Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Architecture, Heritage
Destinations
China

Get swept up by history by this six-day whirlwind tour from Urumqi to Turpan. This Silk Road journey will fill you with awe over and over again. Bask in the stunning natural beauty of the mountain-hemmed Tianshan ‘Heavenly Lake’ as you float atop her crystal-clear, cool waters.  Let your imagination take you way back as you learn of the region’s rich history, visiting museums and historic sites like the ancient Jiaohe ruins. Break bread and interact with Kazakh villagers in their yurt village amongst rolling green pastures.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Mummies: Not exclusive to just Egypt, 3000-year-old mummies can be found in Urumqi at the Xinjiang Regional Museum. A curator will escort you through this fascinating museum.
  • Xinjiang Cuisine: Xinjiang foods are predominantly halal and its flavors reflect its Uyghur, Hui, and Dongxiang minorities. Famed across the country and beyond, must-try dishes include lamb pilaf, hand-pulled noodles, lamb kebabs, and fruits. In Turpan, you will have the opportunity to try its grapes and melons.
  • Ancient City: The city of Gaochang, once a key point along the Silk Road is now a collection of ruins rising from the barren Gobi desert. Along with the ancient city of Jiaohe, it is the best-reserved ruins of an ancient city in China and a designated UNESCO world heritage site.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Urumqi

Touch down in Urumqi - a driver will be waiting to sweep you away for a midday meal before starting your tour. Begin your adventure by diving into the region’s history. A curator will take you on a privately-guided tour of the Xinjiang Regional Museum that houses such artifacts as 3000-year-old mummies and hundreds of comprehensive exhibits. Round off your first day with dinner at Miraj Restaurant, which boasts the best menu in Urumqi.

Hotel Options
About

Located in Urumqi's Central Business District, close to the Xinjiang International Exhibition Center and the Ecological Gardens, the Hilton Urumqi is one of the best accommodation options in the city. Guest rooms are available in a variety of categories, including suite and executive (there is also an accessible room), with warm interiors and standard mod cons.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

The newest luxury hotel in the Silk Road region, the Sheraton Urumqi Hotel is located just 20 minutes from Urumqi Airport and sits near a collection of universities and local attractions. Each of the Sheraton’s 380 guest rooms and suites feature in-room safes, air-conditioning, the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed, separate bath and shower stall, satellite channels, and fabulous views of snow-topped mountains and the city.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Urumqi

After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Tianchi’s ‘Heavenly Lake.’ Quite deserving of its name, the glacial lake’s crescent-shaped shoreline is hemmed by a snow-covered mountain ridge. Cross the clear blue waters by boat, and take in the majesty and mystery of this legend-laced lake. Following the boat ride, take a scenic stroll to a nearby Taoist Pagoda, and enjoy lunch with a Kazakh family at their yurt. Return to Urumqi to take in a few more sights before dinner.

Urumqi
Urumqi

Day 3

Urumqi

Two hours south of Urumqi lay vast, yurt-dotted grasslands inhabited by Kazakh people. Today you will visit the region referred to as the “Southern Pastures,” and interact with the villagers, learning of their customs and breaking bread in a traditional yurt home. Take a tour – by foot or horseback – led by a local Kazakh guide. You may choose to overnight in a Kazakh yurt, or return to the hotel in Urumqi.

Day 4

Turpan

Bid farewell to Urumqi and enjoy the sights along the 3-hour drive to Turpan. Stop at the ancient ruins of Jiaohe and tour the archaeological site. Check into your Turpan hotel and freshen up for dinner at the Herembag Restaurant.

Hotel Options
About

This new hotel is the best the Turpan area has to offer. Well-situated, the hotel is just two minutes from a bustling market and walking distance to other attractions, including a museum and traditional shops.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Located in the heart of Xinjiang, Turpan is known for its Uyghur heritage and dramatic, oasis-dotted desert landscapes. It is also home to such renowned natural destinations as the Flaming Mountains.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Turpan
Turpan

Day 5

Turpan

Enjoy an early breakfast before setting off for the Flaming Mountains, enroute to the village of Tuyoq. Here, explore an ancient village whose quaint streets are covered by arched grapevines. Next on today’s tour are the ancient ruins of Gaochang City and Astana, the ruined city’s graveyard. The Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves is the last stop before lunch. Prepare to be amazed by the ingenuity behind the Karez wells and the stunning architectural feat that is the Emin Minaret. Round off your busy day with a hilltop sunset overlooking Turpan.

Day 6

Departure

There is time for one more stop before the tour is out. After breakfast, visit the Turpan Museum. The newly-remodeled facility hosts an impressive selection of over 5,000 artifacts. Return to Urumqi for onward flights.

Suggested Hotels For Days 1–3

Hilton Urumqi

Hilton Urumqi

Located in Urumqi's Central Business District, close to the Xinjiang International Exhibition Center and the Ecological Gardens, the Hilton Urumqi is one of the best accommodation options in the city. Guest rooms are available in a variety of categories, including suite and executive (there is also an accessible room), with warm interiors and standard mod cons. Facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, a fitness center, a business center and an executive lounge. For dining, guests can indulge in hot drinks and desserts at the Lobby Lounge, Lebanese cuisine at Silk Road, international dining at U Cafe and fine dining at Yuxi, a Chinese restaurant that specializes in both Cantonese and regional cuisine from Xinjiang province.
Sheraton Urumqi

Sheraton Urumqi

The newest luxury hotel in the Silk Road region, the Sheraton Urumqi Hotel is located just 20 minutes from Urumqi Airport and sits near a collection of universities and local attractions. Each of the Sheraton’s 380 guest rooms and suites feature in-room safes, air-conditioning, the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed, separate bath and shower stall, satellite channels, and fabulous views of snow-topped mountains and the city. In addition, butler service is available on the Executive Floor. The hotel also boasts a business center, a luxurious spa and health club. There are a number of restaurants located within the Sheraton, including Yakexi Halal, which serves Middle Eastern cuisine; Café Oasis, an all-day eatery that serves international and regional specialties; Shanghai on 2, which serves southern Chinese specialties; and House of Treasures, which offers Cantonese and numbingly spicy Sichuanese and Hunanese dishes.

Suggested Hotels For Days 4–5

Turpan Shuangcheng Hotel

Turpan Shuangcheng Hotel

Located in the heart of Xinjiang, Turpan is known for its Uyghur heritage and dramatic, oasis-dotted desert landscapes. It is also home to such renowned natural destinations as the Flaming Mountains. Spacious rooms are fitted with comfortable living spaces and inviting beds. Modern amenities like televisions, computers, and Wi-Fi are available. Bathrooms are fitted with showers, and some even feature oversized bathtubs. The hotel's restaurant operates buffet style and serves a variety of Chinese and Western dishes. There is also a lobby bar that serves a selection of beverages.

Tuha Petroleum

Tuha Petroleum


This new hotel is the best the Turpan area has to offer. Well-situated, the hotel is just two minutes from a bustling market and walking distance to other attractions, including a museum and traditional shops. The highlight of the hotel is its location at the commercial heart of Turpan, a vibrant little town with much to offer. Spacious, comfortable rooms, WiFi, air conditioning and facilities including a covered pool and spa, bowling alley, karaoke, billiard tables, and more, are available to guests. Buffet breakfast is provided in the mornings to help guests start their day off well, while Chinese and Western cuisine are served up on-site for lunch and dinner. An on-site bar and lounge provides an ideal spot for guests to meet up with friends and colleagues for drinks after a long day of travel.  


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