14 Days Oriental Express Luxury Tour to Xinjiang

Welcome to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. Getting off the plane, you will find your tour guide is already waiting for you at the airport. Along the way to your hotel, you can enjoy the charming natural scenery and learn more about the history, culture and customs of the vast region from the guide. And you can get a nice rest once arriving at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will be taken to visit the Heavenly Lake, which is located halfway up the Bogda Peak, the highest mountain in the eastern Tianshan Mountains. The Lake will offer you picturesque scenery that earns it the name of the“Yaochi”(a fairyland in a Chinese myth). Trekking, taking the cruise or even the cable car to the Maya Mountains, you'll harvest an incredible view of Bogoda Peak. Still, the surprise hasn't done yet until your boarding on the Oriental Express to Altay. 

The one and only highlight for you today will the much well-known Colorful Beach, a natural masterpiece that feels like stepping into a painter's dream. As you wander through this stunning landscape, you'll be captivated by the vibrant layers of red, yellow, green, and purple hues that streak across the cliffs, creating a mesmerizing contrast against the deep blue sky and the shimmering river below. It's a place where nature's artistry truly comes alive, especially during sunrise or sunset when the colors glow with an almost magical intensity, so don't miss it out.

Enjoy a chill morning, and then your day will start with the breathtaking Kanas Lake. Known for its stunning natural beauty and the mysterious legend of the Kanas Lake Monster, this scenic area feels like a fairyland coming to life. 

You'd better go up to the Guanyu Pavilion if you want to gain a panoramic view of natural wonders or simply the tranquility of the area. The Lake promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of Xinjiang's beauty. 

Maybe it seems your tour is finished when it's dark, but without a campfire, we cannot call it a day. Then you will be settled in the Hemu Village.

Today your mission is to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing day in the picturesque Hemu Village, where you can soak in the serene atmosphere of this charming countryside nestled in the Altay Mountains. 

Why not take a leisure stroll along the Hemu River, which meanders through the vast, open grasslands, or venture deeper into the serene landscape to fully immerse yourself in its peaceful charm, and do produce some nice photos there. 

The reason why you are here is not only for the natural beauty, but also for the cultural exploration. Right, you are going to visit some Kazakh families, enjoy the cuisines they prepare for you with melodious sounds around. 

With the train heading South this night, you will find yourselves in Yining City tomorrow.

Enjoy a nice breakfast or an iced Americano on the train, you'll then be driven to the Sayram Lake. On the way, you will pass through the Guozigou Bridge, the gateway to the Ili Valley, which you must open wide your eyes and have a good look at. 

As for the Sayram Lake, nestled in the embrace of the Tianshan Mountains, it is a jewel of nature, its waters shimmering like a sapphire under the vast blue sky. Here, time seems to stand still, inviting you the wanderers to lose yourselves in its tranquil embrace. 

Back to city, you will be introduced to the Liuxing Street. The street is lined with quaint, colorful buildings, each telling a story of its own through intricate architectural details and vibrant facades, and the air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread, exotic spices, and sizzling street food, inviting you to indulge in a culinary adventure. Artisans and vendors proudly display to you their crafts, and street performers captivate your attention with their melodies, while the soft glow of lanterns illuminates the bustling crowd.

Spending the last morning in the Yining, you will be taken to the Nalati Grassland. The Grassland is a mesmerizing expanse of rolling green hills nestled in Xinjiang. This enchanting landscape seems to merge seamlessly with the heavens, as its lush meadows stretch endlessly under vast, open skies. 

There, you can also harvest a horse-riding experience, feeling the freedom of galloping across the open plains, just as the local Kazakh nomads have done for centuries; or have a talk with your family or friends under the stars, the silence of the grassland and the brilliance of the Milky Way create a magical atmosphere.

What you can't miss in Northern Xinjiang is the Bayinbuluk Grassland. Surrounded by snowy peaks, the terrain is tumbling, the water and grass are beautiful and the scenery is attractive, and China's only swan nature reserve is located here, with swans dancing and snowy peaks and flowers reflecting, just lije a fairy take world. No more words to say, just enjoy yourself and have a breath of freedom there. 

On the way to Kuqa through the Duku Ancient Road which makes your adrenaline shore up, the Big and Small Dragon Pools are waiting for you. The water cascades from a height, creating a symphony of sounds that echo through the surrounding forests, while mist rises like ethereal dragons taking flight.

Once visiting Kuqa, there are some attractions you can't miss. The first is the Tianshan Grand Canyon. What makes it charming is not only its magnificence and precipitousness, but also its tranquility, mysteriousness and serene. And you cannot miss the opportunity of taking photos at the following sites: the“Sacred Dog Guarding Canyon”Black Cliff, Sky Hole, and Treasure-burying Hole. Apart from that, you can also harvest a camel-riding experience. 

Since having enjoyed God made beauty, how about exploring the Kuqa Royal Palace then? This grand man-made architectural marvel, with its intricate Uyghur-inspired designs and sprawling courtyards, will transport you to an era of opulence and grandeur. Just imagine, as you wander through its halls, you can hear the echoes of royal gatherings and the whispers of history. 

Going ouside, you can stroll along the Rzestan Street to feel the power of the combination of history and modernity.  In the end of the day, the Express will take you to Tashkurgan.

Today, please hold your breath for the well-known Karakul Lake which means the“Black Sea Lake”. On the way to it, you can still get a closer look at the remarkable Bulunkou Lake, Mount Kongur Tiube and Muztagh Ata. What you are suggested to do is take a walk around, and immerse yourself in the marvellous natural beauty. To deepen your memories of here, why not take some fascinating photos?

As you step into a traditional Tajik home, you're immediately enveloped in warmth-both from the radiant smiles of your hosts and the cozy atmosphere. The air inside the house is filled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked flatbread and steaming pots of green tea. And your host might bring out a dutar (a traditional two-stringed instrument), and fill the room with soulful melodies.

Today will be a great day for you. When you are ready, your local guide will drive you to the history-telling Stone City in the north of Tashkurgan. Once functioned as a stronghold, the cultural ruins will tell you some fascinating stories about communications between the East and the West along the ancient Silk Road, which you can't miss. And what's amazing outside is the Jincao Beach. Just embrace the sunset, and have nice photos there, sure you will retain unforgettable memories. It's almost to the dinner time, you must be hungry. Thus, you will be hosted with a nice dinner when back to Kashgar.

Enjoy a chill morning at the hotel, and then you'll officially usher your day with a visit to the Kashgar Ancient City which has been standing here for over 2,000 years. Walking on the streets, you will be impressed by the exotic vibe around here. Please pay attention to the Uyghurs who stand on both sides of the streets, they are welcoming you with their amazing singing and dancing. 

The next stop after lunch is the Id Kah Mosque built in 1442 which is not only the largest mosque in Xinjiang, but also the largest mosque across the country. 

And then you'll visit the Abak Hoja Tomb, also known as the Fragrant Concubine Garden. Please do have a closer look at the exquisite glazed tiles outside the tombs. They are an embodiment of the Uyghur aesthetic value and tell the stories about the master of the tomb. 

After dinner, the Express will take you back to Korla.

As the train slowly pulls into the Korla Station, your journey into the heart of Xinjiang's natural and cultural wonders begins. You'll be warmly greeted and taken to the fascinating Lop Nur People Village, where you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the unique traditions and lifestyle of the local community. 

Apart from that, the adventure allows you to explore one of China’s most pristine and breathtaking poplar forest reserves. And just hop on a sightseeing bus, it will take you along the Tarim River, where you'll witness the delicate balance of life in the desert. For those seeking a bit more excitement, you can embark on a camel ride across China's first mobile desert, where the shifting sands create an ever-changing landscape. 

Before your departure, there is one more attraction you need to visit--the Bosten Lake. It is more than just a destination; it is a sanctuary of peace and beauty, a place where your soul can find respite and the heart can connect with the timeless rhythms of nature. After tonight, you will find the train has taken you back to Urumqi.

Today our journey comes to an end. After breakfast, your guide will take you to the airport.