hotels & Hemu lodge, twin-share)
English-speaking guide throughout
Domestic flights (Kashgar鈫扷rumqi, Turpan鈫払eitun)
Private air-conditioned vehicle & driver
Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
All entrance fees & listed activities
Airport transfers on arrival & departure
Travel insurance (China domestic)
What's Excluded
International flights to/from China
Chinese visa fees
Personal expenses & tips
Single room supplement ($420)
What Our Travelers Say
Join 20,000+ happy travelers who have explored the Silk Road with us
"Thanks to the team for making our journey safe and unforgettable. Every detail was perfectly arranged — from the desert camps to the ancient cities. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
"Special thanks to Alice for her professional arrangements. Our guides Harry and Jane were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. The drivers Zhou and Huang provided excellent service throughout."
"Amazing 13-day Xinjiang + Silk Road tour! Our guide Ali was exceptional — his knowledge of history and genuine care for every traveler made this journey extraordinary."
"Everything went smoothly as planned. The Silk Road exceeded all our expectations. We're already planning our next visit — there's so much more to explore!"
"Thank you Alice and assistant Richard for all the help! As first-time China travelers, we were nervous, but you made everything seamless."
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