22 Days Laos-China-Kazakhstan Self-Driving Tour from Yunnan Mohan to Xinjiang Khorgas

Tour Overview

Code of Tour: YET0000063521

Length of Travel: 22 Day

Destinations of Tour: Mohan-Jinghong-Yuanyang-Xichang-Chengdu-Xi’an-Lanzhou-Xining-Dunhuang-Hami-Turpan-Urumqi-Sayram Lake-Huocheng

Departure City:

Price of Tour: Request

Type of Tour:

Features of Tour:

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Embark on a remarkable 22-day self-driving adventure from Mohan, Yunnan to Khorgas, Xinjiang, crossing through the heart of China and experiencing diverse landscapes, cultures, and historical sites. This journey offers a unique opportunity to explore China’s vast provinces, from the tropical landscapes of Yunnan to the arid deserts of Xinjiang, and then venture into Kazakhstan.

Overview

This tour covers significant regions including Yunnan, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang, providing a comprehensive exploration of China’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The trip is designed for travel between March and November, offering favorable weather conditions for the diverse terrains encountered along the route.

Tour Highlights

Yuanyang Rice Terraces: Witness the stunning sunrise and sunset over the terraced fields, cultivated by the Hani people for generations.
Chengdu Panda Base: Visit the home of the adorable Giant Pandas and learn about conservation efforts.
Xi’an: Explore the historical Terra-Cotta Warriors and ancient city walls.
Kumbum Monastery: Discover the cultural and religious significance of this major Tibetan monastery.
Qinghai Lake: Enjoy the serene beauty of China’s largest saltwater lake.
Dunhuang Mogao Caves: Marvel at the ancient Buddhist art and murals.
Turpan: Experience the unique Karez well system and the ancient city of Gaochang.
Sayram Lake: Enjoy the breathtaking alpine scenery and the largest lake in Xinjiang.

China Self-Driving Travel Tips

Documentation: Ensure all necessary documents, including driver’s license, vehicle registration, and travel permits, are in order.
Navigation: Use reliable GPS and maps for accurate navigation.
Fuel: Keep your fuel tank topped up, especially in remote areas where gas stations may be sparse.
Accommodation: Pre-book hotels to ensure availability, particularly in tourist hotspots and during peak seasons.
Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with local traffic regulations and driving customs in each region.
Health and Safety: Carry a first-aid kit, stay hydrated, and be prepared for altitude changes, especially in regions like Qinghai and Xinjiang.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Laos – Enter China by Mohan – Mengla [Enter Yunnan Province]

Activities: Cross the border into China through Mohan. Complete entry procedures.
Accommodation: Mengla

Day 2: Mengla – Menglun – Mojiang (390 km)

Activities: Drive to Mojiang. Enjoy the scenic drive.
Accommodation: Mojiang

Day 3: Mojiang – Yuanyang (210 km)

Activities: Drive to Yuanyang. Take in the stunning landscapes along the way.
Accommodation: Yuanyang

Day 4: Yuanyang – Jianshui – Kunming (280 km)

Activities: Drive to Kunming via Jianshui ancient town. Visit Yuanyang Rice Terraces, known for Hani People’s terraced fields and beautiful sunrise/sunset views.
Accommodation: Kunming

Day 5: Kunming – Xichang [Enter Sichuan Province] (500 km)

Activities: Drive to Xichang, primarily via expressway. Xichang is a beautiful ethnic city known for its Yi people’s culture and Qinghai Lake.
Accommodation: Xichang

Day 6: Xichang – Leshan Giant Buddha (430 km)

Activities: Drive to Leshan. Visit the world heritage site, Leshan Giant Buddha.
Accommodation: Leshan

Day 7: Leshan – Chengdu (150 km)

Activities: Drive to Chengdu. Explore the city known for its laid-back lifestyle, teahouses, and Giant Panda Base.
Accommodation: Chengdu

Day 8: Chengdu – Jiange – Guangyuan (310 km)

Activities: Drive to Guangyuan via Jiange. Enjoy the scenic drive.
Accommodation: Guangyuan

Day 9: Guangyuan – Xi’an [Enter Shaanxi Province] (470 km)

Activities: Drive to Xi’an. Enjoy the journey through picturesque landscapes.
Accommodation: Xi’an

Day 10: Xi’an

Activities: Explore Xi’an, a city with a rich history as the terminus of the Silk Road. Visit the Terra-Cotta Warriors, city wall, drum tower, bell tower, and Shanxi Historical Museum.
Accommodation: Xi’an

Day 11: Xi’an – Lanzhou [Enter Gansu Province] (680 km)

Activities: Drive to Lanzhou via expressway.
Accommodation: Lanzhou

Day 12: Lanzhou – Kumbum – Qinghai Lake [Enter Qinghai Province] (310 km)

Activities: Drive to Qinghai Lake, visiting Kumbum Monastery along the way.
Accommodation: Qinghai Lake

Day 13: Qinghai Lake – Mingle – Zhangye [Enter Gansu Province] (420 km)

Activities: Drive to Zhangye. This is a long driving day primarily on country roads.
Accommodation: Zhangye

Day 14: Zhangye – Jiayuguan (230 km)

Activities: Visit Zhangye’s attractions before driving to Jiayuguan. Explore Danxia Landform National Park.
Accommodation: Jiayuguan

Day 15: Jiayuguan – Dunhuang (400 km)

Activities: Drive to Dunhuang via expressway. Visit Jiayu Pass, the most intact pass of the Great Wall of China.
Accommodation: Dunhuang

Day 16: Dunhuang

Activities: Explore Dunhuang. Visit Mogao Caves, Sand Sounding Dunes, and Crescent Moon Spring.
Accommodation: Dunhuang

Day 17: Dunhuang – Hami [Enter Xinjiang Province] (400 km)

Activities: Drive to Hami. Enjoy the scenic Silk Road along the way.
Accommodation: Hami

Day 18: Hami – Turpan (400 km)

Activities: Drive to Turpan via expressway. Explore Turpan’s attractions upon arrival.
Accommodation: Turpan

Day 19: Turpan

Activities: Explore Turpan. Visit the Karez well system, Grape Valley, Gaochang Ancient City, and Flaming Mountain.
Accommodation: Turpan

Day 20: Turpan – Kuytun (440 km)

Activities: Drive to Kuytun, enjoying the journey’s scenic views.
Accommodation: Kuytun

Day 21: Kuytun – Sayram Lake – Huocheng (430 km)

Activities: Drive to Huocheng. Enjoy the scenic mountain passes, yurts, and yaks. Visit Sayram Lake, the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang.
Accommodation: Huocheng

Day 22: Huocheng – Horgos – Exit to Kazakhstan

Activities: Complete exit procedures at the customs and exit China to Kazakhstan. The NAVO service concludes here.
Accommodation: None (tour ends)