21 Days Kyrgyzstan-China-Laos Self-Driving Tour from Xinjiang Kashgar to Yunnan Mohan

Tour Overview

Code of Tour: YET0000063523

Length of Travel: 21 Day

Destinations of Tour: Kashgar-Turpan-Dunhuang-Xining-Lanzhou-Xi’an-Chengdu-Kunming –Yuanyang-Jinghong-Mohan

Departure City:

Price of Tour: Request

Type of Tour:

Features of Tour:

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Embark on an extraordinary 21-day self-driving journey that takes you through the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of Kyrgyzstan, China, and Laos. Starting in Kashgar, Xinjiang, and concluding at Mohan, Yunnan, this tour offers a remarkable exploration of diverse regions, including the Silk Road, desert oases, alpine lakes, ancient cities, and lush tropical gardens.

Overview:
This self-driving adventure spans three countries, highlighting the historical Silk Road, breathtaking natural wonders, and vibrant local cultures. The route traverses Xinjiang’s arid expanses, the Silk Road’s historic sites, the scenic highlands of Qinghai, and the cultural treasures of Sichuan before reaching the lush landscapes of Yunnan and Laos.

Tour Highlights:

Kashgar Bazaar: Immerse yourself in the vibrant market life and local culture.
Turpan’s Grape Valley & Jiaohe Ancient Town: Explore ancient ruins and lush vineyards in one of the world’s lowest points.
Dunhuang Mogao Grottos: Marvel at the UNESCO-listed Buddhist caves with their exquisite murals.
Jiayuguan Great Wall: Visit the westernmost point of the Great Wall.
Qinghai Lake & Ta’er Monastery (Kumbum): Enjoy the largest saltwater lake in China and a significant Tibetan Buddhist site.
Xi’an Terra-Cotta Warriors: Discover the famed army of life-sized statues protecting China’s first emperor.
Chengdu Panda Research Base: Get close to giant pandas at this world-renowned facility.
Leshan Giant Buddha: Admire the world’s largest stone Buddha.
Yuanyang Rice Terraces: Experience the stunning terraced fields and local Hani culture.
Jinghong Tropical Botanic Garden: Explore diverse tropical plant species in Yunnan.

China Self-Driving Travel Tips:

Documentation: Ensure you have all necessary documents, including a valid international driving permit, Chinese visa, and vehicle registration.
Road Conditions: Be prepared for varied road conditions, from well-maintained highways to rugged terrain in remote areas.
Navigation: GPS and offline maps are essential, especially in remote regions where road signs may be scarce.
Local Laws: Adhere to local driving regulations and speed limits. Note that traffic rules and driving styles may vary.
Fuel & Maintenance: Plan fuel stops in advance, particularly in less populated areas. Regular vehicle maintenance checks are recommended.
Emergency Contacts: Have a list of local emergency contacts and roadside assistance services.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 01: Kyrgyzstan – Enter Irkshtam/Torugart – Kashgar (Enter Xinjiang Province)

Activity: Arrive at the Kyrgyzstan-China border (Irkshtam or Torugart). Complete border crossing procedures with assistance. Drive to Kashgar, Xinjiang.
Notes: Ensure all documentation and permits are in order. The choice of border crossing depends on your starting point in Kyrgyzstan.

Day 02: Kashgar

Activity: Continue with customs processes and vehicle registration.
Optional: Explore Kashgar’s vibrant markets and historic sites if time allows.
Highlights: Visit the Sunday Market, Idkah Mosque, and Abakh Hoja Tomb.

Day 03: Kashgar

Activity: Complete any remaining customs or vehicle registration processes.
Optional: Further exploration of Kashgar.
Highlights: Additional visits to landmarks or museums in Kashgar.

Day 04: Kashgar – Aksu – Kuche [720 km]

Activity: Drive from Kashgar to Kuche, passing through Aksu.
Highlights: Scenic drive through Xinjiang’s Gobi Desert. The road is long but well-maintained.

Day 05: Kuche – Korla – Turpan [680 km]

Activity: Continue driving towards Turpan, with stops at Kuche.
Highlights: Visit Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Grottoes and Kuche Grand Valley (if time permits). These sites are quite extensive, so consider an extra day in Kuche for a more relaxed visit.

Day 06: Turpan

Activity: Full day exploring Turpan’s attractions.
Highlights: Jiaohe Ancient City, Sugong Tower, Grape Valley, Kaner Well, and Flaming Mountains. Enjoy the unique desert and oasis scenery.

Day 07: Turpan – Shanshan – Hami [410 km]

Activity: Drive to Hami with possible stops in Shanshan.
Highlights: Visit Maza Village, a historic Uyghur village, and Hami King Tomb. Explore desert parks if time allows.

Day 08: Hami – Dunhuang (Enter Gansu Province) [400 km]

Activity: Drive to Dunhuang.
Highlights: Visit Mogao Grottos, Crescent Moon Spring, and Mingsha Sand Dunes. Enjoy the rich cultural and natural beauty.

Day 09: Dunhuang – Jiayuguan – Zhangye [Drive: 630 km]

Activity: Travel to Zhangye with stops at Jiayuguan Pass.
Highlights: Explore Jiayuguan Pass and Zhangye Danxia Landform Park, known for its colorful rock formations.

Day 10: Zhangye – Qilian Mountain Range – Xining (Enter Qinghai Province) [420 km]

Activity: Drive through the Qilian Mountain Range to Xining.
Optional: Consider an overnight stay at Qinghai Lake for added scenic views.

Day 11: Xining – Kumbum – Lanzhou (Enter Gansu Province) [310 km]

Activity: Drive to Lanzhou with a visit to Kumbum (Ta’er Monastery).
Highlights: Visit Qinghai Lake and Kumbum Monastery, an important Tibetan Buddhist site.

Day 12: Lanzhou – Xi’an (Enter Shaanxi Province) [680 km]

Activity: Long drive to Xi’an.
Highlights: Drive mostly on expressways. Prepare for a long day of driving.

Day 13: Xi’an

Activity: Explore Xi’an’s historical sites.
Highlights: Visit the Terra-Cotta Warriors and other ancient city attractions.

Day 14: Xi’an – Guangyuan (Enter Sichuan Province) [470 km]

Activity: Drive to Guangyuan, enjoying scenic views along the route.

Day 15: Guangyuan – Jiange – Chengdu [310 km]

Activity: Drive to Chengdu with a detour through Jiange.
Highlights: Explore Jiange National Forest Park and Chengdu. Consider visiting the Chengdu Panda Research Base.

Day 16: Chengdu – Leshan Giant Buddha – Xichang [440 km]

Activity: Drive to Xichang with a detour to Leshan.
Highlights: Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 17: Xichang – Kunming (Enter Yunnan Province) [500 km]

Activity: Drive to Kunming.
Highlights: Arrive in Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan.

Day 18: Kunming – Jianshui – Yuanyang [280 km]

Activity: Drive to Yuanyang, with a stop in Jianshui if time permits.
Highlights: Explore Yuanyang’s Rice Terraces, and consider a visit to Jianshui Ancient Town.

Day 19: Yuanyang

Activity: Full day exploring Yuanyang.
Highlights: Enjoy the spectacular rice terraces and experience local Hani culture. Great for sunrise and sunset photography.

Day 20: Yuanyang – Jinghong [450 km]