Silk Road Grand Journey
A complete Silk Road traverse — from ancient Chinese capitals to the western frontier — with private guides throughout.
Eighteen days across the heart of Eurasia. Walk the warrior pits of Xi’an, trace the cave art of Dunhuang, cross the flaming mountains of Turpan, and end in the living old city of Kashgar. Designed for travelers with time and curiosity, led by English-speaking local specialists.
Best for first-time Silk Road travelers who want the full arc.
What makes this journey distinctive.
Private viewing of the Terracotta Warriors before public hours
Three nights exploring the Mogao and Yulin cave art at Dunhuang
Cross the Taklamakan on a curated overland route
Sunrise at Karakul Lake with Muztagh Ata in view
Four nights in Kashgar — Sunday livestock bazaar included
Day by day.
18 days across 7 regions. Every day is led by a local specialist — pace is set with you.
- Day 01Xi'an
Arrival in Xi’an
Meet your private guide at the airport and transfer to a restored courtyard hotel inside the old city walls. Evening welcome dinner.
- Day 02Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors
Early private access to the Terracotta Army before the crowds. Afternoon stroll through the Muslim Quarter.
Private guidePre-opening access - Day 03Dunhuang
Xi’an to Dunhuang
High-rail west across the Loess Plateau to Dunhuang.
- Day 04Dunhuang
Mogao Caves
Specialist-led visit to the Mogao Grottoes and the Echoing-Sand Mountain at sunset.
- Day 05Dunhuang
Crescent Lake & Yulin Caves
Quiet morning at Crescent Lake; afternoon at the lesser-known Yulin caves with a researcher.
- Day 06Turpan
Dunhuang to Turpan
Cross into Xinjiang via the ancient pass to the Turpan Basin.
- Day 07Turpan
Turpan Heritage
Karez irrigation, the Flaming Mountains, and a family lunch in a Uyghur grape arbor.
- Day 08Urumqi
Turpan to Urumqi
Stop at the Astana tombs en route to Urumqi.
- Day 09Kanas
Urumqi to Kanas
Fly north to Kanas — the alpine lake district on the Mongolian border.
- Day 10Kanas
Kanas Lake
Boat across the lake; afternoon in Tuvan villages.
- Day 11Kashgar
Kanas to Kashgar
Fly south to Kashgar via Urumqi.
- Day 12Kashgar
Kashgar Old City
Walk the old city with a Uyghur historian; Id Kah Mosque at dusk.
- Day 13Kashgar
Sunday Livestock Bazaar
The Sunday bazaar — livestock, hats, knives, and silversmiths — the most vivid market in Central Asia.
- Day 14Pamir
Karakul Lake
Drive the Karakoram Highway into the Pamirs; sunset at Karakul Lake.
- Day 15Pamir
Tashkurgan
Tajik stone fort and a Pamiri home lunch.
- Day 16Kashgar
Return to Kashgar
A leisurely drive back with stops along the Ghez river.
- Day 17Kashgar
Kashgar Free Day
Choose your own — atelier visits, food walk, or rest at the hotel.
- Day 18Kashgar
Departure
Transfer to Kashgar airport for onward flight.
Moderate
Expect 2–4 km of walking on uneven ground, occasional long drives (6–8 hrs), and 3,000–3,600m altitude in the Pamirs. Reasonable fitness recommended.
Full fitness disclosure in our consultation call.
Practical essentials.
- China visa required for most nationalities — invitation letter provided upon booking.
- Kanas and Kashgar border-region permits arranged by us in advance.
- Best season: May–October. September–early October for autumn color.
- Expect one or two long driving days (6–8 hours) on the Karakoram Highway.
- Pack layers — Pamir plateau nights drop below 10°C even in July.
- No special fitness required, but be comfortable with 2–4 km walks on uneven ground.
Catherine Ren
Catherine leads the first 8 days of every Grand Journey. Aysha M., based in Kashgar, takes over from Day 9 with her own team.
What’s covered.
- 4-star and 5-star hotel accommodation throughout
- Private vehicle and driver
- English-speaking local guide in each city
- All entrance fees and special access
- Daily breakfast, six lunches, four dinners
- Domestic flights within China
- 24/7 local support
What’s not.
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- China visa fees
Ready to walk
the Silk Road?
Tell us when, how long, and what moves you. We’ll design the journey — and handle every detail.