Skip to content
asia·hotel package·7 days

7-Day Northwest Silk Road Poplar Forest Train Tour: Xining-Kashgar Round Trip | Kumbum Monastery, Baisha Lake and Kashgar Ancient City | Pro Photographer & 24h Transfers

★ 4.9· 5 reviewsScenic TrainMost Meals IncludedDaily breakfast

What you'll experience

Highlights

• Luxury Experience: Silk Road Express
Travel on the Silk Road Express, a mobile hotel offering unique dining, scenic views, and comfortable stays, making the journey an experience in itself
• Seasonal Highlight: Ride through Poplar Forest
Exclusive train ride through the Tarim Euphrates Poplar Forest with a custom tea break and photography service for a stunning sensory experience
• Comfortable Stays + Flexible Itinerary
Stay in premium hotels; choose Xining-to-Kashgar or Kashgar-to-Xining for flexibility in departure and arrival
• Thoughtful Service: Holiday Ambassador & Photographer
Enjoy 24/7 airport transfers and a professional photographer to capture your journey's best moments, no extra gear needed
• Diverse Itinerary & Local Flavors
Explore Kumbum Monastery, Hami Yardang, and The Pamirs; Savor yak hotpot, and Muqam dinner for authentic tastes of the region

7 days

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. 1

    Day 1 — Your residence - Xining (Altitude 2200m)

    Morning: The dedicated driver is waiting at your residence to escort you to the airport.
    Afternoon: Upon your arrival at Xining Caojiapu International Airport, the Silk Road Express butler team will be awaiting you with a welcome ceremony. Then, a dedicated driver and car will escort you to the hotel.
    Evening: Enjoy a special welcome dinner. 
    Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: Included(BAMA Yak Hot Pot)Stay: Wanda Vista Xining
  2. 2

    Day 2 — Xining (Altitude 2200~2700m) - Hami

    【Plan A —— Kumbum Monastery】A soul-cleansing destination
    Morning: Drive to Kumbum Monastery (45 mins), and be led by a professional guide to visit ★Kumbum Monastery (VIP scenic car + exclusive guide), the birthplace of Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which is famous for its magnificent Tibetan architecture, rich religious art and profound religious history.
    Afternoon: Board Silk Road Express and embark on a wonderful journey. 
     

    【Plan B —— Museum Chronicles】A museum hiding world wonders
    Morning: Drive to ★Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) Plateau Natural History Museum (30 mins, exclusive guide), with rich exhibition content, covering the unique geological landforms, glaciers and rivers, biodiversity, and mineral resources of the plateau. The museum vividly reproduces the magnificence and magic of the "Third Pole of the World" through exquisite animal and plant specimens, realistic ecological landscapes, and modern audio-visual technology.
    Afternoon: Board Silk Road Express and embark on a wonderful journey.
    Kumbum Monastery

    Kumbum Monastery

    Meals: B: Included(Hotel), L: Included(Local specialties), D: Included(On the train)Stay: On the train
  3. 3

    Day 3 — Hami (Altitude 500m) - Luntai

    Today: Off-Road Expedition through ★Hami Yardang. With a professional off-road convoy, we will cross the lightly uninhabited area of the Hami Yardang National Geopark. Our vehicles will navigate this otherworldly terrain, passing monumental Yardang peaks in reddish-brown and dark grey that rise like alien sentinels. Journeying across the dried-up bed of an ancient sea, we'll follow routes reminiscent of the Silk Road. At dusk, the setting sun sets the mushroom rocks aglow. Under a canopy of countless stars, we'll drive with our headlights on, evoking the surreal sensation of piloting a time capsule to Earth's primordial past.
     
    Meals: B: Included(On the train), L: Included(Simple lunch at the scenic area), D: Included(On the train or Local specialties)Stay: On the train
  4. 4

    Day 4 — Luntai (Altitude 1200m) - Kashgar

    Morning: Drive to ★Tarim Euphrates Poplar Forest Scenic Area (100 mins). Here lies the world's largest, densest, and best-preserved "living fossil from the Tertiary period"- a natural poplar forest spanning over 400,000 mu (approx. 26,700 hectares). In autumn, the leaves blaze with fiery brilliance, creating a visual impact of rugged vitality intertwined with splendor. The autumn colors of the plateau contrast with the perpetual snow, presenting a coexistence of starkness and vibrancy under the vast sky, conveying a majestic and serene beauty.
    Afternoon: A dedicated vehicle will take you back to Silk Road Express where you can enjoy a variety of engaging onboard activities.
     
    Tarim Euphrates Poplar Forest Scenic Area

    Tarim Euphrates Poplar Forest Scenic Area

    Meals: B: Included(On the train), L: Included(Local specialties), D: Included(On the train)Stay: On the train
  5. 5

    Day 5 — Kashgar - The Pamirs or Yengisar & Shache

    【Plan A —— The Pamirs】The Rooftop of the World (Altitude 3300m)
    Morning: Drive by private vehicle to ★Baisha Lake (3.5 hours), a silver-sand oasis sculpted by the wind. On one side lie vast, undulating golden sand dunes of various shapes. On the other, lies a sapphire-blue lake with crystal-clear water, whose hue changes with the light and weather. The lake and white sand mountains complement each other, creating a breathtaking picture.
    Afternoon: Drive to ★Karakul Lake (45 mins). Enjoy a curated afternoon tea while taking in the views of this "sapphire mirror" at the foot of the snow-capped Muztagh Ata Mountain. The pristine lake perfectly reflects the majestic mountain, blending the blue sky, white snow, and azure waters into one immersive highland panorama.
    Later: Return to Kashgar (4 hours).
     

    【Plan B —— Yengisar & Shache (Old Yarkand)】A Journey into Living Heritage (Altitude 1300m)
    Morning: Drive by private vehicle to Yengisar (1.5 hours). Visit ★the Yengisar Intangible Cultural Heritage Town, a place brimming with traditional charm, renowned as the "Home of Chinese Small Knives." This ancient-feeling town, with shops lining its streets, is a center for preserving the national-level intangible cultural heritage - the Uyghur molded earthenware pottery technique—and a showcase for the traditional artistry of the famed Yengisar knife.
    Afternoon: Continue by private vehicle to ★Shache (Old Yarkand, 2 hours). Explore the city, where the architecture is imbued with rich Central Asian character. The walls and gate towers are simple yet majestic, while the labyrinth of streets is lined with similarly colored houses featuring windows and balconies accentuated in bright yellow and vermillion red, evoking the charm of a medieval fortress. You can experience the unique allure of this "Living Silk Road Museum."
    Later: Return to Kashgar (3 hours).
    Baisha Lake

    Baisha Lake

    Karakul Lake

    Karakul Lake

    Meals: B: Included(On the train), L: Included(Lake-view Lunch (Pamirs) / Roasted Pigeon (Shache)), D: Included(Local specialties)Stay: Home2 Suites by Hilton Kashgar Ancient City
  6. 6

    Day 6 — Kashgar (Altitude 1300m)

    Morning: Drive to ★Gaotai Folk House (30 mins). This highly distinctive Uyghur traditional settlement, dating back over 600 years, is renowned as the "Village on the Cliff." Perched on a 40-meter-high, 800-meter-long loess cliff northeast of Kashgar's ancient city, it overlooks the Tuman River with a steep, castle-like structure. Participate in an exclusive ★Kashgar Traditional Handicraft Workshop (includes a tea break). Kashgar block printing and earthenware pottery are not only valued for their beauty and utility but also represent a millennia-old legacy of diverse Chinese cultural traditions.
    Afternoon: Drive to ★Kashgar Ancient City (30 mins). Strolling in its enchanting alleys, where the rhythm of life feels untouched by time. The call to prayer from the Id Kah Mosque mingles with the strum of a rawap, while the laughter of children playing echoes past workshops where copper is skillfully hammered. The aroma of fresh naan bread fills centuries-old lanes, and the beat of a hand drum syncs with the very pulse of the ancient Silk Road. This is Kashgar - a perfect blend of vibrant daily life and deep history, where every brick seems to whisper tales from the past.
     
    Gaotai Folk House

    Gaotai Folk House

    Kashgar Ancient City

    Kashgar Ancient City

    Meals: B: Included(Hotel), L: Included(Local specialties), D: Included(Muqam Dinner)Stay: Home2 Suites by Hilton Kashgar Ancient City
  7. 7

    Day 7 — Return day

    Today: You may enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel and wake up naturally, and then a dedicated driver will escort you to the airport according to your flight schedule.
    Afternoon: A dedicated concierge driver will await your arrival at the airport and escort you and your family back to the warm home.

    * As the train schedule has not been finally confirmed, the itineraries and timings provided are provisional and subject to change.
    Meals: B: Included(Hotel), L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Included

  • [Accommodation]: Accommodation fee for 2 people staying in 1 room at the hotels listed in the itinerary
  • [Vehicle]: 
    Departure location airport transfers: 7-seater MPV
    Covered cities: We operate in 33 domestic cities. Key locations include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Chongqing, Sanya, Haikou, Jinan, Xiamen, Qingdao, Zhengzhou, Wuhan, Zhuhai, Fuzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi, Kunming, Nanjing, Hefei, Ningbo, Changchun, Changsha, Yantai, Tianjin, Nanchang, Harbin, Changzhou, Nantong, Hong Kong SAR, and Macao SAR.
    Destination airport transfers:
    Grand Suite — Mercedes-Benz S-Class / Mercedes-Benz MPV / Toyota Land Cruiser
    Family/Twin/King Room — Exclusive 7-seater MPV
    Xining Section:
    Grand Suite — Mercedes-Benz S-Class / Mercedes-Benz MPV
    Family/Twin/King Room — Exclusive 7-seater MPV
    Hami Section:
    Grand Suite/Family/Twin/King Room — Exclusive Tank off-road vehicle
    Luntai Section:
    Grand Suite — Toyota Land Cruiser
    Family/Twin/King Rooms — 2+1 VIP bus
    The Pamirs or Yengisar & Shache Section:
    Grand Suite — Toyota Land Cruiser 
    Family/Twin/King Rooms — Exclusive 7-seater MPV
    Kashgar Section:
    Grand Suite — Toyota Land Cruiser
    Family/Twin/King Rooms — 2+1 VIP bus
  • [Tour Service]: Dedicated tourism ambassador & professional photographer throughout the journey
  • [Meals]: 6 breakfasts and 11 main meals included
  • [Admission]: First-entry tickets, scenic area shuttle transport, and experiential activities as per itinerary
  • [Rail Fare]: Full-route access aboard Silk Road Express

Not included

  • [Transportation]: Round-trip transportation to the travel destination
  • [Single Room Supplement]: Additional charges apply if guests request single accommodation
  • [Personal Itineraries]: Any extended stays, self-arranged activities, or additional optional tours and associated expenses
  • [Additional Costs]: Extra expenses incurred due to force majeure (e.g., natural disasters, wars, strikes), exceptional circumstances (e.g.transportation delays, flight cancellations or schedule changes), or other factors beyond our control (such as additional costs for extended accommodation, meals, and transportation)
  • Fees not mentioned in the above quotation are to be covered individually

Cancellation policy

Read the full cancellation terms
【Cancellation Policy】
  • Changes made 93 days or more before the departure date: A 10% change fee of the total order amount will apply
  • Changes made 82 to 92 days before the departure date: A 15% change fee of the total order amount will apply
  • Changes made 72 to 81 days before the departure date: A 20% change fee of the total order amount will apply
  • Changes made 62 to 71 days before the departure date: A 30% change fee of the total order amount will apply
  • Changes made 47 to 61 days before the departure date: A 60% change fee of the total order amount will apply
  • Changes made 32 to 46 days before the departure date: A 80% change fee of the total order amount will apply
  • Changes made 31 days or less before the departure date: A 100% change fee of the total order amount will apply

【Change Policy】
  • Changes made 93 days or more before the departure date: A 1% change fee of the total order amount will apply
  • Changes made 82 to 92 days before the departure date: A 2% change fee of the total order amount will apply
  • Changes made 72 to 81 days before the departure date: A 5% change fee of the total order amount will apply
  • Changes made 62 to 71 days before the departure date: A 10% change fee of the total order amount will apply
  • Changes made 47 to 61 days before the departure date: A 20% change fee of the total order amount will apply
  • Changes made 32 to 46 days before the departure date: A 30% change fee of the total order amount will apply
  • Changes made 3 to 31 days before the departure date: A 50% change fee of the total order amount will apply
  • Changes made 2 days or less before the departure date: A 100% change fee of the total order amount will apply

* This product is sold at a bundled price, and all services are booked upon order. If you cannot participate in any activities or services, no refund will be given.

Important info

Special notes
  • This tour operates as a shared-group (FIT) format, with local operators providing services. For operational convenience, the local operator may transfer guests to another vehicle during the trip and assign different guides or drivers. All services, however, will remain consistent with the standards and terms of the contract.
  • If this departure cannot operate due to force majeure, a full refund will be provided.
  • Train schedules are not yet confirmed; sightseeing times are approximate and subject to the actual schedule.
  • The tourism ambassador may adjust the itinerary or dining arrangements based on actual local conditions. Barring any special circumstances, every effort will be made to ensure all listed attractions are visited. In the event of force majeure, our company and the local ground operator reserve the right to modify or shorten the travel itinerary.
  • Our company does not have partnerships with any shopping venues during ground travel, and does not arrange, advocate, or recommend passengers to purchase any products. Therefore, our company is unable to provide after-sales services for any purchases made at these venues. We strongly advise all travelers to exercise rational and informed consumption.
  • High-Altitude Preparation: As parts of this itinerary reach high altitudes, please prepare appropriate medication for effective relief of altitude sickness and make necessary preparations in advance.
  • Climate & Sun Protection: The high-altitude regions are characterized by dry climate, intense sunlight, and strong UV radiation. Please bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, lip balm, and other protective items to safeguard your skin and eyes.
  • Temperature Variation and Clothing: With significant temperature differences between day and night in high-altitude areas, please pack long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and a warm jacket to ensure comfort and safety.
  • Essential Medications & Health Precautions: To address potential health incidents, we suggest carrying common medications such as cold medicine, gastrointestinal treatments, aspirin, etc.
  • Itinerary Adjustments: During the tour, your Tourism Ambassador and driver may make appropriate adjustments to the itinerary (e.g., altering the order of attractions/visits or modifying meeting times) based on weather, traffic, or other conditions - provided that no attractions are omitted and your consent is obtained. * We hope you enjoy the magnificent high-altitude scenery while prioritizing your health and safety. Should you experience any physical discomfort, please do not hesitate to seek immediate assistance from our staff.

【Important Reminder】
Frontier Pass is required for travel to the Pamirs.
I. Requirements for Children Under 16 Traveling with Accompaniment
  • Children under the age of 16 are not issued separate Frontier Passes. They must be include don the pass of an accompanying legal guardian. A medical birth certificate or household register must be presented for this process (copies are acceptable if originals are not available). A child's ID card alone is not sufficient.
  • If the primary legal guardians (parents) are not traveling, and the child is accompanied by secondary guardians (e.g., grandparents), a signed and thumb-printed letter of authorization from both primary guardians is required. The original authorization letter, copies of the authorizing guardians' IDs, and the original ID of the accompanying guardian must be submitted.
  • If the child is accompanied by a non-direct relative as guardian, the letter of authorization from the primary guardians (parents) must be notarized to be legally valid.
  • Application officers must strictly adhere to these accompaniment requirements and may not simplify the procedure. Children under 16 without the proper accompaniment documentation will not be permitted to enter the border control area.
II. Requirements for Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Foreign Nationals
  • Foreign and Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan passport holders must apply for the border pass in person at the application office.

【Warm Tips】
  • Children's Safety on Board: As there are many children on the train, we kindly remind parents to ensure their children's safety during the journey. Due to limited space in the carriages, please ensure children do not run or play loudly inside the train. Please keep children away from the connection areas between carriages and take care to prevent slipping or falls.
  • High-Altitude Health Precautions: Upon arriving at the plateau, ensure adequate rest. If experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, avoid washing your hair or taking showers for the first three days. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of bottled or boiled water—avoid tap water to prevent stomach discomfort. Maintain a moderate diet and avoid overeating to reduce digestive strain.
  • Respecting Local Customs: The itinerary passes through multi-ethnic regions with diverse customs, taboos, and lifestyles that may differ from coastal areas. Local temperaments may also vary from the Han norm. Please follow the guidance of your Tourism Ambassador, respect local cultures, religious beliefs, and ethnic etiquette. If you have any personal requests, please communicate them clearly with your Tourism Ambassador first.
  • Electrical Usage in Cabins: Due to limited voltage capacity in the train compartments, please do not use extension cords or high-power appliances such as electric kettles or hair curlers.
  • Itinerary & Transportation Tips: Northwest China is vast, and travel times between attractions can be long. Please follow the instructions of your tour ambassador and avoid getting off the vehicle arbitrarily.
  • Time Difference & Communication: Local time in Northwest China is about 2 hours later than Mainland China. Please adjust your schedule accordingly. Some remote attractions may have weak signal. It is recommended to inform your family of your itinerary in advance and download offline maps.

【Train Carry-On Restrictions】
  • Alcoholic beverages with a clear label, properly sealed, containing 24–70% alcohol by volume, with a total volume not exceeding 3,000 ml.
  • Non-aerosol personal care items containing flammable ingredients (e.g., perfume, cologne, sprays, gels), with each container ≤100 ml and 1 item per type.
  • Nail polish and nail polish remover, total volume not exceeding 50 ml.
  • Aerosol products (e.g., hair spray, mousse, hair dye, insecticide, air freshener), with each container ≤150 ml, 1 item per type, total volume ≤600 ml.
  • Safety matches: maximum 2 small boxes; standard lighters: maximum 2.
  • Clearly labeled power banks and lithium batteries, with a single unit rated ≤100Wh. Electric wheelchairs containing lithium batteries are exempt.
Pricing notes (children, single supplement)
* Same price for adults and children.
* The price for this itinerary requires a second confirmation. Please refer to the customer service confirmation for the final price.
Travel tips
* The train schedule, including departure dates, itinerary, route, and stops, is subject to the final passenger service orders issued by China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. and the relevant railway bureau.
* Default itinerary: Xining  → Kashgar. To reverse the route, select Kashgar → Xining in the upgrade options.
Xining  → Kashgar (Forward Route) Kashgar → Xining (Reverse Route)
Tour Dates: October 9, October 16, October 23 Tour Dates: October 12, October 19
Day 1: Home City - Xining Day 1: Home City - Kashgar
Day 2: Xining - Hami Day 2: Kashgar - The Pamirs or Yengisar & Shache (choose one)
Day 3: Hami - Luntai Day 3: Kashgar - Luntai
Day 4: Luntai - Kashgar Day 4: Luntai - Hami
Day 5: Kashgar - The Pamirs or Yengisar & Shache (choose one) Day 5: Hami - Xining
Day 6: Kashgar Day 6: Xining
Day 7: Kashgar - Home City Day 7: Xining - Home City

Tour operator

Tours4Fun Provider 10608

Verified

Inventory powered by tours4fun. View original listing

from

$12212

NPR 16,48,634