Discover Turpan including Karez System and Emin Minaret Day Tour

Xinjiang, China

10 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

Xinjiang, China

5.0

(1)

8-Day Tour of Ili, Xinjiang

from $6,000

Xinjiang, China

Yining Airport Chauffeur Transfer ,Yili Airport transfer ,Pickup

from $20

Price varies by group size

Xinjiang, China

Korla Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Korla Airport transfer ,Pickup

from $40

Price varies by group size

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

The desert around Turpan is packed with Silk Road history but, unless you have a Chinese driver’s license, a tour is your only way to explore in a reasonable timeframe. This private guided door-to-door adventure hits highlights including the Karez System, an ancient irrigation system, the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, dating back 1,500 years, the ruins of ancient Gaochang with its painted tombs, and the 18th-century Emin Minaret. Tour includes lunch.

See historic highlights around Turpan, including Gaochang and Bezeklik
Private guide explains everything from ancient empires to engineering
Learn about Uyghur culture from a local in their home
Comprehensive package includes lunch and 2-way door-to-door transfers

What's Included

Private tour
Centrally located Turpan hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch
private guide

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

We also pick up and drop off at your centrally located Turpan hotel.

Operating hours
.9:00 am

Itinerary

Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Ancient City of Gaochang (Kharakhoja)

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Emin Minaret (Su Gong Ta)

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Karez System

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto)

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Silkroadtrips (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Infants must sit on laps
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Not wheelchair accessible

Please wear comfortable walking shoes
Adult pricing applies to all travelers over 3 years old
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Reviews

5.0

based on 1 review

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Excellent Tour Guide For Turpan History

Kay_J, Apr 2026

AJ is a superb guide. He has an excellent grasp of historical information. When there was no definitive answer to what happened about a past event, he provided us with expert information re. alternative explanations. He is well read. And, it is clear that he loves Turpan. Maria, his driver, was an excellent driver. Our safety was important to her. We enjoyed hearing about their family and their daily activities. Just talking to them about their lives made our tour come to life. Overall, a truly exceptional experience!