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.
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Day 1 – Arrival in Kashgar & Day Trip: Red‑Cliff Valley and Glacier
Arrive in Kashgar, the legendary Silk Road oasis at the edge of the Taklamakan Desert. Spend the morning exploring the city’s old town, wandering its labyrinthine streets, artisan workshops, and vibrant bazaars.
In the afternoon, take a short excursion to the Red-Cliff Valley, a striking red-rock canyon just outside the city, followed by a visit to a nearby glacier for panoramic mountain views. Return to Kashgar in the evening for a welcome dinner of Uyghur specialties.
Overnight in Kashgar
Day 2 – Kashgar → Tashkorgan: Karakoram Edge & Mountain Villages
Depart early from Kashgar and head southeast toward Tashkorgan, along the edge of the mighty Karakoram Range. The drive takes you through a variety of landscapes: high plateaus dotted with grazing yaks, remote mountain villages, and winding rivers that carve through rugged valleys. Stop along the way for short walks, photo opportunities, and to observe local nomadic life.
Arrive in Tashkorgan in the afternoon. Explore the village and take in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains. Learn about the local Tajik culture, their traditional homes, and unique cuisine.
Evening at leisure to relax and soak in the serene high-altitude environment.
Overnight in Tashkorgan
Day 3 – Tashkorgan → Kashgar: Return Drive & Local Exploration
After breakfast, drive back from Tashkorgan to Kashgar, retracing the scenic plateau route. Pause at key viewpoints to admire the soaring peaks and vast valleys, and visit a few small villages to meet local herders and observe traditional mountain life.
Arrive in Kashgar in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free for optional exploration: wander the lanes of Kashgar Old Town, visit the famed Livestock Market, or browse the vibrant bazaars for handcrafted goods and local delicacies.
Evening: enjoy a Uyghur-style dinner and soak in the city’s Silk Road charm.
Overnight in Kashgar
Day 4 – Kashgar → Huyanglin → Hotan: Desert Oasis & Scenic Stop
Depart Kashgar in the morning and head southeast along the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert. The route passes desert plains punctuated by small villages and sand dunes. Midway, stop at the Huyanglin Desert Forest, a rare desert-oasis landscape where poplar trees line the Tarim River, creating striking contrasts with the surrounding sands. Take a short walk among the trees and capture photographs of the unusual desert scenery.
Continue driving toward Hotan, the historic Silk Road city famous for its jade and silk production. Arrive in the late afternoon. Explore Hotan Bazaar, visiting artisan workshops, and learn about local crafts such as jade carving and traditional silk weaving. Evening at leisure to enjoy a Uyghur-style dinner or stroll through the vibrant streets.
Overnight in Hotan
Day 5 – Hotan → Aksu: Taklamakan Rim
After breakfast, depart Hotan and enter the Taklamakan Desert, a journey through an infinite sea of sand dunes and the driest terrain on earth. Stop on the route to check some buddhist ruins, and rock formations.
Continue north toward Aksu, traversing remote desert landscapes and occasional villages along the way. Arrive in the late afternoon; evening at leisure to relax in the oasis town and sample local cuisine.
Overnight in Aksu
Day 6 – Aksu → Urumqi: Oasis City Finale
Depart Aksu after breakfast, driving northeast toward Urumqi, crossing fertile valleys and Silk Road farmland that emerge from the desert plateaus. The route offers striking views of distant mountains, scattered villages, and small oasis towns.
Arrive in Urumqi in the afternoon. Free time to visit the Grand Bazaar, the Xinjiang regional museum, or stroll through local markets to experience the blend of Uyghur and Han culture. Evening: enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner reflecting on your journey through the Taklamakan Desert and the Silk Road.
Overnight in Urumqi
Day 7 – Urumqi: Exploration & Cultural Immersion
Morning free for optional sightseeing in Urumqi. Choose to explore cultural landmarks, museums, or local markets. Experience the fusion of ethnic traditions and modern urban life in Xinjiang’s capital.
Afternoon at leisure to relax, pack, and prepare for departure. Optional final walk through the city or a short excursion to nearby natural scenery if time permits.
Evening: transfer to airport or railway station for onward travel.
End of Expedition
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
Price: US$2,850/person
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.
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!
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 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
Bespoke Expeditions
Create your own adventure — from private trips to company retreats, we’ll tailor everything to you.