15 Days Great Silk Road: Kashgar to Tashkent
Tour Overview
Embark on a 15-day odyssey following the footsteps of ancient Silk Road traders from Kashgar in China's far west to Tashkent, the heart of Central Asia. This perfectly paced journey combines the rugged beauty of Xinjiang with the architectural splendor of Uzbekistan's legendary cities. From the Sunday Market in Kashgar to the turquoise domes of Samarkand and the ancient streets of Bukhara, every day reveals a new chapter in the Silk Road story.
Trip Highlights
- Experience Kashgar's legendary Sunday Market
- Explore the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves near Kuqa
- Visit the ancient Jiaohe Ruins in Turpan
- Marvel at Registan Square in Samarkand
- Wander through Bukhara's UNESCO Old City
- See the world's oldest Quran in Tashkent
- Ride high-speed trains through Central Asia
- Discover the Karez irrigation system
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1Day
Arrive in Kashgar
Your guide meets you at Kashgar Airport. Transfer to hotel. Evening walk through the Old City.
- 2Day
Kashgar — Sunday Market & Old City
Explore the legendary Sunday Market. Visit Id Kah Mosque and the maze-like alleys of the Old City. Afternoon at Abakh Khoja Tomb.
- 3Day
Kashgar → Kuqa (Train)
Train journey to the ancient oasis city of Kuqa. Visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, one of the earliest Buddhist cave complexes in China.
- 4Day
Kuqa — Tianshan Grand Canyon
Explore the dramatic Tianshan Grand Canyon with its towering red rock formations. Afternoon visit to the Kuqa Grand Mosque and old town.
- 5Day
Kuqa → Turpan (Train)
Train to Turpan, the second-lowest depression on Earth. Afternoon visit to the ancient Jiaohe Ruins, a spectacular city carved from raw earth.
- 6Day
Turpan — Flaming Mountains & Grape Valley
Visit the Flaming Mountains, Karez underground irrigation system, and lush Grape Valley. Enjoy a traditional Uyghur lunch with local families.
- 7Day
Turpan → Urumqi
Drive to Urumqi. Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum. Afternoon at Hongshan Park for panoramic city views and the Grand Bazaar.
- 8Day
Urumqi ✈ Tashkent
Morning flight to Tashkent. Upon arrival, explore Amir Timur Square and enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Uzbek restaurant.
- 9Day
Tashkent City Tour
Visit the Khast Imam Complex, home of the world's oldest Quran. Explore Chorsu Bazaar and admire the ornate Soviet-era metro stations.
- 10Day
Tashkent → Samarkand (High-Speed Train)
Take the Afrosiyob train to Samarkand. Visit the magnificent Registan Square, Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, and Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
- 11Day
Samarkand — Shah-i-Zinda & Silk Road Heritage
Explore the necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda, Ulugh Beg Observatory, and a traditional silk paper workshop. Free time at Siab Bazaar.
- 12Day
Samarkand → Bukhara (High-Speed Train)
Train to Bukhara. Explore the Old City: Lyab-i Hauz plaza, the Ark Citadel, and the towering Kalon Minaret.
- 13Day
Bukhara — Full Day Exploration
Full day discovering Bukhara: Samanid Mausoleum, Chor Minor, Bolo Hauz Mosque, and the old trading domes. Evening folk performance with dinner.
- 14Day
Bukhara → Tashkent (High-Speed Train)
Return to Tashkent by high-speed train. Afternoon free for last-minute exploration or shopping. Farewell dinner.
- 15Day
Depart Tashkent
Transfer to Tashkent International Airport. Your Great Silk Road journey concludes. Safe travels!
What's Included
14 nights 4-star hotel accommodation (twin-share)
English-speaking guide throughout
All domestic flights & high-speed trains
International flight: Urumqi → Tashkent
Private air-conditioned vehicle & driver
Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
All entrance fees & listed activities
Airport transfers on arrival & departure
China & Uzbekistan visa support letters
What's Excluded
International flights to Kashgar / from Tashkent
China & Uzbekistan visa fees
Personal expenses & tips
Single room supplement ($560)
What Our Travelers Say
Join 20,000+ happy travelers who have explored the Silk Road with us
"Thanks to the team for making our journey safe and unforgettable. Every detail was perfectly arranged — from the desert camps to the ancient cities. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
"Special thanks to Alice for her professional arrangements. Our guides Harry and Jane were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. The drivers Zhou and Huang provided excellent service throughout."
"Amazing 13-day Xinjiang + Silk Road tour! Our guide Ali was exceptional — his knowledge of history and genuine care for every traveler made this journey extraordinary."
"Everything went smoothly as planned. The Silk Road exceeded all our expectations. We're already planning our next visit — there's so much more to explore!"
"Thank you Alice and assistant Richard for all the help! As first-time China travelers, we were nervous, but you made everything seamless."
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