15-Day Xinjiang Tour 2025/2026 – Heavenly Mountains, Pamir & Silk Road Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi
Upon arrival in Urumqi, your local guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Enjoy a free day to rest or explore the city at your own pace.
Accommodation: OBOR Home Hotel Urumqi (5-star)

Day 2: Red Hill Park – Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar – Xinjiang Regional Museum
Start your day at Red Hill Park, the symbol of Urumqi, offering panoramic views of the city. Continue to the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace combining Islamic architecture with local ethnic culture. In the afternoon, explore the Xinjiang Regional Museum, where you’ll learn about the history, culture, and diversity of the region.
Accommodation: OBOR Home Hotel Urumqi (5-star)
Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: S21 Desert Highway – Heavenly Lake of Tianshan – Altay
Experience a drive on the scenic S21 Desert Highway, showcasing the unique landscape of the Gobi desert. Visit the Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), a serene alpine lake nestled in the Tianshan Mountains. Later, transfer to Altay for overnight.
Accommodation: Atour Hotel Altay (4-star)
Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Altay – Hemu Village
Drive to Hemu Village, one of the most beautiful and remote villages in China. Explore this idyllic area surrounded by wooden cottages, birch forests, and river valleys. A perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers.
Accommodation: Hemu Lodge (Kanas Hemu Shanzhuang)
Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Hemu – Kanas Lake – Burqin
Visit the Kanas Scenic Area, a glacial lake famed for its alpine scenery and folklore. Explore Fairy Bay, Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Kanas Lake. Continue to Burqin for overnight.
Accommodation: Rezen Hotel Burqin (4-star)
Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Burqin – Urho Ghost City – Kuytun
Today, visit the World Ghost City (Urho Wind City), known for its eerie rock formations shaped by millennia of wind erosion. Then drive to Kuytun, an important stop on the way to the western mountains.
Accommodation: Kuytun Duku Highway Renjoy Hotel (4-star)
Meals: B, L, D

Day 7: Kuytun – Sayram Lake – Guozigou Bridge – Yining
Travel to Sayram Lake, the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, surrounded by grasslands and mountains. Visit Dianjiangtai Viewing Platform and marvel at the engineering wonder of Guozigou Bridge.
Accommodation: Hengrun International Hotel Yining (4-star)
Meals: B, L, D

Day 8: Yining – Nalati Grassland – Nalati Town
Visit the world-renowned Nalati Grassland, a vast alpine meadow known as the “Sky Grassland”. Experience traditional Kazakh culture and stunning open landscapes.
Accommodation: Nalati Yipieyina · Zhanyunjian Homestay (4-star)
Meals: B, L, D

Day 9: Nalati – Duku Highway (South Section) – Tianshan Canyon – Kuqa
Drive through the dramatic Duku Highway, one of China’s most scenic roads. Explore the Da Longchi and Xiao Longchi Lakes, followed by a visit to the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, a deep red gorge full of geological wonders.
Accommodation: Kuqa International Hotel (4-star)
Meals: B, L, D

Day 10: Kuqa – Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves – Wensu Grand Canyon – Aksu
Visit the historic Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, the earliest Buddhist grottoes in China. Then explore Wensu Grand Canyon (Tomur Scenic Area), with its dramatic cliffs and stunning desert formations. Continue to Aksu.
Accommodation: Minghua Hotel (4-star)
Meals: B, L, D

Day 11: Aksu – Kashgar – Border Permit Application – Kashgar Old City
Drive to Kashgar, the ancient crossroads of Central Asia. Upon arrival, arrange for your border permit for the Pamir region. Stroll through Kashgar Old City, soaking in centuries of Silk Road history.
Accommodation: Borrman International Hotel Kashgar (4-star)
Meals: B, L, D

Day 12: Kashgar – Pamir Plateau – White Sand Lake – Karakul Lake – Tashkurgan
Travel along the majestic Karakoram Highway into the Pamir Plateau. Visit White Sand Mountain & Lake, and the sparkling Karakul Lake, with Muztagh Ata as the backdrop. Arrive in Tashkurgan, home to Tajik culture.
Accommodation: Pamir Hotel (4-star)
Meals: B, L, D

Day 13: Tashkurgan – Panlong Ancient Trail – Glacier Park – Kashgar
Experience the breathtaking drive along the Panlong Ancient Road, then explore the Muztagh Glacier Park, where snowfields and ice formations stretch across the highlands. Return to Kashgar.
Accommodation: Borrman International Hotel Kashgar (4-star)
Meals: B, L, D

Day 14: Kashgar City Highlights – Cultural Performances
Visit the sacred Id Kah Mosque, Apak Khoja Mausoleum (Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb), and witness the grand Kashgar Old Town Opening Ceremony. Enjoy the unique Uyghur architecture and culture.
Accommodation: Borrman International Hotel Kashgar (4-star)
Meals: B, L, D

Day 15: Kashgar – Departure
After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the airport. Your epic journey through Xinjiang comes to an end.
Meal: B