The Duku Highway
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Duration: 6 days
Group size: 8 to12 travelers
Theme: The Most Beautiful Drive in China
Route: Urumqi – Turpan – Kuqa – Duku Highway – Urumqi
Route Overview
Duration: 8 Days / 8 Nights
Destinations: Urumqi – Turpan – Kuqa – Duku Highway – Urumqi
Embark on a legendary overland journey across Xinjiang, where deserts, glaciers, and ancient Silk Road towns converge. From Urumqi’s modern skyline to Turpan’s desert oases, and onward through Kuqa’s red canyons and the epic Duku Highway, this route captures the vast contrasts that define China’s wild northwest.
Traverse from the edge of the Taklamakan Desert to the snow peaks of the Tianshan Mountains, meeting Uyghur communities, tasting frontier flavors, and experiencing landscapes that have inspired travelers for centuries
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Day 1 – Urumqi Arrival
Arrive in Urumqi, the modern capital of Xinjiang and gateway to the Tianshan mountains.
Settle into your hotel and spend the evening exploring the city centre and the Urumqi Bazaar and get supplies for the route ahead.
We will do an induction dinner sampling local Uyghur specialties, such as hand-pulled noodles and kebabs at the night bazar.
Overnight in Urumqi
Day 2 – Urumqi to Turpan
Depart east toward Turpan (approx. 3–4h drive), one of China’s lowest and hottest cities, famous for its desert oases and Silk Road history.
Visit the Flaming Mountains, whose red slopes glow under the summer sun, and explore Jiaohe Ancient City, an earthen Silk Road fortress.
Evening stroll through Gaochang Ancient Ruins and enjoy dinner featuring Turpan grapes and traditional Uyghur cuisine.
Overnight in Turpan
Day 3 – Turpan to Kuqa
Morning drive west through the desert to Kuqa, an ancient Silk Road town known for its Buddhist heritage.
Stop along the way at the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, a cliffside complex of murals and temples carved into the sandstone cliffs.
Evening: arrive in Kuqa, settle in your guesthouse, and sample local lamb dishes and explore the night markets.
Overnight in Kuqa
Day 4 – Kuqa Exploration & Bayinbuluke Grasslands
Early morning visit to Kuqa’s Subashi Ruins or Kuqa Mosque, followed by a drive toward the Bayinbuluke Grasslands (approx. 6h), a remote plateau of sweeping steppes and alpine scenery.
Evening: settle in a luxury tented camp or guesthouse with panoramic mountain views, enjoy a traditional nomad-style dinner, and gaze at the star-filled sky.
Overnight in Bayinbuluke Grasslands
Day 5 – Duku Highway: Bayinbuluke to Kangbula
Drive along the Duku Highway, one of the world’s most scenic alpine roads.
Cross dramatic passes, turquoise rivers, and glaciers, stopping for photography and short hikes.
Optional: horseback riding or trekking on select meadows.
Evening: arrive at Kangbula, a remote mountain lodge, and enjoy dinner featuring regional dairy, yak, and mutton dishes.
Overnight in Kangbula
Day 6 – Duku Highway Scenic Drive
Spend a full day traversing the Duku Highway, exploring hidden valleys, alpine lakes, and remote nomadic settlements.
Drive down from the high passes toward Dushan, transitioning from alpine landscapes to lower desert-steppe valleys.
Optional: short hikes, photography, or visits to local towns en route. Evening free to explore Dushan town, its markets, and Uyghur culinary specialties.
Overnight in Dushan
Day 7 – Return to Urumqi
Drive back to Urumqi (approx. 4–5h), descending from the high alpine passes through desert valleys and steppe foothills. Along the way, stop at scenic viewpoints for photography and short walks amid the Tianshan foothills.
Evening stroll through Urumqi’s main square and hillside park with views all over the city. Finishing with a local dinner at a Uyghur restaurant.
Overnight in Urumqi
Day 8 – Heavenly Lake & City Highlights
Drive to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), a glacial alpine lake framed by snow-capped peaks. Take a boat ride, walk along the lakeshore, or hike gentle trails for panoramic views of the Tianshan mountains.
Return to Urumqi for a farewell dinner featuring a tasting menu of Uyghur, Kazakh, and Han dishes, from hand-pulled noodles to roasted lamb skewers, accompanied by traditional music performances.
Overnight in Urumqi
Day 9 – Departure
Transfer to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport for your onward flight.
Reflect on your overland expedition along the Silk Road and the legendary Duku Highway and bid farewell to the travel family you’ve shared these unforgettable days with.
End of Expedition
Highlights
Walk through the fiery canyons of the Flaming Mountains in Turpan
Sail or hike around the Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, framed by snow-capped peaks
Drive one of China’s most spectacular roads, the Duku Highway, cutting through glaciers, alpine meadows, and red-rock gorges
Explore the ancient Silk Road city of Kuqa, once a Buddhist and trade center
Immerse in Uyghur culture, cuisine, and music, from kebabs and nang bread to desert bazaars
Witness the vast meeting of mountain, desert, and sky, Xinjiang’s untamed soul
Why Join
For travelers who crave the open road and the thrill of the unknown, this expedition offers a rare chance to trace the living soul of the Silk Road, from sun-scorched deserts to snow-lined passes.
It’s a journey through contrasts: the scent of cumin in Uyghur night markets, the silence of turquoise lakes beneath the Tianshan, the rhythm of wheels cutting across forgotten valleys.
The Duku Expedition is not about sightseeing, it’s about immersion in the vastness, freedom, and untamed beauty of China’s far west.
Conditions & Pricing
Conditions
What is included:
✅ Accommodation with breakfast
✅ Dinners featuring local cuisine
✅ All local transportation
✅ Expert local guides
✅ Drivers, fuel
✅ Complimentary drinks and snacks
✅ Visa support and assistance
✅ Travel insurance coverage
✅ Dedicated media team
What is NOT included:
❌ International flights
❌ Personal extra meals and expenses
❌ Optional activities
❌ Visa costs (when applicable)
Pricing
US$3,700 per person
Things to Know
Every expedition is designed to balance comfort, discovery, and a spirit of adventure. Before you join us, here are a few key details to help you prepare and make the most of your journey — from what to expect on the road to how we travel, stay, and experience each destination.
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Weather in Xinjiang (Late Spring / Early Summer)
Urumqi: 12–25°C — Mild to warm, mostly sunny, cool evenings.
Turpan: 18–32°C — Hot, dry desert climate, very sunny, little rain.
Kuqa & Duku Highway: 10–25°C — Cooler in mountain passes, possible wind and sudden showers; valleys warmer.
Heavenly Lake / Tianshan: 5–15°C — Snow-capped peaks, cold wind, bright sun, icy patches.
Overall: Expect strong sun, warm valleys, cooler high-altitude areas, and dry desert conditions. Pack layers, sun protection, and a light windproof jacket for higher elevations.
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We use a mix of high-speed trains, private vans, and one overnight Arctic train, offering a true overland experience through China’s winter heartland. It’s a comfortable and scenic way to witness the country’s vast diversity.
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You’ll stay in a mix of boutique hotels, cozy mountain lodges, and warm wooden guesthouses — all handpicked for charm, comfort, and atmosphere. Expect heated rooms, local character, and authentic northern hospitality.
Get in Touch
Got a question about one of our expeditions, or just want to say hi?
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for another adventure, our team is here to help with routes, dates, and details.
Drop us a message below — we’ll get back to you soon!
From remote mountain trails to cultural hidden gems, we design seamless, small-group adventures that combine exploration, and authentic local experiences.
Explore 11 Expeditions in China with Shambhala
January
Northeast China
Late March
The Tea Route
April
Ethnic China
May
Wild West I
Late June
Duku Highway
July
Mongol Crusades
August
Wild West II
September
Western Tibet
October
Trans- Taklamakan
November
Silk Road Frontier
All Year Long
China Digital Economy
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