Oasis Hopping: 7 ~ Days in Southern Xinjiang

 Arrival to Urumqi                         
Hotel:Over night in Urumqi

Tour Details: Our guide and driver will meet you at Urumqi airport then transfer you to your comfort hotel.

Urumqi to Turpan | A Journey Through Time and Nature
Attractions: Wind Mill,Tuyuk ancient Village,Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Astana - Karakhoja Tombs                         
Hotel:Over night in Turpan 
Tour Details:Embark on an exhilarating drive from Urumqi to Turpan, a journey that promises breathtaking views of the majestic Tian Shan mountain range. As you wind through the rugged terrain, keep your camera ready to capture the landscapes that unfold before you.
Make a stop at the Da Ban Cheng Wind Mill Station, where rows of towering wind turbines stand against the vast desert backdrop. Feel the power of the wind as you marvel at this impressive feat of engineering, a testament to human ingenuity in harmony with nature.
Arrive in Turpan and head straight to Tuyuk Village, a hidden gem where time seems to stand still. This quaint village offers a rare glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Uyghur people. Stroll through the narrow, shaded streets, where grapevines cascade over trellises, and the air is filled with the scent of fresh bread baking in traditional ovens.
Engage with the friendly locals, who are eager to share their stories and traditions. You might even be invited into a Uyghur home for a cup of fragrant tea or a taste of homemade naan. This is your chance to connect with a culture that has thrived in this arid region for centuries.

Next, venture to the Bezeklik thousand Buddha Caves, a series of ancient grottoes carved into the cliffs of the Flaming Mountains. Dating back to the 5th century, these caves are adorned with vibrant murals that depict scenes from Buddhist mythology. Unfortunately some of the artwork has been damaged over time, the remaining frescoes are a testament to the rich spiritual heritage of the region.
- As you wander through the caves, let your imagination transport you to a time when monks meditated in these very chambers, and the walls were alive with the colors of devotion. The Bezeklik Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and their historical and artistic significance is truly awe-inspiring.

Conclude your day with a visit to the “Astana - Karakhoja Tombs”, often referred to as the "Underground Museum." These ancient burial sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in the Gao-Chang Kingdom over 1,500 years ago. The well-preserved artifacts, including intricate textiles, pottery, and even mummified remains, provide a window into a bygone era.
As you explore the tombs, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the customs, beliefs, and daily life of this ancient civilization. It's a hauntingly beautiful experience that will leave you with a profound sense of connection to the past.

On your way back to Turpan city, make a stop at the iconic Flaming Mountains, a landscape so striking it was immortalized in the classic Chinese novel *Journey to the West*. As the sun dips below the horizon, the mountains are set ablaze with hues of red and gold, creating a scene that is nothing short of magical. Snap some photos to capture this unforgettable moment.

Check in to your hotel in Turpan and take some time to relax and reflect on the day's adventures. Savor a delicious dinner featuring local Uyghur cuisine, perhaps accompanied by a glass of sweet Turpan grape wine.
As you drift off to sleep, let the memories of the day's discoveries fill your dreams, knowing that tomorrow holds even more wonders .
 

Tupan to Urumqi | A Day of Exploration and Discovery
Attractions:Emin Minaret, Jiaohe Ancient city, Karez Well System,Turpan museum                               
Hotel: overnight in Urumqi
Tour Details: after breakfast at the hotel, savoring the flavors of local cuisine and preparing for a day of historical exploration.
Meet your guide and driver, and set off to visit the Emin Minaret, a stunning architectural masterpiece and one of the most iconic landmarks in Xinjiang.
Marvel at the Emin Minaret, a towering structure that casts a beautiful shadow across the walls in the morning sunlight, creating a mesmerizing play of light and dark.
Learn about the history of the minaret, built in the 18th century in honor of a local hero, and admire its intricate Islamic architecture and decorative brickwork at meant time Capture stunning photos of the minaret against the clear blue sky, a perfect blend of history and artistry.
- Continue your journey to the ancient city of Jiaohe , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most well-preserved ruins of an ancient city in the world.
Explore the unique ruins of Jiaohe, a city that was carved into the earth rather than built up from the ground. Walk through the ancient streets, temples and residential areas, imagining life in this bustling Silk Road hub over 2,000 years ago.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Xinjiang cuisine. Try dishes like Laghman (hand-pulled noodles), polo (pilaf), and kebabs and so on.
After lunch Venture underground to explore the Karez Well System, one of the three great ancient inventions of China and a testament to the ingenuity of the region’s ancestors and Learn about the engineering marvel behind the Karez system, which allowed ancient communities to thrive in the arid desert environment a stark contrast to the heat and dryness above ground by network of underground canals, wells, and tunnels that have provided water to the region for over 2,000 years.
visit Turpan Museum before taking night train to Kucha, it is the second-largest museum in Xinjiang. With over 20,000 artifacts, including ancient mummies, exquisite silk fabrics, and rare documents, this museum is a treasure trove of history. Marvel at the Tarim Basin mummies, which have been preserved for over 3,000 years thanks to Turpan's arid climate. Explore the diverse cultural relics that highlight the region's strategic importance along the Silk Road, from painted pottery to early prosthetic limbs.
Enjoy an early dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Turpan. Try dishes like noodle soup with green beans and succulent lamb, accompanied by local fruits .
Drive back to Urumqi Reflect on the day's discoveries and the rich history of the Silk Road as you drive along.

 Urumqi to Kashgar | Heavenly Lake
Attractions: Heavenly lake & heavenly mountain
Hotel:Over night in Kashgar 
Tour Details: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, savoring the flavors of local cuisine and preparing for a day of natural beauty and adventure
Meet your guide and driver, and set off on a drive to Heavenly Lake in the Tian shan Mountains.
"Step into a paradise of natural beauty” as you visit Heavenly Lake, a stunning alpine gem nestled in the Tian shan Mountains. Walk along the wooden plank path that winds around the lake, offering breathtaking views of emerald-green waters and snow-capped peaks. Take a cable car ride to the mountain’s summit for a panoramic vista of the lake and surrounding landscapes, where the magical colors of the water reflect the sky and mountains like a mirror. Listen to the enchanting myths and legends that surround this mystical lake, adding a layer of wonder to your visit. Whether you’re strolling by the shore, gliding across the water on a boat, or hiking through the lush forests, every moment at Heavenly Lake is a place of unparalleled beauty.
You can have a picnic lunch by the shores of Heavenly Lake or in small restaurants nearby , surrounded by the serene beauty of the mountains and forests while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
After the lunch whether you choose to relax by the water, take a boat ride on the lake,cable car ride to the mountain’s summit for a panoramic vista or hike along the surrounding trails, every moment will be filled with natural beauty and tranquility.
Afterwards begin your journey back to Urumqi, reflecting on the day’s adventures and the beauty of Heavenly Lake.
Upon arrival in Urumqi Your guide and driver will take you to Urumqi Airport to catch a flight, and will make sure that your check-in goes smoothly.
When you land in kashgar, your tour guide will be waiting for you in the arrival gate and will be ready to transfer you to your hotel in kashgar.

Kashgar | A key stop on the Silk Road
Attractions: old town, livestock market, handcraft street, Grand Eid-Kah Mosque , Apak Khoja Tomb                              
Hotel: Over night in Kashgar
Tour Details: After a warm welcome by guide and driver at Train station,Start your 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：drop at a local restaurant to enjoy Uyghur cuisine or visit the “Night Market” for snacks and challenge your food adventure.

kashgar | Stunning landscapes of Karakul Lake 
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 tour. 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, 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 soon arrive to white sand mountain also called Bulungkol in local language,it is a tranquil shallow lake where you can take very nice photographs of the lake with stunning reflections of the sand mountains. Karakul Lake 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.
We can visit local Kirghiz yurts before heading to kashgar.  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 kashgar.

Kashgar Airport See Off
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,The End of service!