Trans-Taklamakan: The South Xinjiang Expedition
Theme: Oasis of the Ancient Silk Road
Route: Kashgar → Tashkorgan → Kashgar → Hotan → Taklamakan → Aksu → Urumqi
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Duration: 1 week
Group size: 8 to12 travelers
Route Overview
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destinations: Kashgar → Tashkorgan → Kashgar → Hotan → Taklamakan → Aksu → Urumqi
Embark on an extraordinary overland journey along the southern Silk Road, tracing the ancient trade corridors that skirt the Taklamakan Desert. From the oasis city of Kashgar to the urban hub of Urumqi, this expedition traverses remote desert landscapes, rugged mountain passes, and historic caravan towns, revealing the rich cultural tapestry of Xinjiang and the enduring legacy of the Silk Road. Wander through Uyghur bazaars, explore ruined Buddhist monasteries, and follow the route once trodden by merchants, pilgrims, and adventurers across Central Asia.
This journey blends cultural immersion, historical discovery, and desert adventure: sample traditional Uyghur cuisine, experience local music and dance, and visit ancient caravanserais that once hosted traders on the Silk Road. Along the way, observe pastoral life in desert towns, marvel at the Karakoram Mountains, and feel the pulse of centuries-old trade routes that connect East and West. Each day offers new horizons, colorful markets, and a deeper connection to the history, people, and landscapes of Xinjiang.
Highlights
Explore Kashgar Old Town, including the Sunday Bazaar and ancient city lanes
Traverse the Karakoram Highway toward the Pakistan border, with dramatic mountain vistas
Visit ancient desert caravanserais and ruined Buddhist monasteries along the southern Silk Road
Discover Uyghur cultural heritage through music, dance, and local cuisine
Experience desert oases, remote mountain towns, and the stark beauty of the Taklamakan Desert
Engage with local markets, traditional crafts, and centuries-old trading routes
Why Join
This expedition is for travellers drawn to the stories and landscapes of the Silk Road, where history, culture, and adventure converge. If you are captivated by desert horizons, ancient trade routes, and vibrant local traditions, this journey will resonate with you.
You value exploration, authenticity, and encounters with communities shaped by centuries of commerce and culture. From wandering the bustling bazaars of Kashgar to tracing mountain passes along the Karakoram, this route offers a rare blend of history, spectacle, and desert beauty.
If you seek meaning, discovery, and the thrill of traversing lands that once connected civilizations, this is your path across the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert.
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
From US$2,800
Full quote sent once the group is assembled.
Get 10% discount if you book both routes.
No worries! Feel free to contact us to get tailor made support to select your next adventure to China with Shambhala.
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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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This is a true winter expedition — temperatures can range from –5°C in Beijing to –30°C in Mohe. The landscapes are spectacularly frozen, so pack proper cold-weather gear: insulated boots, thermal layers, gloves, and a good down jacket.
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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.
From remote mountain trails to cultural hidden gems, we design seamless, small-group adventures that combine exploration, and authentic local experiences.
Explore 12 Expeditions in China with Shambhala
Ethnic China
Wild West I
Trans- Taklamakan
Silk Road Frontier
Northeast China
The Tea Route
Duku Highway
Mongol Crusades
Wild West II
Western Tibet
China Digital Economy
Bespoke Expeditions
Create your own adventure here.