Day 9: Bishkek - Lake Issyk Kul.
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bishkek, an attractive city set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. In the afternoon drive to Lake Issyk-Kul or “warm lake” the second largest mountain lake in the world. (B)

Day 10: Lake Issyk Kul - Naryn.
Driving through the heart of Central Asia you will witness the life of the Kyrgyz nomads as you make your way to Naryn, a town founded as a fortified point on the trade route to China. (B)

Day 11: Naryn - Kashgar.
Travelling through towering mountains arrive at the land border between Kyrgyzstan and China and cross the impressive Torugart Pass (3574m) into China. The cool mountains give way to remote desert landscapes as you approach Kashgar. (B)

Day 12: Kashgar.
Situated in the Tarim Basin and surrounded by the great Pamirs, is the fabled town of Kashgar. Home to a majority Uighur population, the city is one of the most traditional and colourful on the Silk Road. Enjoy a sightseeing tour, including the Abakh Hoja Mausoleum, the vast Id Kah Mosque and the old town with its maze of twisting alleyways. (B)

Day 13: Kashgar - Urumqi.
No visit to Kashgar would be complete without a visit to the famous Sunday Market. Teeming with life, you can try haggling for some bolts of silk, knives, furs, jewellery, fruit, sheep, cows and even camels! Later in the evening you take the short flight to Urumqi. (B)

Day 14: Urumqi.
This morning enjoy a city tour of Urumqi, visits include the Red Hill Park, the impressive 18th Century Pagoda and the Regional Museum with its eerie exhibition of mummies from different Xinjiang tombs. This afternoon visit the Heavenly Lake. (B)

Day 15: Urumqi - Turpan.
A two-hour drive takes you to Turpan, a beautiful oasis on the edge of the vast Taklamakan desert. Visit the ancient ruined city of Jiaohe, the Buddhist caves of Bezelkik and the Flaming Mountains. Spend the evening enjoying a drink under the famous grape trellises of Turpan. (B)