Traverse 12 days from Xi'an to Kashgar across deserts, mountain passes and ancient trade towns. This private Silk Road tour blends iconic sites like the Terracotta Warriors and Mogao Grottoes with rugged landscapes and living cultural stops.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of Xi’an’s evening light and the city’s ancient stones seem to fold back into the route that once carried traders, horses and ideas across Asia.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to handle multi-hour days with vehicle transfers, short hikes, stairs in historic sites and occasional high-altitude adjustments.
Wildlife
History
This corridor was a core artery of the Silk Road; towns like Kashgar and Turpan functioned as trading entrepôts linking China, Central Asia and beyond for millennia.
Conservation
The region’s desert soils and cave murals are fragile — stick to marked paths, avoid touching murals and follow local guide rules to limit erosion and cultural damage.
Reserve your spot on the 12-Day Silk Road Tours from Xi'an today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Hydrate for long drives
Carry a reusable water bottle and refill at hotels; road transfers and desert stops can be dry and hot.
Layer for temperature swings
Desert days are hot but nights and plateau regions are chilly — pack a lightweight insulating layer.
Protect against sun and sand
Bring a wide-brim hat, sunglasses and a scarf to block blowing sand during dunes and open-road stops.
Carry copies of documents
Have physical and digital copies of passport, visa and insurance — remote regions often require them for checkpoints or logistics.
Sturdy daypack
Holds water, sun protection, camera and layers for daily excursions.
Sun hat & UV sunglasses
Essential protection for long desert exposures and bright mountain glare.
summer
Light insulated jacket
Useful for cool mornings, high-altitude evenings and air-conditioned transport.
spring
Travel document organizer
Keeps passports, printed permits and emergency contacts accessible during border-area travel.