Nomads & Mountains: Tianshan to the Borders

This 12-day adventure tour leads you through the wild heart of western China — from snowy peaks of the Tianshan Mountains to the nomadic pastures of Kyrgyz and Kazakh herders, and on to the borderlands near Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan. Explore alpine lakes, high-altitude grasslands, ancient caravanserais, and historic towns along the Silk Road. Ideal for adventurous travelers seeking authentic nomadic culture, stunning landscapes, and a glimpse of the world’s most remote frontiers.

From $3,350 per person
Double occupancy. Single supplement: $460
Group and private departures available. Horseback or yurt extension optional.

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tour

What’s Included

Journey through Tianshan & Pamir Mountains
Sleep in traditional Kyrgyz yurts and meet Tajik villagers
Explore ancient Silk Road hubs like Kashgar and Tashkurgan
Witness an eagle hunting demo and join nomadic food making
Visit Lake Karakul, Stone Fortress, and alpine meadows

What’s Not Included

International airfare
China visa
Optional horse treks or extreme hikes
Personal expenses, alcohol, tips
Travel insurance (required)



Important Information for Tourists

Best time: May–October
Terrain includes high-altitude areas (2,000–4,000m)
Suitable for fit travelers with interest in nature and culture
Warm clothing recommended for mountain nights
Border zones require additional permits (we handle logistics)

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival in Urumqi
Airport pickup, hotel check-in
Orientation walk and welcome dinner
Overnight in Urumqi

Day 2 – Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)
Drive to Tianshan Tianchi, a crystal-clear alpine lake
Short hike and boat ride, meet Kazakh herders in summer pasture
Overnight in yurt or guesthouse near lake

Day 3 – Return to Urumqi & Bazaar Visit
Return drive to Urumqi
Visit Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar for local crafts and dried fruits
Overnight in Urumqi

Day 4 – Flight to Kashgar
Morning flight to Kashgar, explore Old City and tea house
Dine on local Uyghur dishes in courtyard restaurant
Overnight in Kashgar

Day 5 – Sunday Livestock Market
Visit Sunday Animal Market (if Sunday)
Bazaar walk and meet artisans (knife-makers, woodworkers)
Optional Uyghur music performance
Overnight in Kashgar

Day 6 – Drive to Lake Karakul via Karakoram Highway
Scenic drive to Karakul Lake, with views of Muztagh Ata (7,546m)
Stop in Tashkurgan, a Tajik mountain town
Overnight in Tashkurgan or Karakul lakeside guesthouse

Day 7 – Pamir Culture & Stone Fortress
Explore Tashkurgan Stone City, meet local Tajik people
Hike in Pamir grasslands, visit traditional stone homes
Overnight in Tashkurgan

Day 8 – Return to Kashgar
Optional camel ride or yak trek along Karakul Lake
Scenic return journey
Overnight in Kashgar

Day 9 – Drive to Artux & Mountain Villages
Visit Artux, a small town near the Kyrgyz border
Stay in a Kyrgyz yurt camp near highland meadows
Overnight in yurt or mountain lodge

Day 10 – Nomad Life Experience
Participate in bread baking, eagle hunting demonstration, and horse herding
Share stories and songs with a nomadic family
Overnight in yurt

Day 11 – Return to Kashgar
Leisurely drive through mountain passes
Final dinner in the old city
Overnight in Kashgar

Day 12 – Departure from Kashgar
Transfer to airport or train station
End of tour

"Every day was like stepping into a different world — mountains, yurts, and warm-hearted people. A true adventure."

Elena R. – Spain

Daniel M. – Australia

"From the Terracotta Warriors to the high-speed trains zooming across the desert, this trip was the perfect blend of ancient and modern. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable, and the logistics were seamless."

John Morgan

"This tour completely changed how I see China. The landscapes, the history, the people — it was a dream. Riding camels in Dunhuang and walking through the ancient alleys of Kashgar felt like stepping into a different world."