Trip Overview
Our 6 Days Authentic Silk Road Exploration Tour visits one of the most important ancient trade routes in China, the Silk Road. The tour begins at Torugart Pass, through Kashgar and finally on to Irkeshtam. Some important sites include the “Sunday Market”—the largest bazaar in Central Asia, Lake Karakul at the base of Mt. Muztag Ata and Khunjerab Pass.
DAY 1: Torugart Pass – Kashgar (D, 171km, 5-6 hours driving)
Upon arrival, you will meet your guide at the Torugart Pass and transfer to Kashgar.
DAY 2: Transfer to Tashkurgan via Karakorum (BD)
Day 2 includes a visit to Karakul Lake where you will experience its natural beauty and the Pamir landscape. The area is surrounded by snow-covered mountains which include three of the area’s highest peaks including Muztag Ata, Kongur Tagh and Kongur Tiube. The hike combines walking along the lake as well as riding camelback through the interesting frontier town of Tashkurgan.
DAY 3: Full day at Tashkurgan and surroundings (BD)
Dating back to the Tang Dynasty, the Stone City is the backdrop for Day 3’s tour which includes a visit to the ruins of a fortress which was used to guard the Silk Road from Kashi, Yengisar and Yarkant leading to the mountain passes towards Central Asia and India. After visiting this important historic site, tourists will leave for Khunjerab Pass where they will travel from Tashkorgan to the nearby Karakorum Mountain Range. There is a lot of history here as Khunjerab translates to “Valley of Blood” in Uighur as it was the scene of many violent robberies on trade caravans that passed through this area.
DAY 4 Tashkurgan – Kashgar (BD)
A visit to the holiest place in Xinjiang begins Day 4 of our journey. Built in 1640, the Apak Hoja Tomb was built in the artistic style of Samarkand or Isfahan and the site features a blue-and-white tiled gate leading to a small religious school and the Abakh Khoja family tomb. Then, it’s off to Old Town Kashgar, famous for its winding narrow streets and mud built houses with beautifully carved wooden ceilings. The Uyghur people, who make up 99% of the local population, have lived in this area for more than two thousand years. Experience their culture and dine with them in local restaurants for a first hand look at life in Kashgar.