Where the Silk Road Lives: Southern Xinjiang
Southern Xinjiang remains one of the world’s great overland crossroads, where ancient trading posts, desert oases, and mountain corridors thrive with daily life. From Kashgar’s lively alleys to the snow-capped Pamir Plateau and the vast Taklamakan Desert, this journey explores living Uyghur, Tajik, and Kyrgyz traditions through dramatic landscapes and compelling human stories, led by landscape photographer Steve Chong and myself, Rarindra Prakarsa.
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Day 1: Guangzhou to Kashgar
Overnight: Kashgar
Arrive at the historic gateway of the Silk Road. Begin exploring the mudbrick alleyways, artisan workshops, and bustling neighborhoods of Kashgar Old City (West District).
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Day 2: Kashgar to Tashkurgan
Transit: 350 km · Approx. 5 hours | Overnight: Tashkurgan. Explore Kashgar’s East District before ascending the Karakoram Highway onto the Pamir Plateau. Pass the windswept shores of White Sand Lake and the glacial face of Muztagh Ata.
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Day 3: Pamir Plateau Exploration
Overnight: Tashkurgan
Photograph sunrise across the ancient Stone City and Golden Grasslands. Spend the afternoon taking in the turquoise waters and soaring peaks surrounding Bandir Blue Lake.
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Day 4: Tashkurgan to Kashgar
Transit: 350 km · Approx. 5 hours | Overnight: Kashgar
Descend back across the plateau with flexible stops for landscape photography. Watch for spontaneous gatherings along the route, including traditional Tajik equestrian events or weddings.
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Day 5: Kashgar to Yarkant (Shache)
Transit: 200 km · Approx. 3 hours | Overnight: Yarkant
Travel south to the seat of the historical Yarkand Khanate. Visit the Fragrant Concubine Garden and Yarkant Palace, home to the enduring legacy of the Twelve Muqam musical tradition.
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Day 6: Yarkant to Hotan
Transit: 300 km · Approx. 4 hours | Overnight: Hotan
Journey through a succession of desert oases to Hotan, one of the Silk Road’s oldest trading hubs. Walk the old town quarter and experience the sprawling Hotan Night Market.
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Day 7: Hotan to Minfeng
Transit: 300 km · Approx. 4 hours | Overnight: Minfeng
Visit traditional mulberry silk workshops, handmade carpet cooperatives, and the jade market. Continue east along the southern fringe of the Taklamakan Desert.
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Day 8: Minfeng to Tazhong
Transit: 350 km · Approx. 5 hours | Overnight: Tazhong
Cut through the center of the Taklamakan Desert via the Desert Highway, framed by towering dunes. Spend the night deep within the desert basin under clear night skies.
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Day 9: Tazhong to Luntai
Transit: 300 km · Approx. 4 hours | Overnight: Luntai
Head north toward the Tarim River basin to explore the world’s largest ancient Euphrates poplar forest, framed by desert sands and braided channels.
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Day 10: Luntai to Kuqa
Transit: 300 km · Approx. 4 hours | Overnight: Kuqa
Tour the historic quarters of ancient Kucha before entering the Tianshan Grand Canyon to photograph its sheer, wind-sculpted red sandstone cliffs.
Day 11: Kuqa to Aksu
Transit: 300 km · Approx. 4 hours | Overnight: Aksu
Flexible routing based on local conditions: choose between the sweeping layered red beds of Wensu Grand Canyon or the dense autumn foliage of the Shayar Poplar Forest.
Day 12: Aksu to Bachu / Akqi
Overnight: Bachu or Akqi
Seasonal focus: visit Golden Poplar Island along the Yarkand River in peak autumn, or head into Akqi to witness traditional Kyrgyz eagle handling and culture.
Day 13: Bachu / Akqi to Kashgar
Transit: 250 km · Approx. 3 hours | Overnight: Kashgar
Complete the Southern Xinjiang loop back in Kashgar. Spend your final afternoon revisiting local bazaars and artisan quarters for street photography and regional crafts.
Day 14: Kashgar to Guangzhou
Transfer to Kashgar Airport for your outbound flight.
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Trip Details:
Dates: 19-31 OCT 2027
Price/Person: USD 4,365
Group Size: 6–8 participants
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Arrival: Kashgar Laining International Airport (KHG) on 19th Oct
Departure: Kashgar Laining International Airport (KHG), on 31st Oct
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What’s Included:
Accommodation: Single occupancy in 3 stars hotels throughout the trip
Ground Transportation: 30 seats bus
Photography Mentoring: Full field tuition, on-location lighting setups, and guidance by Rarindra (people photography) & Steve Chong (Landscape photography).
Meals: Daily breakfast and lunch during the tour. And water always in the bus/van
Production & Access: Local guide, Local models/talents, entrance ticket, location/property rent
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What’s NOT Included:
International flights to and from China
Accommodations prior/after to the trip date
Visa fees (if applicable).
Personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, and independently ordered meals/snacks.
Gratuities / Tips for drivers, local guides. 20x2 (driver+guide) in 13 days = Aprox: 540 yuan or USD 70-90
Travel & medical insurance.
Visa
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TRIP PAYMENT & OPERATIONAL MILESTONE:
[Jan 15, 2027] ─── Registration Opens (Deposit: $1,300 to secure slot)
[Jul 15, 2027] ─── ★ CUT-OFF DATE: Minimum Quota Confirmation (6 Pax) (Trip officially confirmed or 100% refunded)
[Jul 16-25, 2027] ─ Flight Booking Window (Individual international booking based on flight advisory)
[Aug 2-6, 2027] ─ Final Balance Payment: $3,065
[Sep 01-15, 2027, or earlier] ─ China Tourist Visa Application
[Oct 19, 2027] ─── Group Assembly at Kashgar Airport
[Oct 19-31, 2027] ─ Photography Expedition Execution
[Oct 31, 2027] ─── Tour Concludes in Urumqi / Departure Flights
Bank Transfer Details
Bank Name: Bank Central Asia (BCA)
Account Number: 4912 260 571
Account Name: Budi Prakasa Karyadi
Branch Address: Jalan Panjang 79 EF, Kelapa Dua, Jakarta 11520, Indonesia
SWIFT Code: CENAIDJA
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Thank you!
