Private Xinjiang tours
15-Day In-Depth Culture & Nature Tour: Dunhuang-Jiayuguan-Kuqa-Kashgar-Pamir Plateau | Mogao Caves, Poplar Forests & Karakoram Highway
Depart from the Silk Road gem Dunhuang, traverse Jiayuguan, Korla and Kuqa, and finally reach Kashgar and the Pamir Plateau — a 15-day panorama covering grottoes, Great Wall, poplar forests, canyons and plateau lakes.
Why this route works
- Private business van transfers and sightseeing throughout for a seamless and comfortable journey
- Hands-on night cup making or mural copying at Dunhuang Art Academy, plus expert-guided Dunhuang Museum tour
- Double poplar forest visits at Tarim and Shaya for stunning autumn scenes
- Karakoram Highway adventure with Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake and Dragon Road, plus a Tajik home visit for local culture
Detailed itinerary
Private business van airport pickup, check in at Dunhuang Huaxia Grand Hotel
Private van to Mogao Caves, visit Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake, stay at Dunhuang Huaxia Grand Hotel
Experience night cup making or mural copying at Dunhuang Art Academy, expert-guided Dunhuang Museum tour, enjoy "Encounter Dunhuang" show, stay at Dunhuang Huaxia Grand Hotel
Private van transfer to station, high-speed train to Jiayuguan, pickup and visit Jiayuguan Fort and Overhanging Great Wall, stay at a 5-diamond hotel in Jiayuguan
Private van to Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Area, return to Jiayuguan after visit, stay at a 5-diamond hotel
Private van transfer to station, high-speed train to Urumqi, pickup and check in at a 5-diamond hotel
High-speed train to Korla, private van pickup and check in at a 4 or 5-diamond hotel, self-visit to Bayingolin Museum in the afternoon, free evening without vehicle, optional night walk along Peacock River
Private van to Tarim Poplar Forest, after visit check in at a 5-diamond hotel in Kuqa
Private van to Tianshan Mystic Grand Canyon, Kuqa Prince Mansion, Kuqa Grand Mosque and Kuqa Nang City, stay at a 5-diamond hotel in Kuqa
Private van to Shaya Poplar Forest Scenic Area, return to Kuqa after visit, stay at a 5-diamond hotel
Private van transfer to airport according to flight schedule, fly to Kashgar, pickup and check in at a 5-diamond hotel
Private van to Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, Fragrant Concubine Garden and Century-old Teahouse, stay at a 5-diamond hotel in Kashgar
Private van along Karakoram Highway, passing Pamir Plateau, Karakul Lake and Baisha Lake, check in at a 5-diamond hotel in Tashkurgan
Private van to Dragon Road (or Stone City + Golden Grassland), Tajik home visit with eagle dance, milk tea and hand-pulled rice, stay at a 5-diamond hotel in Kashgar
Private van transfer to airport, end of tour
Pricing logic
The final quote depends on travel dates, group size, domestic flights, hotel level, vehicle type and route feasibility. The sales team will confirm all inclusions before payment.
Usually included
- Transportation
- 24-hour private airport & railway station pick-up and drop-off services are available in Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Urumqi, Korla, Kuqa and Kashgar.
- High-speed train arrangements: Dunhuang ↔ Jiayuguan, Jiayuguan ↔ Urumqi, Urumqi ↔ Korla.
- Flight arrangement: Kuqa to Kashgar.
- A dedicated business vehicle will be arranged for the entire journey.
- Accommodation
- Total 14 nights’ accommodation throughout the trip:
- 3 nights at Huaxia Hotel Dunhuang
- 2 nights at a 5-diamond hotel in Jiayuguan
- 1 night at a 5-diamond hotel in Urumqi
- 1 night at a 4 or 5-diamond hotel in Korla
- 3 nights at a 5-diamond hotel in Kuqa
- 3 nights at a 5-diamond hotel in Kashgar
- 1 night at a 5-diamond hotel in Tashkurgan County
- Attractions
- Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Moon Spring, Dunhuang Academy of Painting, Dunhuang Museum, Encore Dunhuang, Jiayuguan Pass, Overhanging Great Wall, Colorful Danxia Landform, Bazhou Museum, Peacock River, Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest, Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, Kuqa Royal Mansion, Kuqa Grand Mosque, Kuqa Naan City, Shaya Populus Euphratica Forest, Kashgar Ancient City, Id Kah Mosque, Fragrant Concubine Garden, Centennial Old Teahouse, Karakoram Highway, Pamir Plateau, Karakul Lake, White Sand Lake, Panlong Ancient Road, Stone Town, Golden Grass Beach
- Tour Guide
- Professional driver-guide providing exclusive private tour service.
- Meals
- Daily breakfast included at hotels; lunch and dinner covered for a total of 21 formal meals, with a dining standard of RMB 50 per person per meal.
- Insurance
- Comprehensive travel accident insurance covering the whole itinerary.
Usually excluded
- Transportation: Round-trip international and domestic air tickets.
- Accommodation: Single room supplement, personal expenses (laundry service, minibar).
- Sightseeing: Optional activities, unplanned scenic spots.
- Tour Guide Gratuity: Tour guide tips (optional).
- Insurance: Additional personal insurance.