Highlights

The tour is based on 2 persons in a private tour for 4star hotel

  • Explore the splendid Danxia Rainbow Mountain in Zhangye

  • Discover the famous Mogao Caves which was built up from 4th Century AD

  • Explore Dunhuang' s markets and soak up a very different culture to that of western China

  • Enjoy the Fantastic landscape in Heavenly Lake, where the thick forest, vast grassland, magnificent snow mountain, experience the unique nomadic culture of local Kazakhs

ITINERARY Close All

Day 1Lanzhou Arrive

Today your travel begins with a welcome meeting at airport. After checking in the hotel, rest of your time is free to explore Lanzhou with a long history and colorful culture. There are many historical sites worth visiting.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Crown Plaza Lanzhou
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 1600m

Day 2Binglingsi Temple and Speed Train to Zhangye

With a early start today, we will arrive Binlingsi Temple at 09:30 after 1.5hrs’ driving. Taking the 40mins fast boat to the inside of the park, enjoy the variety of artworks in different styles and observe the social situations and customs in ancient times when seeing the stone sculptures and appreciate the miracle of Buddha caves. 


We will then head back to downtown to visit the the first bridge of the Yellow River's Mother Statue consisting of “a mother” and “a baby boy” which symbolizes the mother of the Yellow River nurturing the Chinese nation.


In twilight, take high-speed train to Zhangye to check in the hotel for a good rest.

Traffic: Car+Train
Hotel: Zhangye Hotel Tianyu International Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 1400m
  • Binglings Temple

  • Yellow River Mother Statue

Day 3Drive to Jiayuguan (223 kms)

After 1hr's visiting to the 900-years old Grand Buddha Temple, experiencing the impressive Buddha culture and architectural treasures.


We will drive 3hrs to the masterpiece of nature Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, which is situated in the north of Qilian mountains with a distance of 40 km from east Zhangye city. You will be marveled by the colorful layers of mountain ridges in the 4hr's adventure to the different platforms.


Afterwards, 3hrs driving to Jiayuguan for a refreshing dinner and a good rest.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Plaza Holiday Inn Jiayuguan Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 1462m
  • Giant Buddha Temple

  • Zhangye Danxia Landform

Day 4Jiayuguan Fortress and Drive to Dunhuang (350 kms)

Today we begin our journey to the Jiayuguan Fortress. Standing among vast desert and surrounded by rolling mountains, it looks like a dignified general guarding the grand land. It was constructed with the most integrated defensive system: an inner city, an outer city, and a moat. Besides functioning as a frontier military fortress, it was also an important traffic hub along the Silk Road, the oldest worldwide trading route.


Continue the sightseeing to renowned underground gallery Weijin Tombs.There we can enjoy lifelike and succinct wall paintings covering a wide range of subjects including politics, economics, culture, military affairs, folk customs, and science and technology during the Wei and Jin periods (4AD)


After lunch, 4hrs driving to Dunhuang to visit Echoing Sand Mountain, where you can ride the camels for 40mins to experience the beautiful desert scenery in the sunset.


After an extraordinary day, freshen up and enjoy a good dinner, we continue to appreciate the bustling Shazhou Night Markets dotted with special commodities and souvenirs.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: The Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 1138m
  • Jiayuguan Pass

  • Echoing Sand Mountain

Day 5Mogao Grottoes and Train to Urumqi

Today we are going to appreciate the Holy Center of Buddhism Culture and Art-UNESCO of Mogao Grottoes, enjoying the 40mins 4D movie to learn the development of the grottoes and then we will be escorted by the professional guides from Mogao to enjoy the the 8 caves mainly.


Afterwards, say farewell to Dunhuang as we will take high-speed train to Urumqi, a pivotal city along the Silk Road.

Traffic: Car+Train
Hotel: Universal Hotel Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 918m
  • Mogao Gottoes

  • Mogao Grottoes

Day 6Heavenly Lake and Drive to Fuyun (500 kms)

We will drive 1.5 hours to entrance of the Heavenly Lake about 08:30, following is the 40-minutes shuttle bus twisting through the picturesque Tianshan mountains to the edge of the Lake. Either Trek around the lake, enjoy the boating cruise, or even take the cable car to the explore the Maya Mountain for the incredible view of Bogoda Peak. 


Then drive to Fuyun county. On the way, you can enjoy the stunning Huoshaoshan (Burning Mountain), where you will witness a sea of red, caused by burnt rocks that look as if they are still burning along the hills.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Tianyue Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 781m
  • Heavenly Lake

  • Heavenly Lake

Day 7Keketuohai National Geological Park and Drive to Burqin (300 kms)

Throw yourself into visiting Keketuohai National Geological Park this morning. Keketuohai National Geological Park is famous for its mines and deposits sites. You will be amazed by the natural scenery consisting of valleys, rivers and mine pit. 


Thereafter, drive to Burqin for 3.5hrs and then enjoy the sunset in Five-Colored Beach, Walk into the colorful Beach, you will feel as if in a dream world. The unique lava landscape consisted of purplish red, vandyke red, yellow and light green mudstone, sandstone and gravel. this is the most beautiful colorful Beach, masterpiece of nature, and miracle of Burqin. After that, check in the hotel and have a good rest.


Traffic: Car
Hotel: Kanas Friendship Peak Resort Hotel Burqin Tourist Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 1459m
  • Keketuohai National Geological Park

  • Five-colored Beach

Day 8Drive to Kanas Nature Reserve (140 kms)

Today we will still enjoy the scenery of Kanas Nature Reserve, It is the most beautiful mountain lake you have never seen. The lake takes on different colors following the four seasons of the year, sometimes it's crystal blue, sometimes it's dark green, or even gray. Afternoon head to Burqin.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Overnight in Burqin
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 1375m
  • Kanas Nature Reserve

  • Kanas Nature Reserve

Day 9Drive to Hemu Village (70 kms)

After breakfast, we’ll take the coach to Hemu village passed through some beautiful grasslands and zigzag mountain roads line up by pine trees. Upon arriving Hemu Village. Stroll along the Hemu river to the deep of the vast grassland. You can experience the particular life of Tuwa people and appreciate the original charming scenery here. It is fancy experience to stay a night in the house  built with rough timber which has a primitive taste.


Traffic: Car
Hotel: Hemu Hotel Wild Elks Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 1124m
  • Hemu Village

  • Hemu Village

Day 10Drive to Karamy (507 kms) and Travel the Urho Ghost City

Get up early to climb up wooden steps to reach the grassland on the hill to enjoy the gorgeous sunrise. Scenery at the hill top overlooking the whole village, wooden houses, birch trees and the green colors river meandering its way in the village is really majestic.


Riding horse to enjoy the sunrise highly recommended. 


After lunch drive 5 or 6 hours to the Urho Ghost City, one of the famous yardang landform in China, caused by strong howling wind and erosion. The various strange shapes formed by the wind erosion make you connect them with pagodas, temples, animals, etc.


Continue heading to Karamy. Upon arrival, checking in the hotel and relax with the rest of day.


Traffic: Car
Hotel: Saussurea Hotel Boyu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 419m
  • Urho Ghost City

  • Urho Ghost City

Day 11Drive to Sayram Lake (440 kms)

After breakfast, drive 4hrs to visit the Sayram Lake, the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang. Stroll around the lake and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. Then cross the Guozigou(fruit valley), hike around the valley, step on the wooden deck trails, that will lead you to the most scenic spots with views of Guozigou Bridge and Lake


After lunch in the Yurts of the local Kazahks Family, continue our driving to Yili and you will have the opportunity to enjoy the Lavender Farm en route from June to Sept.


Traffic: Car
Hotel: Longxin International Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 2072m
  • Sayram Lake

  • Sayram Lake

Day 12Drive to Naraty Prairies (400 kms)

Drive 4hrs this morning to see a typical river bed grassland—Naraty Grassland, one of four famous grassland in the world.


Prairie is as beautiful as in a poem or a picture. There are springs densely distributed here. Every year, from May to September, with flowers all blossoming out here and numerous herds gathering around, a great number of tourists domestic and abroad are attracted here. The Narat Prairie is also called "Deer Garden" in history and an ideal place for people of the pasture to exchange materials and hold cultural activities.


Ride the horse in the vast grassland. Explore the traditional Kazakh way of life is also an activity that you can't miss in this place.


Traffic: Car
Hotel: Longxin International Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 2200m
  • Nalaty Grassland

  • Nalaty Grassland

Day 13Drive to Bayinbuluk Grassland (63 kms)

Enjoy the sunrise in the morning and head to Bayinbuluk by car(3hrs) to explore another grassland scenery in Bayanbulak Grassland, which is the second largest grassland in China. There are verdant grass, flock of sheep and various plants. A fairyland which is worth for you to spend your time here. Then we are going to Swan Lake, the unique natural reserve for swan in China. It is the paradise of flocks of wild swan.


Please note you will need special Xinjiang Travel Permit to Bayinbuluk which will be applied 4months in prior.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Overnight in Bayinbuluk
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 2500m
  • Bayinbluk Grassland

  • Bayinbluk Grassland

Day 14Bayinbuluk-Kuqa (258 kms)

Today we leave Bayinbuluk Grassland for Kuqa along the Dushanzi-kuqa highway with 3 hours ride. On the road we can enjoy the stunning scenery.


On arrival, visit the Tianshan Great Canyon, the excellent geological park all over the world. It recorded the whole process of crustal movement in Xinjiang during the past 400 million years.


After lunch, continue to visit Kuqa Mosque, the second Mosque in Xinjiang, situated to the north of the old city of Kuqa county downtown. At dusk, wander around the Kuqa Old Town to explore the local culture and history.

 

In the evening, taste local delicacies before having a good rest in the hotel


Traffic: Car
Hotel: Kuqa Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 1072m
  • Tianshan Grand Canyon

  • Tianshan Grand Canyon

Day 15Kuqa to Korla (294 kms)

Say goodbye to Kuqa and drive 5 or 6hrs to Korla, which is known as the "City of Pears" and the "City of Petroleum".


Explore Iron Gate in suburbs of Korla, an important fortress of the ancient Silk Road. You will be told some stories about the glorious city's past.


Then you will walk along the Peacock River which water comes from Bosten Lake. Two thousand years ago, the river stretched into Lop Nur and raised the people of Loulan Ancient City. After dinner, stroll through the city at your own pace and spend a free evening night.


Traffic: Car
Hotel: Loulan Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 950m
  • Iron Gate

  • Peacock River

Day 16Korla to Turpan (408 kms)

Morning breakfast at the hotel, then we will drive to the hottest place in China—Turpan. It is an important city on the branch of ancient silk road from Kumul to Kashgar and also one of the centers of the Uighur cultures. The amphisarca in this place is very sweet and raisin is sold around the world. You are strongly recommended buying some raisin to home. Dinner will be arranged in local Uighur Family.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Huozhou Hotel Shuangcheng Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 36m

Day 17Turpan City Tour and Drive to Urumqi (200 kms)

Today you will have a full day to explore this fertile oasis. Pay a visit to Karez Well irrigation system that produce the best melons and grapes in China. Following is the visiting to Sugong Minaret, a conduit for cultural exchange between different ethnic and religious groups.


Afterwards explore Jiaohe Ruins, resembles Pompeii, but 300 years older, where you can experience the way of life of the Uighur ancestors.


Drive to the capital city of Xinjiang- Urumqi to visit the Grand International Bazaar where  you can watch Uighur dance show and taste local delicacies.

Traffic: Car
Hotel: Overnight in Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude: 918m
  • Emin Minaret

  • Karez Well

Day 18End of Your Trip

Today you will say goodbye to Urumqi, be transferred based on your flight or train schedule. Wish you a pleasant journey home!

Traffic: Car
Hotel: No accommodation
Meals: Breakfast

INCLUDES

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

  • Shared accommodations in well located, tourist to superior class hotels include breakfast, service charge and government tax.

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

  • 2nd class express train form Lanzhoy to Zhangye, Dunhuang (Liuyuan Station) to Urumqi listed in the itinerary

  • Private friendly and professional English-Speaking guides (French, Italy, Russian, German can be arranged per your request)

  • 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 flight arrive in Lanzhou and leave from Urumqi 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 will upgrade trains to 1st class where available if book the tour 5 months in advance of departure.

  • There is no problem to travel Silk Road during Ramadan.

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

Transportation

We will use business MPV to luxurious coaches and trains.

Accommodation

All the hotels we selected are 4-5star well-located in the city center with good and proper breakfast for our clients.

Guides

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

Climate and Altitude

Generally speaking Mid March—End Oct are the best time to visit Silk Road. And we strongly suggest you come in May, June, October to avoid the heat and crowd. No need to worry about high altitude along the Silk Road. We will prepare Oxygen bags if the package includes Xiahe, Qinghai Lake and Taxkorgan County.

We offer beneficial Cancellation Policy to our customers.