Tour Highlights

Panoramic Silk Road Tour: Experience the Best of Northern and Southern Xinjiang
This premier tour traverses the snow-capped mountains and lakes of northern Xinjiang and the ancient desert cities of southern Xinjiang. Departing from Urumqi, the tour follows the Silk Road to renowned cities such as Kashgar, Turpan, Yining, and Kanas. The journey encompasses five iconic landscapes: grasslands, snow-capped mountains, deserts, lakes, and seas of flowers, allowing you to experience Xinjiang's most magnificent natural landscapes.

Highlights: Tianchi Lake in the Tianshan Mountains, the Duku Highway, Sayram Lake, Kanas Lake, Huoyan Mountain, and the Karez Well.

 

Luxury Train: Silk Road Dream
Boat the "Silk Road Dream" luxury tourist train, offering on-the-go accommodations reminiscent of five-star hotel standards. The train features suites and premium cabins with private bathrooms and panoramic windows, a dining car with chef-prepared cuisine, recreational areas and a dedicated bar car, and evening activities and cultural lectures, ensuring a journey that goes beyond mere travel.

 

Selected Accommodations: Luxurious and Comfortable
Stay in high-end hotels and resorts on land, including the Hilton Urumqi, InterContinental Yining, Radisson Blu Kashgar, and Hengze International Turpan. Enjoy breathtaking views of the grasslands and mountain mornings at natural resorts in Hemu and Nalati. Each night's accommodation combines scenic views, comfort, and local style, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in a resort atmosphere both on the train and on the road.

 

In-Depth Cultural Experiences:

Xinjiang is a place where diverse civilizations converge. Experience the traditional life of the Kazakh, Uyghur, and Mongolian peoples during your trip. Visit the ancient city of Kashgar, the Id Kah Mosque, the Yingjisha Knife Museum, visit Kazakh herders, and visit the Turpan Grape Valley, allowing you to immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of the millennium-old Silk Road.

 

Private Experiences: A Blend of Scenery and Spectacular Experiences:

Cross the Duku Highway, experience the Tianshan Flower Sea (lavender season in June), witness the Kanas sunrise, and experience the Pamir Plateau and the Lobu people's villages, among other natural and cultural attractions. Each location features dedicated photo sessions and thoughtful arrangements, allowing travelers to fully savor every moment.

 

Full Service, Hassle-Free Experience
A resort ambassador and professional guide will be available throughout the entire trip, providing a 2+1 exclusive vehicle, private transfers, on-board refreshments, luggage assistance, sun protection, and high altitude preparation guidance. Flexible itineraries ensure a smooth and safe journey, ensuring a pampered and worry-free experience.

 

 

 

Day 1: National - Urumqi
[Today] Guests will arrive at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport by their own flight. A dedicated driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.
[Evening] Buffet dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi - Urumqi
[Full Day] Private transfer from your hotel to visit the Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area (including a boat cruise), approximately 4 hours. Tianshan Tianchi, formerly known as the "Yaochi," sits at an altitude of 1,910 meters, stretches 3.5 kilometers from north to south, and is 0.8-1.5 kilometers wide from east to west. Its deepest point is 105 meters.
The Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area comprises the Tianchi Scenic Area, Denggan Mountain Scenic Area, Maya Mountain Scenic Area, Bogda Peak Scenic Area, Baiyanggou Scenic Area, Huaergou Scenic Area, Shuimogou Scenic Area, and the Wutonggou Desert Scenic Area in the north, encompassing 15 scenic clusters and 38 scenic spots. A typical mountainous natural landscape in the arid northwest region of China, the Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area, centered around Tianchi Lake, features four seamless vertical landscape zones, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes. Its cultural heritage is informed by the ancient mythology of the Yaochi Lake and its folk customs. It is a paradise on earth offering opportunities for sightseeing, scientific research, adventure, leisure, fitness, and appreciating local customs.

Day 3: Urumqi - Silk Road Dream Express - Kuitun - Northern Duku Highway - Nalati
[Morning] A private car will take you from your hotel to Urumqi Station. Board the Silk Road Dream Express to Kuitun (boarding time approximately 11:30 AM).
[Afternoon] Arrive in Kuitun in the afternoon. Travel by seven-seater van across the northern Duku Highway, enjoying the Ten-Mile Art Gallery along the way.

Meals: Breakfast - Hotel Breakfast & Lunch - Train Lunch & Dinner - Local Specialties
Accommodation: Nalati Jinling Villa or similar

 

Day 4: Nalati Grassland - Tianshan Flower Sea - Yining
[Morning] Tour of Nalati Grassland (approximately 5 hours). Nalati is one of Xinjiang's ten most scenic areas. The Ili River Valley, known as the "South of the Great Wall," boasts stunning natural scenery. Enjoy the grassland scenery, featuring numerous mountain springs, crisscrossing streams, towering pines along the ravines, dotted yurts, and flocks of cattle and sheep. Experience the simple customs and folkways of the Kazakh people and unwind on the vast grasslands.
[Afternoon] Depart for Yining City, en route to the Tianshan Flower Sea (approximately 2 hours by car, 1.5 hours). In June, this area is a sea of ​​purple, lavender in full bloom. This area is also the world's largest single lavender cultivation area.

 

Meals: Breakfast - Hotel Breakfast Lunch - Local Specialties Dinner - Local Specialties
Accommodation: Yining InterContinental Hotel or similar

 

Day 5: Yining - Sayram Lake - Beitun City
[Morning] Travel to Sayram Lake via the Guozigou Bridge (approximately 2.5 hours' drive). Guozigou is the gateway to the Ili River Valley, offering breathtaking scenery under white clouds, blue skies, snow-capped mountains, pine trees, and winding paths. The Guozigou Bridge, costing 2.4 billion RMB, is 700 meters long. The bridge deck is 200 meters above the valley floor, with the main bridge heights of 209 meters and 215.5 meters, respectively. It utilizes a steel truss structure, using 17,000 tons of specialized domestic bridge steel. High-strength bolts are used for connection, ensuring installation accuracy within two millimeters. The bridge is the first cable-stayed bridge on a highway in the autonomous region and the first dual-tower, dual-cable steel truss cable-stayed bridge in China. Afternoon: Visit Sayram Lake (approximately 4 hours). Anciently known as the Western Pure Sea, it is the highest and largest alpine coldwater lake in Xinjiang. Because it's the last drop of warm, humid air from the Atlantic Ocean, it's known as the Atlantic's last teardrop. The Haixi grasslands are ablaze with flowers—yellow, purple, and red—in a riot of color. Nearby, the clear blue waters and shimmering blue skies sparkle, while in the distance, the white snowcaps blend seamlessly with the vast sky, resembling a watercolor painting.

Meals: Breakfast - Hotel Breakfast, Lunch - Local Specialties, Dinner - Train Dinner
Accommodation: Silk Road Dream

 

Day 6: Beitun City - Hemu
[Morning] Transfer to Hemu (approximately 5 hours);
[Afternoon] Stroll through Hemu Village (approximately 3 hours), watch a performance of a century-old house, admire the alpine grasslands of Jiadengyu, see the roses, and visit the wooden bridge over the Hemu River. Observe the Tuva village and its wooden dwellings along the Hemu River.

Meals: Breakfast - Train Breakfast Lunch - Local Specialties Dinner - Local Specialties
Accommodation: Hemu Resort or similar

 

Day 7: Hemu - Kanas
[Morning] Sleep until you wake up naturally, or climb Yunxiao Peak for a panoramic view.
[Afternoon] Drive to Kanas and proceed to the Kanas Scenic Area (driving time approximately 2 hours, accommodation within the scenic area, tour duration varies). Kanas Scenic Area boasts Asia's only Swiss-style scenery and is likened to humanity's last pure land, God's back garden, and the gods' private reserve. Meaning "beautiful, rich, and mysterious" in Mongolian, the area blends lakes and mountains, embodying the majestic beauty of northern China and the graceful beauty of southern China.

Meals: Breakfast - Hotel Breakfast Lunch - Local Specialties Dinner - Local Specialties
Accommodation: Manyun or similar

 

Day 8: Kanas - Beitun City - Korla
[Morning] Free time in the village, and you can get up early to watch the sunrise. You can also take a bus to the Fish Viewing Terrace (with a transfer to the attraction, no refund if you don't go). (Due to time, weather, and speed limits on the scenic mountain roads, this location will be determined by the guide and the guest.) Halfway up the mountain, climb the 1,068 steps to the summit for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake. Stroll along the lakeside wooden plank road and experience the leisurely and tranquil Kanas Scenic Area.
[Afternoon] Drive to Beitun City Station to board the Silk Road Dream Express to Korla (approximately 5 hours by bus, approximately 14 hours by train).

Meals: Breakfast - Train Breakfast, Lunch - Local Specialties, Dinner - Local Specialties
Accommodation: Silk Road Dream

 

Note: Foreign guests are not permitted to visit this attraction. Alternative attractions include: Bosten Lake and Bayingol Prefecture Museum.

 

Day 10: Kashgar - Gaotai Folk Houses - Yingjisha Knife Museum - Kashgar
[Morning] Enjoy breakfast on board. Arrive in Kashgar this morning. After a pick-up at the station, proceed to the Gaotai Folk Houses (approximately 1.5 hours).
The Gaotai Folk Houses are a Uyghur settlement located in the northeastern part of Kashgar's Old City, Xinjiang, built on a loess cliff over 40 meters high and 800 meters long. With a history of 600 years, they are a major attraction in Kashgar showcasing ancient Uyghur residential architecture and folk customs.
Here, you'll experience Kashgar's traditional intangible cultural heritage crafts (including a tea break). Kashgar prints and earthenware, as traditional handicrafts, are not only aesthetically pleasing but also reflect the millennia-long accumulation of Chinese culture. Afternoon: Proceed to Yengisar to visit the Knife Museum (approximately 1.5 hours by car, approximately 1.5 hours to visit). The Yengisar County Knife Museum is one of the first specialty museums in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and was designated as such on May 18, 2022. Located in Kalabash Village, Mangxin Town, Yengisar County, the museum covers an area of ​​4,100 square meters. Focusing on the preservation and inheritance of the Yengisar knife craft, a national intangible cultural heritage, the museum features exhibition areas and a souvenir sales area based on the themes of "knife history, knife skills, knife spirit, and knife collection," integrating collection, display, preservation, and education.

Meals: Breakfast - Train Breakfast, Lunch - Local Specialty Dinner - Southern Xinjiang Welcome Banquet
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel, Kashgar or similar

 

Day 11: Kashgar - Baisha Lake - Karakul Lake - Kashgar
[Morning] Depart by private car to Baisha Lake (approximately 3.5 hours, approximately 1 hour of sightseeing). Visit Baisha Lake (approximately 3,300 meters above sea level). The lake is lush with grass and is home to a flock of water birds. The emerald green mountains, half-hidden by white sand, undulate and stretch out, creating a magnificent spectacle alongside the snow-capped peaks and the lakes and rivers below.
[Afternoon] Depart by private car to Karakul Lake (approximately 1.5 hours, approximately 1 hour of sightseeing). Visit Karakul Lake (approximately 3,300 meters above sea level). To the east of the lake stands Muztagh Ata, the "Father of Glaciers," and to the west, the majestic Sarkol Mountains. 【Afterwards】We will return to the hotel in Kashgar city by special car (approximately 4 hours’ drive) and check in to rest.

Meals: Breakfast - Hotel Breakfast Lunch - Local Specialties Dinner - Local Specialties
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel, Kashgar or similar

 

Day 12: Kashgar - Id Kah Mosque - Kashgar Old Town - Turpan
[Morning] Take a VIP electric car and stroll through the [Eastern District of Kashgar Old Town] (approximately 20 minutes by car, approximately 2 hours).
As a shining pearl on the ancient Silk Road, this place, rich in history, embodies the intersection of Eastern and Western civilizations. With an open and inclusive attitude, it is now showcasing a new charm. The hat bazaar, dried fruit bazaar, jade bazaar, and other bazaars within the scenic area fully reflect the millennia-old civilization of Kashgar Old Town.
[Afternoon] Continue the tour of the Western District of Kashgar Old Town (including Id Kah Mosque, approximately 2 hours); experience the joy of making naan.

Meals: Breakfast - Train breakfast Lunch - Local specialties Dinner - Local specialties

Accommodation: Turpan Hengze International or similar

 

 

Day 14: Turpan - Huoyan Mountain - Karez - Urumqi

[Morning] Transfer to Karez (approximately 30 minutes drive, approximately 1 hour tour). Karez, also known as Karez, is a special irrigation system in the desert area. It is one of the three major ancient Chinese projects along with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal [1]. It is widely found in Turpan, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China. [Afterwards] Transfer to Huoyan Mountain in Turpan (approximately 50 minutes drive, approximately 40 minutes tour). Huoyan Mountain is a branch of the Tianshan Mountains. It was formed during the Himalayan Movement 50 to 60 million years ago. Huoyan Mountain is the hottest place in China. The highest temperature in summer can reach 47.8°C. The highest surface temperature on the sunny side of Huoyan Mountain can reach 82.3°C. [Afternoon] Transfer to Urumqi and check in to the hotel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please read the terms and conditions carefully before registering.

Is this tour suitable for me?

• ​​Suitable age: Due to quality considerations and local restrictions, only applicants over 12 years old will be accepted
• ​Wheelchair access: Due to limited facilities, some attractions may need to be waived without refund. VIPs using wheelchairs must be accompanied by an assistant, and the tour guide cannot assist separately
• Special diet: Please let us know when you register, and we will try our best to arrange it. We apologize for some special diets that are more restrictive, but we apologize for not being able to provide them​​

Local conditions :

• Triple rooms are not available for this tour
• ​Please check the description of the daily itinerary in detail

Visa：

• Under the epidemic control, the procedures and requirements for entering the country for foreigners are different from the past, please contact Sonic Tour for the latest information
• If the visa is issued by Sonic Tour, once the document is delivered, no refund will be made under any circumstances

Documents：

• Please provide a copy of your passport when registering to avoid inconvenience during your trip by mistake; It is also recommended to bring a copy of your passport with you in case you need it
• During the whole trip, you need to use the same documents as when you registered, so as not to delay the itinerary or cause unnecessary expenses or losses to the VIP if the documents do not match.
• The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of return and at least 2 blank pages marked "Visas."

Flights & Baggage:

• Most airlines require a fee to pre-reserve a seat, which you can do online up to 24-48 hours before departure.
• For guests who have booked their own tickets, if there is a transfer, it is recommended to reserve at least 3 hours of transfer time.
• The weight and number of checked baggage are according to the regulations of each airline's international flight, and the excess weight fee must be borne by the VIP guests.