6 ~ Day Kashgar Adventure and Cultural Tour

Overview

From alpine lakes to vast deserts and towering arches this tour offers a blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty, making it a Highlight journey in southern Xinjiang

 

Highlights

● A UNESCO-listed site with traditional Uyghur houses, narrow alleys, and artisan workshops

● Experience the unique Uyghur and Kyrgyz cultures

Unique Experiences: From exploring exotic old town to Trek through the valley , every moment is filled with wonder and discovery

 

 

Recommended 6 ~ Day Itinerary

 

Day	Highlights
1-2 Kashgar	Wander through the vibrant: kashgar old town,Eid Kah Mosque ,Apak Khoja Tomb,handcraft street and Roam freely through bustling livestock market
3 Karakul lake	Embark on an unforgettable journey along the :karakorum highway ,Red mountain,white sand mountain,Karakul Lake,Mt.Muztagh-Ata and Mt.Kongur Tagh
4 Yarkand & Desert	Immerse Yarkand's rich history as an one of ancient capital of Silk Road station adds to its charm. Experience the mystical beauty of the Taklamakan Desert
5 Shipton’s Arch	Trek through the valley to discover Hidden Arch
6 Departure

 

● Day 1:  Arrival to Kashgar

Attractions:                              

Hotel: Over night in Kashgar

Tour Details:Our guide and driver will meet you at Kashgar airport or train station then transfer you to your comfort hotel.You may explore the area around your hotel and get yourself ready for Kashgar adventure.

 

● Day 2: Kashgar | Vibrant Kashgar

Attractions:   old town, livestock market, handcraft street, Grand Eid Kah Mosque , Apak Khoja Tomb

Hotel: Over night in Kashgar

Tour Details: Our guide and driver will meet you at front of lobby for Kashgar city tour.

We will begin our Kashgar city tour by visiting Mausoleum of Apak Khoja tomb also known as the "fragrant concubine tomb in mandarin,whom was the wife of Emperor Qianlong of Qin Dynasty.",it is an ancient building complex and a cemetery of five generations of famous Sufi masters were buried.

Next we will Roam freely through the exotic livestock market, one of the biggest in the region where traditional trading methods are still used.

After the livestock Market, you will have your lunch in a Uyghur restaurant . After lunch we will wander through the winding narrow streets of the historic Kashgar Old Town rubbing shoulders with friendly Uyghur residents. Located at the spiritual heart of the Old Town is Eid Kah Mosque, one of the largest mosque in China. We will go inside and learn about more about its architecture and religion.

After our visit to the Mosque, we will stroll down Handicraft Street, viewing pots being hammered,wood craftsmen at work and traditional musical instrument workshops.  After the tour, you will be brought back to your hotel .

Optional：you may choose to be dropped off at a local restaurant to enjoy Uyghur cuisine or visit the “Night Market” for snacks and challenge your food adventure.

 

 

● Day 3: Kashgar to Karakul Lake | Stunning landscapes of Karakorum highway 

Attractions: Karakorum highway ,Upal Village, Red Mountain，white sand mountain also called Bulungkol , Karakul Lake,Mt.Muztagh Ata (7546 meters) and Mt.Kongur Tagh (7719 meters)

Hotel: Over night in Kashgar

Tour Details: After your breakfast at the hotel,you will meet with our guide and driver for karakorum highway adventure .

Karakorum highway renowned as the highest paved border crossing in the World and regarded as one of the World's most beautiful highways.

We will see the following on our drive: Upal Village, an-hour drive from Kashgar, it is a good location to take photos of village life and traditional activities like bread making and Uyghur food stalls.

There is a village market here on Monday's. Half an hour's drive from the village we arrive at Oytagh Red Mountain. The mountain valley is surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of multi-colored mountains to topped by snow-capped peaks.

After permit check point we will arrive to white sand mountain also called Bulungkol in local language,stunning natural attraction where you can take very nice photographs of the lake with stunning reflections of the sand mountains. 

It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers traveling along the Karakoram Highway.

Another famous scenic spots are Karakul Lake which is 3600 meters above sea level. It is located between Mt.Muztagh Ata (7546 meters) and Mt.Kongur Tagh (7719 meters), said to be 2 of the 6 most beautiful mountains in the world.

For your lunch,you can either have a lunch in a Kirghiz yurt or bring your own fruit and bread from Upal Village and picnic by the lake.

After lunch, you can do short hike by the lake on foot or rent a camel or horse and ride along the lake. After the tour, you will proceed to drive back to kashgar.

 

Notice: ①Guests will need to carry their passports with them on this tour as they are required to show these at the Gaz check point ( an hour from Red colorful mountain on the first day and also on the way back to Kashgar from Tashkurghan) .

②Everybody at this point needs to be registered by the authorities due to its close proximity to many bordering countries.

③It is also advisable to bring warm clothes as temperatures here can be colder than those found in Kashgar.

④It is also recommended to bring sunscreen and mosquito spray if you are an easy target for mosquitoes.

 

 

 ● Day 4: Yarkand tour | Discover the hidden treasures of the Taklamakan Desert

Attractions: Yengisar Knife , Golden Graveyard , Cultural heritage center, Yarkand  Old Town. Taklamakan Desert Camel Riding and Desert Trekking. 

Hotel:   Over night in Kashgar

Tour Details: Our Day Tour to Yarkand and the Taklamakan Desert is a combination tour which is designed to include the local heritage and cultures as well as the natural scenery of Yarkand and the Taklamakan Desert. You will wander through the Yarkand Old Town and ride a camel in the Taklamakan Desert.

We will start our tour after breakfast. On our way to Yarkand , one hour East of Kashgar, we will make a stop in the county of Yengisar is the most famous town in Xinjiang for making traditional Uyghur knives.

 

You will have chance to visit one of the many knife workshops, view the making process and purchase as souvenir if you wish to.

Next stop a further two hours down the road will be Yarkand .

In Yarkand, we will first visit the Golden Graveyard.Golden Graveyard dates back to 17th Century and is the burial place of Royal family member of the Yarkand  Kingdom, therefore local people name it as "Golden Graveyard" as a respect to the Kingdom.

Just Next to the Golden Graveyard is the mausoleum of Amannisahan,This mausoleum commemorates a 16th-century Yarkand Uyghur queen and musician who helped compile the Twelve Uyghur Muqam  muqam music.

She is most renown for her transcription of the  Uyghur Twelve Muqam of famous traditional Uyghur music. She brought together local musicians, the majority of which were farmers, from the region and put their music to paper and also composed one of the Uyghur Twelve Muqam of her self.

We will then walk through the Old Town in Yarkand where we will visit the lively local market.

Here it is possible to see wood and metal craftsmen in action and sample traditional food which is sold on small carts along the street. Yarkand was once the capital of the Uyghur Kingdom in ancient times, and it was an important station on the Ancient silk road with a history of more than 2000 years.

 

Before leaving Yarkand we can visit a local restaurant where we will enjoy a delicious traditional Uyghur lunch, of  noodles and kebabs.

(Alliteratively you can have a late  picnic lunch of fruit and bread in the desert )

after lunch we will drive for around an hour to reach the oasis village of Karasu on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert from the village you can look out onto endless sand dunes stretching away before you.

Taklamakan Desert is the second largest shifting desert in the World, covering an area of 337,600 square km.

Taklamakan Desert is known as the "sea of death" by the silk road traders that used to cross it in their caravans in times gone by. many traders entered the desert lost their way and were never to be seen again. There is the option to experience ancient desert transportation by riding a camel over the dunes. We can also trek in the desert for up to an hour.

 

● Day 5: Shipton's Arch Tour | Discover the world’s Tallest Arch

Attractions: Shipton's Arch

Hotel: Over night in Kashgar

Tour Details: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Kashgar. Savor the local flavors and energize yourself for the adventure ahead.

Set off on an exciting journey to Shipton's Arch, the world's tallest natural arch. The drive from Kashgar takes approximately 1.5 hours, offering stunning views of the rugged landscape and the majestic Tien Shan Range.

Upon arrival at the parking lot, prepare for an unforgettable trek. The round hike to Shipton's Arch and back takes between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and the time spent admiring the scenery.

As you approach the arch, you'll be awestruck by its sheer size and grandeur. Standing at an estimated 1,200 feet, Shipton's Arch is as tall as the Empire State Building and holds a place in the Guinness Book of Records for its exceptional height.

enjoy a packed lunch amidst the stunning natural surroundings. Take a moment to relax and soak in the beauty of the arch and the surrounding landscape.

After Spending some time exploring the area around the arch. Capture the awe-inspiring views with your camera and take in the serene atmosphere of this natural wonder.

Begin your hike back to the parking lot, retracing your steps through the rocky gorge and steps.

Soon After reaching the parking lot, board your vehicle for the drive back to Kashgar. Reflect on the day's adventure and the incredible natural beauty you've witnessed.

Return to your hotel in Kashgar. Freshen up and enjoy a well-deserved dinner, reminiscing about your unforgettable journey to Shipton's Arch.

Tips for the Hike:

Wear Comfortable Hiking Shoes: The trek involves uneven terrain, so sturdy footwear is essential.

Bring Water: Stay hydrated throughout the hike.

Pack Snacks: Energy bars or light snacks can keep you fueled during the trek.

It is also advisable to bring warm clothes as temperatures here can be colder than those found in Kashgar.

 

● Day 6: Kashgar Airport See Off

Hotel: 

Tour Details:After your breakfast at the hotel, our guide and driver will take you to the Kashgar Airport in time for your onward flights to your next destination.

End of service!