Along the Silk Road: From the Taklamakan Desert to the Pamirs

Day 1. Arrival in Urumqi
Arrival in Urumqi on a flight from Beijing, Shanghai or Almaty. The capital of Xinjiang and an important modern gateway to the western regions of China. Upon arrival at the airport, we will be transferred to our hotel, while the remainder of the day will be free to relax or explore the city independently. Urumqi reflects the cultural diversity of Xinjiang, where Chinese traditions meet the heritage of Uyghur, Kazakh and other Central Asian communities, while the nearby Tianshan Mountains provide a striking natural backdrop. Hotel in Urumqi.  (-/-/-)

Day 2. Urumqi - Heavenly Lake - Urumqi
Our journey continues into the Tianshan Mountains to Heavenly Lake, a high-altitude lake surrounded by dense coniferous forests and snow-covered peaks. After a scenic drive through the mountains, we will have time to walk along the lakeshore and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and fresh mountain air. Weather permitting, an optional boat ride may also be available. Back in Urumqi, we will visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum to learn more about the region’s history and its role along the Silk Road. We will round off the day with free time at the lively International Grand Bazaar. (B/-/-)

Day 3. Urumqi - Turpan
We leave Urumqi behind and travel towards Turpan, an ancient oasis settlement located in one of the hottest and driest areas of Xinjiang. En route, we will pass the striking Flaming Mountains, recognizable for their reddish rock formations and legendary association with the region. We will visit Tuyoq Valley and a traditional Uyghur village, where local architecture and surroundings provide an insight into life in this remote part of Xinjiang. The day continues with a visit to the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, an important Buddhist site carved into the cliffs of the Flaming Mountains and closely connected with the history of the Silk Road. (B/-/-)

Day 4. Turpan - Korla
The morning begins with a visit to the ruins of Jiaohe, one of the best-preserved ancient settlements in Xinjiang. Built on a natural plateau between two river valleys, the city once served as an important centre along the Silk Road. We will then discover the Karez irrigation system, an ingenious network of underground channels that enabled communities to cultivate the otherwise arid lands around Turpan. Later, we continue to Korla, known as the “City of Pears”, while the changing landscape accompanies us along the route. (B/-/-)

Day 5. Korla - Kuqa
Today, we travel onwards to Kuqa, once the centre of the ancient Kingdom of Kucha and an important stop on the northern Silk Road route. After arrival, we will visit the Kizilgaha Beacon Tower, an ancient communications structure dating from the Han Dynasty, before continuing to the ruins of the Subashi Buddhist complex. The remains of temples, stupas and other religious buildings provide a glimpse into the period when Kuqa was one of the major centres of Buddhism in the region. (B/-/-)

Day 6. Kuqa
Today is dedicated to exploring Kuqa and its remarkable cultural and natural heritage. We will visit the Kizil Caves, one of China’s oldest major Buddhist cave complexes, renowned for its ancient murals and sculptures. In the afternoon, we head towards Tianshan Canyon, where centuries of erosion have shaped reddish cliffs, narrow passages and striking rock formations. The rugged surroundings provide a dramatic contrast to the arid landscapes outside the canyon, making this one of the memorable natural highlights of the journey. (B/-/-)

Day 7. Kuqa - Aral
Before departing Kuqa, we will visit the Grand Mosque and the former Palace of the Rulers of Kuqa, where traditional Uyghur architectural elements reflect the history of the local ruling dynasty. We then continue towards Aral, following a route alongside the Tarim River, the longest inland river in China. As we make our way towards the southern part of the Tarim Basin, the landscape becomes increasingly remote and arid, setting the scene for our forthcoming crossing of the Taklamakan Desert. (B/-/-)

Day 8. Aral - Hotan via the Taklamakan Desert
Today brings one of the most distinctive experiences of the itinerary: crossing the vast Taklamakan Desert by road. The journey takes us through an immense landscape of shifting sands, with the settlements and oases gradually giving way to seemingly endless desert terrain. After this remarkable overland crossing, we arrive in Hotan, an ancient oasis town that once played an important role on the southern branch of the Silk Road. We will visit the ruins of Yotkan, believed to have been associated with the ancient Kingdom of Khotan, before settling into our new surroundings. (B/-/-)

Day 9. Hotan - Kashgar
We begin the day with a visit to Hotan’s Jade Bazaar, where jade has been traded and worked for centuries and remains an important part of the region’s traditional crafts. We will then explore the Runda City traditional quarter, with its characteristic architecture, local shops and lively streets. Later, we depart for Kashgar, travelling through a combination of oasis settlements and desert landscapes. Arrival in Kashgar marks the beginning of the final stage of our journey, taking us from the desert lowlands towards the highlands of the Pamirs. (B/-/-)

Day 10. Kashgar
Today, we explore Kashgar, a city that has served for centuries as a meeting point between China, Central Asia and the Middle East. We will walk through the atmospheric Old Town, where narrow lanes, traditional Uyghur homes and bustling bazaars preserve much of the city’s distinctive character. Among the highlights is the Id Kah Mosque, one of the city’s most important religious landmarks. We will also visit a traditional teahouse, offering an opportunity to observe a more intimate side of local life. If our visit falls on a Sunday, we may also explore Kashgar’s famous livestock market, where long-established trading traditions continue to draw local buyers and sellers. (B/-/-)

Day 11. Kashgar - Tashkurgan via the Pamir Plateau
We leave Kashgar and follow the Karakoram Highway towards Tashkurgan, gradually climbing towards the high-altitude landscapes of the Pamir Plateau. The desert environment gives way to broad mountain valleys, turquoise lakes and snow-covered peaks. We will stop at Baisha Lake, known for its striking white sandy slopes, before continuing to Karakul Lake, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Pamir Mountains. The surrounding peaks include Muztagh Ata, Kongur Tagh and Kongur Tiube. Upon reaching Tashkurgan, we will visit a local Tajik family and gain an insight into the traditions and everyday life of this distinctive mountain community. (B/-/-)

Day 12. Tashkurgan - Kashgar
Our morning begins with a visit to Tashkurgan Stone City, an ancient fortress that once occupied a strategically important position along the Silk Road. Its elevated setting provides a remarkable perspective over the surrounding highlands, where historic ruins stand against the vast Pamir landscape and snow-covered peaks. We will then continue to the Golden Pastures, where green meadows, flowing rivers and rugged mountain ranges create a striking contrast to the arid landscapes encountered earlier in the journey. Later, we return to Kashgar along the mountain route. (B/-/-)

Day 13. Kashgar - Departure
Following breakfast, we will have some free time in Kashgar before our transfer to the airport. Our journey through the western reaches of China and along some of the most historic routes of the Silk Road now comes to an end. End of services. (B/-/-)