An intrepid tour for those who want to get off the beaten path, into the less-visited far west. Rugged exploration with the convenience of a personal English-speaking guide, private driver and vehicle. Start in Urumqi; the hub of the western provinces and a cool oasis town tucked into the Tianshan mountains. Tour the Heavenly Lake and then transfer directly down the road to the desert city of Turpan. As China's hottest city, famous for its vineyards and grapes, this center of Urgur culture features some specacular and desolate ruins. Return to Urumqi and shop the bustling ethnic markets. Then transfer by air to Dunhuang to the east. Embark by camel across the desert on a 5km caravan to Sand Mountain; a taste of the old style of transport. The next day visit the famous Mogao Caves with the largest collection of Buddhist murals, art and architecture in China; a fascinating day tour. Enjoy an evening of local entertainment. Transfer to Dunhuang airport the next morning to end the itinerary. Includes internal train, lunches per itinerary, private vehicle transfers, expert English-speaking guides, activities and entrance fees.

Day 1
Urumqi
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Hoi Tak Hotel, Xinjiang is situated in the premier city center opposite the People's Square. Being the farthest inland city in the world, the hotel is beautifully decorated with ocean murals and fish tanks that provides a relaxing environment. Soaring to 33 stories, the Hoi Tak Hotel provides guests with breathtaking views of Urumqi and the famous capped "Tian Shan Mountains." All rooms feature comfortable guestrooms that are well equipped with a host of in room amenities, while restaurants provide an excellent selection of oriental and western cuisine. For the enjoyment of guests interested in sports or leisure, there are squash courts, sauna, steam room, tennis courts, outdoor pool, indoor pool on the grounds. Urumqi is a cool oasis from the searing western deserts, it is called an emerald at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. The most notable sights are the Heavenly Lake, the Southern Pastures, the Red Hill, the Southern Mosque, the Tartar Mosque, and the Xinjiang Regional Museum.

Day 2
Urumqi - Turpan
Full day private guided tour of Heavenly Lake with cruise and cart riding around the lake. The most famous landscape gem near Urumqi is Heavenly Lake (also named Tianchi Lake), particularly refreshing to travelers arriving in Urumqi from the barren Xinjiang deserts or from China's granite cities. A moraine lake hemmed in by majestic snow-crowned peaks west of Bogda Mountain, Tianchi is 3,400 meters (11,125 feet) long, 1,500 meters (4920 feet) wide, 1,980 meters (6494 feet) above sea level. The pristine scene is stunning. Includes lunch and dinner at local restaurants and transfer to Turpan. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Transfer to/from Turpan with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Silk Road Turpan Oasis Hotel is situated in the Xinjiang province of China, in Turpan city. The hotel is located on Youth Road, known as Turpan City's "Grape Street", and is surrounded by lush greenery. The traditional Islamic design of the hotel incorporates modern amenities, evoking the spirit of Turpan while providing all the comforts of home. Enjoy the comfortable settings that incorporate elements drawn from the rich history of the area and the pleasant gardens. Experience the wonders of this magical city by staying at the Silk Road Turpan Oasis Hotel. Turpan is an ancient city with traces of human habitation dating as far back as 6,000 years. The city is also known as Huo Zhou (a place as hot as fire), and is the hottest place in China. For half the year the temperature exceeds 40C (100F). The abundant sunshine gives its famous melons and grapes ideal conditions to grow. Highlights include; Flaming Mountain, Emin Minaret is the largest ancient Islamic tower in Xinjiang; and Jiaohe Ancient City and Gaochang Ancient City are witnesses to the long history of Turpan. Most hotels have their own grape vines and wineries open to visitors, and have evening traditional Uygur singing and dancing shows.

Day 3
Turpan
Full day private guided tour of Sugong Pagoda, Flaming Mt & Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Grottoes. Includes lunch and dinner at local restaurants. Transfer to train station. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Take an overnight train from Turpan to Dunhuang, approximately 11 hours.

Day 4
Dunhuang
Half day tour by riding camels to Sand Mountain, 5 km (3 miles) south of Dunhaung. Each time the wind blows, there is a sound from the mountain and when there is a breeze, the sound is like musical instruments, hence the name Echoing-Sand Mountain. After a strenuous climb to the top one can sand board to the bottom. Moon lake is located in the arms of Echoing-Sand Mountain, appearing clear and beautiful. Includes lunch and dinner at local restaurants. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Half day tour to Mogao Caves, located 25 km (16 miles) southeast of Dunhuang, regarded as the premier Buddhist spot in China, perhaps in the whole world. The artistic features of the treasured Buddhist murals represent perfectly the artistic style of the Northern Wei (386-543), Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) dynasties through the combination of the architecture, statues and murals in the caves. Includes lunch and dinner at local restaurants. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel is situated in the Gansu province of China in Dunhuang city. The hotel provides convenient access to the major scenic spots such as Mogao Grottoes and Mingsha Hill. The hotel is located 3 km south of Dunhuang's city center, a convenient 20 minutes' drive from the airport, and 30 minutes to the stunning Mogao Grottoes by hotel bus. Enjoy dining at the unique, yet traditional hotel restaurants, named Chamber of Grandeur and Chamber of Delights. Take part in a mulitude of recreational activities such as camel riding and sand trekking, and watch the sunset over the great Gobi desert from the comfort of your hotel rooms.

Dunhuang, long ago referred to as 'Sha Zhou' (beautiful desert oasis), was the hub of middle and eastern silk routes in ancient times. The city is most famous for the Mogao Caves, located 25 km (15 miles) southeast, and regarded as the premier Buddhist spot in China. Highlights include a camel ride to Sand Mountain to experience a small taste of travel on the Silk Road.

Day 5
Dunhuang
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Depart from Dunhuang airport - end of itinerary.