Xinjiang: Urumqi, Turpan & Kashgar in 9 Days
China's far west — Urumqi's bazaars, Turpan's Silk Road ruins and oases, and Kashgar's ancient city beneath the Pamir mountains. A 9-day southern Xinjiang route.
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Xinjiang is China’s far west and its most different world — Uyghur bazaars, Silk Road ruins, oases and the roof of the Pamir mountains. This nine-day route takes the classic southern line from Urumqi through Turpan to Kashgar, with the option to push into the Pamirs for the trip of a lifetime.
The route at a glance
| Day | Stop | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Urumqi | Bazaar, arrival |
| 2 | Urumqi | Tianshan Tianchi lake |
| 3 | Turpan | Flaming Mountains, grape valley |
| 4 | Turpan | Ancient ruins, karez wells |
| 5 | Kashgar | Fly, the old city |
| 6 | Kashgar | Grand mosque, bazaar |
| 7 | Pamirs | Karakul Lake & the glacier road |
| 8 | Kashgar | Local crafts, relax |
| 9 | Depart | Fly out |
Days 1–2 — Urumqi
- Day 1: arrive in Urumqi, then the Grand Bazaar — the biggest market in the region, with carpets, knives, dried fruits and kebabs.
- Day 2: a day trip to Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) in the Tianshan range — a turquoise alpine lake an hour or two from the city.
Days 3–4 — Turpan
An easy trip (high-speed rail or road) to Turpan, the oasis on the old Silk Road.
- Day 3: the Flaming Mountains and the Grape Valley — Turpan is China’s grape country, and the vineyards are at their best from July to October.
- Day 4: the Jiaohe Ancient City (a Silk Road ruin) and the Karez underground irrigation system — an engineering marvel that made the oasis possible.
Days 5–6 — Kashgar
Fly to Kashgar, the heart of Uyghur culture.
- Day 5: wander the Old City — the winding lanes, workshops and teahouses of a thousand-year-old Silk Road settlement.
- Day 6: the Id Kah Mosque and the Sunday animal market, then a proper Central Asian lunch and an afternoon in the old bazaar.
Day 7 — The Pamirs
The optional epic: drive the Karakoram Highway toward the Pamirs — Karakul Lake with the Muztagh Ata snow peak behind it, and the high plateau toward Tashkurgan. Arrange this as a tour or with a local driver; it’s the most beautiful day in Xinjiang and worth the early start.
Days 8–9 — Kashgar and out
A relaxed day for the old town’s crafts and food, then fly home from Kashgar — or back via Urumqi.
Northern option: if you have two weeks, add the grasslands of northern Xinjiang — Sayram Lake, the Nalati meadows and (in autumn) the golden forests. It’s a different, greener Xinjiang that pairs well with this southern route.
Practical tips
- Book internal flights ahead — Urumqi–Turpan (or rail) and Turpan–Kashgar are the key legs. How to book trains.
- Carry your passport everywhere — hotels and some road checkpoints require it.
- Dress for desert and mountain: layers, sun protection, and a scarf for the wind and sand.
- Payment and data: Alipay works throughout; an eSIM keeps you online. Coverage thins in the far west — download maps ahead.
- Eat like a local: kebabs, laghman noodles and naan — see our what to eat guide.
Where this route fits
Xinjiang is the natural extension of the Silk Road route — from Dunhuang you can continue west instead of turning back. It’s a second or third trip to China destination, best for travelers who’ve seen the east. Plan around your overall itinerary.
FAQ headlines
- Do I need to speak Uyghur or Chinese? Chinese plus a translation app covers it; English is thin.
- Is it cold in the Pamirs? Even in summer the passes are cold — bring a warm layer for the high-altitude day.
- Can I visit in winter? Yes — the old cities are quieter and the desert is stark; check road conditions for the Pamir day.
Last updated: August 2026. Flight and permit rules change — confirm with your agency before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Xinjiang safe for foreign tourists?
Yes — Xinjiang is a normal part of China's tourism map and visitors are welcome. You'll need your passport for hotels and some checkpoints on the routes west, and it's worth carrying it at all times. Follow the same precautions as anywhere in China, and it's a rewarding, friendly region.
How many days do I need for Xinjiang?
At least seven to nine for the classic southern route (Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar), and two weeks if you also want northern Xinjiang's grasslands (Nyingchi-style scenery at Sayram Lake and the Nalati meadows). This itinerary focuses on the southern, culture-rich line and gives the Pamir option for the epic finale.
When is the best time to visit?
May–June and September–October are ideal: warm days, cooler nights and fewer crowds. July–August is hot in Turpan (it's one of China's hottest places) and crowded. Winter is cold but the desert and old cities have a stark beauty. See our [weather guide](https://chinotrips.com/how-to/weather-packing-by-season/).
Do I need a guide or permits in Xinjiang?
No special permits for the main cities. For the far west (Pamir Highway toward Tashkurgan), a tour or driver is strongly recommended and some routes need advance arrangements through a local agency. The rest is straightforward with flights and taxis.
What should I eat in Xinjiang?
This is the food that turns visitors into fans: lamb kebabs (chuanr), hand-pulled noodles (laghman), big naan breads, pilaf, and plenty of watermelon and grapes in the oasis season. It's a Central Asian food culture you won't find elsewhere in China.