19 Days Xinjiang China & Uzbekistan Tour
Tour Overview
This extraordinary 19-day journey spans two of the Silk Road's most fascinating regions — China's wild Xinjiang province and the legendary cities of Uzbekistan. Begin in Kashgar, China's westernmost city, traverse the Karakoram Highway, explore the Mogao Caves, then fly to Tashkent to discover the turquoise domes of Samarkand, the ancient streets of Bukhara, and the desert citadel of Khiva. This is the ultimate Silk Road experience.
Trip Highlights
- Drive the legendary Karakoram Highway to Taxkorgan
- Marvel at the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang
- Stand in awe at Registan Square, Samarkand
- Wander through Bukhara's UNESCO-listed Old City
- Explore the ancient walled city of Khiva
- Experience Kashgar's vibrant Sunday Market
- Visit the Flaming Mountains and Grape Valley in Turpan
- Ride the high-speed train from Samarkand to Bukhara
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1Day
Arrive in Kashgar
Welcome to Kashgar! Your guide meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. Free evening to explore the Old City at your own pace.
- 2Day
Kashgar — Sunday Market & Old City
Experience the legendary Sunday Market, a trading hub for over 2,000 years. Visit the Id Kah Mosque and explore the winding alleys of the Old City. Afternoon at Abakh Khoja Tomb.
- 3Day
Kashgar — Karakoram Highway to Taxkorgan
Journey along one of the world's highest paved roads. Stop at Karakul Lake (3,600m) with stunning views of Muztagh Ata (7,546m). Arrive in Taxkorgan, China's westernmost town.
- 4Day
Taxkorgan → Kashgar
Visit the ancient Stone Fort and grasslands. Return to Kashgar via the Karakoram Highway with photo stops at panoramic viewpoints.
- 5Day
Kashgar → Kuqa (Train)
Board the train to Kuqa, an ancient Silk Road oasis. Visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and the mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon.
- 6Day
Kuqa → Urumqi (Flight)
Morning flight to Urumqi. Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum to see the famous Tarim mummies. Afternoon at Hongshan Park for panoramic city views.
- 7Day
Urumqi → Turpan
Drive to Turpan, the second-lowest depression on Earth. Visit the Jiaohe Ancient Ruins and the ingenious Karez underground irrigation system.
- 8Day
Turpan → Dunhuang (High-Speed Train)
Morning visit to the Flaming Mountains and Grape Valley. Afternoon high-speed train to Dunhuang.
- 9Day
Dunhuang — Mogao Caves & Singing Sand Dunes
Full day at two UNESCO sites. Morning at Mogao Caves (8 caves). Afternoon camel ride at the Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring.
- 10Day
Dunhuang ✈ Tashkent
Fly to Tashkent via Urumqi. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Evening walk through Amir Timur Square.
- 11Day
Tashkent City Tour
Explore Uzbekistan's modern capital. Visit Khast Imam Complex (home of the world's oldest Quran), Chorsu Bazaar, and the ornate Tashkent Metro stations.
- 12Day
Tashkent → Samarkand (High-Speed Train)
Take the Afrosiyob train to Samarkand. Visit Registan Square — one of the world's most magnificent architectural ensembles. Explore Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum and Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
- 13Day
Samarkand — Shah-i-Zinda & Silk Paper Workshop
Visit the necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda, Ulugh Beg Observatory, and a traditional silk paper workshop. Afternoon free to explore Siab Bazaar.
- 14Day
Samarkand → Bukhara (High-Speed Train)
Train to the holy city of Bukhara. Walk through the atmospheric Old City. Visit Lyab-i Hauz plaza, the Ark Citadel, and the Kalon Minaret.
- 15Day
Bukhara — Full Day Exploration
Discover Bukhara's 140+ architectural monuments. Visit the Samanid Mausoleum, Chor Minor, and a traditional hammam. Evening folk show with dinner.
- 16Day
Bukhara → Khiva (Drive through Kyzylkum Desert)
Scenic drive across the Kyzylkum Desert to the ancient walled city of Khiva. Arrive in the afternoon and explore Ichan-Kala, the UNESCO-listed inner city.
- 17Day
Khiva — Full Day in the Open-Air Museum
Full day exploring Khiva's perfectly preserved medieval architecture. Visit the Kalta Minor Minaret, Juma Mosque with its 213 wooden columns, and the Tash-Hauli Palace.
- 18Day
Khiva → Tashkent (Flight)
Morning flight back to Tashkent. Free afternoon for last-minute shopping at Chorsu Bazaar. Farewell dinner at a traditional Uzbek restaurant.
- 19Day
Depart Tashkent
Transfer to Tashkent International Airport. Your epic Silk Road journey concludes. Safe travels!
What's Included
18 nights 4-star hotel accommodation (twin-share)
English-speaking guide throughout
All domestic flights & high-speed trains
International flight: Dunhuang → Tashkent
Private air-conditioned vehicle & driver
Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
All entrance fees & listed activities
Airport transfers on arrival & departure
China & Uzbekistan visa support letters
What's Excluded
International flights to Kashgar / from Tashkent
China & Uzbekistan visa fees
Personal expenses & tips
Single room supplement ($780)
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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