China Tours · 11 days
Southern Xinjiang: Silk Road & the Pamirs
Travel from Kashgar into the Pamir Plateau, linking mountain lakes, ancient Buddhist art, desert landscapes, local homes, and the living cultures of the Silk Road.
Travel from Kashgar into the Pamir Plateau, linking mountain lakes, ancient Buddhist art, desert landscapes, local homes, and the living cultures of the Silk Road.
- Duration
- 11 days
- Route
- Kashgar → Tashkurgan → Aksu → Kuqa → Korla → Turpan → Urumqi
- Travel style
- Private & small-group
Journey positioning
This route follows the Silk Road as a living story, not a checklist of scenic stops.
We use a flight and a rail segment to reduce repeated driving, then slow the pace where altitude and landscape deserve more time.
For travelers in their 50s, 60s and beyond, the reward is cultural depth with sensible transfers, comfortable pauses and room to absorb each place.
Who this trip is for
Culturally curious travelers drawn to Silk Road history, dramatic landscapes, traditional communities, and places far beyond the standard first-time China route.
Key highlights
- Kashgar Old City and living craft traditions
- Karakul Lake beneath Muztagh Ata
- Stone City, Panlong Road and Bandir Blue Lake
- Kizil Caves and the cultural legacy of ancient Kucha
- Tarim poplar forest, desert and oasis landscapes
Full day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Arrive in Kashgar
Settle in and begin with Kashgar Old City, craft lanes, the old teahouse and everyday neighborhood life.
- Day 2
Kashgar to Tashkurgan
Follow the Karakoram Highway through Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake beneath Muztagh Ata.
- Day 3
Stone City & the Pamirs
Explore Stone City and the Golden Grasslands, then experience Panlong Road and Bandir Blue Lake at an unhurried plateau pace.
- Day 4
Return to Kashgar
Travel through the red-rock canyon landscape and return to the Silk Road city.
- Day 5
Kashgar to Aksu
Fly to Aksu and connect the desert-oasis landscape with the region’s Silk Road history.
- Day 6
Aksu to Kuqa
Visit the Kizil Caves and enter the cultural world of ancient Kucha before continuing to Kuqa.
- Day 7
Kuqa to Korla
Explore Kuqa heritage and the Tarim poplar forest, then continue across the basin to Korla.
- Day 8
Bosten Lake & Lop Village
See freshwater wetlands, desert, the Tarim River and traditions shaped by life at the edge of the sands.
- Day 9
Korla to Turpan
Take the train to Turpan and discover the karez water system, grape-growing oasis culture and regional history.
- Day 10
Turpan to Urumqi
Visit the Bezeklik Caves and Flaming Mountains before continuing to Urumqi and the Grand Bazaar.
- Day 11
Depart Urumqi
Conclude the journey and transfer for onward travel.
Good to know The Pamir section reaches significant altitude. The final route should reflect each traveler’s health, comfort, and seasonal road conditions.
Interested in this journey?
Let’s shape the right version for you.
Tell us your preferred dates, travelers, interests and pace. Fun Travel will respond personally and tailor the journey around your group.
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