10-Day Xinjiang, Gansu, and Qinghai Highlights Tour

Ten days across Xinjiang, Gansu and Qinghai along the Silk Road was the adventure of a lifetime. The diversity is incredible, deserts, the Mogao grottoes, Qinghai's grasslands and lakes. Having one private guide tie the whole arc together made the logistics painless.

Such an ambitious route and it delivered. From the Silk Road sites in Gansu and Dunhuang to the wide open landscapes of Qinghai and Xinjiang, every few days felt like a new country. Ten days is the right length to do it justice without exhausting yourself.

The scale of this trip is what makes it special. Crossing three provinces on the old Silk Road, the changing terrain, the history at every stop. Our guide was a walking encyclopedia. Distances are huge so be ready for travel days, but it's worth it.

We wanted to see the real Silk Road and this ten-day Xinjiang-Gansu-Qinghai loop nailed it. Highlights for us were the desert sections near Dunhuang and the surreal lakes in Qinghai. Private setup meant we could stop for photos whenever. Highly recommend.