For centuries, the Silk Road connected the great civilizations of East and West, carrying not only silk and precious goods but also religions, languages, ideas and artistic traditions across the mountains and deserts of Central Asia. This journey follows a section of these historic routes through Kazakhstan, western China and northern Pakistan, combining important archaeological sites with landscapes that once shaped the movement of merchants and travellers. The route encompasses the ancient oasis settlements of Xinjiang, Buddhist centres that flourished along the Silk Road, the Uyghur heritage of Kashgar, and the high-altitude corridors of the Pamir and Karakoram. The final stage enters Pakistan along the historic Karakoram Highway, linking the frontier with the valleys of Hunza and Skardu, where centuries of cultural exchange have left a distinctive legacy. Taken as a whole, the itinerary offers more than a journey through remarkable places: it provides a historical perspective on the networks of exchange that connected Central, South and East Asia long before the modern borders of these countries existed.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrive Almaty
Arrival in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and cultural and economic centre, located at the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel, while the remainder of the day will be free to rest after the journey or begin exploring the city independently. (-/-/-)
Day 2. Almaty - Charyn Canyon - Kaindy Lake - Saty Village
Today, we leave Almaty and head towards the spectacular landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan. Our first stop is Charyn Canyon, one of the country’s most impressive natural landmarks, where erosion has shaped dramatic rock formations and deep valleys. We then continue towards Kaindy Lake, famous for its unusual submerged forest rising from the turquoise mountain waters. Surrounded by the Tian Shan landscape, the lake offers a striking combination of alpine scenery and clear waters before we continue to Saty Village, where we spend the night. (B/-/D)
Day 3. Saty Village - Kolsai Lake - Almaty
We continue our exploration of the Kolsai Lakes National Park, travelling to Kolsai Lake, one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Kazakhstan. Surrounded by coniferous forests and high mountain slopes, the lake provides an opportunity to enjoy a peaceful walk and the natural surroundings before returning to Almaty. The journey back takes us through the changing landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan, from mountain valleys towards the city. (B/-/-)
Day 4. Fly to Urumqi (China)
Today, we leave Kazakhstan and fly to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang and an important gateway to western China. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel and have the remainder of the day 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, with the Tian Shan Mountains forming a striking backdrop. (B/-/-)
Day 5. Urumqi - Heavenly Lake - Urumqi
Our journey continues into the Tian Shan Mountains to Heavenly Lake, a high-altitude lake surrounded by coniferous forests and snow-covered peaks. After the drive through the mountains, we will have time to walk along the lakeshore and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, with an optional boat ride available depending on weather conditions. Back in Urumqi, we will visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum, followed by free time at the lively International Grand Bazaar, one of the city’s best places to experience the region’s diverse cultural traditions. (B/-/-)
Day 6. Urumqi - Turpan
We leave Urumqi and travel towards Turpan, an ancient oasis settlement located in one of the hottest and driest areas of Xinjiang. En route, we pass the striking Flaming Mountains and visit Tuyoq Valley, where traditional Uyghur village life and local architecture offer an insight into the region’s long-established oasis culture. The day continues with a visit to the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, an important Buddhist site carved into the cliffs and closely connected with the history of the Silk Road. (B/-/-)
Day 7. Turpan - Korla
The morning begins with a visit to the ruins of Jiaohe, one of the best-preserved ancient settlements in Xinjiang and an important centre along the historic Silk Road. We then discover the Karez irrigation system, an ingenious network of underground channels that allowed communities to cultivate the otherwise arid lands around Turpan. Later, we continue to Korla, known as the “City of Pears”, travelling through landscapes that gradually change from the oasis environment around Turpan to the wider Tarim Basin. (B/-/-)
Day 8. 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. After arrival, we 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 structures reflect the importance of Kuqa as a centre of Buddhism and cultural exchange along the Silk Road. (B/-/-)
Day 9. Kuqa
Today is dedicated to exploring Kuqa and its remarkable cultural and natural heritage. We visit the Kizil Caves, one of China’s oldest major Buddhist cave complexes, renowned for its ancient murals and sculptures. Later, we head towards Tianshan Canyon, where erosion has created reddish cliffs, narrow passages and distinctive rock formations. The rugged surroundings provide a dramatic contrast to the arid landscapes of the Tarim Basin and add a natural dimension to our exploration of the ancient Kingdom of Kucha. (B/-/-)
Day 10. Kuqa - Aral
Before departing Kuqa, we 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 move deeper into the southern part of the Tarim Basin, the landscape becomes increasingly remote and arid, preparing us for the crossing of the Taklamakan Desert. (B/-/-)
Day 11. Aral - Hotan - Kashgar
Today brings one of the most distinctive experiences of the journey as we cross the vast Taklamakan Desert by road. The route passes through an immense landscape of shifting sands and remote desert terrain before reaching Hotan, an ancient oasis town closely associated with the southern branch of the Silk Road. We visit the ruins of Yotkan, traditionally linked with the ancient Kingdom of Khotan, before continuing towards Kashgar through a changing landscape of desert and oasis settlements. (B/-/-)
Day 12. Kashgar
Today we explore Kashgar, one of the historic crossroads of the Silk Road where Chinese, Central Asian and Middle Eastern influences have met for centuries. We walk through the atmospheric Old Town, with its traditional Uyghur homes, narrow lanes and local shops, and visit Id Kah Mosque, one of the city’s most important religious landmarks. We also have time to experience the traditional atmosphere of Kashgar’s bazaars and teahouses, while a visit to the famous livestock market may be possible if our stay coincides with a Sunday. (B/-/-)
Day 13. Kashgar - Tashkurgan via the Pamir Plateau
We leave Kashgar and follow the Karakoram Highway towards Tashkurgan, gradually climbing into the high-altitude landscapes of the Pamir Plateau. The desert environment gives way to broad mountain valleys, turquoise lakes and snow-covered peaks. We stop at Baisha Lake, known for its white sandy slopes, and continue to Karakul Lake, surrounded by some of the region’s most impressive peaks, including Muztagh Ata and Kongur Tagh. Upon reaching Tashkurgan, we visit a local Tajik family and learn more about the traditions and everyday life of this distinctive mountain community. (B/-/-)
Day 14. Tashkurgan - Khunjerab Pass - Karimabad, Hunza Valley (Pakistan)
Today we leave China and follow the spectacular mountain route towards the Khunjerab Pass, crossing one of the world’s highest international borders at approximately 4,670 m above sea level. After completing the border formalities and changing vehicles, we enter Pakistan and continue towards the Hunza Valley. The route follows the dramatic Karakoram landscape, with towering peaks and deep valleys accompanying us towards Karimabad, where we spend the night. (B/-/-)
Day 15. Hunza Valley - Skardu
We leave Hunza and begin our journey towards Skardu, travelling along the spectacular Karakoram Highway and passing through the mountainous landscapes of Gilgit-Baltistan. Along the route, we make a stop at the Rakaposhi viewpoint before continuing through Gilgit and onwards towards Skardu. The journey offers a final opportunity to appreciate the scale of the Karakoram and the remote valleys that define northern Pakistan. Overnight in Skardu. (B/-/-)
Day 16. Departure
Transfer to Skardu Airport for your departure. End of service. (B/-/-)
All meals acc. itinerary
2720 €, 16 Days
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