Budget Silk Road Tour: Beijing to Kashgar by train

Day 1. Arrival Beijing
Today is arrival day, please check in your hotel with your passport in Beijing. 

Day 2. Beijing
Today you will be transferred to Mutianyu Great Wall. You will take 2-hour car ride, then enjoy the fantastic view on the Great Wall. 
Later you will be transferred back to your Beijing hotel.
Overnight in Beijing

Day 3. Beijing – Xian by overnight hard sleeper train
Today you will visit the Forbidden City (Close on Mondays) and Tiananmen Square. Catch the overnight train to Xian in the evening.
Overnight on the hard sleeper train

Day 4. Xian
Today you will visit the fantastic Terra Cotta Warriors, which was discovered in 1974 by local farmers. 
Overnight in Xian

Day 5. Xian – Lanzhou by bullet train, then car to Xiahe Labrang
Today you will catch 2-hour bullet train to Lanzhou, then take 4-hour car ride to Xiahe (Labrang in Tibetan). This is a small town renown for the colorful Labrang Monastery, which is one of the six famous Tibetan Buddhism monasteries. 
Overnight in Labrang 

Day 6. Labrang – Lanzhou – Dunhuang by car + overnight train
Today you will visit the Labrang Monastery with a local lama guide, then take 4-hour car ride back to Lanzhou where you will catch the 12-hour overnight train to Dunhuang.
Overnight on the hard sleeper train

Day 7. Dunhuang
Today you will visit the famous Mogao Caves, which is gem on the ancient Silk Road with its splendid frescos and statues.
Overnight in Dunhuang

Day 8. Dunhuang – Turpan by overnight train
Today is your free day before transferring to Liuyuan railway station to catch the 8-hour overnight train to Turpan.
Overnight on the hard sleeper train

Day 9. Turpan
Turpan is a wonderful place to learn the history about the Silk Road by visiting the historical attractions. Today you will visit the ancient city of Gaochang and Jiaohe, Bezklik Grottoes, Karez Irrigation System, and Turpan Museum (Close on Mondays) in Turpan to learn the ancient civilization 
Overnight in Turpan

Day 10. Turpan - Kashgar by overnight train
Enjoy your free time before catching the 14-hour overnight train to Kashgar.
Overnight on the hard sleeper train

Day 11. Kashgar city tour
Today you are busy to explore the historical city Kashgar with a local guide. You will visit Id Ghar Mosque, the old town, the Grand Bazaar, Apa Hoja Mausoleum, and Animal Bazaar (Only on Sunday).
Overnight in Kashgar

Day 12. Departure from Kashgar
Today is departure day, and the wonderful Silk Road tour concludes.