Private Xinjiang tours
Gansu–Xinjiang Silk Road Grand Loop: Dunhuang, Kuqa, Kashgar & Pamir 15-Day Luxury Private Tour
Seamless transfers by private van, high-speed train and internal flight; experience Dunhuang mural copying, Kuqa canyons and poplar forests, and the Pamir Plateau in one journey—a cultural and natural feast along the Silk Road.
Why this route works
- Hands-on workshop at Dunhuang Art Academy making luminous cups or copying murals, plus expert-guided museum tour for deep Silk Road insights
- High-speed rail connects Dunhuang, Jiayuguan and Urumqi, greatly reducing road travel and easing the cross-province journey
- Visit both Tarim Poplar Forest and Shaya Poplar Forest plus Tianshan Mystic Grand Canyon for diverse landscapes
- Explore Karakul Lake, White Sand Lake and Dragon Road on the Pamir Plateau, with a Tajik home visit featuring eagle dance, milk tea and hand-pulled rice
Detailed itinerary
Private business van pick-up at airport; check in to Dunhuang Huaxia Grand Hotel
Business van to Mogao Grottoes and Mingsha Sand Dunes with Crescent Lake; stay at Dunhuang Huaxia Grand Hotel
Business van to Dunhuang Art Academy for luminous cup making or mural copying; expert-guided tour of Dunhuang Museum; watch the performance "Encounter Dunhuang"; stay at Dunhuang Huaxia Grand Hotel
Private van to high-speed rail station; train to Jiayuguan; van pick-up then visit Jiayuguan Fortress and Overhanging Great Wall; stay at 5-diamond hotel in Jiayuguan
Business van departs Jiayuguan for Zhangye Colorful Danxia Geopark; return to Jiayuguan after sightseeing; stay at 5-diamond hotel
Private van to station; high-speed train to Urumqi; van pick-up and check in to 5-diamond hotel in Urumqi
High-speed rail to Korla; van pick-up and check in to 4-diamond or 5-diamond hotel; self-guided visit to Bayingolin Museum in the afternoon; free evening (no vehicle) with optional night walk along Peacock River
Business van to Tarim Poplar Forest; after sightseeing, proceed to Kuqa and check in to 5-diamond hotel
Business van to Tianshan Mystic Grand Canyon; visit Kuqa Royal Mansion, Kuqa Great Mosque and Kuqa Naan City; stay at 5-diamond hotel in Kuqa
Business van to Shaya Poplar Forest scenic area; return to Kuqa after tour; stay at 5-diamond hotel
Private van to airport per flight schedule; flight to Kashgar; pick-up and check in to 5-diamond hotel in Kashgar
Private business van tour to Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, Fragrant Concubine Garden and the century-old teahouse; stay at 5-diamond hotel in Kashgar
Private van along Karakoram Highway to Pamir Plateau; visit Karakul Lake and White Sand Lake; check in to 5-diamond hotel in Tashkurgan
Private van to Dragon Road (or Stone Fort and Golden Grassland); then enjoy a Tajik home visit with eagle dance, milk tea and hand-pulled rice; return to Kashgar and stay at 5-diamond hotel
Private business van transfer to Kashgar airport per flight schedule; end of services
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 exclusive airport and railway station pick-up & drop-off service by business vehicles is available in Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Urumqi, Korla, Kuqa and Kashgar.
- High-speed train routes: Dunhuang to Jiayuguan, Jiayuguan to Urumqi, Urumqi to Korla.
- Flight arrangement: Direct flight from Kuqa to Kashgar.
- Vehicle service throughout the trip: Business cars will be used for travels within Dunhuang and Jiayuguan, as well as trips to Zhangye Colorful Danxia Landform. Business cars are also provided for journeys in Korla, Kuqa, Kashgar and the Pamir Plateau area. All vehicles are driven by professional drivers.
- Accommodation
- A total of 14 nights' accommodation is arranged as below:
- 3 nights at Dunhuang Huaxia Hotel;
- 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 Grottoes, Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Moon Spring, Dunhuang Painting Academy, Dunhuang Museum, Encounter Dunhuang, Jiayuguan Pass, Overhanging Great Wall, Colorful Danxia Landform, Bazhou Museum, Peacock River, Tarim Poplar Forest, Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, Kuqa Palace, Kuqa Grand Mosque, Kuqa Giant Nang Town, Shaya Poplar 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 City, Golden Grass Beach Scenic Area, Tajik Family Visit
- Tour Guide
- A professional driver-guide will be assigned to deliver exclusive customized private tour services.
- Meals
- Daily breakfast is included with hotel accommodation.
- Insurance
- Comprehensive travel accident insurance covering the entire journey.
Usually excluded
- Transportation:
- Round-trip international/domestic airfare.
- Accommodation:
- Single room supplement; personal expenses (e.g., laundry, minibar).
- Attractions:
- Optional activities; attractions not included in the itinerary.
- Guide Tips:
- Gratuities for the guide (optional).
- Meals:
- Lunches and dinners during the tour.
- Insurance:
- Additional personal insurance (supplemental coverage).