Cultural Treasures of Xinjiang

This 11-day cultural journey takes you deep into the heart of Xinjiang, one of China’s most fascinating and misunderstood regions. Explore the ancient cities, spiritual sites, bazaars, and diverse cultures of the Uyghur, Kazakh, Hui, and other ethnic groups who have lived along the Silk Road for centuries. From Kashgar’s old town to Turpan’s desert ruins and Urumqi’s museums and mosques, this tour offers immersive experiences with real cultural depth.

Ideal for travelers interested in anthropology, history, religion, and cross-cultural exploration.

From $2,750 per person
Based on double occupancy. Single supplement: $390
Group and private tour options available.

What’s Included

10 nights in boutique hotels and heritage guesthouses
Domestic flights and high-speed train tickets within Xinjiang
All breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners
Local English-speaking guides in each city
Entrance tickets for all listed attractions
Cultural activities (e.g., cooking class, music performance)
Private transportation and airport/train transfers
24/7 in-country support

What’s Not Included

International flights
China visa and support documents
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Personal expenses, optional excursions, tips

Important Information for Tourists

Best season: April–June and September–October
Moderate physical activity: walking, market visits, light hikes
Be mindful of cultural norms and modest dress, especially in mosques and rural areas
Travel involves some long road trips and a train ride across the Tarim Basin

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival in Urumqi
Airport pickup and hotel check-in
Welcome dinner and trip briefing
Overnight in Urumqi

Day 2 – Urumqi Culture & Museum
Visit Xinjiang Regional Museum (ancient mummies and cultural exhibits)
Walk through the Grand Bazaar and explore local crafts
Visit Red Hill Park for panoramic views
Overnight in Urumqi

Day 3 – Drive to Turpan
Scenic drive to Turpan through desert landscapes
Explore the Karez underground irrigation system
Visit Emin Minaret and local vineyard with grape tasting
Overnight in Turpan

Day 4 – Ruins of the Silk Road
Guided tour of Jiaohe Ruins, an ancient city carved from desert rock
Visit a Uyghur family home for lunch and culture exchange
Evening folk music performance
Overnight in Turpan

Day 5 – Train to Kashgar
High-speed train across the desert to Kashgar (~6.5 hrs)
Free evening stroll through the old town
Overnight in Kashgar

Day 6 – Spiritual & Architectural Kashgar
Visit Id Kah Mosque and Apak Hoja Tomb
Guided walk through Kashgar Old City
Visit local woodworkers and artisans
Overnight in Kashgar

Day 7 – Sunday Market & Bazaar
Tour the famous Sunday Livestock Market (if Sunday)
Explore the main bazaar and learn about Uyghur tea culture
Overnight in Kashgar

Day 8 – Tashkurgan Excursion (Karakoram Highway)
Drive along the Karakoram Highway to Tashkurgan, a Tajik town near Pakistan border
Stop at Lake Karakul and see snow-capped Muztagh Ata
Visit Tashkurgan Stone Fortress and local Tajik village
Overnight in Tashkurgan

Day 9 – Return to Kashgar
Leisurely return drive through Pamir landscapes
Optional Uyghur cooking class or textile workshop in the evening
Overnight in Kashgar

Day 10 – Flight to Urumqi
Morning flight to Urumqi
Afternoon visit to a local mosque and tea house
Farewell dinner with traditional Uyghur dishes
Overnight in Urumqi

Day 11 – Departure
Transfer to Urumqi Airport or train station
Tour ends, or optional add-on to Gansu, Xi’an, or Beijing

"This was the most diverse cultural experience I’ve had in China. Every city felt like a new world. The guides were outstanding."

Priya N. – UK

"Xinjiang is beautiful and complex. This trip helped me understand the people and history in a personal way."

Zhang Wei – China

"We loved the balance of history, music, architecture, and food. The homestay and music night in Turpan were unforgettable!"

Julia & Marc – France

"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."

Cultural Treasures of Xinjiang

What’s Included

Tour Highlights