Tour overview
A 16-Day Expedition Through History and Breathtaking Landscapes. Departure: 26 August 2025
Step back in time and explore the legendary Silk Road on this immersive 16-day adventure. Journey through China’s most captivating historical and cultural sites, from the vibrant city of Lanzhou to the breathtaking desert landscapes of Dunhuang and the rich Uyghur heritage of Kashgar.
Follow in the footsteps of ancient traders as you visit awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Mogao Caves, the ruins of Jiaohe, and the Flaming Mountains. Experience the diverse cultures of the Silk Road, sample regional delicacies, and witness striking contrasts of landscapes—from vast deserts to snow-capped peaks.
With carefully planned accommodations, expert guides, and seamless travel arrangements, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of history, adventure, and cultural discovery. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a photography lover, or an intrepid traveler seeking a unique experience, this Silk Road journey promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Highlights of the trip
- Lanzhou & the Yellow River – Visit the gateway to the Silk Road and enjoy its cultural landmarks.
- Zhangye’s Rainbow Mountains – Witness the stunning multicolored Danxia landforms.
- Jiayuguan & the Great Wall – Explore the westernmost Great Wall fortress and ancient trade routes.
- Dunhuang & Mogao Caves – Discover world-famous Buddhist art and the majestic Singing Sand Dunes.
- Turpan & the Flaming Mountains – Walk through the ancient Jiaohe ruins and experience Uyghur culture.
- Urumqi & Heavenly Lake – Admire the pristine alpine lake set against the Tianshan Mountains.
- Kashgar & the Old Town – Step into a world of Silk Road heritage and explore the bustling Sunday Market.
- Pamir Plateau & Karakule Lake – Journey through breathtaking highland scenery along the Karakoram Highway.
- Scenic Overland Travel – Experience dramatic landscapes, from vast deserts to snow-capped peaks.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Lanzhou, check in to your hotel and settle in. Depending on your arrival time, explore the city with a guided tour, including key landmarks and a visit to the Gansu Provincial Museum, home to fascinating Silk Road artifacts and cultural exhibits.
Depart Lanzhou for Wuwei by road, a historical hub along the ancient Silk Road. Visit the Leitai Han Dynasty Tomb, where the famous Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow bronze sculpture was discovered. After lunch, continue the journey to Zhangye, arriving in the evening for an overnight stay.
Begin the day with a visit to the Giant Buddha Temple (Dafo Temple), home to China’s largest indoor reclining Buddha, dating back to the Western Xia Dynasty.
Next, explore the breathtaking Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, famous for its vibrant, multicolored rock formations, often referred to as the “Rainbow Mountains".
In the afternoon, travel to Jiayuguan, where you will stay overnight.
Start the day with a visit to Jiayuguan Pass, the westernmost and best-preserved fort of the Great Wall, marking the frontier of ancient China. Explore the Overhanging Great Wall, a steep section built along a mountain ridge, offering panoramic views of the desert landscape.
Continue to the Wei and Jin Dynasty Tombs, renowned for their well-preserved brick murals depicting everyday life over 1,500 years ago.
After lunch, travel to Dunhuang, where you will settle in for a three-night stay, allowing ample time to explore this legendary Silk Road oasis.
Embark on a journey to Yumen Pass and Yangguan Pass, two historic gateways that once marked the western frontier of the Han Dynasty. These ancient passes played a crucial role in Silk Road trade and defense.
Explore the remnants of the Han Dynasty Great Wall, a lesser-known yet significant section built from rammed earth and reeds, standing as a testament to China’s early fortifications.
In the afternoon, visit Yadan National Geopark, famous for its otherworldly wind-eroded rock formations, often described as resembling ancient castles, temples, and even mythical creatures.
Return to Dunhuang for the night.
Visit the Mogao Caves, home to stunning Buddhist murals and sculptures. In the afternoon, explore the Echoing Sand Dunes (Mingsha Shan) and the picturesque Crescent Moon Spring (Yueyaquan), a desert oasis miraculously preserved for centuries.
Return to your hotel for the final night in Dunhuang.
Visit the Dunhuang Museum to explore Silk Road history and cultural relics. After lunch, transfer to the train station and take a high-speed train to Turpan. Upon arrival, settle in for a two-night stay, allowing time to explore this ancient oasis city.
Visit the Flaming Mountains, explore the ancient Jiaohe Ruins, and stroll through Grape Valley. Learn about the Karez Well System, a historic underground irrigation network.
Return to your hotel for the night.
Drive to Korla, a vibrant Silk Road city known for its fragrant pears and as a gateway to the Taklamakan Desert. En route, stop at the Bosten Lake for scenic views. Upon arrival, visit the Peacock River, a serene waterway flowing through the city.
Drive to Kuqa, an ancient Buddhist center along the Silk Road. Explore the dramatic landscapes of Tianshan Mystery Canyon, then stroll through the historic Qiuci Alleys, a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Visit the King’s Palace in Kuqa and the Kezil Thousand-Buddha Grottoes, famed for their ancient murals and Silk Road influences.
Continue to Aksu, a historic Silk Road oasis on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, known for its cultural heritage and trade significance.
Drive to Kashgar, a historic Silk Road hub known for its rich culture and bustling markets.
Explore Kashgar Old Town, with its maze of traditional Uyghur homes and narrow alleys. Stroll through Craftsman Street to see local artisans at work, then visit the Handicrafts Bazaar for traditional goods. Stop by Id Kah Square, the city's social center, and end the day at Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China.
Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (中巴友谊公路), passing through stunning landscapes. Visit the Aoyitak Red Mountain (奥依塔克红山) and the dramatic Gez Canyon (盖孜峡谷) before reaching the Pamir Plateau (帕米尔高原).
Stop at White Sand Lake (白沙湖) and Karakule Lake (卡拉库里湖, 3,600m), where you can admire the breathtaking view of Muztagh Ata Peak (慕士塔格峰,7509m). Return to Kashgar.
Enjoy a relaxed day in Kashgar. Visit the Kashgar Museum (喀什博物馆) to explore the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. Then, tour the Apak Hoja Mausoleum (香妃园), an architectural gem and important pilgrimage site, where you can also enjoy a traditional song and dance performance.
Take a morning flight to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. Visit Heavenly Lake (天山天池), a scenic alpine lake nestled in the Tianshan Mountains. Later, explore the International Grand Bazaar (国际大巴扎), a vibrant market showcasing local crafts, spices, and cultural performances.
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
End of the tour.
Tour price
The land portion of the trip starts in Lanzhou and ends at Urumqi Airport:
Price: AUD 4,599 per person* Single room supplement: AUD 1,320
*The above price does not include the domestic flight from Kashgar to Urumqi. This flight can be arranged along with your international tickets.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Services Included in the Tour Package:
- 15 nights of hotel accommodation (twin share) with daily breakfast
- 15 lunches and 15 dinners as indicated in the itinerary
- Round-trip airport transfers for specific arrival and departure times
- All ground transportation during the tour
- Train tickets as per the itinerary (2nd class seat)
- Tour guide services
- Admission fees to tourist attractions listed in the itinerary
Services Not Included in the Tour Package:
- International arrival and departure flights, and Kashgar to Urumqi domestic airfares
- Meals and drinks not listed in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Entry visa for China (Note: Australian passport holders are visa-free for a 30-day stay until the end of 2025)
- Hotel incidentals and personal expenses
- Tips for tour guides and drivers
Hotel accommodations
Our carefully selected hotels for this tour offer modern comfort and deluxe amenities, ensuring a relaxing stay after each day’s adventure. Conveniently located in prime areas, these hotels provide easy access to key attractions while offering top-tier services, elegant decor, and well-appointed rooms. Enjoy a blend of contemporary luxury and local charm, making your journey both comfortable and unforgettable.
- Lanzhou: Sheraton Lanzhou Anning (5 Diamonds)
- Zhangye: Hampton by Hilton Zhangye West Railway Station (4 Diamonds)
- Jiayuguan: Gonghanglu Jiayu Pearl Hotel (5 Diamonds)
- Dunhuang: Huaxia International Hotel (5 Diamonds)
- Turpan: Hampton by Hilton Turpan (4 Diamonds)
- Korla: Furunde Wanda Jin Hotel (5 Diamonds)
- Kuqa: Kuqa Chaoshi Wanhua International Hotel (5 Diamonds)
- Aksu: Hilton Garden Inn Aksu Downtown (4 Diamonds)
- Kashgar: Kashgar Nanjiang Global Harbor International Hotel (5 Diamonds)
- Urumqi: Meihao Ritz Hotel Urumqi (5 Diamonds)
*Above selected hotels are subject to booking confirmation. If they are unavailable, we will arrange similar deluxe hotels that offer the same level of modern comfort, prime location, and high-quality service to ensure a seamless and enjoyable stay.
Frequently asked questions
This journey is scheduled for late August to early Setember, an excellent time to explore the Silk Road. The weather is generally warm but manageable, and we have planned the itinerary to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
While Xi’an is the traditional starting point of the Silk Road, it is a very popular destination, and many participants may have already visited. Lanzhou is a significant gateway to the Silk Road and offers a fresh starting point with rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious local cuisine.
No, all the destinations in this itinerary have been carefully selected, and no special permits are required. Travelers only need a valid Chinese visa for the tour.
The tour lasts 16 days from Lanzhou to Urumqi, covering key Silk Road destinations including Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi, Korla, Kuqa, Aksu, and Kashgar, with an unforgettable journey into the Pamir Mountains. Highlights include the Rainbow Mountains, Jiayuguan Fortress, Mogao Caves, Flaming Mountains, Tianshan Grand Canyon, ancient ruins in Kuqa, the stunning Karakule Lake, and the vibrant Kashgar Sunday Bazaar.
If including the days departure from and arrival in Australia, the total duration is 18 days.
The tour features mostly 5-diamond hotels (or equivalent), ensuring a luxurious and comfortable stay. In some smaller cities where options are limited, we have selected the best available 4-diamond hotels, maintaining a high standard of service, modern amenities, and convenient locations.
The tour includes a mix of high-speed trains, private vehicles, and domestic flights, ensuring efficient travel with minimal fatigue while maximizing time for sightseeing.
Comfortable clothing and shoes for walking, layered outfits to adjust to temperature variations, sunscreen and sunglasses for desert areas, and a scarf or mask, a hat to protect against dust in windy conditions.
The itinerary includes a mix of local specialties and familiar options, featuring northwestern Chinese and Uyghur cuisine, with halal options widely available. Expect delicious lamb dishes, hand-pulled noodles, and fresh fruits from Xinjiang’s orchards.
The itinerary is designed for comfort, but some sites require walking on uneven terrain (e.g., the Mogao Caves, sand dunes in Dunhuang). Those with mobility concerns should inform us in advance so arrangements can be made.
Yes! We can assist with custom pre- and post-tour arrangements, such as visiting Xi’an, Beijing, or other destinations in China based on your preferences.
