China Hidden Gems of The Southern Silk Road 9Day 8Nights GOCN9408

Morning Have breakfast at the hotel restaurant
After breakfast, take everyone to Baishahu Lake (Baisha Lake) (about 200 kilometers, travel time about 3 hours) or White Sand Lake. If you are looking for a place as beautiful as a picture and full of natural wonders, it is one of the destinations you should not miss! Located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, this lake is a place that combines spectacular scenery, local culture and a peaceful atmosphere. It is a lake with an altitude of 3,300 meters above sea level. The lake is surrounded by high mountains covered with snow all year round, making the view here as beautiful as a scene in a movie. Tourists can enjoy the scenery of the Tianshan Mountains standing tall as a backdrop. With the composition of clear blue water, contrasting with the white desert and snow mountains, Baishahu Lake is one of the best destinations for photographers. In addition to the amazing nature, you can also experience the culture of the Uyghurs and other minorities living in this area, whether it is local food, local clothing. Or unique music
Lunch at the restaurant
Karakul Lake (about 30 kilometers, travel time about 30 minutes) located at the foot of Muztagh Ata Mountain. This lake has a special feature that the water can change color throughout the day, depending on the weather and sunlight, from clear blue, gray-green, silver to pitch black, like a magic lake. The lake is surrounded by huge snowy mountains, especially Muztagh Ata Mountain, also known as the "Father of the Ice Mountains", with a height of more than 7,500 meters. This mountain range becomes a grand and beautiful backdrop like a painting.
Then take you through the Tajik border (Kalasu Pass), Tajikistan Autonomous Region, a Muslim city of Tajikistan. Enjoy the view along the way. You may see Himalayan wildlife such as gorals, snow leopards, etc.
And then take you to Tashkurgan City
Evening Have dinner at the restaurant
Then take you to the accommodation Rezen Hotel or equivalent 4 * Local hotel

Morning Have breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Panlong Ancient Road Scenic Area is one of the most exciting roads in China. With over 600 winding curves, it is nicknamed the "Dragon of the Mountains". It stretches through high mountains and deep valleys. The surrounding scenery is full of natural beauty, making it a popular destination for adventurers and photography enthusiasts. Panlong Ancient Road is the route to Bandir Blue Lake and Wakhan Corridor. You can enjoy the scenery on both sides before you experience the wonder of the bright blue lake and the valley that connects to Afghanistan.
Bandir Blue Lake, also known as Bandir Blue Lagoon (about 30 kilometers, about 1 hour) is a lake with clear blue water reflecting the sky and the surrounding snow-capped mountains, creating a beautiful scenery like a painting. The water in the lake comes from the melting snow on the mountains, making the water pure and cool.
Lunch at a restaurant
Wakhan Corridor (about 60 kilometers, about 2 hours) is a historical hiking trail connecting China and Afghanistan. Travelers can experience local culture and beautiful natural scenery of mountains and valleys.
Dinner at a restaurant
Then take you to Tashkurgan City
Accommodation Dong Xun Hotel or equivalent 4* Local Hotel

Morning Have breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Shache Ancient City is located in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. This city has a history of more than 2,000 years and was once the center of trade on the Silk Road. In addition, the area around the city also has Golden Grassland, a vast grassland that is beautiful, especially in autumn when the grass turns golden.
Lunch Have lunch at a restaurant.
Muztagh Ata Glacier Park (about 70 kilometers, about 1.30 hours) is one of the most beautiful and grand tourist attractions in Xinjiang, China. It is a destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and those who want to experience the wonder of the giant glacier surrounded by great snow mountains. Muztagh Ata is a snow mountain that is 7,509 meters high and is one of the most beautiful mountains in the Pamir Mountains. It is nicknamed "Father of Ice Mountains" (Father of Ice Mountains) due to the characteristics of the mountain peaks covered with white snow all year round.
Evening, have dinner at a restaurant.
At the appropriate time, take you to Kashgar city (distance approximately 300 kilometers, approximately 5 hours).
Accommodation Dong xun Hotel or equivalent 4* Local hotel

Morning Have breakfast at the hotel restaurant
Take everyone to the Old Town Opening Ceremony. The Old Town Opening Ceremony is an activity organized to showcase the charm and culture of the ancient city of Kashgar. Tourists will experience a warm welcome from the townspeople and watch cultural performances reflecting the history and way of life of the people of Kashgar. Take you to see Kashgar Old Town. Kashgar Old Town is an area that reflects the architecture and culture of the Uyghur people. Tourists can walk through the winding alleys, houses made of brick and mud, and experience the way of life of the locals.
Lunch Have lunch at a restaurant
Then take you to see Idkah Mosque. Idkah Mosque is the largest mosque in Xinjiang and is the spiritual center of Muslims in this region. The mosque can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers, and on Fridays, up to 20,000 worshippers come to pray. Take a walk on Handicraft Street, a street that collects handicrafts produced by local craftsmen. There are many products to choose from, which have been passed down from generation to generation. See the Century-Old Teahouse, a century-old teahouse that is a prominent building on a street in the old city. It is over 100 years old and has been preserved to the present day. This is a place where locals gather, whether they are children, adults or the elderly. It is considered a classic place of Kashgar culture.
These places are located nearby in the old city area (including battery-powered cars).
Evening Have dinner at a restaurant.
Accommodation Rezen Hotel or equivalent 4* Local hotel

Morning Have breakfast at the hotel restaurant
Take you to Populus Euphratica Forest (about 4 hours / 240 km), the golden gem of the Xinjiang desert. Huyang is a special tree species that can grow in the harsh environment of the desert. With a root system that is 10-15 meters deep, it absorbs groundwater and fights against salty soil, sand and intense sunlight amazingly. This tree is defined as a symbol of life and survival.
Lunch Have lunch at a restaurant
Shache Old Town (Kasanqi Ancient Quarter) Shache Old Town – Kazanqi Folk Street (about 1.5 hours / 80 km) Uyghur ancient street, original adobe houses, local handicrafts, folk music, authentic Uyghur culture, take pictures, walk around the local atmosphere
Dinner Have dinner at a restaurant
Accommodation Jin Bi Hotel or equivalent 4* Local hotel

Morning Have breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Take you to visit Yarkand Khan Palace, an important historical site that reflects the glory of the Yarkand Kingdom, which was one of the independent states with power in Central Asia during the 16th - 17th centuries (established around 1514 by Sultan Said Khan). The Yarkand Kingdom was one of the states that played an important role on the Silk Road, flourishing in art, culture and Islam. Most of the royal families here were descendants of the Timurids (sons of Tamerlane) and had connections to the royal families of Central Asia and Persia.
Lunch Have lunch at a restaurant.
Then go to Dawakun Desert (travel about 45 minutes / 40 km). Dawakun Desert is located in an area that used to be a resting point for traders and caravans traveling from Kashgar → Sazher → Hotan and on to the Central Asian region. It has been a route used for thousands of years to transport silk, spices, gems and culture. Caravans crossing the Taklamakan Desert need to find an oasis of water and shade, and Dawakun is one of those important stops.
Dinner at a restaurant
Return to Kashgar (approximately 3.5 hours / 160 km). Check in to the hotel and relax at your leisure.
Accommodation Rezen Hotel or equivalent 4* Local Hotel

Morning Have breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Take you to Artux Tianmen Grand Canyon, located in the southern mountainous area of ​​the Tianshan Mountains and is one of the most prominent canyons in the Kizilsu Kirghiz County, west of Kashgar. The highlight here is the Heaven's Gate, a giant rock channel about 200 meters high and 100 meters wide. This rock channel was formed by natural erosion of limestone and sandstone, making it look like a "gate to heaven" - hence the name Tianmen, which means Heaven's Gate.
Lunch Have lunch at a restaurant.
Take you to see the Gaotai Ancient Earthen House (approximately 2.5-3 hours / 90 km) located in the old city of Kashgar. It is an area of ​​500-year-old earthen houses made of clay and ancient bricks, reflecting the traditional Uyghur way of life. Both terraced houses, carved wooden balconies and narrow alleys are now open for sightseeing, walking, taking pictures and admiring local culture.
Evening: Dinner at a restaurant.
Accommodation: Rezen Hotel or equivalent, 4* Local Hotel