China Highlights - Discovery Your Way! (Since 1959)

Taklimakhan Desert Highway Adventure

  • Tour Code: XJ-1
  • Duration: 12 days
  • Departure Date: You Choose!
  • Tour Type: Land tour + well selected hotel + Your own English speaking guide (otherwise specified), your own driver at your own pace and schedule.
From only $1932 View Price Detail

Are you seeking the road less traveled? This part of China is just opening to tourism, it's a great time to explore this route off the usual tourist trail. Let us open up this fascinating area for you to explore.

 

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Place & Transport: Arrive in Urumqi, Flight not included
Today's Activities: Airport to Hotel Transfer (Urumqi)

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Day 2

Place & Transport: Urumqi to Turpan
Today's Activities: Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Pass through the Flaming Mountain
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves: The Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Caves is the rock-cut building with the most caves and frescos contents at most in Turpan area.It is located on the west cliffs of the Wood Valley of the Flame Mountain, 45 kilometers away from Turpan city.
- Pass through the Flaming Mountain: The Flaming Mountain is located on the northern verge of Turpan Basin, more than 10 kilometers away from Turpan city.It is the cradle of the Turpan ancient civilization and oasis agriculture. Eighty percent of the total natural landscapes and human landscapes in Turpan are located here.

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Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves

Day 3

Place & Transport: Turpan to Kuerle /Kurla
Today's Activities: Karez Well, Jiaohe Ruin, Trufan Minority Souvenir and Carpet Shop
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Karez Well: The Karez Water System Folkways Paradise is located at the Ya'er country in Turpan city, 3 kilometers away from the city Turban, and 2 kilometers away from the 312 national highway in the south. This irrigation system of wells connected by underground channels is considered to be one of the three great ancient projects in China.

The famous fruit and vineyards of these hot, dry desert communities owe their existence to the karez, ancient underground irrigation channels fed by wells that tap into the snowmelt from surrounding mountains. These systems are still maintained and functioning today. A small museum provides an insight into their intriguing history and construction, and takes you below ground for a first-hand view.
- Jiaohe Ruin: Located in the Yarnaz Valley, 13 kilometers away from the Turpan city in the west, Jiaohe Ruin was built by the old Cheshi people in Qin dynasty and Han dynasty. It was almost dig from natural ground and the tallest building reached three stories high, which is the biggest, oldest and best preserved construction city in the world. The present preservation was descended from Tang dynasty during which period it had its Gold Age.

As you walk the streets of this incredible ruined city lying between two rivers, you can look across to distant vineyards and orchards. Clear streets and roads lead you through different sections and high viewpoints for perspective. Many of the buildings remain, and as the desert wind swirls through in the evenings, it’s easy to imagine the hustle and bustle of a once busy city, now deserted. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and take water and sunscreen.
- Red Rose Restaurant: Red Rose Restaurant is an authentic Uygur restaurant mainly providing Uygur cuisine in local.
- Trufan Minority Souvenir and Carpet Shop : Located at the suburb of Turufan , mainly manages the Xinjiang carpet, the Hetian jade, some Xinjiang famous raw material for medicine as well as introduces Xinjiang's traveling class books
Tel: 0995-8687818
Address: Welcome Pavilion Trufan ,Xinjiang

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Jiaohe Ruins
Jiaohe Ruins
Jiaohe Ruins
Jiaohe Ruins

Day 4

Place & Transport: Kuerle /Kurla to Kuche/Kucha
Today's Activities: Grand Kuqa Mosque, Kizilgaha Thousand Buddha Cave
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Grand Kuqa Mosque: It is the second biggest mosque in Xinjiang, first built in the 17th century, but after the burnt down it was rebuilt in 1931. The great praying hall, which can accommodate 1000 prayers, is supported by 88 pillars, embellished with carved designs and in many colors, a fine example of Uygur architecture.
- Kizilgaha Thousand Buddha Cave: Kizil Thousand Buddha caves is one of the four biggest groups of grottoes in China, is national Class A Cultural Relics Reserve, it lies in Mingutag Mountains in Baicheng County.

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Grand Kuqa Mosque
Grand Kuqa Mosque
Kizilgaha Thousand Buddha Cave
Kizilgaha Thousand Buddha Cave

Day 5

Place & Transport: Kuche/Kucha
Today's Activities: Subash Anceint City
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Subash Anceint City: Though it remains only as ruins, it was the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Guici. The city is believed to be even older than the ancient Harappan civilization, which dates back around 4,000 years.

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Day 6

Place & Transport: Kuche/Kucha to Hetian/Hotan
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

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Day 7

Place & Transport: Hetian/Hotan
Today's Activities: Mallikurwatur Ruins
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Mallikurwatur Ruins: Also known as Mallikurwatur Ruins, the ancient city lies 25 km southwest of Hetian, on the west bank of the Jade Dragon Kashgar River. Situated on a 1500 m long belt, it is believed to be the ancient city of Yutian Kingdom although disputes claim it used to be a monastery compound. From 1977, potsherds, ancient coins and other items have been excavated.

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Day 8

Place & Transport: Hetian/Hotan to Yarkent
Today's Activities: Yarkant King, Amannishahan
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Yarkant King: This city forms an oasis at the western end of the Taklimakan desert as a trade center. Mainly inhabited by Turkic-speaking Muslims, it has more than 120 mosques. Marco Polo visited the city in 1271 and in 1275; it was on the important Silk Road between China and Europe.
- Amannishahan: The Uygurs are excellent at dancing. The "12 Mukams" (opera) is an epic comprising more than 340 classic songs and folk dances. After liberation, this musical treasure, which was on the verge of being lost, was collected, studied and recorded by Amannisha who is the concubine of Yarkant King.She died aged 34.

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Day 9

Place & Transport: Yarkent to Kashgar
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

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Day 10

Place & Transport: Kashgar
Today's Activities: Lake Karakuli
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Lake Karakuli: A sparkling glacial lake, surrounded by stunning rocky mountains, and snow-covered peaks as high as 7500m (the lake's at 3,600). After eating in one of the collection of yurts at the water's edge you can walk around the lake (about 4 hours), or take a ride by pony, camel or motorbike, or just enjoy the scenery before returning to Kashgar. Camping is available in the yurts (best to come well prepared), and longer treks available by arrangement.

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Karakuli Lake
Karakuli Lake
Karakuli Lake
Karakuli Lake

Day 11

Place & Transport: Kashgar to Urumqi, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Kashgar), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Urumqi), Sunday bazaar, Id Kah Mosque, Zhiren Street, Kashgar Old Town
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at Orida Culture Rsetaurant

- Sunday bazaar: Famous throughout Asia, this ancient market attracts locals and merchants from all over Xinjiang and nearby countries such as Pakistan and Kirghizstan. There are wonderful, offerings of dried fruit and delicacies, clothes, shoes, leather, textiles, rugs and carpets as well as scarves, souvenirs and other goods in an eclectic mix that appeals to traveller and native alike. Open all week, Sunday's the big day when the farmers come to town, and those who still prefer to shop at the market rather than city shops.
- Id Kah Mosque: This 15th century mosque is one of the largest and busiest in China. As you stroll under the trees in the pleasant courtyards, you glimpse the strength and care of the local community. At midday on Fridays around 10,000 people will gather to pray and study the Koran, and prayer 5 times/day on other days. You'll be asked to remove your shoes before entering the Main Hall, which has traditional Islamic pillars,carvings and rugs strewn over the floors. Women are adviced to cover upper arms and legs, a scarf is not compulsory, but is seen as a mark of respect.
- Zhiren Street: It is close to Id Kah Mosque, an old street with an amazing range of goods being crafted for sale by hand , from strictly utilitarian cookware to exotic musical instruments. There's not much light industry in Kashgar, so everything is hand-made or imported from a very distant place. Copper, metal, porcelain, woodwork, jewellery and other goods are seen to be made and you will marvel at incredible devices like the wooden objects that prevent babies from wetting the bed.
- Kashgar Old Town: Explore the maze of narrow streets in this oldest residential area of Kashgar. Houses were originally built along a natural slope, and extended over the years with many streets either fully or half-covered. Traditional Uighur life continues here in time-honoured fashion. Visit local families, see potteries, bakeries, embroidery, and local skills. There's a local Folk Museum, and yes, souvenirs are for sale but these are not rich people, a purchase is better than a gift.
- Orida Culture Rsetaurant : It is an authentic Uygur restaurant mainly providing Uygur cuisine in local. With a great prestige it attracts a large number of tourists for enjoying Uygur culture during peak season. The restroom is in normal condition, no wine allowed while dining.

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the etigar mosque
the etigar mosque
Kashi Zhirenjie
Kashi Zhirenjie

Day 12

Place & Transport: Depart Urumqi, Flight not included
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Urumqi)
Meals: Breakfast

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  • Apr. 01 - Nov. 31
    High Season
  • Dec. 01 - Mar. 31
    Low Season(2010)
Your Group Size Tour Class Tour Price Single Room Supplement Inquiry
1 Person Superior Class -- $0 No Selected!
Deluxe Class $3525 $0 Inquiry
Tourist Class -- $0 No Selected!
2-5 Person Superior Class -- -- No Selected!
Deluxe Class $1975 $346 Inquiry
Tourist Class -- -- No Selected!
6-9 Person Superior Class -- -- No Selected!
Deluxe Class $1456 $346 Inquiry
Tourist Class -- -- No Selected!

 

 

Hotels

City Deluxe Class
Urumqi Ramada Tunhe Hotel
Turpan Turpan Hotel
Kuerle /Kurla Korle Silver Star Hotel
Kuche/Kucha Kucha Hotel
Hetian/Hotan Khotan Hotel
Yarkent Yarkant Hotel
Kashgar KASHIGAR QINIWAKE
Urumqi Ramada Tunhe Hotel

* Price is in US dollars, for one person. Price is for references only, may vary according to your travel time Please inquire for more details. Click here to change prices to your Currency

* Better discount is available when travel in low season from Nov to March or when travel in a large group. Please Contact Us for more details.

* If only one person is traveling then the single room supplement is not required. If, for example, three people book a hotel, with two in one room and one in another room, the single room supplement must be paid.

Price Inclusions and Exclusions

Price Inclusions:

  • Entrance Fees:
    To scenic spots as listed in the itinerary.
  • Meals:
    All meals as specified in the itinerary.
    If the restaurant indicated is not available on the day, your guide will arrange another restaurant from our list of approved restaurants. Breakfast is usually a western style buffet. We endeavor to ensure that a choice of western and Chinese breakfasts is supplied, however there may be occasions when only a Chinese breakfast is available in some remote locations.
  • Private Transfers:
    Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in Urumqi, Turpan, Kuerle /Kurla, Kuche/Kucha , Hetian/Hotan, Yarkent, Kashgar by private air conditioned vehicle with a driver and English-speaking guide (as listed above).
    Your comfort is our priority! Click here to get a description of the vehicles that we use for our tours.
  • Guide:
    As outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city, who will remain with you throughout your time in that city. A new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available.
  • Hotels:
    Hotel fees are based on two people sharing one room with twin beds.
    All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast. All rooms are air-conditioned with private facilities unless specified.
  • Transportation:
    Kashgar To Urumqi Transfer via: Flight, TBA (Our arrangements)

  • Airport Tax for Domestic Flights
    Airport Tax and Fuel Fee for Flights if applicable
  • Service Charge & Government Taxes:
  • Insurance
    The insurance is China Life Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance.
    Click here to learn more about the insurance coverage and the sum insured.
  • Luggage Transfers:
    Between airports and hotels.
  • Arrangements:
    The tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

Price Exclusions:

  • Personal Expenses:
    Expenses of a purely personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary.
  • Meals:
    Any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary.
  • Single Room Supplement.

 

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