11 Days Northern and Southern Xinjiang Muslim Tour with Kanas Lake and Kashgar

Today you will explore one of Xinjiang’s most breathtaking natural wonders and begin your journey eastward through the vast Dzungarian Basin.

Morning – Heavenly Lake (Tianchi, 天池)

• Visit the serene Heavenly Lake, an alpine gem nestled in the Tianshan Mountains.
• Stroll along the lakeshore, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks reflecting in the crystal-clear waters.
• Optional boat ride on the lake and observe local Kazakh nomads herding sheep, offering insight into their traditional lifestyle.

Muslim Travel Tips (Morning):

• Fajr prayer: performed at the hotel before departure.
• Dhuhr prayer: scheduled stop at a clean, quiet area near the lake.
• Asr prayer: during the drive or at rest stops en route.
• Wudu (ablution): available at hotel, restrooms near the lake, or private guide arrangement.
• Keep a small prayer mat and water bottle for flexible prayer breaks.

Afternoon – Transfer to Fuyun (富蕴)

• Embark on a 5-hour scenic drive through the Junggar Basin, one of Northwest China’s largest sedimentary basins.
• Witness dramatic landscapes surrounded by Tarbagatai Mountains (NW), Altai Mountains (NE), and Tianshan Mountains (S).
• Check into your hotel in Fuyun, a county known for its stunning natural scenery and proximity to Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark.

Muslim Travel Tips (Afternoon/Evening):

• Maghrib and Isha prayers: performed at hotel prayer space or mosque nearby.
• Halal meals: Lunch and dinner arranged at halal restaurants, featuring Xinjiang specialties such as lamb kebabs, hand-pulled noodles, and flatbreads.

Overnight stay:

• Hotel: 4-star Fuyun Vienna Hotel or similar.

Optional evening activity:

• Relax at the hotel or explore the small town market under your guide’s supervision.

Today you will journey deeper into Xinjiang’s stunning natural landscapes, exploring unique geological formations and the famous Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark.

Morning – Keketuohai Geopark (可可托海国家地质公园)

• Depart from Fuyun after breakfast and drive about 1 hour to Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark, also known as “China’s Yosemite.”
• Admire the Altay granite geomorphology, including rare granite pegmatite deposits, known worldwide for their geological significance.
• Visit the largest mining pit in China, historically a secret site nicknamed “Jerusalem” by geologists, and learn about the minerals extracted from the area.

Muslim Travel Tips (Morning):

• Fajr prayer: performed at hotel before departure.
• Dhuhr prayer: at a clean stop near the Geopark visitor area.
• Asr prayer: during the transfer or rest stops.
• Wudu (ablution): hotel or designated clean restroom areas.
• Carry a small prayer mat and water bottle for convenience.

Afternoon – Transfer to Burqin (布尔津)

• After exploring Keketuohai, embark on a 4.5-hour scenic drive to Burqin County, a gateway to Kanas National Geopark.
• Enjoy the dramatic landscapes of northern Xinjiang as you traverse valleys, rivers, and mountains along the route.
• Arrive in Burqin and check into your hotel.

Muslim Travel Tips (Afternoon/Evening):

• Maghrib and Isha prayers: performed at hotel or nearby mosque, arranged with your guide.
• Halal meals: lunch and dinner arranged at halal restaurants, featuring Xinjiang specialties such as lamb stew, hand-pulled noodles, and freshly baked flatbreads.

Overnight stay:

• Hotel: 4-star Burqin Shangshi Hotel or similar.

Optional evening activity:

• Relax at the hotel or take a short walk around Burqin town under your guide’s supervision.

Today is dedicated to exploring the iconic Kanas Lake (喀纳斯湖) and the surrounding alpine wilderness, while enjoying authentic interactions with the local Tuva-Mongolian communities.

Morning – Transfer to Kanas & Fish Pavilion

• After breakfast at your hotel in Burqin, drive approximately 2 hours to Kanas National Geopark (喀纳斯国家地质公园).
• Take a 30-minute shuttle up to the Fish Pavilion, offering panoramic views of emerald waters of Kanas Lake, framed by dense forests and snow-capped peaks.
• Witness the legend of the elusive Kanas Lake water sprite, a local folklore that adds a mystical touch to the breathtaking scenery.

Muslim Travel Tips (Morning):

• Fajr prayer: performed at hotel before departure.
• Dhuhr prayer: available at Kanas visitor area in clean, quiet spots with Qibla guidance.
• Asr prayer: during lake cruise or at nearby rest area.
• Wudu (ablution): hotel or designated clean restroom stops.
• Carry a small prayer mat and bottled water for flexible prayer times.

Afternoon – Kanas Lake Cruise & Fairy, Moon, and Crouching Dragon Bays

• Enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on Kanas Lake, allowing you to fully appreciate the serene beauty and reflections of surrounding mountains.
• Visit the three iconic bays:
  • Fairy Bay (精灵湾) – known for its ethereal beauty and calm waters.
  • Moon Bay (月亮湾) – a crescent-shaped bay perfect for photography.
  • Crouching Dragon Bay (卧龙湾) – dramatic and picturesque, ideal for panoramic shots.
• Lunch is arranged at a local Tuva-Mongolian restaurant, featuring halal-friendly cuisine including lamb dishes, hearty soups, and traditional flatbreads.

Evening – Settle at Jiadengyu

• Transfer to your hotel at Jiadengyu, located near the heart of Kanas National Geopark.
• Dinner arranged at halal restaurant in the hotel or nearby.

Muslim Travel Tips (Evening):

• Maghrib and Isha prayers: performed at hotel or a designated clean space, with Qibla direction assistance.
• Dress modestly when visiting local communities.

Overnight stay:

• Hotel: 4-star Jiadengyu Hongfu Eco Hotel or similar.

Optional evening activity:

• Short walk around the hotel vicinity to enjoy the quiet alpine night and fresh mountain air.

Today, you will explore the enchanting Hemu Village (禾木村), a serene settlement that showcases the rich Kazak and Tuva culture, before returning to Burqin.

Morning – Hemu Village Excursion

• After breakfast at your hotel in Jiadengyu, drive approximately 30 km east to reach the secluded Hemu Village, often described as “China’s most beautiful village.”
• Stroll through the rustic hamlet, taking in traditional wooden homes, grazing livestock, and scenic landscapes.
• For panoramic views, a gentle climb to nearby hills reveals the village nestled amidst forests and mountains.
• Immerse yourself in local Tuva-Kazak culture, learning about their folk customs, crafts, and daily life.

Muslim Travel Tips (Morning):

• Fajr prayer: at hotel before departure.
• Dhuhr prayer: can be performed at Hemu village in a quiet outdoor spot with Qibla direction assistance.
• Wudu (ablution): hotel or clean restrooms near village entrance.
• Keep a small prayer mat and water bottle for flexible prayer times.

Afternoon – Return to Burqin

• After a leisurely lunch at a halal-friendly village restaurant featuring lamb dishes, flatbread, and soups, begin the 4-hour drive back to Burqin.
• Along the way, enjoy the changing scenery of northern Xinjiang, from alpine forests to river valleys.

Muslim Travel Tips (Afternoon):

• Asr prayer: stop at scenic viewpoint or rest area en route.
• Maghrib and Isha prayers: at hotel or designated clean space in Burqin upon arrival.
• Dress modestly when interacting with local villagers.

Evening – Settle in Burqin

• Dinner at a halal restaurant in Burqin, sampling local Xinjiang flavors such as hand-pulled noodles, lamb skewers, and seasonal vegetables.
• Optional evening stroll through Burqin town, observing local life and scenery.

Overnight stay:

• Hotel: 4-star Burqin Shangshi Hotel or similar.

Today, you will embark on a journey through the vast deserts and Yadan landforms of Northern Xinjiang, visiting the famous Urho Ghost City (乌尔禾魔鬼城) before arriving in Kuitun.

Morning – Departure from Burqin

• After breakfast at the hotel, depart Burqin for a 5.5-hour scenic drive to Kuitun.
• Along the way, marvel at the endless desert expanses, rolling sand dunes, and dramatic geological formations that make Northern Xinjiang so unique.

Stop at Urho Ghost City

• Explore Urho Ghost City, a classic Yadan landscape shaped by wind and erosion.
• Walk among fantastical hills resembling ancient ruins and castles, creating the illusion of a sprawling medieval fortress.
• Learn about the geological history and local folklore associated with this “wind city,” a favorite spot for photographers and adventurers.

Muslim Travel Tips (Morning & Early Afternoon):

• Fajr prayer: performed at hotel before departure.
• Dhuhr prayer: during a break at Urho Ghost City or nearby clean rest area.
• Wudu (ablution): can be done at hotel or at Urho Ghost City visitor facilities.
• Qibla guidance: provided by guide for flexible prayer breaks.

Afternoon – Arrival in Kuitun

• Continue your journey after exploring Urho Ghost City, enjoying the changing desert vistas and remote scenery.
• Arrive in Kuitun in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel.

Evening – Dinner & Rest

• Dinner at a halal restaurant in Kuitun, featuring local lamb, noodles, and fresh vegetables, prepared according to Islamic dietary requirements.
• Optional evening stroll in town or rest at hotel.

Overnight stay:

• Hotel: 4-star Kuitun Jinhui International Hotel or similar.

Today’s journey takes you from Kuitun back to Urumqi, with a highlight stop at the spectacular Dushanzi Grand Canyon (独山子大峡谷), a geological masterpiece of layered rock formations.

Morning – Departure from Kuitun

• After breakfast at the hotel, depart Kuitun for Urumqi.
• Drive for approximately 1 hour to Dushanzi Grand Canyon, a landscape sculpted by the patient hands of the Kuitun River over millennia.

Dushanzi Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge

• Walk along the canyon trails, enjoying breathtaking views of vibrantly layered rock formations that resemble frozen waves.
• Experience the suspended Glass Bridge, offering a thrilling panorama high above the canyon’s depths—perfect for photography and nature appreciation.

Muslim Travel Tips (Morning & Midday):

• Fajr prayer: performed at hotel before departure.
• Dhuhr prayer: can be performed at a clean rest area near Dushanzi Grand Canyon, with ablution facilities provided.
• Asr prayer: during transfer back to Urumqi.
• Qibla direction: guidance provided by your guide; carry a portable prayer mat for convenience.

Afternoon – Continue Journey to Urumqi

• After exploring the canyon, continue the 4-hour scenic drive to Urumqi.
• Enjoy the changing landscape of Northern Xinjiang, transitioning from canyons and deserts to the cityscape of Urumqi.

Evening – Arrival in Urumqi

• Arrive in Urumqi in the late afternoon. Check in to the hotel.
• Dinner at a halal restaurant, featuring local Xinjiang specialties, ensuring all meals are pork-free and alcohol-free.

Overnight stay:

• Hotel: 4-star Holiday Inn Express Urumqi Station or similar.

Today, you leave Urumqi and head southeast to Turpan, an ancient oasis city along the Silk Road, rich in Uyghur culture, history, and unique desert landscapes.

Morning – Urumqi Exploration

• Breakfast at the hotel before departure.
• Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum (新疆自治区博物馆), a Uyghur-style building housing extensive artifacts from Xinjiang’s diverse ethnic cultures, including Silk Road relics and local lifestyle exhibits.
• Continue to Red Hill Park (红山公园) to enjoy a panoramic view of Urumqi city and the surrounding landscape.

Muslim Travel Tips (Morning):

• Fajr prayer: performed at hotel before departure.
• Dhuhr prayer: can be performed near the museum or at a clean, quiet rest area.
• Asr prayer: during the transfer to Turpan.

Afternoon – Urumqi International Bazaar & Transfer to Turpan

• Explore Urumqi International Bazaar, a colorful market offering local handicrafts, spices, and textiles. It’s a great place to interact with local Uyghur merchants and observe daily cultural life.
• Lunch at a halal restaurant in the bazaar, featuring Uyghur specialties such as laghman (hand-pulled noodles), kebabs, and pilaf.
• Transfer to Turpan (approx. 2.5 hours). Turpan sits at 154 meters below sea level, making it China’s second-lowest point and the hottest spot in the country.

Evening – Arrival in Turpan

• Check in to your hotel.
• Dinner at a halal restaurant, featuring fresh local produce and traditional Uyghur cuisine.

Overnight stay:

• Hotel: 4-star Turpan Hengze Hotel or similar.

Today, you explore the highlights of Turpan, an ancient Silk Road oasis, before flying south to Kashgar, the legendary city at the crossroads of Central Asia.

Morning – Turpan Historical & Cultural Sites

• Breakfast at the hotel before departure.
• Visit Jiaohe Ancient City (交河故城), a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 2,000-year-old city, built on a river island, preserves ancient Silk Road architecture, including temples, residential areas, and city walls.
• Explore the Flaming Mountains (火焰山), famed for their red sandstone ridges that appear to “burn” under the sun, a site mentioned in the classic tale Journey to the West.

Muslim Travel Tips (Morning):

• Fajr prayer: performed at hotel before departure.
• Dhuhr prayer: stop at a quiet scenic area near Jiaohe ruins or Flaming Mountains.
• Asr prayer: during the transfer or at a designated rest stop.

Afternoon – Uyghur Villages & Islamic Heritage

• Visit Tuyoq Village (吐峪沟村), a peaceful village offering a glimpse into Uyghur daily life and ancient cave dwellings.
• Head to Emin Minaret (艾米塔克清真寺尖塔), the tallest minaret in China at 44 meters, featuring intricate Central Asian-Islamic architectural patterns.
• Explore Karez Wells (坎儿井), the ancient underground irrigation system that has sustained Turpan’s agriculture for centuries.

Muslim Travel Tips (Afternoon):

• Maghrib prayer: performed at a clean area near the village or mosque.
• Isha prayer: at hotel after arrival in Kashgar.
• Dress modestly when visiting mosque areas and respect local worship practices.

Evening – Flight to Kashgar

• Take your evening flight to Kashgar (EU3067 20:30/22:40).
• Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Kashgar.
• Dinner at a halal restaurant upon arrival.

Overnight stay:

• Hotel: 4-star Mercure Kashgar Ancient City or similar.

Today, you immerse yourself in Kashgar, the historic Silk Road city and heart of Uyghur culture, exploring its Islamic heritage, bazaars, and traditional neighborhoods.

Morning – Mausoleums & Mosques

• Breakfast at the hotel before departure.
• Visit Abakh Hoja Mausoleum (阿巴霍加墓), also known as the “Fragrant Tomb,” a masterpiece of Islamic architecture in Xinjiang, where five generations of a famous Islamic leader are buried.
• Explore the Id-Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺), the largest mosque in Xinjiang, serving as a center for local worship and community life.

Muslim Travel Tips (Morning):

• Fajr prayer: performed at hotel before departure.
• Dhuhr prayer: at Id-Kah Mosque, joining local worshippers if timing allows.
• Asr prayer: at a quiet courtyard near the mosque or a clean public area.
• Dress modestly: long sleeves, long pants, and head coverings recommended when entering religious sites.

Afternoon – Kashgar Old Town & Grand Bazaar

• Explore Kashgar Old Town (喀什老城), wandering through narrow alleys where traditional Uyghur life thrives. Observe local craftspeople such as coppersmiths and cobblers, and interact with friendly locals.
• Visit Kashgar Grand Bazaar (喀什大巴扎), a vibrant market full of spices, textiles, and cultural artifacts. If your visit falls on a Sunday, witness the famous livestock market, where diverse ethnic groups converge to trade animals—a unique cultural spectacle.

Muslim Travel Tips (Afternoon):

• Maghrib prayer: performed at a quiet spot near the bazaar or local mosque.
• Isha prayer: at hotel prayer space or nearby mosque.
• Stick to confirmed halal restaurants for lunch and dinner.

Evening – Leisure & Cultural Immersion

• Enjoy a halal dinner at a local Uyghur restaurant.
• Optional evening stroll around the Old Town streets, experiencing the ambiance of traditional Kashgar under lantern light.

Overnight stay:

• Hotel: 4-star Mercure Kashgar Ancient City or similar.

Today marks the end of your 11-day Xinjiang adventure.

• Breakfast at the hotel before departure.
• Your private guide and driver will assist with a smooth transfer to Kashgar Airport or train station, ensuring enough time for check-in and security procedures.
• Take with you memories of Northern and Southern Xinjiang, from alpine lakes, grasslands, deserts, and ancient Silk Road towns, to the rich Islamic and Uyghur culture that makes this region truly unique.

Muslim Travel Tips:

• Fajr prayer: at hotel before departure.
• Dhuhr / Asr prayer: depending on flight/train timing, can be performed in airport prayer rooms or a quiet area.
• Make sure to verify your departure flight/train schedule with your guide in advance.

Thank you for choosing this Muslim-friendly Xinjiang tour.
We hope your journey was memorable and immersive, and we warmly welcome you to return to explore more of this fascinating region.