Himalayan Odyssey: Tibet to Nepal
An Epic Exploration of Silk Road History, Buddhist Art, and Desert Landscapes
Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi - Gateway to Xinjiang
Airport-Hotel Transfer Service Meals: No meal Accommodation: In Urumqi
Arrive at Urumqi in Xinjiang, a region of unparalleled scenery and cultural diversity. You will be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy free time at leisure for the rest of the day to acclimate to this fascinating region.
Day 2: Urumqi's Natural and Cultural Wonders
Heavenly Lake, Xijiang International Grand Bazaar Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: In Urumqi
Drive 100km northeast to visit the holy Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), a stunning alpine lake flanked by rugged pines and cypresses, with clear melting waters reflecting the surrounding snow-capped Mount Bogeda. After the tour, return to downtown for a visit to Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, believed to be the largest outdoor market in town.
Day 3: Urumqi to Turpan - Ancient Buddhist Sites
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Flaming Mountains, Emin Minaret, Jiaohe Ancient City Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: In Turpan
Drive approximately 3 hours to Turpan, China's lowest depression. Visit the renowned Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, considered the most valuable Buddhist caves in Turpan and once the royal temple of the ancient Huihu State. Continue to Emin Minaret (Sugong Pagoda), the tallest ancient pagoda in Xinjiang. Drive by the iconic Flaming Mountains from "Journey to the West," then explore the mysterious Jiaohe Ancient City, revealing traces of a prosperous ancient trading center from 1,600 years ago.
Day 4: Turpan to Korla - Ancient Irrigation Systems
Karez Well, Qigexing Buddhist Temple Ruins Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: In Korla
Before departing Turpan, visit the ancient Karez Well, an impressive underground water supply and irrigation system. Then take a 5-hour drive to Korla, an oasis town on the Peacock River. En route, visit the Qigexing Buddhist Temple Ruins, a major religious center along the northern Silk Road during the first millennium CE.
Day 5: Korla to Kuqa - Silk Road Fortifications
Subash Ancient City, Kuqa Grand Mosque, Kizilgagha Beacon Tower Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: In Kuqa
Drive 4 hours to Kuqa, visiting Subash Ancient City, once a glorious city spanning both sides of a river flowing from the Tian Shan Mountains. Explore the Kuqa Grand Mosque, Xinjiang's second largest mosque and home to China's sole religious court. Continue to Kizilgagha Beacon Tower, built in the Han Dynasty as an alarm tower for frontier guards.
Day 6: Kuqa - Buddhist Cave Art & Canyon Wonders
Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, Tianshan Grand Canyon Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: In Kuqa
Visit the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, the largest existing Buddhist stone caves in Xinjiang and the oldest, largest, and westernmost Buddhist grottoes in China. Then explore Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, formed by wind and rain over billions of years, featuring 5.5 kilometers of reddish-brown mountains in spectacular shapes.
Day 7: Kuqa to Alar - Ancient History
Kuqa Old Street, Kuqa Ancient Tombs Museum Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: In Alar
Walk through Kuqa Old Street (Restan Road), combining modern and traditional elements with rich cultural heritage. Visit the Kuqa Ancient Tombs Museum, an underground museum from the Wei and Jin dynasties that belonged to the ancient Qiuci State. Afterwards, drive to Alar for overnight.
Day 8: Alar to Hotan - Crossing the Taklamakan Desert
Taklamakan Desert Crossing, Ruins of Rawak Temple Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: In Hotan
Drive 6.5 hours through the Taklamakan Desert to Hotan, home to significant archaeological sites. En route, visit the Ruins of Rawak Temple, located 50 kilometers northwest of Hotan in the desert, an important historical site on the southern Silk Road route during the Jin and Tang Dynasties.
Day 9: Hotan - Cultural Capital of Southern Xinjiang
Hotan Museum, Atlas Silk Workshop, Hotan Old Town, Night Market Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: In Hotan
Visit the Hotan Museum housing over 10,000 cultural relics showcasing southern Silk Road civilization (if closed on Monday, visit Hotan Jade Bazaar instead). Explore a traditional silk workshop to learn about ethnic silk production, then wander through Hotan Old Town. Experience the vibrant local culture at the night market, sampling traditional snacks.
Day 10: Hotan to Kashgar - Musical Heritage
Mausoleum of Amannisa Khan Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: In Kashgar
Drive 7 hours to Kashgar, en route visiting the Mausoleum of Amannisa Khan, constructed in memory of the excellent musician and poetess who regulated the Twelve Muqam with folk artists. The mausoleum features beautiful plaster carvings and the names of the Twelve Muqam suites on its walls.
Day 11: Kashgar - Ancient Trading Hub
Kashgar Old Town: Zhiren Street, Id Kah Mosque, Tea Break, Sunday Bazaar Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: In Kashgar
Explore Kashgar Old Town, beginning with Zhiren Street known for handmade crafts and musical instruments. Visit Id Kah Mosque, one of China's largest and busiest mosques. Enjoy tea in a century-old tea house. If visiting on Sunday, experience the legendary local Bazaar attracting merchants from across Xinjiang and neighboring countries.
Day 12: Kashgar - Mountain Landscapes
Karakul Lake, Baisha Lake Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: In Kashgar
Drive along the Karakoram Highway to Karakul Lake (7,546m above sea level), enjoying views of snow-capped Muztagh Ata mountain and the pristine lake. En route, visit Baisha Lake (3,500 meters above sea level), known for its grassy surroundings, water birds, and spectacular mountain scenery. Return to Kashgar for overnight.
Day 13: Kashgar Departure
Transfer to Airport Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy free time before transferring to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your Southern Xinjiang Silk Road journey.