6 Days Silk Road Journey from Lake Kokonor to Dunhuang Wonders

By Tangola Travels

Free cancellation available

Features

Free cancellation available
6d
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Selective hotel pickup

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 6-day journey along the legendary Silk Road, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes come alive. Marvel at the serene blue waters of Lake Kokonor and explore Tibetan traditions along its shores. Walk through awe-inspiring grottoes at Mati Temple and the Mogao Caves, and witness the colorful, otherworldly formations of Zhangye Danxia Geopark. Experience the grandeur of Jiayuguan Fortress and the western reaches of the Great Wall, ride camels across the golden Mingsha Sand Dunes, and stroll through Dunhuang’s lively night market. With private transportation, expert guidance, and all major entrance fees included, this immersive adventure offers a seamless, once-in-a-lifetime Silk Road experience.

Activity location

Ta'er Monastery
- Juban Old Alley,
- Huangzhong County, Qinghai, China

Meeting/Redemption Point

Ta'er Monastery
- Juban Old Alley,
- Huangzhong County, Qinghai, China

Check availability

6 Days Silk Road Journey from Lake Kokonor to Dunhuang Wonders

6d
English

Pickup included

Travelers

Language options: English

Starting time: 8:30am

Price details

$3,990.00 x 1 Adult$3,990.00

Total

What's included, what's not

Private car arranged to comfortably fit your group size throughout the trip
All entrance and admission fees to the listed attractions are included
Professional English-speaking guide service
Gratuities
Round-trip flights or train tickets to/from the tour starting point
Meals not specified in the itinerary (lunches & dinners)
Personal expenses such as hotel minibar, laundry, souvenirs, or tips

Know before you book

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Day 1: Xining - Ta'er Monastery - Lake Kokonor (Qinghai Lake) - Xining

2 stops
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Xining at a 4-star hotel

Ta'er Monastery

2h
Admission ticket included

Ta’er Monastery, also known as Kumbum Monastery, is one of the six great monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Located near Xining, it was built in honor of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa school, and remains a living center of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Travelers will see golden-roofed halls, intricately painted murals, and the monastery’s famous butter sculptures and colorful murals that bring Buddhist stories to life. Pilgrims from across Tibet and Qinghai circle the prayer wheels, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere. A visit here offers not only magnificent architecture and art but also a chance to experience the heartbeat of Tibetan religion and tradition.

Lake Kokonor

2h
Admission ticket included

At Lake Kokonor, travelers will witness the vast blue waters stretching against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains and rolling grasslands. Depending on the season, you might see wildflowers blanketing the fields or migratory birds flocking at Bird Island. You’ll stroll along the lakeshore for breathtaking views, visit local Tibetan villages to learn about nomadic traditions, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that has made this lake a spiritual landmark for centuries. Whether it’s photography, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the scenery, Lake Kokonor offers an unforgettable highland experience.

Day 2: Xining - Qilian Mountain (Pass by) - Mati Temple - Zhangye

2 stops
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Zhangye at a 4-star hotel

Mati Temple

3h
Admission ticket included

Mati Temple, or Mati Si, is a remarkable Buddhist grotto complex carved into sheer cliffs in the Qilian Mountains near Zhangye. Known as the “Horse’s Hoof Temple” for a legend that a celestial horse left its hoofprint here, the site blends natural beauty with sacred heritage. Travelers can climb through interconnected caves and chambers filled with ancient Buddhist statues and frescoes, admire colorful Tibetan prayer flags fluttering in the mountain wind, and explore the serene valleys and temples scattered across the landscape. With its dramatic cliffside setting and blend of Tibetan and Han Buddhist culture, Mati Temple offers a unique and adventurous Silk Road experience.

Qilian Mountain, Haibei

As you journey along the Silk Road route, you’ll pass by the majestic Qilian Mountains, a natural barrier once crossed by traders and caravans. Snowcapped peaks, vast grasslands, and nomadic herds create unforgettable roadside scenery, offering a glimpse of the rugged beauty of Qinghai without a stop.

Day 3: Dafo Temple - Zhangye Danxia Geopark - Jiayuguan

2 stops
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Jiayuguan at a 4-star hotel

Dafo Temple of Zhangye

2h
Admission ticket included

Zhangye Dafo Temple, or the Giant Buddha Temple, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks on the ancient Silk Road. Built during the Western Xia Dynasty, it houses China’s largest reclining indoor clay Buddha, measuring over 34 meters long. Visitors can admire the Buddha’s serene expression, detailed murals, and centuries-old scriptures preserved within the temple halls. Surrounded by peaceful courtyards and traditional architecture, the temple offers a glimpse into both Buddhist devotion and the historic prosperity of Zhangye as a Silk Road hub.

Zhangye Danxia Geopark

3h
Admission ticket included

Zhangye Danxia Geopark, often called the “Rainbow Mountains,” is one of China’s most striking natural wonders. Layers of red, orange, yellow, and green sandstone form wave-like ridges and cliffs, creating surreal, painterly landscapes that look almost unreal. Travelers can walk along scenic boardwalks and viewing platforms to admire the shifting colors at sunrise and sunset, when the mountains glow most vividly. The park’s otherworldly beauty, shaped by millions of years of geological evolution, makes it a must-see highlight of the Silk Road in Gansu.

Day 4: Jiayuguan Fortress - Xuanbi Great Wall - Dunhuang Night Market

3 stops
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Dunhuang at a 4-star hotel

Jiayuguan Fortress

2h
Admission ticket included

Jiayuguan Fortress, at the western end of the Great Wall, is one of China’s most iconic Silk Road landmarks. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it served as a strategic military stronghold and gateway between China and Central Asia. Visitors can walk along the fortress walls, explore watchtowers, and admire the massive gates that once guarded caravans and armies. The fortress’s location against the dramatic Gobi Desert and rugged mountains creates a striking landscape, offering a vivid glimpse into China’s military history and Silk Road heritage.

Great Wall at Jiayuguan Pass

1h
Admission ticket included

The Xuanbi Great Wall, located just outside Jiayuguan, is a well-preserved section of the westernmost Great Wall. Stretching along rugged cliffs and desert terrain, it once served as a critical defense point protecting the Silk Road frontier. Travelers can walk along parts of the wall, explore watchtowers, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountains. Its remote, dramatic setting gives visitors a sense of the strategic importance and sheer scale of China’s Great Wall at the edge of the empire.

Dunhuang Night Market

Dunhuang Night Market is a lively evening destination where travelers can immerse themselves in local culture and flavors. Stroll through stalls offering traditional snacks, handcrafts, and souvenirs while enjoying the bustling atmosphere. Sample specialties like roasted lamb skewers, sweet dumplings, and local desserts, or shop for silk, embroidery, and ethnic handicrafts. The market comes alive after sunset with vibrant lights, street performances, and the friendly chatter of locals, offering a perfect way to experience Dunhuang’s night-time energy and Silk Road heritage.

Day 5: Mogao Caves - Dunhuang Museum - Mingsha Shan

3 stops
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Dunhuang at a 4-star hotel

Mogao Caves

4h
Admission ticket included

The Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes, are a UNESCO World Heritage site near Dunhuang. This vast complex of 492 caves houses over 45,000 square meters of murals and 2,000 painted sculptures spanning a millennium of Buddhist art. Travelers can explore richly decorated halls, admire intricate storytelling through vibrant murals, and witness the evolution of Chinese Buddhist culture. The caves offer a fascinating glimpse into the Silk Road’s history, serving as a spiritual, artistic, and cultural hub where commerce, religion, and art converged for centuries.

Dunhuang Museum

Dunhuang Museum showcases the rich history, culture, and art of the Dunhuang region and the Silk Road. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring ancient manuscripts, Buddhist statues, traditional costumes, and relics from the Mogao Caves. The museum provides context for the area’s role as a cultural crossroads, helping travelers understand the art, religion, and trade that flourished along the Silk Road. With interactive displays and carefully curated artifacts, it’s an ideal stop to deepen your appreciation of Dunhuang’s heritage before or after visiting the caves.

Mingsha Shan - Echoing-Sand Mountain

3h
Admission ticket included

Mingsha Mountain, or the Singing Sand Dunes, is a spectacular desert attraction near Dunhuang. Travelers can climb the golden sand dunes, listen to the unique “singing” sound the sand makes when the wind blows, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Gobi Desert. At the foot of the dunes lies the Crescent Moon Spring, a serene oasis shaped like a crescent, offering a striking contrast to the vast sands. Visitors can ride camels, slide down the dunes, or simply walk along the oasis, making it a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and photo opportunities in the heart of the Silk Road desert.

Day 6: Yangguan site - Yumen Pass - Yadan National Geological Park - Dunhuang

3 stops
Meals: breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Dunhuang at a 4-star hotel

Yangguan Historic Sites

2h
Admission ticket included

Yangguan, one of the famous western passes of the ancient Silk Road, lies near Dunhuang and served as a key military and trade gateway. Travelers can explore the historic ruins of watchtowers and fortifications, imagining the caravans and soldiers that once passed through this strategic point. The site offers panoramic views of the surrounding Gobi Desert, desert plains, and distant mountains, providing a sense of the vastness and importance of the Silk Road. Visiting Yangguan allows travelers to step back in time and experience the frontier spirit of ancient China.

Yumen Pass

2h
Admission ticket included

Yumen Pass, also called the Jade Gate Pass, is an iconic Silk Road landmark near Dunhuang. Once a key gateway for caravans carrying jade, silk, and spices, it served as a strategic military and trade post. Travelers can explore the ruins of ancient walls and watchtowers, walk along the historic pathways, and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding desert and mountains. Visiting Yumen Pass offers a tangible connection to the history of commerce, defense, and cultural exchange along the Silk Road.

Yadan National Geological Park

2h
Admission ticket included

Yadan Geological Park, also known as the “Yadan Ghost City,” is a surreal landscape of wind-eroded rock formations shaped over millions of years. Travelers will be amazed by towering spires, cliffs, and labyrinth-like rock ridges that resemble ancient ruins or a ghostly city. Scenic walking paths and viewing platforms allow visitors to explore the formations safely while capturing stunning photos, especially at sunrise and sunset when the colors and shadows enhance the dramatic scenery. The park offers a unique experience of nature’s artistry, desert landscapes, and geological wonders along the Silk Road.

Location

Activity location

Ta'er Monastery
- Juban Old Alley,
- Huangzhong County, Qinghai, China

Meeting/Redemption Point

Ta'er Monastery
- Juban Old Alley,
- Huangzhong County, Qinghai, China

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. Expedia offers one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Huangzhong County your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food, or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.

Top Experiences in Huangzhong County

With so many things to do in Huangzhong County, planning the perfect day out may seem like a daunting task. Expedia is here to take the hassle out of finding the best attractions, tours, and activities in Huangzhong County. Families, couples, and business travelers can all find the perfect activity in Huangzhong County to create life-long memories with the help of Expedia.