24 Days Kyrgyzstan-China-Mongoli Self-Driving Tour from Kashgar to Erenhot

This 24-day self-driving tour offers an immersive journey from the vibrant city of Kashgar in Xinjiang, China, through diverse landscapes and historical sites, culminating in Erenhot, a key border crossing into Mongolia. You’ll traverse the Taklamakan Desert, explore ancient Silk Road cities, visit cultural landmarks, and experience the rich history of China from the western desert to the bustling capital city of Beijing.

Highlights:

  • Kashgar Bazaar, Mosque, and Abakh Hodja Tomb
  • Taklamakan Desert
  • Turpan Grape Valley, Flaming Mountains, Sugong Tower
  • Karze and Dunhuang Mogao Caves
  • Xi’an: Terra Cotta Warriors and ancient city
  • Beijing: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven

Itinerary

Day 1: Irkstan to Kashgar

  • Activity: Enter China, complete entry procedures, and drive to Kashgar.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Kashgar.

Day 2: Kashgar

  • Activity: Visit the Kashgar Sunday Market, Mosquee Idkar, and Abakh Hodja Tomb. Note that Sunday markets are particularly lively and mosques are best visited on Fridays.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Kashgar.

Day 3: Kashgar to Yecheng (260 km)

  • Activity: Explore Kashgar in the morning and drive to Yecheng in the afternoon.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Yecheng.

Day 4: Yecheng to Hetian (260 km)

  • Activity: Drive to Hetian and explore its jade market and local attractions.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Hetian.

Day 5: Hetian to Mingfeng (300 km)

  • Activity: Drive to Mingfeng and enjoy the desert sunset. Mingfeng marks the start of the desert road through Taklamakan.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Mingfeng.

Day 6: Mingfeng to Luntai (560 km)

  • Activity: Navigate the Taklamakan Desert on a challenging drive to Luntai.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Luntai.

Day 7: Luntai to Kuerle to Turpan (530 km)

  • Activity: Drive to Turpan, passing through Kuerle. Enjoy local specialties like delicious pears.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Turpan.

Day 8: Turpan

  • Activity: Explore Turpan, including the Jiaohe Ancient City, Sugong Tower, Grape Valley, and Flaming Mountains.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Turpan.

Day 9: Turpan to Shanshan to Hami (390 km)

  • Activity: Visit Maza Village, desert parks, and the Hami King Tomb.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Hami.

Day 10: Hami to Dunhuang (400 km)

  • Activity: Drive to Dunhuang and visit the Mogao Caves, Moon Spring, and Mingsha Sand Dunes.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Dunhuang.

Day 11: Dunhuang to Jiayuguan to Zhangye (620 km)

  • Activity: Drive to Jiayuguan to see the Great Wall Pass, then continue to Zhangye.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Zhangye.

Day 12: Zhangye to Mingle to Xining (350 km)

  • Activity: Visit Zhangye Dafo Temple in the morning and drive to Xining, crossing the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Xining.

Day 13: Xining to Qinghaihu Lake (300 km)

  • Activity: Visit Taer Monastery and Qinghaihu Lake. Option to camp by the lake depending on the weather.
  • Accommodation: Hotel or campsite by Qinghaihu Lake.

Day 14: Qinghaihu to Xining to Lanzhou (390 km)

  • Activity: Drive back to Xining and continue to Lanzhou.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Lanzhou.

Day 15: Lanzhou to Tianshui (330 km)

  • Activity: Drive to Tianshui and visit Maijishan Grottos.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Tianshui.

Day 16: Tianshui to Xi’an (395 km)

  • Activity: Drive to Xi’an and visit local sites such as the city wall, drum tower, and bell tower.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Xi’an.

Day 17: Xi’an

  • Activity: Explore the Terra Cotta Warriors and Shanxi Historical Museum.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Xi’an.

Day 18: Xi’an to Pingyao (570 km)

  • Activity: Long drive to Pingyao, a well-preserved ancient city.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Pingyao.

Day 19: Pingyao to Taiyuan to Datong (380 km)

  • Activity: Visit Pingyao Ancient City, then drive to Datong.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Datong.

Day 20: Datong to Great Wall (Hotel)

  • Activity: Visit Datong Grottos and the Great Wall.
  • Accommodation: Hotel near the Great Wall.

Day 21: Great Wall to Beijing (Hotel)

  • Activity: Drive to Beijing and visit major sites such as the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing.

Day 22: Beijing

  • Activity: Free day to explore Beijing at your leisure.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing.

Day 23: Beijing to Erenhot (Hotel)

  • Activity: Long drive to Erenhot, the border port.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Erenhot.

Day 24: Erenhot to Mongolia

  • Activity: Exit China at Erenhot and enter Mongolia.
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Mongolia.

China Self-Driving Travel Tips

  1. Documentation: Ensure you have a valid Chinese driving license or an international driving permit (IDP). Carry your vehicle registration, insurance, and passport at all times.
  2. Road Conditions: Prepare for diverse road conditions ranging from modern highways to challenging desert roads. Check weather and road status regularly.
  3. Navigation: Use reliable GPS and offline maps. Mobile signal can be weak in remote areas.
  4. Fuel: Plan refueling stops in advance, especially in remote areas where gas stations may be sparse.
  5. Safety: Adhere to local traffic laws and drive cautiously. In some areas, traffic police may conduct checks.
  6. Language: Basic knowledge of Chinese or a translation app can be helpful for communication and understanding road signs.
  7. Accommodation: Book hotels in advance, especially in popular tourist areas.
  8. Emergency Contacts: Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and have a first-aid kit in your vehicle.