Overview
Six days across Xinjiang's two extremes — the alpine lakes and birch forests of Kanas in the far north, and the below-sea-level desert oasis of Turpan in the east.
Xinjiang is Central Asia rather than the China most visitors imagine: Uyghur, Turkic and Muslim, with a cuisine of lamb, naan and pilaf. This trip covers the region's most dramatic contrasts. Kanas sits in the Altai mountains at 1,374 metres, a crescent lake of water that shifts between blue, green and grey through the day, surrounded by Siberian larch and birch. The Turpan depression, at 154 metres below sea level, is the lowest and hottest place in China, kept alive for two thousand years by the karez — underground canals that carry meltwater from the mountains without losing it to evaporation.
Between them you see the Flaming Mountains' red sandstone, the Jiaohe ruins carved down into a river terrace rather than built up, and the Grape Valley where the country's raisins come from.
Domestic flights and private vehicles keep the distances manageable, the group is capped at twelve, and the guide handles the checkpoints and the paperwork that Xinjiang requires.
- Kanas Lake turquoise water
- Silk Road oasis of Turpan
- Heavenly Lake cable car
- Small group, maximum 12 travellers
Itinerary
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1 Arrival in Urumqi
Arrive in Urumqi and transfer to the hotel. Evening free at the international bazaar.
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2 Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)
Day trip to Tianchi, a glacial lake beneath the Bogda peaks, with a lakeside walk.
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3 Fly to Kanas
Fly north to the Kanas region; afternoon at the lakeside village of Hemu with its wooden cabins.
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4 Kanas Lake
Full day at Kanas Lake — boardwalk, lookout points and the colorful forest reflected in the water.
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5 Turpan Oasis
Fly to Turpan; visit the Jiaohe ruins and the Emin Minaret at sunset.
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6 Flaming Mountains & Departure
Morning at the Grape Valley and the Karez irrigation system, then transfer to the airport for departure.
Gallery
What's included
- 5 nights handpicked hotels
- Daily breakfast
- English-speaking local guide
- Private transport & domestic flights
- All listed entrance fees
- Airport transfers
Not included
- Flights to/from Urumqi
- Lunches and dinners
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide and driver
- Personal expenses
