Overview
This Xinjiang Tour from Singapore follows a 7-day group journey from Kashgar through the Pamir Plateau and Tashkurgan before continuing to Urumqi and the ancient oasis city of Turpan. The route combines Silk Road heritage, high-altitude lakes, mountain landscapes, historic ruins, Uyghur architecture, traditional markets and important cultural landmarks, with the China-Pakistan Highway forming a major part of the journey.
Travel from Kashgar into the Pamirs to see Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, explore Stone City and the Golden Grasslands in Tashkurgan, then return to Kashgar for its historic Old City and Id Kah Mosque. Continue to Urumqi for Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, the Xinjiang Regional Museum and Urumqi Grand Bazaar before travelling to Turpan for Tuyoq Valley, Jiaohe Ancient City, the Karez irrigation system and Emin Minaret. The package operates as a shared group tour, with shared transfer arrangements and approximately 1.5 hours of possible waiting time for travellers on similar schedules.
This package operates every Wednesday on fixed departures only, and the prices are valid for the October 07, 14 and 21, 2026 departures.
IMPORTANT – Fixed Departure Dates
- This package operates every Wednesday on fixed departures only, and the prices are valid only on 07, 14 and 21 October 2026
- This package operates every Wednesday on fixed departures only, and the prices are valid for the October 07, 14 2026 and 21, 2026 departures.
Highlights
Jiaohe Ancient City and Karez System. Walk through Silk Road ruins and see the ancient irrigation system that supports Turpan's oasis.
Kashgar Old City and Id Kah Mosque. Explore Uyghur architecture, traditional bazaars and one of China's largest mosques.
Karakul Lake and Pamir Peaks. See Karakul Lake with Kongur Tagh, Kongur Tiube and Muztagh Ata rising beyond its waters.
Pamir Plateau Road Journey. Travel the China-Pakistan Highway through the high-altitude Pamir region towards Tashkurgan.
Itinerary
Highlights: Kashgar Arrival, Airport Pick-up, Hotel Check-in, Silk Road City
Meals: None
- Welcome to Kashgar, one of China's westernmost cities and a historic centre of trade along the ancient Silk Road. Upon arrival by flight or train, your guide and driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to the downtown area, assisting with hotel check-in.
- Kashgar has served as an important meeting point between East and West for centuries. Historically known as Shule, it was positioned at the western end of the northern, central and southern Silk Road routes and developed as a major centre for trade and distribution. Its location between the Pamir Plateau and the Tarim Basin also makes it a natural gateway to the mountain regions explored during the tour.
- The remainder of the day is free for you to settle in and explore independently.
- A morning arrival is recommended because a border permit must be arranged in advance for travel to border areas such as Tashkurgan County and the Pamir Plateau on Day 2. The office hours are 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Highlights: China-Pakistan Highway, Pamir Plateau, Baisha Lake, Baisha Mountain, Karakul Lake, Kongur Tagh, Kongur Tiube, Muztagh Ata
Meals: Breakfast
- Today, travel into the Pamir Plateau along the China-Pakistan Highway, also known as the Karakoram Highway. Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel before beginning the approximately 300-kilometre journey to Tashkurgan, which takes around 7 to 8 hours in total.
- The route follows one of the world's highest paved international roads and crosses a region that historically formed part of the wider Silk Road network. As the road climbs into the Pamirs, the landscape changes to high-altitude mountain country, with major ranges including the Himalayas, Karakoram, Kunlun and Tianshan converging across this region.
- Stop at Baisha Lake, located at approximately 3,660 metres above sea level. The lake sits against white sand-covered mountains, with snow-capped peaks rising in the distance. Baisha Mountain stretches for more than 1,200 metres along the northern shore, creating a distinctive contrast between the pale sand, dark mountain formations and blue water.
- Continue to Karakul Lake, a high-altitude moraine lake at around 3,600 metres. Known as the "Black Lake" because of its deep waters, the lake can appear deep blue, emerald green or almost black under changing light. Beyond the lake stand the towering peaks of Kongur Tagh, Kongur Tiube and Muztagh Ata, collectively forming one of the defining mountain views of the Pamir route.
- Continue to Tashkurgan County for your overnight stay.
Highlights: Tashkurgan County, Stone City, Tashkurgan Fort, Golden Grasslands, Alar National Wetland Park, China-Pakistan Highway
Meals: Breakfast
- Explore Tashkurgan County, situated in the eastern Pamir Plateau at approximately 3,600 metres above sea level. Its name refers to the area's ancient stone fortifications, while its position near the borders of Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan has given it an important role in regional trade and movement throughout history.
- Visit Stone City, also known as Tashkurgan Fort, an ancient fortress that held strategic importance along the Silk Road. Archaeological evidence links the site with the Puli Kingdom, one of the historic states of the Western Regions, while during the Tang Dynasty it became an important post station for travellers crossing the Pamir Plateau. The ruins sit on a steep hill and preserve the remains of a substantial stone-built settlement.
- Continue to the Golden Grasslands, also known as Alar National Wetland Park, at the foot of Stone City. Wetlands, meadows, rivers and marshes extend across the area, with the Tashkurgan River supporting lush vegetation and grazing lands. Snow-capped mountains rise beyond the grasslands, while traditional felt tents and grazing livestock reflect the pastoral character of the region.
- Later, leave Tashkurgan and drive back to Kashgar along the China-Pakistan Highway, with further views of the Pamir peaks along the return route.
- Overnight in Kashgar.
Highlights: Kashgar Old City, Uyghur Architecture, Local Bazaars, Traditional Handicrafts, Id Kah Mosque, Flight to Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast
- Continue your Kashgar exploration at Kashgar Old City, the historic heart of the city and a long-standing centre of Silk Road trade and cultural exchange. Spread across approximately 3.6 square kilometres, the Old City is characterised by narrow winding streets, traditional Uyghur mud-brick houses and buildings incorporating Islamic architectural elements.
- As you walk through the lanes, look for pointed arches, domes, decorative woodcarving and colourful ceramic details. The area's architecture reflects the interaction of Central Asian, Islamic and Uyghur traditions that developed through centuries of cultural exchange.
- The Old City is also home to numerous bazaars and street markets, including pottery, handicraft, woodwork, medicine tea and food markets. These offer opportunities to see traditional crafts and experience local food such as lamb kebabs, lagman noodles, samsas and naan.
- Visit Id Kah Mosque, one of China's largest mosques and an important religious and cultural landmark in Kashgar.
- After sightseeing, transfer to Kashgar Airport for your flight to Urumqi. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer into central Urumqi.
Highlights: Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, Xinjiang Regional Museum, Urumqi Grand Bazaar, Optional Boat Ride, Optional Cableway Ride
Meals: Breakfast
- Today combines the mountain environment of Heavenly Lake of Tianshan with cultural exploration at the Xinjiang Regional Museum and time at Urumqi Grand Bazaar.
- Travel approximately 70 kilometres, around 1 to 1.5 hours, to Heavenly Lake of Tianshan. Located at approximately 1,980 metres above sea level, this alpine lake is surrounded by forests and mountain peaks, with views towards Bogda Mountain. The lake is also associated with ancient Chinese mythology, including the legend of the Queen Mother of the West and her banquet for the Eight Immortals.
- Upon arrival, take an approximately 40-minute sightseeing bus ride through the mountains, followed by a 10-minute walk to the lake. Spend time beside the water and take in the mountain environment. Optional activities are available at an additional charge, including a boat ride on the lake and a cableway ride to Mayashan for higher views towards Bogda Mountain.
- Return to Urumqi after lunch and continue to the Xinjiang Regional Museum, where you can explore its cultural exhibits.
- Later, visit Urumqi Grand Bazaar, also known as the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar. The marketplace features traditional Uyghur clothing, carpets, handicrafts, silk scarves, jewellery, spices and dried fruits. Its domes, minarets and Islamic-inspired architectural details also form an important part of the visit. Local food specialities include lamb kebabs, polu, naan and laghman.
- Return to your hotel in Urumqi.
Highlights: Flaming Mountains, Tuyoq Valley, Mazar Village, Jiaohe Ancient City, Karez System, Emin Minaret
Meals: Breakfast
- Travel from Urumqi to Turpan by road, covering approximately 180 kilometres in around 3 hours. Along the way, pass the Salt Lake and a major wind power station at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains.
- Turpan sits around 154 metres below sea level and is known for its hot, arid environment, grape cultivation and historic role along the Silk Road. Its ancient Karez irrigation system helped transform the dry basin into a productive oasis.
- Continue through the Flaming Mountains towards Tuyoq Valley, where the red-brown mountain formations create a striking desert setting. Visit Mazar Village, an old Uyghur settlement with more than 1,700 years of history. Its traditional earthen homes, colourful doors, decorative windows and fruit trees offer a glimpse into local architecture and village life.
- Next, explore Jiaohe Ancient City, one of the best-preserved Silk Road city ruins and part of the UNESCO World Heritage property covering the Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor. Built into a raised loess plateau between two river valleys, the ruins preserve former residences, government buildings, Buddhist stupas and temples. There is no shelter inside the ruins, so sun protection is recommended.
- Continue to the Karez System, the ancient underground irrigation network that channelled water to the surface and helped sustain Turpan's oasis agriculture. The system is recognised on the 2024 World Irrigation Project Heritage list.
- Complete the day's sightseeing at Emin Minaret, also known as Sugong Ta. Built in 1778, the 44-metre tower features sun-dried brickwork with distinctive geometric and floral patterns created by Uyghur artisans. The adjoining mosque forms part of the complex.
- Transfer to your hotel in Turpan.
Highlights: Turpan to Urumqi Transfer
Meals: Breakfast
- Your Xinjiang journey concludes today. After breakfast, transfer from Turpan to Urumqi Airport, with the journey taking approximately 3 hours, for your onward departure flight.
Inclusions
- 6 nights' accommodation in standard double rooms, based on the basic room type
- Hotel breakfast as specified in the itinerary
- Economy-class domestic flight from Kashgar to Urumqi, including 20 kg checked baggage
- First-entry tickets for all listed attractions in the itinerary
- Required onsite transportation, including attraction shuttle buses where applicable
- Shared transportation during the tour, including tolls, fuel and mountain entry fees
- Professional English-speaking tour guide during tour days
- Shared airport/station pick-up and drop-off services within the applicable complimentary transfer arrangements
- Basic travel insurance covering travel accident, tour vehicle seat and travel agency liability insurance
- 2 complimentary bottles of mineral water per person per day
- 24-hour phone support throughout the tour
Exclusions
- International flights (Reach out to us separately if you would like to add flights)
- Long-distance transportation costs to and from the destination
- Visa, if applicable (Reach out to us separately if you would like assistance regarding visa arrangements)
- Travel insurance (Reach out to us separately if you would like assistance with travel insurance options.)
- Tashkurgan and Pamir Plateau border permit fees, where applicable
- Single room supplement of 360 SGD for solo travellers
- Other meals not mentioned in the inclusions
- Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone calls, hotel beverages, snacks, tobacco, alcohol and other personal consumptionVehicle services during free time
- Optional activities, including the Heavenly Lake boat ride and cableway ride
- Private airport/station transfers requested instead of the shared transfer arrangement
- Optional Heavenly Lake boat and cableway rides are at an additional cost
- Additional transfer charges for arrivals before or departures after the designated tour dates
- Additional transfer charges for flights or trains outside the complimentary transfer time windows
- Recommended gratuities for the guide and driver
- Costs arising from itinerary changes caused by force majeure, natural disasters, war, strikes, epidemics, flight adjustments or insufficient participants, where additional costs are incurred by the traveller
- This package operates every Wednesday on fixed departures only, and the prices are valid only on 07, 14 and 21 October 2026
- Single travellers must book their own room for all nights and pay the applicable single room supplement
- This is a shared group tour. Airport/station transfers are shared with travellers on similar schedules, with waiting time of approximately 1.5 hours
- Complimentary arrival transfers apply to flights/trains arriving 08:00–22:00; complimentary departure transfers apply to flights departing 09:00–23:00 on designated tour dates. Private transfers can be arranged at an additional cost
- Tashkurgan/Pamir Plateau border permit is required in advance; applicable permit fees are excluded
- Attraction sequence may be adjusted due to weather, local regulations or operational requirements while maintaining included experiences where possible
- No bookings have been made for this package. Availability and pricing remain subject to confirmation at the time of booking
- All tours are subject to minimum participant requirements. Tour operation and departure status remain subject to confirmation at the time of booking
FAQ
- 6 nights' accommodation in standard double rooms, based on the basic room type
- Hotel breakfast as specified in the itinerary
- Economy-class domestic flight from Kashgar to Urumqi, including 20 kg checked baggage
- First-entry tickets for all listed attractions in the itinerary
- Required onsite transportation, including attraction shuttle buses where applicable
- Shared transportation during the tour, including tolls, fuel and mountain entry fees
- Professional English-speaking tour guide during tour days
- Shared airport/station pick-up and drop-off services within the applicable complimentary transfer arrangements
- Basic travel insurance covering travel accident, tour vehicle seat and travel agency liability insurance
- 2 complimentary bottles of mineral water per person per day
- 24-hour phone support throughout the tour
- International flights (Reach out to us separately if you would like to add flights)
- Long-distance transportation costs to and from the destination
- Visa, if applicable (Reach out to us separately if you would like assistance regarding visa arrangements)
- Travel insurance (Reach out to us separately if you would like assistance with travel insurance options.)
- Tashkurgan and Pamir Plateau border permit fees, where applicable
- Single room supplement of 360 SGD for solo travellers
- Other meals not mentioned in the inclusions
- Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone calls, hotel beverages, snacks, tobacco, alcohol and other personal consumptionVehicle services during free time
- Optional activities, including the Heavenly Lake boat ride and cableway ride
- Private airport/station transfers requested instead of the shared transfer arrangement
- Optional Heavenly Lake boat and cableway rides are at an additional cost
- Additional transfer charges for arrivals before or departures after the designated tour dates
- Additional transfer charges for flights or trains outside the complimentary transfer time windows
- Recommended gratuities for the guide and driver
- Costs arising from itinerary changes caused by force majeure, natural disasters, war, strikes, epidemics, flight adjustments or insufficient participants, where additional costs are incurred by the traveller
- This package operates every Wednesday on fixed departures only, and the prices are valid only on 07, 14 and 21 October 2026
- Single travellers must book their own room for all nights and pay the applicable single room supplement
- This is a shared group tour. Airport/station transfers are shared with travellers on similar schedules, with waiting time of approximately 1.5 hours
- Complimentary arrival transfers apply to flights/trains arriving 08:00–22:00; complimentary departure transfers apply to flights departing 09:00–23:00 on designated tour dates. Private transfers can be arranged at an additional cost
- Tashkurgan/Pamir Plateau border permit is required in advance; applicable permit fees are excluded
- Attraction sequence may be adjusted due to weather, local regulations or operational requirements while maintaining included experiences where possible
- No bookings have been made for this package. Availability and pricing remain subject to confirmation at the time of booking
- All tours are subject to minimum participant requirements. Tour operation and departure status remain subject to confirmation at the time of booking
7D | 6N
Kashgar
7 days
Package prices are per person and vary by hotel and room type. For specific inquiries or customized packages, please contact our team.
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