25-Day Silk Road Journey: China & Central Asia

São Paulo – Beijing

Depart from São Paulo and fly to Beijing via Doha.

Beijing | Arrival & Rest

Arrive in Beijing and transfer to your hotel near the airport. Take the rest of the day to rest and adjust to the time difference.

Beijing – Lanzhou | Gateway to the Silk Road

After breakfast, take a flight to Lanzhou, the historic gateway to the ancient Silk Road in Gansu Province.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before visiting the Gansu Provincial Museum, home to an impressive collection reflecting the history and cultures of the Silk Road. Continue to the iconic Mother River Sculpture along the Yellow River.

In the evening, enjoy a local Lanzhou-style dinner and discover the flavors of northwest China.

Lanzhou – Zhangye | Buddhist Heritage & Night Market

After breakfast, take a high-speed train to Zhangye.

After lunch, visit Mati Temple, a historic Buddhist site surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and renowned for its grottoes and stone carvings.

In the evening, explore Ganzhou Night Market, where you can sample local specialties and experience the lively atmosphere of Zhangye after dark.

Zhangye – Jiayuguan | Danxia Landscapes & the Great Wall

Start early with a visit to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, famous for its spectacular multicolored mountains. Shaped by millions of years of geological processes, the red, orange, yellow, and brown layers create one of China's most extraordinary natural landscapes.

Continue by road to Jiayuguan, historically known as the westernmost stronghold of the Ming Dynasty's Great Wall. Explore Jiayuguan Pass, often called the “First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven,” and walk along its ancient walls while taking in the vast Gobi landscape and distant Qilian Mountains.

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Jiayuguan – Dunhuang | Desert Adventure

After breakfast, travel to Dunhuang, an important oasis city on the ancient Silk Road.

After lunch, visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake, where golden desert dunes surround a naturally formed crescent-shaped oasis. Enjoy a camel ride across the dunes and try sand sliding for a classic desert experience. Optional off-road vehicle activities are available at your own expense.

As the sun sets, enjoy the spectacular desert scenery before exploring Shazhou Night Market in the evening, where you can sample local northwest specialties and experience the lively Silk Road atmosphere.

Dunhuang | Mogao Caves & Silk Road Art

After breakfast, visit the world-famous Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into the cliffs near Mingsha Mountain. With hundreds of grottoes containing ancient murals and Buddhist sculptures, the site represents one of the world's greatest collections of Buddhist art and a remarkable record of cultural exchange along the Silk Road.

Continue to Dunhuang Painting Academy for a hands-on traditional mural-painting experience. Learn about ancient mural techniques and create your own artwork as part of this immersive cultural experience.

Dunhuang – Turpan | Across the Gobi Desert

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Dunhuang before traveling to Liuyuan South Railway Station.

Transfer time: approximately 1.5–2 hours.

Lunch is at your own expense before boarding the high-speed train to Turpan.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and rest.

Turpan – Kashgar | Ancient Oasis Civilization

After breakfast, explore the ancient Silk Road city of Turpan.

Visit Jiaohe Ancient City, one of the world's largest and best-preserved earthen ruins, and discover the remarkable remains of this ancient oasis settlement.

Continue to the Karez Wells, an ingenious underground irrigation system that enabled agriculture and settlement in the arid Turpan Basin for centuries.

Then visit Tuyoq Village, a historic Uyghur village surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes and ancient religious sites. Explore the village and learn about its long history along the Silk Road.

In the evening, fly to Kashgar.

Kashgar | Old City & Uyghur Culture

After breakfast, explore Kashgar Old City, wandering through its maze of traditional earthen streets and historic neighborhoods.

Visit Id Kah Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Xinjiang, and admire its distinctive Islamic architectural style.

Continue to the Wustangboyi Handicraft Street, where you can discover traditional Uyghur crafts including Atlas silk, handmade copperware, and traditional musical instruments.

Relax at a century-old teahouse, enjoy local tea, and listen to traditional Muqam music while experiencing the authentic atmosphere of Kashgar's historic old city.

Kashgar | Old City Opening Ceremony & Local Bazaar

Early in the morning, return to Kashgar Old City to experience the 10:00 AM Old City Opening Ceremony, featuring lively local music, dance, and a traditional welcome.

If traveling on a Sunday, continue to Kashgar Grand Bazaar, one of the city's most vibrant markets. Browse local products, handicrafts, dried fruits, textiles, and other regional specialties while experiencing everyday life in southern Xinjiang.

Note: The Grand Bazaar is open on Sundays only.

Kashgar – Tashkurgan | Into the Pamir Mountains

Travel along the China–Pakistan Friendship Highway into the spectacular Pamir Mountains.

Visit Baisha Lake (White Sand Lake), where brilliant white sand dunes contrast dramatically with the deep blue waters of the high-altitude lake.

Continue to Karakul Lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Enjoy views of Muztagh Ata, known as the “Father of Icebergs,” reflected in the crystal-clear lake.

Continue onward to Tashkurgan, a historic frontier town on the Pamir Plateau.

Tashkurgan | Pamir Plateau & Panlong Ancient Road

After breakfast, drive into the spectacular landscapes of the Pamir Plateau.

Experience the famous Panlong Ancient Road, winding through more than 600 dramatic bends across the mountains. Continue to Bandir Blue Lake, a brilliant high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Visit Kaneryang Village, a peaceful Tajik village where you can experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Tajik people living on the Pamir Plateau.

Important Border Area Permit Information:

This itinerary enters a border-control area of the Pamir Plateau. Foreign travelers must carry a valid passport and Chinese visa. An electronic Border Management Area Pass must be arranged offline with the assistance of a qualified international travel agency. Passengers must carry their passports and border-area permits at all times and present them at security checkpoints when required. Approval requirements may vary by nationality. We recommend arranging the permit in Kashgar at least 3 working days in advance.

Tashkurgan – Kashgar | Ancient Kingdoms & Pamir Landscapes

After breakfast, visit Stone City, the ruins of the ancient Kingdom of Puliang and an important historical site along the ancient Silk Road.

Continue to Alar Golden Grassland, a high-altitude wetland surrounded by snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and winding rivers. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Pamir Plateau before returning to Kashgar.

Kashgar – Urumqi | Xinjiang's Regional Capital

After breakfast, fly to Urumqi.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before exploring the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar. Admire its impressive Islamic-inspired architecture and browse stalls selling dried fruits, Atlas silk, handmade copperware, handicrafts, and local specialties.

Sample Xinjiang delicacies such as baked buns and hand-pulled rice while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of this multicultural market.

Urumqi | Tianchi Lake & Uyghur Heritage

After breakfast, travel to Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake), a spectacular alpine lake surrounded by forests and snow-capped peaks of the Bogda Mountains.

Enjoy the tranquil scenery of the lake, mountains, and forests before returning to Urumqi.

Continue to Yema Ancient Ecological Park, home to unique cultural and natural collections including Akhal-Teke horses, ancient petrified wood, and historic desert vegetation.

Stay overnight at the distinctive Yema Hotel, offering a memorable end to your Xinjiang journey.

Urumqi – Almaty | Entering Central Asia

Fly from Urumqi to Almaty.

Upon arrival, complete immigration procedures and meet your local guide and driver.

Continue to Altyn Emel State National Nature Park for a local cultural and heritage experience before checking into your hotel.

Almaty | City Heritage & Local Life

After breakfast, begin your Almaty city tour.

Visit First President's Park, Independence Square, and Panfilov Park, home to the Memorial of the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen.

Continue to Ascension Cathedral, one of Almaty's most distinctive historic landmarks.

End the day at Green Bazaar, where you can browse local food, dried fruits, spices, and regional specialties.

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Almaty | Mountains, Lakes & City Views

After breakfast, travel to Big Almaty Lake, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains. Enjoy the tranquil alpine scenery and brilliant turquoise-green waters.

Continue to Kok-Tobe Hill and take the cable car to the summit. From the top, enjoy panoramic views over Almaty and the surrounding mountains.

Return to the hotel after enjoying the mountain scenery and city views.

Almaty – Tashkent | Uzbekistan's Capital

After breakfast, fly to Tashkent.

Upon arrival, visit Chorsu Bazaar, one of Tashkent's most atmospheric traditional markets, before exploring Independence Square, a major landmark in the Uzbek capital.

Tashkent | Islamic Heritage & Timurid History

After breakfast, explore the historic and religious heritage of Tashkent.

Visit the Hazrati Imam Complex, one of the city's most important Islamic sites, followed by the Sheikh Abdul Museum, Jami Mosque, and Kukeldash Madrasah.

Continue to Amir Timur Square, an important landmark commemorating the legacy of the Timurid Empire.

Tashkent – Samarkand | The Jewel of the Silk Road

After breakfast, take a high-speed train to Samarkand.

One of Central Asia's oldest cities, Samarkand has long been celebrated as one of the great cultural centers of the Silk Road.

Visit the magnificent Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur, followed by the spectacular Registan Square, surrounded by three historic madrasas: Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilla-Kari.

Continue along Tashkent Street before visiting Bibi-Khanym Mosque, built by Timur in honor of his beloved wife.

After lunch, explore Siab Bazaar, where you can browse traditional foods, spices, dried fruits, and local specialties.

Samarkand | Sacred Sites & Silk Road Traditions

After breakfast, travel to the Imam al-Bukhari Complex, the burial place of Imam al-Bukhari, one of the most influential scholars in Islamic history and the compiler of Sahih al-Bukhari. The complex is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Central Asia.

Continue to the Afrosiyob Museum, home to remarkable 7th-century Sogdian murals depicting the cultural world of ancient Samarkand.

Visit the Khoja Daniyor Mausoleum, a sacred site associated with Islamic, Christian, and Jewish traditions.

End the day at a traditional carpet factory, where you can observe the craftsmanship behind handmade carpets—from processing silk to tying thousands of individual knots and completing the final trimming.

Samarkand – Bukhara – Samarkand | Ancient Silk Road Cities

Take a high-speed train from Samarkand to Bukhara in the morning.

Explore the historic old city of Bukhara, beginning with Chor Minor Madrasah, famously featured on Lonely Planet.

Continue to the Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, Ark Citadel, and the historic Trading Domes (Toki), once important commercial centers along the Silk Road.

Immerse yourself in Bukhara's remarkable collection of Islamic architecture, ancient trading routes, and historic neighborhoods.

In the afternoon, take the high-speed train back to Samarkand.

Samarkand – Istanbul | Journey Ends

After breakfast, transfer to Samarkand Airport for your flight to Istanbul.

Your Silk Road adventure comes to an end as you depart Samarkand, carrying memories of ancient civilizations, dramatic landscapes, and the cultures that shaped one of the world's greatest historic trade routes.