An intrepid journey into the less-visited far West of China, the Silk Road Explorer tour is designed for those who want to get off the beaten path. Start in Dunghuang and embark by camel across the desert on a 5km caravan to Sand Mountain. Continue to Urumqi; the hub of the western provinces and a cool oasis town tucked into the Tianshan mountains. Tour the Heavenly Lake and then fly down to shop at some of the over 20 Bazaars’ found in Kashgar (Kashi). Marvel at the Islamic influenced Urgur architecture found throughout the city. Includes internal train, lunches per itinerary, private vehicle transfers, expert English-speaking guides, activities and entrance fees.

Dunhuang, long ago referred to as 'Sha Zhou' (beautiful desert oasis), was the hub of middle and eastern silk routes in ancient times. The city is most famous for the Mogao Caves, located 25 km (15 miles) southeast, and regarded as the premier Buddhist spot in China. Highlights include a camel ride to Sand Mountain to experience a small taste of travel on the Silk Road.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

The Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel is situated in the Gansu province of China in Dunhuang city. The hotel provides convenient access to the major scenic spots such as Mogao Grottoes and Mingsha Hill. The hotel is located 3 km south of Dunhuang's city center, a convenient 20 minutes' drive from the airport, and 30 minutes to the stunning Mogao Grottoes by hotel bus. Enjoy dining at the unique, yet traditional hotel restaurants, named Chamber of Grandeur and Chamber of Delights. Take part in a multitude of recreational activities such as camel riding and sand trekking, and watch the sunset over the great Gobi desert from the comfort of your hotel rooms.

Overnight at Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel.

Urumqi is a cool oasis from the searing western deserts, it is called an emerald at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. The most notable sights are the Heavenly Lake, the Southern Pastures, the Red Hill, the Southern Mosque, the Tartar Mosque, and the Xinjiang Regional Museum.

Enjoy a full day Sand Mountain, Moon Lake, Mogao Grottoe, and Camel Riding with deluxe lunch. Sand mountain is five kilometers (about three miles) away from the city of Dunhuang. Seen from afar, the mountain looks like a golden dragon winding its way over the horizon. As you approach you become aware that the sand has many colors ranging from red to yellow, green, black and white. Tour by camel to Sand Mountain. Then proceed to the Mogao Caves, located 25 km (16 miles) southeast of Dunhuang. This area is regarded as the premier Buddhist destination in China, perhaps the whole world. Afterwards return to your hotel.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Direct flight from Dunhuang to Urumqi.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

The Hoi Tak Hotel, Xinjiang is situated in the premier city center opposite the People's Square. Being the farthest inland city in the world, the hotel is beautifully decorated with ocean murals and fish tanks that provide a relaxing environment. Soaring to 33 stories, the Hoi Tak Hotel provides guests with breathtaking views of Urumqi and the famous capped "Tian Shan Mountains." All rooms feature comfortable guestrooms that are well equipped with a host of in room amenities, while restaurants provide an excellent selection of oriental and western cuisine. For the enjoyment of guests interested in sports or leisure, there are squash courts, sauna, steam room, tennis courts, outdoor pool, indoor pool on the grounds.

Overnight at Hoi Tak Hotel.

Kashgar is located between the Yarkant River and the Kashgar River, bordering the Taklamakan desert in the east. Attractions include the Abakh Khoja Tomb, the family cemetery of Kashgar area Islamic leader in 17th century. It is a masterpiece of Uigur architecture. Bazaar is Uygur language, meaning market and trade place. At present, there are more than 20 large scale bazaars in Kashgar. Id Kah Mosque, the biggest mosque in China, is a group of old Islamic constructions with strong ethnic style and religious features. Karakuri Lake presents a fair and charming picture depicting snow-covered mountain, green grass, mirror-like water and livestock.Stone City was famous for its location at the junction of the middle route and southern route of the ancient Silk Road. Three Immortals Buddhist Caves: They are one of the earliest Buddhist caves in western China.

Enjoy a full day private guided tour of Heavenly Lake with cruise and cart riding around the lake. The most famous landscape gem near Urumqi is Heavenly Lake (also named Tianchi Lake), particularly refreshing to travelers arriving in Urumqi from the barren Xinjiang deserts or from China's granite cities. A moraine lake hemmed in by majestic snow-crowned peaks west of Bogda Mountain, Tianchi is 3,400 meters (11,125 feet) long, 1,500 meters (4920 feet) wide, 1,980 meters (6494 feet) above sea level. The pristine scene is stunning. Includes lunch at a local restaurant.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Direct flight from Urumqi to Kashgar.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

The Barony Hotel Kashgar is located in Kashgar of Xinjiang. The hotel is close to many tourists attraction such as: Id Kah Mosque, Abakh Hoja Tomb, Kunlun Mountain and Stone City for guests to choose for trip. It provides 118 comfortable rooms including deluxe rooms and luxury suites. Facilities like restaurant, recreation, meeting, shopping mall, business center and garden are well-equipped to satisfy guests.

Overnight at The Barony Hotel.

Spend the day exploring Kashgar's open markets with an English speaking local guide.

Overnight at The Barony Hotel.

Explore the Kashangar Old City with a private English speaking guide. Visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in the Old Town. This area includes many antique shops and homes preserved from the past. You will also have an opportunity to meet a local family. Lunch is included.

Overnight at The Barony Hotel.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Direct flight from Kashgar to Urumqi.