Ancient Capitals & Himalayan Heights
An Unforgettable Journey Aboard the China Silk Road Express
Journey Overview
Experience the Ultimate Silk Road Adventure
Embark on an extraordinary 15-day expedition through China's ancient Silk Road, traveling in luxury aboard the authorized China Silk Road Express. This meticulously crafted journey combines five-star train service with immersive cultural experiences, taking you from the high-altitude landscapes of Xining to the vibrant markets of Kashgar.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Xining - Gateway to the Silk Road
Date: September 03, 2026
Highlights: Arrival transfer, welcoming dinner
Meals: Welcoming Dinner
Accommodation: Xining Sofitel Hotel or similar
Arrive in Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province and starting point of our Silk Road adventure. After airport transfer and hotel check-in, enjoy a welcoming dinner while acclimating to the high-altitude environment of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau.
Day 2: Xining to Dunhuang - Tibetan Buddhist Heritage
Date: September 04, 2026
Highlights: Taer Monastery, Shuijingxiang Market
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Silk Road Express Train
Visit the magnificent Taer Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Qinghai, renowned for its butter flowers, murals, and embroidery. Explore Shuijingxiang Local Market before boarding the luxury train to Dunhuang in the evening.
Day 3: Dunhuang - Buddhist Art Sanctuary
Date: September 05, 2026
Highlights: Mogao Grottoes, Shazhou Night Market
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Dunhuang Silk Road Hotel or similar
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mogao Grottoes, featuring ancient Buddhist art spanning over a thousand years. Experience traditional folk music performances and explore the vibrant Shazhou Night Market.
Day 4: Dunhuang to Yining - Desert Oasis Adventure
Date: September 06, 2026
Highlights: Sand Dunes camel ride, Crescent Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Silk Road Express Train
Embark on a camel trek through the desert to the enchanting Crescent Lake, an oasis that has endured millennia of desert winds. Experience the timeless beauty of the Silk Road landscape before boarding the evening train to Yining.
Day 5: Yining Arrival - Luxury Train Experience
Date: September 07, 2026
Highlights: On-board activities, bar car experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yili Harbour Hotel or similar
Enjoy a full day aboard the luxury train with cocktail sessions in the bar car, panoramic views, and relaxation. Arrive in Yining in the evening and transfer to your hotel.
Day 6: Yining to Nalati Prairie - Alpine Grassland Exploration
Date: September 08, 2026
Highlights: Nalati Grassland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yili Harbour Hotel or similar
Journey to Nalati Grassland, one of the world's four alpine valley grasslands. Experience breathtaking landscapes with wildflowers, snow-capped mountains, and traditional pastoral life in this "dream paradise."
Day 7: Yining to Beitun - Mountain Lakes and Valleys
Date: September 09, 2026
Highlights: Guozigou Valley, Sailimu Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Silk Road Express Train
Travel through Guozigou Valley via Asia's largest cable-stayed mountain bridge to visit Sailimu Lake, known as the "last tear in the Atlantic Ocean." Marvel at the emerald waters surrounded by lush mountains before boarding the evening train to Beitun.
Day 8: Beitun to Kanas - Switzerland of the East
Date: September 10, 2026
Highlights: Kanas Lake, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Jiadengyu Jiangyu Hotel or similar
Explore the magnificent Kanas Scenic Area, often called the "Switzerland of the East." Discover Kanas Lake, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay while learning about local Tuvan culture and the legendary "water monster" of Kanas Lake.
Day 9: Kanas to Hemu - God's Reserved Land
Date: September 11, 2026
Highlights: Hemu Village, White Birch Forests
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hemu Villa or similar
Visit Hemu Scenic Area, known as "God's Reserved Land." Explore the Hemu River, ancient bridges, white birch forests, and the traditional Hemu Village with its iconic morning mist and pastoral scenery.
Day 10: Hemu to Buerjin - Multicolorful Landscapes
Date: September 12, 2026
Highlights: Wucai Beach, Russian Scenic Garden
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Silk Road Express Train
Discover the stunning Wucai Beach (Multicolorful Bay) along the Irtysh River and explore the Russian Scenic Garden. Enjoy cold water fish at Buerjin night market before boarding the train to Urumqi.
Day 11: Urumqi to Kashgar - Heavenly Landscapes
Date: September 13, 2026
Highlights: Heavenly Lake, Grand Bazaar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kashgar Global Harbor International Hotel or similar
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Heavenly Lake and explore the world's largest Grand Bazaar with its strong Islamic architectural style. Fly to Kashgar in the afternoon to continue your Silk Road journey.
Day 12: Kashgar to Taxian - Pamir Plateau Adventure
Date: September 14, 2026
Highlights: Baisha Lake, Golden Grass Beach, Stone City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Panoramic Star Hotel in Taxian or similar
Explore the high-altitude Baisha Lake at 3,500 meters, then continue to the Golden Grass Beach and ancient Stone City, once a strategic castle on the Silk Road with profound historical significance.
Day 13: Taxian to Kashgar - Winding Dragon Road
Date: September 15, 2026
Highlights: Winding Dragon Road, Kalakuli Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kashgar Global Harbor International Hotel or similar
Experience China's spectacular Winding Dragon Road with 608 turns across the Pamir Plateau. Visit a Tajik family and explore Kalakuli Lake at the base of Muztagh Peak before returning to Kashgar.
Day 14: Kashgar Exploration - Ancient City Wonders
Date: September 16, 2026
Highlights: Kashgar Old Town, Id Kah Mosque, Xiangfei Garden
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kashgar Global Harbor International Hotel or similar
Immerse yourself in Kashgar's rich history by exploring the ancient old town, visiting the iconic Id Kah Mosque, and discovering the beautiful Xiangfei Garden with its blend of Uyghur cultural and architectural styles.
Day 15: Departure from Kashgar
Date: September 17, 2026
Highlights: Airport transfer
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Kashgar Airport for your departure flight, concluding your remarkable 15-day Silk Road luxury train expedition.