Day 1 – Fly to Kashgar via Urumqi

Our guide will meet you outside the baggage claim area at Kashgar Airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Kashgar used to be the Silk Road crossroads of Central Asia and in modern times it is China’s Muslim center with a predominantly Uygur population.

Meals: No meals provided.

Day 2 – Kashgar to Tashkorgan

Attractions: Kashgar Markets, Karakoram Highway

You can’t leave Kashgar without visiting the famous markets. From jewelry to carpets, hats and scarves, musical instruments and prayer mats, raisins and figs, you will find it all there. Try to visit on a Sunday when the Live Stock Market is in operation. It offers a glimpse of the past with the intense buying and selling of lambs, donkeys, goats and the occasional camel.

Meals: Breakfast at your hotel

Day 3 – Tashkorgan to Khunjerab Pass

Attractions: Khunjerab Pass

Today you drive through more spectacular scenery on the way to the Khunjerab Pass. At 4,700m this is the highest paved international border crossing in the world and was completed in 1982. It is 130 kilometres from Tashkorgan and is a long, relatively flat pass. You will see lots of yaks grazing beside the road. It is snow covered during the winter months and is generally closed from November 30 to May 1.

Meals: Breakfast at your hotel

Day 4 – Tashkorgan to Tagharma Valley

Attractions: Tagharma Valley, Horse Riding, Tajik Village Experience

Today you will drive to the beautiful Tagharma Valley to visit a Tajik village. Horses play a very important role in the Tajik culture and you will have the opportunity to ride a horse in the valley surrounded by snow capped mountains. You will also visit a typical Tajik home and sample the local delicacies such as naan, yoghurt and milk tea. Then you will return to Tashkorgan.

Meals: Breakfast at your hotel

Day 5 – Tashkorgan to Karakul Lake

Attractions: Karakul Lake

Today we will return along the Karakoram Highway as far as Karakul Lake. Situated at 3,600 metres and surrounded by snowy peaks it is famous for its amazing reflections. You will have plenty of time to trek around the lake and enjoy the peaceful scenery. You will overnight here in a yurt.

Meals: Breakfast at your hotel

Day 6 – Karakul Lake to Kashgar

Attractions: Karakorum Highway, Idkah Mosque, Apak Hoja Tomb

Today you will drive back to Kashgar where there will be time to visit some more local sights. On your way to the Mosque you will walk along the handicraft street where you will see craftsmen producing all manner of amazing goods. The Idkah Mosque is one of the largest and busiest in China and dates from 1442. You must be modestly dressed to enter. Not far away is the largest Islamic mausoleum in China, the Apak Hoja Tomb with its beautiful glazed tiles.

Day 7 – Kashgar to Urumqi

Attractions: Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Urumqi. There you will have time to visit the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum which is famous for the recently discovered Ancient Caucasian mummies. Then head to downtown Urumuqi where you can browse in the bustling Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar for handicraft souvenirs like rugs, Uygur style hats, embroideries and jade carvings.

Meals: Breakfast at your hotel

Day 8 – Urumqi

Attractions: Heavenly Lake

One hundred and twenty kilometres northeast of Urumqi is Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) and our destination for today. The clear waters of the lake are surrounded by snow capped peaks and forested hills, a stunning sight. After a boat ride on the lake you can enjoy lunch in a Kazakh yurt. Then you can hike down the valley following a rushing stream past waterfalls and peaceful pools.

Meals: Breakfast at your hotel
Lunch in a Kazakk yurt

Day 9 – Depart Urumqi

Today you will be transferred back to Urumqi Airport for your flight to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast at your hotel