10-Day Classic Silk Road Group Tour (Xinjiang, Gansu & Qinghai)
Overview
Travel from Urumqi through Turpan and the Hexi Corridor to Qinghai over ten days. The sequence combines Jiaohe, Mogao Caves and Jiayuguan with Zhangye’s landforms, Qinghai Lake and Chaka before finishing in Xining. Days that mix rail and road travel need exact connections, particularly the Zhangye-Xining-Qinghai Lake-Chaka stage; a late train requires changing that day’s plan.
Your Route Map
Before you book
The dated proposal confirms the transport, guiding, accommodation, included admissions and meals. Share walking preferences and arrival or departure details before that plan is finalised, particularly where sightseeing and a long transfer share the same day.
Explore the destinations
Urumqi travel guide · Turpan travel guide · Dunhuang travel guide · Jiayuguan travel guide
Daily Itinerary
Welcome to Urumqi, the lively capital of Xinjiang. Arrive in Urumqi by flight or train.
Settle into the hotel and check the meeting arrangements for the group. Keep the first day flexible if your flight or train arrives late; the first scheduled regional sightseeing begins the following morning.
Journey to the serene Heavenly Lake of Tianshan. Enjoy the sweeping views. Explore Urumqi Grand Bazaar.
The mountain-lake excursion and city bazaar share the day with road transfers. Use the scenic access included in the booking, and keep the bazaar walk flexible if traffic or queues reduce the time available on return.
A historic oasis city - Turpan, known for its ancient ruins and distinctive grape cultivation.
The guided visit focuses on Jiaohe's ruins and the Emin Minaret site named in the day title. These are exposed or walking-based heritage stops, so plan shade and rest breaks and confirm the admission arrangements before travel.
Transfer to Dunhuang in Gansu Province by high speed train. Explore Dunhuang on your own.
The arrival station and onward road transfer to Dunhuang must be specified because a train journey is only one part of the move. Leave the remaining day flexible rather than placing a fixed cave reservation after an uncertain arrival.
Visit Mogao Cave housing thousands of Buddhist cave paintings and sculptures; and Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring.
Protect the confirmed Mogao ticket time when setting the order of visits. Desert activities such as camel rides are additional unless quoted, and wind or heat may change the walking route around the dunes and spring.
Drive from Dunhuang to Jiayuguan, visit Jiayuguan's attractions - Overhanging Great Wall, Jiayuguan Pass.
Both the pass and the Overhanging Great Wall require time beyond the road transfer. Confirm the walking sections and ticket inclusions in advance, and select a shorter wall visit if the group needs to reduce stairs.
Head to Zhangye to view the colorful landscape of rainbow-hued sandstone formations. And visit Dafo Temple in Zhangye city.
Plan the Danxia viewpoint sequence around available light and park transport, then use the remaining time for Dafo Temple as booked. Weather affects the colours; the itinerary should allow for the road journey and the temple's visiting arrangements.
Transfer to Qinghai Province from Zhangye to Xining by high speed train. Be escorted to Qinghai Lake and accommodate in Chaka Town.
This is a full transfer day with a train, a Qinghai Lake stop and an onward drive to Chaka. Confirm an early enough rail service and the lake visiting area before booking; a later train needs a shorter stop or a revised overnight plan.
Explore Mirror of the Sky Scenic Area by sightseeing train of the Chaka Salt Lake.
Confirm the specific Chaka scenic area and whether its sightseeing train is included. Reflections depend on wind and water conditions. After the visit, allow time for the return drive to Xining and keep the evening free after check-in.
Explore Ta'er Monastery before depart from Xining.
Match the monastery visit to the actual departure time, allowing for walking and the onward airport or station transfer. An early departure requires omitting or moving the visit; access and photography follow the arrangements explained by the guide.
