Self Drive In The Wild… (trip)

Self Drive In The Wild West

  • Urumqi Airport, Xinjiang, China
  • Active & Adventure
China, Asia

Contact provider for price10 DaysYear-round
Boutique accommodations Exertion level: 4
Operator: PureQuest Adventures: China 20 people max
Drive through fabulous landscapes from Urumqi to Kashgar and Karakuli Lake! This is your opportunity to go back in time to the mystique and color of the Old Silk Road. Revel in desert scenes and cultural richness, all in the context of the warm hospitality of the region’s people. Your journey will give you a taste of oasis life, the Gobi Desert, the romance and realities of the East-West trading route, and much more. Your stopping points along the way are unique: the haunting beauty of mountainside caves, the masterful innovation of a 2,000 year old underground irrigation system, an ancient border garrison, and fascinating present-day industries rooted in tradition. In Kashgar, you will feel ushered back 2,000 years to the sights, sounds and fragrances of a Middle Eastern town. This tour is designed so that you can do the driving yourself, or if you prefer not to, a skilled driver can be provided.

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Locations visited/nearby

China, Asia

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Special information

  • This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Urumqi
Meet by your guide and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Urumqi.

Day 02: Urumqi – Turpan
Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum; drive to Turpan, visit the Wind Power Station in the Gobi Desert; explore the ancient city of Gaochang, Emin Minaret. Driving distance: 186 km. Overnight in Turpan.

Day 03: Turpan – Korla
Visit Jiaohe Ancient Ruins, Karez Underground Irrigation System; drive to Korla and enjoy the scenery on the way. Driving distance: 440 km. Overnight in Korla.

Day 04: Korla – Kuqa
Drive to Kuqa and explore the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves. Driving distance: 300 km. Overnight in Kuqa.

Day 05: Kuqa – Hotan
Drive along the Second Desert Road to Hotan. Driving distance: 650 km. Overnight in Hotan.

Day 06: Hotan Area
Visit a papermaking workshop, a bazaar, a silk factory; visit the White Jade River and a carpet factory. Overnight in Hotan.

Day 07: Hotan – Kashagar
Visit the local mosques and bazaars. Driving distance: 520 km. Overnight in Kashgar.

Day 08: Kashagar Area
Visit Local Bazaar Market, the Id Kah Mosque, Abakh Hoja Tomb; visit the Old City to view the traditional Uighur houses and customs. Overnight in Kashgar.

Day 09: Kashgar – Karakuli Lake – Kashgar
Drive to Karakuli Lake and enjoy its scenic beauty; drive back to the airport of Kashgar; catch the night flight to Urumqi. Driving distance: 400 km round trip. Overnight in Urumqi.

Day 10: Depart
Transfer to airport to catch your flight back home. End of services.

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