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Overview

This 5-day adventure takes you through Xinjiang's ancient treasures, starting in Urumqi and Turpan, where you'll explore the 2,000-year-old Jiaohe Ruins and Gaochang Ancient City, followed by a visit to the timeless Tuyugou Valley. After a relaxing day in Shanshan, experience the thrill of the Kumtag Desert with sandboarding, jeep safaris, and a night under the stars. The journey culminates in the surreal landscapes of Hami Grand Canyon, where wind-carved cliffs create a Martian-like wonder. End your trip with a taste of Hami's famous sweet melona perfect finale to this unforgettable Silk Road experience.

Highlights

  • Explore the ancient Jiaohe and Gaochang ruins, where you can walk through 2,000-year-old Silk Road history and experience the legacy of the Gaochanɡ Kingdom.

  • Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Tuyugou Valley, visiting the 600-year-old Mazar Village with its traditional Uyghur clay houses and sacred shrines.

  • Adventure into the Kumtag Desert for sandboarding, jeep safaris, and a magical night of camping under the stars with a desert barbecue.

  • Discover the surreal landscapes of Hami Grand Canyon, hiking through Martian-like rock formations and capturing breathtaking views of wind-carved cliffs.

Itinerary

Day 1Discovering the Echoes of Ancient Civilizations

Your journey begins in Urumqi, the vibrant capital of Xinjiang. From here, you'll travel to Turpan, a desert oasis steeped in history. Your first stop is the Jiaohe Ruins, an astonishing 2,000-year-old city carved into a cliff, where you can walk among the remnants of the ancient Gaochanɡ Kingdom. Next, explore the Gaochang Ancient City, once a bustling hub on the Silk Road, and imagine the merchants and monks who once roamed its streets.

In the afternoon, visit the Tuyugou Valley, home to the 600-year-old Mazar Village, one of Xinjiang's oldest Uyghur settlements. Wander through its labyrinth of clay houses and sacred shrines, soaking in the timeless atmosphere. As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Uyghur dinner before resting for the night.

Transport: Car
Accommodation: Overnight in Turpan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2Encountering the Desert Oasis

After an immersive historical day, take a slower pace as you drive to Shanshan, a small town at the edge of the desert. Use this day to recharge, sample local Xinjiang cuisine (don't miss the succulent lamb kebabs!), and stock up on supplies for the desert adventure ahead. Stroll through the local markets, picking up dried fruits and nuts—perfect snacks for the journey.

Transport: Car
Accommodation: Overnight in Shanshan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3Desert Thrills in Kumtag

Today, you'll venture into the mesmerizing Kumtag Desert, where golden dunes stretch endlessly. Try sandboarding down the slopes or take a thrilling jeep safari across the rolling sands. As evening falls, set up camp amidst the dunes. Enjoy a desert barbecue under the vast, star-studded sky—an unforgettable night of tranquility and adventure.

Transport: Car
Accommodation: Overnight in Kumtag
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4Stepping into the Martian Landscape

Bid farewell to the dunes and head toward Hami Grand Canyon (Dahai Dao), a surreal landscape of wind-carved rock formations resembling a Martian wilderness. Hike through its dramatic gorges, capturing breathtaking photos of the jagged cliffs and hidden caves. You can choose to camp in the canyon for an immersive experience or stay in a nearby hotel for comfort.

Transport: Car
Accommodation: Overnight in Hami
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5Hami Departure

On your final day, explore more of Hami's striking geology before driving to Hami City, where your adventure concludes. Visit the Hami King's Tomb or the local museum to learn about the region's rich heritage. Before departing, savor a bowl of Hami melon—the sweetest farewell gift from Xinjiang!

Transport: Car
Accommodation: No Accommodation
Meals: Breakfast

Book Pirce

Adult(Age:8-80) Price/p.p Child(Age:4-7) Price/p.p Infant(Age:0-3) Price/p.p
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Includes

  • Private transportation through out the itinerary. Xinjiang China will arrange for all travelers to be met on arrival and seen off on departure based on your flight info.

    4pax- 7seats. 6pax- 12seats. 8pax- 18seats. 12pax-33seats

  • 4star hotel include breakfast, service charge and government tax. Located in the downtown

  • All entrance fees(shuttle bus) sightseeing; excursions and activities as per the itinerary

  • Private friendly and professional English-Speaking guides

  • Visa support letter for you to apply Chinese visa easily.

  • Travel and health insurance when travel with us.

  • 8, A 24/7 helpline while you are traveling.

Excludes

  • International and domestic flights not indicated.

  • Food, Lunch or dinner not specified

  • Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers

  • Personal expenses and the other tours or activities not mentioned

Trip Notes

  • We always offer friendly and supportive discount for seniors and Families with little kids.

  • You are able to visit Xinjiang during Ramadan. All the restaurants are open.

  • Complimentary 2 bottles of water each person on daily use.

  • You will need Travel permit to Taxkorgan and Bayinbuluk.


Transportation

Comfortable Vehicles with good aircondition, Friendly and professional Drivers.

2pax- 5seats. 4pax - 7seats. 6pax - 12seats. 9pax- 17seats. 12-15pax - 33seats.


Accommodation

All the hotels we selected are 4 star well-located in the city center with good and proper breakfast for our clients. 3star hotel in some remote towns where 4stars are not avilable. NO SMOKING rooms will be booked for you.


Guides

Our guides are very friendly, knowledgeable, helpful. And our group tours will be escorted from Xinjiang China Travel.


Climate and Altitude

Generally speaking End March—End Oct are the best time to visit Xinjiang. From mid April to mid of August is the best time to explore the vast grassland in Yili River valley which borders with Kazakhstan.Mid may to Mid Oct is the best time to explore north Xinjiang of Kanas Nature park. End March to Mid June, Sept and Oct are the perfect season to South Xinjiang for its pleasant weather and sweet fruits. No need to worry about high altitude along the Xinjiang. We will prepare Oxygen bags if required. We offer beneficial Cancellation Policy to our customers.

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