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Chinese Silk Road detailed itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN XIAN

Arrive at Xian Airport, where you are met and transferred to our hotel in the city. Our tour leader will greet you at a welcome meeting before our group dinner.
Overnight in Xian.

DAY 2: TERRACOTTA WARRIORS, ANCIENT CITY WALL, BELL TOWER

A memorable day starts with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors (UNESCO) to see the famous clay army of soldiers, which many consider to be the greatest archaeological find of the 20th century.

In the afternoon, we will drive back to the city and enjoy a stroll on top of the well-preserved Ancient City Wall, followed by a walk through the Hui minority area, ending at the Great Mosque (built in the 8th century) in the Muslim district, with its unique Arabic and Chinese architecture.

This evening, we enjoy a dumpling banquet with the spectacular Empress of the Tang Dynasty Show, a colorful celebration of China’s golden age. Featuring elaborate costumes, traditional music and graceful dance performances, this captivating production brings to life the splendor and elegance of the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), one of China’s most prosperous and culturally rich periods.

Close to our hotel, we can stop at the Bell Tower, the best-preserved and largest wooden tower in China, which is simply brilliant when lit up at night (may vary depending on what time of year you are here). Many local women love to get dressed up in their traditional style to be photographed at this site, as well as many others throughout China.
Dinner and overnight in Xian.

DAY 3: XIAN SITES, TRAIN TO LANZHOU

This morning, we will visit the Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved ancient and holy Buddhist building. Later, we visit the Shaanxi Historical Museum, built in the style of the Tang Dynasty. It houses over 370,000 items from Chinese history, including murals, paintings, pottery, coins, as well as bronze, gold, and silver objects.

In the afternoon, we take a bullet train to Lanzhou. This train ride is approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes long.
Dinner and overnight in Lanzhou.

DAY 4: TO BINGLING GROTTOS (UNESCO), TO XIAHE

We drive this morning to the Bingling (or “Ten Thousand” in the Tibetan language) Grottoes (UNESCO), a series of grottoes filled with Buddhist sculptures carved into natural caves and caverns set in a canyon along the Yellow River. Construction dates back to the Western Jin Dynasty (265–316 AD). To reach the grottoes, we take a boat from the town of Liujiaxia, passing through the Liujiaxia Reservoir. The canyon and surrounding mountains are quite impressive!

Afterward, we continue on to the town of Xiahe for the evening.
Dinner and overnight in Xiahe.

DAY 5: LABRANG 'TIBETAN' MONASTERY

Today, we “step” into Tibet as we visit Labrang Monastery, the largest and most influential monastery of the Gelugpa (or Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The architectural layout follows a true Tibetan style, while the construction patterns are a blend of Tibetan and Chinese styles. We have the entire morning to explore the monastery.

After lunch, we return to Lanzhou.
Dinner and overnight in Lanzhou.

DAY 6: TRAIN TO ZHANGYE, RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (UNESCO), RECLINING BUDDHA

After breakfast, we transfer to the train station and take the fast train to Zhangye (approx. 3 hours).

We have lunch on arrival, followed by a visit to Danxia National Geological Park, also known as Rainbow Mountain, located 40 miles/65 km from Zhangye City. Rainbow Mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its unique for its color and formations. Wind, rain, and time have created extraordinary shapes, including towers, columns, and canyons with different colors, patterns, and sizes, resembling the layers of a cake.

Before returning to our hotel, we will visit an impressive reclining Buddha in Zhangye.
Dinner and overnight in Zhangye.

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DAY 7: TO JIAYUGUAN, WESTERN GREAT WALL

After breakfast, we drive to Jiayuguan (approx. 3 hours). Upon arrival, we transfer to a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch, we explore Jiayuguan Pass, or Jiayuguan Fort, also known as the “Impregnable Pass under Heaven.” Jiayuguan is located at the western end of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty and is considered the most magnificent and well- preserved of the more than 1,000 passes along the Great Wall.

Later, we visit the Overhanging Cliff Great Wall. Situated outside the city, this section of the Great Wall was originally built along a ridge at a 45-degree angle. The final part of this hike to the top is steep uphill stairs and back down of course. It is an effort but to experience walking along the Great Wall and the views is well worth it!
Dinner and overnight in Jiayuguan.

DAY 8: TO DUNHUANG, TEN-THOUSAND-BUDDHA GORGE

After breakfast, we drive to the historical city of Dunhuang. We visit Yulin Grottos which is also called the ‘Ten-Thousand-Buddha Gorge’, and is situated in a valley along the Yulin River.

There is time to rest in the afternoon before we visit Shazhou night market this evening.
Dinner and overnight in Dunhuang.

DAY 9: MOGAO GROTTOS (UNESCO), MASSIVE SAND DUNES OF THE GOBI DESERT

This morning is dedicated to exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Mogao Grottos. Constructed over a millennium from the 4th to 14th centuries, the caves are also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, and besides being the most-notable grottos in China, they are also considered the best preserved treasure house of Buddhist art, sutras, murals and sculptures in the world. 

In the afternoon we explore Crescent Lake, a natural wonder of the Gobi Desert with their massive sand dunes. The contrast between the golden sand hill and the blue lake are breathtaking. You can hike to the top of one of the dunes for a beautiful view.
Dinner and overnight in Dunhuang.

DAY 10: TRAIN TO TURPAN

After breakfast we visit the Dunhuang Museum, which exhibits relics excavated from the local area, including paper and coins. The museum is also home to an excellent reconstruction of the Great Wall during the Han Dynasty. 

This afternoon we take a bullet train to Turpan.
Dinner and overnight in Turpan.

DAY 11: ANCIENT CITY OF IDIKUT (UNESCO), TOYUK TRADITIONAL UIGHUR VILLAGE, EMIN SULIMAN MINARET

We begin with a visit to the ancient Uighur city of Idikut, (or Gaochang, name in Mandarin). First built in the 1st century BC, Gaochang later became the capital of the Idikut Uighur Kingdom in the 8th century. 

Next, we visit Toyuk Village, an old, beautiful and timeless village with a friendly Uighur community including lunch at a local, family-run restaurant. 

After lunch and time exploring Toyuk, we visit the world famous Karez Irrigation System, which is unique to this part of the world. The system is considered as one of the three great projects in China, with the other two being the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. We also visit the Emin Suliman Minaret, which is a magnificent combination of ancient Uighur and Islamic architecture. It is the tallest ancient pagoda in Xinjiang and the only Islamic ancient pagoda in the country. Locals call it “pure tower”. For most of our journey today, enjoy the Flaming Mountains, the red sandstone hills that are part of the Tian Shan Mountain Range. 

We end our full day with a delicious local dinner at the home of a local Uighur family.
Dinner and overnight in Turpan.

DAY 12: ANCIENT CITY OF YARGUL (UNESCO), TRAIN TO KUCHE

Today we visit the ancient city of Yargul (Jiaohe), which is considered one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China. The ruins of the buildings are divided into temples, civilian dwellings and government offices. Workshops and residential houses in the streets are still visible. 

This afternoon we will take a comfortable ‘sleeper train’ (7 hours) to Kuche, arriving in the evening where we will check in to our hotel. 
Dinner and overnight in Kuche.

DAY 13: KIZIL THOUSAND BUDDHA CAVES, TIANSHAN GREAT CANYON

This morning we visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, which sits high on the cliffs over the northern bank of the Muzat River. The caves were hewn between the 3rd and 8th century and form one of the earliest Buddhist art treasure troves in China. These caves were also in use one century before the famous Mogao Grotto at Dunhuang. After lunch, we drive to the Tianshan Mysterious Great Canyon, noted for the unique color and shape of its mountains. Today the Tianshan Great Canyon is regarded as one of the ten most beautiful canyons in China. 
Dinner and overnight in Kuche.

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DAY 14: ANCIENT CITIES OF KUCHE & SUBASH; TO ALAR

This morning, we explore the Old City of Kuche, including the Grand Mosque, built in the 17th century. The roof of the mosque was constructed using 300,000 eggs, cement, and bricks.

Next, we visit the ancient city of Subash (UNESCO), dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries, as well as the Kizil Kagha Beacon Tower (UNESCO), an ancient military outpost. Afterward, we continue our journey to Alar.
Dinner and overnight in Alar.

DAY 15: TO HOTAN, GOODS OF THE SILK ROAD

We depart Alar after breakfast and head for Hotan. We travel along the new highway opened in 2007, following the route of the Hotan River, which was also a significant ancient trading route. 

Our time in and around Hotan will focus less on historical sites and more on the production of goods traded along the Silk Road, such as silk, jade, and carpets. After all, this is why the Silk Road existed for over 2,000 years!

Just before reaching Hotan, we stop at a silk workshop, where we learn about and observe the process of silk production. Silk was one of the most sought-after commodities among the cultures of Western Asia and Europe, helping to establish this great trading route and ultimately giving the Silk Road its name!

Here, we also have the opportunity to purchase silk scarves, dresses, shirts, purses, hats, and other items. Of course, there will be many opportunities throughout our journey to purchase silk and other local goods, particularly at the bazaars and night markets we visit.
Dinner and overnight in Hotan.

DAY 16: WHY THE SILK ROAD EXISITS! JADE MARKET, CARPET WORKSHOP

We start our day with a visit to the Hotan Museum, which focuses on Hotan’s past and its importance to the region and the Silk Road.

For lunch, we visit a traditional bakery with its unique atmosphere. We can step inside the bakery to see how everything is baked in traditional ovens.

In the afternoon, we visit a jade market, where we can watch locals buy and sell this precious stone. Hotan is famous for its jade!

Our last stop is at a carpet workshop, located in a serene, wooded area with charming old buildings, where we can see carpets being made by hand.
Dinner and overnight in Hotan.

DAY 17: TAKLAMAKAN DESERT ADVENTURE

This morning we drive into the Taklamakan Desert for a very unique and memorable experience where our tented camps allow us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the legendary desert. 

Upon arrival, we check into our desert camp and have the opportunity to enjoy a short camel safari across the dunes. Alternatively, we can take a short walk across the golden sands to enjoy a sundowner while admiring the picturesque dunes.

Please note: In May and June, the sun sets around 10:00 PM and rises around 7:30 AM. In September, the sun sets around 9:00 PM and rises around 8:30 AM.
Overnight at our comfortable, permanent-tented, campsite in the desert.

DAY 18: UNESCO LISTED 12 MUQAM PERFORMANCE, OLD CAPITAL OF YARKAND; TO KASHGAR

After breakfast, we leave our desert camp behind and depart for Kashgar, stopping at a traditional Uyghur home in the town of Makit, where we enjoy lunch accompanied by a performance of the UNESCO-listed Twelve Muqam, a traditional form of Uyghur music.

From here, we continue to Yarkand, once a royal capital and a pivotal hub along the Southern Silk Road. We walk through the old market area before visiting the Royal Cemetery, where Amanisha Khan, also known as Queen Amanisha, a 16th-century poet, musician, and queen, is buried.

She is celebrated for collecting, arranging, and preserving the Twelve Muqam, a collection of traditional music and songs that forms the foundation of Uyghur classical music. She was the wife of Abdurashid Khan, ruler of the Yarkand Khanate, who is also buried here.

We continue our journey to Kashgar, the Uyghur cultural capital.
Dinner and overnight in Kashgar.

DAY 19: KARAKORUM HIGHWAY, KARAKUL LAKE, GLACIER PARK, TO TASHKURGAN

Today, we have an early start as we set out along the Karakoram Highway, one of the most beautiful roads in the world. The hues and colors of some of the world’s highest mountain ranges dominate every horizon along our journey.

We make two brief stops at Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, the latter situated at the foot of the majestic Muztagh Ata (7,546 m) and Kongur (7,719 m) mountains. Muztagh Ata, meaning “Father of the Ice Mountain,” is considered one of the most beautiful and mysterious mountains in the world.

Next, we visit Glacier Park, where five glaciers are visible on Muztagh Ata. The views of the mountain and surrounding glaciers are stunning! We drive to a transfer point, where we board a shuttle bus that takes us to an elevation of nearly 4,800 m (15,748 ft). Here, everyone has the option of taking a 30-minute trek to the base of one of the glaciers or enjoying the journey on horseback!

Please note: The horses travel at a slow pace, and each horse has a handler walking alongside. Despite the easy pace, you will still need to hold on! Due to the high elevation, everyone will notice a drop in temperature (so dress appropriately), as well as the thinner air at 4,800 m. We will have supplemental oxygen available should anyone need it. We will spend up to an hour at this elevation, in addition to the time spent ascending and descending.

We continue our journey to Tashkurgan, passing through traditional Tajik villages and landscapes dotted with nomadic herders along the way.
Dinner and overnight in Tashkurgan.
(Elevation: 3,100 m / 10,171 ft)

DAY 20: TASHKURGAN'S ANCIENT STONE FORT, DRAGONS ROAD, OLD TAJIK HOUSE - TO KASHGAR

After breakfast, we explore the town’s ancient stone fort, still standing after 1,800 years! Tashkurgan was an important hub along the ancient Silk Road, and its name actually translates to “Stone Fort.” This region, home to the Tajik people, lies near the borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Pakistan accessible via the Khunjerab Pass.

We continue along the Karakoram Highway to the famous Dragon Road, with its countless switchbacks and spectacular mountain views!

We also visit a traditional Tajik home, where we have the opportunity to meet a local family and learn a little about their way of life. After lunch, we return to Kashgar, enjoying the stunning scenery along the way.
Dinner and overnight in Kashgar.

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DAY 21: ANCIENT UYGHUR CITY OF KASHGAR, FAREWELL DINNER

After breakfast, we explore the rich and enduring culture of the Uyghur people in Kashgar. Our first stop is the historic Apak Hoja Tomb, also known as the Fragrant Concubine Tomb.

We then visit Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, admired for its intricate architecture and cultural significance. From here, we continue our walking tour through Kashgar’s famous Old City, where we experience the traditional character and charm of this historic neighborhood. Along the way, we enjoy tea in a centuries-old traditional teahouse.
Dinner and overnight in Kashgar.

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DAY 22: KASHGAR'S ANCIENT SUNDAY MARKET

Today, we visit the Kashgar Sunday Bazaar, one of the largest bazaars in Central Asia. Our visit includes the Livestock Market, considered the most interesting and traditional part of the famed Sunday Market.

In the afternoon, we fly to Urumqi, where we stay at an airport hotel for convenience rather than traveling into the city center.
Dinner and overnight in Urumqi.

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DAY 23: DEPART URUMQI

Our Chinese Silk Road adventure concludes today with a transfer to the airport for your departing flight.

FAQ's

HOW BIG ARE THE GROUPS? 

Each group is limited to 16 participants. Small groups are an important ingredient in adventure travel. They allow for more interaction and more personalized service throughout the itinerary.

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WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE?

All accommodations throughout; all meals, starting with dinner on day 1 and finishing with breakfast on departure day (i.e. the last day of the ElderTreks tour); bottled drinking water throughout the trip; all internal transportation; airport transfers on day 1 and departure day (i.e. the last day of the ElderTreks tour); all day trips and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary; tips for hotels (porterage), bus driver, restaurants, national guides, and spot guides; services of a trip leader. 

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WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE?

International flights, tips to ElderTreks tour leader, alcoholic drinks, visas and travel insurance.​

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ARE THESE “EDUCATIONAL” TOURS?

Yes, in the broadest sense of the word, “educational”. We visit cultural centers and historical sites, We believe that it is equally educational to meet local people on a non-commercial basis, visit their homes and even try to learn a few words in the native language. Sometimes the most “educational” moments are spent walking through a street market.

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HOW DO WE TRAVEL DURING THE TOUR?

All internal transportation is included in the land price of the trip. We use minivans and 4 x 4’s where necessary for road travel, trains, and one internal flight.

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WHAT ARE OUR ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?

We stay in comfortable accommodations, both hotels and guesthouses with private bathrooms. The only exception is one night in a comfortable, permanent-tented camp with proper beds and an ensuite bathrooms in the Taklamakan Desert.

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WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?

Conditions along the Silk Road vary from a typical continental climate around Xian to a desert climate and even mountains as you travel westward to Kashgar and the border with Pakistan. Be prepared for extremes in temperature. Average daytime temperatures are 82 °F (28 °C), but night time temperatures can drop to 54 °F (12 °C).

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WHEN IS PAYMENT DUE?

A non-refundable deposit of $500 USD (plus insurance if you require it) is due at time of booking and will reserve your place on the tour. Payment of the full land cost is due 120 days before departure. Cancellation charges are applicable and are outlined in the “Terms and Conditions” section of our brochure.

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IS MEDICAL INSURANCE REQUIRED?

Insurance coverage is not included in the cost of your trip. Please note that medical insurance is not required for this adventure but is recommended. ElderTreks offers comprehensive travel insurance with Manulife for Canadian guests, and John Hancock for American guests.  Please CLICK HERE to view and purchase your insurance policy today. If you are purchasing insurance elsewhere, please ensure you provide the details to ElderTreks as soon as possible. 

WHAT SHOULD I TAKE ON THE TOUR?

There is a detailed “What to Take” list in our Trip Kit, which we will send to you after you have booked the trip.

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Please note that during our stay at the guesthouses, our luggage will be forwarded to the next major hotel and will not come with us to the guesthouse. Therefore, you must bring a medium sized backpack to carry your essential overnight items during these nights. We will try to obtain lockers for your backpacks during the day at train stations, however you should be prepared to carry your belongings on your back in case lockers are not available. This will be the arrangement 6 times during the tour, twice for 2 nights, 4 times for 1 night.

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WHAT MEALS ARE INCLUDED?

All meals are included, starting with dinner on day 1, and finishing with breakfast on departure day. We eat a variety of local foods prepared in a wide range of settings.

Traditional ryokans (inns) and minshuku (family-run guesthouses) typically serve multi-course, Japanese-style meals that reflect local and seasonal ingredients. These meals are beautifully presented and can differ significantly from Western-style meals. Further information is provided in the pre-departure trip kit.

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CAN YOU ARRANGE MY FLIGHTS?

We would be happy to take care of your air arrangements. ElderTreks offers personalized flight itineraries — not group flights. Stop over en route, come in a few days early, or extend your stay. Call us for a customized itinerary.

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WHAT IF I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION?

If you have any further questions about the adventure, please call our office for more details. A Trip Specialist will be happy to answer your questions. A Trip Kit containing further details on the destination will be sent to you once you have booked the trip.

Dates & Prices

All pricing is currently listed in USD

*Single Supplement is the additional amount applied to the cost of the trip to those who are travelling solo and do not wish to share.