Silk Road Epic: 8-Day Trekking Expedition on China’s Ancient Wusun Trail – Tianshan Mountains Wilderness & Nomadic Culture
Duration
8 days
Max People
10
Min Age
12+
ways to travel
hiking
The Wusun Ancient Trail: A Journey Through Time and Majesty
Renowned as one of Xinjiang’s “Three Legendary Trekking Routes” (alongside the夏特/Xiate and狼塔C/Wolf Tower C trails), the Wusun Ancient Trail is celebrated as the most breathtaking of the trio—a paradise for adventurers seeking nature’s grandeur intertwined with echoes of Silk Road history.
A Corridor of Empires
Carved through the Tianshan Mountains, this trail served as the lifeline between the ancient Wusun Kingdom and Qiuci (Kucha) during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). For centuries, it witnessed the footsteps of soldiers, merchants, and star-crossed lovers. Remnants of frontier forts, watchtowers, and carved steles still dot the route, including the Eastern Han-era inscription (158 CE) by General Liu Pingguo near Bozikerge Valley—a silent testament to its strategic past.
A Love Story for the Ages
Two millennia ago, this rugged path bore witness to an epic romance. Princess Dishi, daughter of Han Dynasty’s Princess Jieyou, traversed these mountains to marry the King of Qiuci. Their journey—a blend of endurance and devotion—forged what locals now call the “Trail of Eternal Love”. It’s said their passion united the Wusun and Qiuci kingdoms, reshaping Central Asia’s history. To walk this trail is to retrace their footsteps beneath the same stars that guided their caravan.
Nature’s Masterpiece
The trail’s soul lies in its surreal landscapes:
- Heavenly Lake (Akekule Lake): A crescent-shaped alpine jewel at 3,100 meters, cradled by snow-capped peaks. Its mirror-like waters reflect the “Dragon’s Back Ridge”—a spine of jagged cliffs that seem to guard the lake’s tranquility.
- Qiongkushi Village: Voted “China’s Most Beautiful Village”, where emerald grasslands cascade like frozen waves.
- The Nine Bends: A serpentine river valley cutting through golden steppes, framed by sandstone pillars sculpted by time.
As winds whisper across Heaven Lake, one might hear ancient verses echoing through the canyons:
“By heaven’s oath! Let mountains fade and rivers drain,
Yet my love for thee shall timelessly remain…”
Why Trek Here?
This is no ordinary hike—it’s a pilgrimage through living history. Camp beneath star-dusted skies, trace the ruins of forgotten empires, and let Heaven Lake’s serenity rewrite your definition of wilderness. Bring sturdy boots, a camera, and a heart ready for magic.
Journey Highlights :
Wilderness Immersion
Trek the Tianshan Mountains, camp under star-filled skies, and enjoy lakeside picnics at Heaven Lake—a true communion with untamed nature.
Heaven Lake (Akekule Lake)
A turquoise alpine jewel cradled by snow-capped peaks. Grazed by Kazakh herders’ sheep and cattle, its emerald shores and glacial waters exist outside time—no Wi-Fi, no crowds, just raw serenity.
Akebulak Pass (3,840m)
Conquer this seasonal snow pass—the trek’s highest point—offering panoramic vistas of the Tianshan range. Summer/autumn hikers face minimal snow, rewarded with 360° mountain grandeur.
Qiongkushitai Village
Step into a living postcard: A UNESCO-listed historic village beneath Central Tianshan glaciers. Wooden cabins, smoke curling into twilight skies, and Kazakh herders guiding horses home evoke Tolkien’s “Shire of Central Asia.”
The Ancient Wusun Trail
Walk a 3,000-year-old trade corridor where Bronze Age nomads migrated. More than a path—it’s a storyteller, whispering Silk Road legends through weathered stones and frontier ruins.
Tiger’s Mouth Cliff Trail
Navigate this daredevil cliffside path carved above Heaven Lake. Framed by indigo waters and razor-edge peaks, it’s the trek’s most iconic (and Instagram-worthy) vantage point.
Service Highlights:
Locally Operated & Managed
All expeditions are directly organized and led by our in-house team—no third-party outsourcing.
Certified Expert Guides
Led by seasoned wilderness guides with extensive trail knowledge and safety certifications.
Wilderness Dining Experience
Enjoy freshly prepared meals and picnics at scenic campsites.
Premium Camping Gear Included
Tents, sleeping bags, and mats provided (no extra fees).
Branded Waterproof Gear
High-quality waterproof duffel bags for packing (yours to keep post-trek).
Private Pack Animal Support
Dedicated horse/mule team transports luggage between campsites.
Comfortable Camp Setup
Spacious tents, foldable chairs, and dining tables at all camps.
Free Trekking Pole Rental
Pair of adjustable, locking trekking poles included.
Multifunctional Buff Gift
Keep a versatile neck gaiter (sun protection, scarf, or face cover).
Cultural Culinary Experience
Traditional Uyghur welcome dinner and celebratory farewell feast.
Local Seasonal Treats
Complimentary fresh fruits sourced from Xinjiang’s orchards.
Safety First
Comprehensive hiking accident insurance included.
Emergency Preparedness
Satellite phone, GPS units, first-aid kits, and radios carried by guides.
Included/Excluded
- 1. Transportation * Yining to Qiongkushitai private vehicle * Heiyingshan to Kuqa private vehicle
- 2. Accommodation * Night 1: Twin room in Yining hotel * Nights 2–6: Shared yurt dormitory or camping (2-person tunnel tents provided) * Night 7: Twin room in Kuqa hotel
- 3. Meals * All meals: Local restaurant meals in cities, picnic lunches en route, and camp dinners.
- 4. Pack Support * Pack animals (horses/mules) and handlers for group gear transport. * Personal luggage limit: 33 lbs (15 kg).
- 5. Guiding * Certified English-speaking guide (covers their travel, wages, accommodation, and meals).
- 6. Gear * Shared equipment: 150L waterproof duffel bag (shared between 2), 2-person tents, egg-crate sleeping pads, camp dining tents, cooking gear, foldable chairs/tables, emergency tools (satellite phone, GPS, first-aid kit), fuel.
- 7. Complimentary Perks * Trekking accident insurance * Quick-dry neck gaiter * Traditional Uyghur welcome/farewell dinners * Seasonal fruit tastings
- 1. Optional Upgrades * Single occupancy supplement (5 nights): ~$285 USD
- 2. Travel to/From Departure Point * Flights/trains to Yining or from Kuqa.
- 3. Unplanned Costs * Early evacuation due to personal reasons. * Route changes caused by local policy restrictions.
- 4. Taxes * Invoice processing fees (if requested).
- 5. Personal Expenses * Horseback riding during the trek (self-paid; riders assume full risk). * Emergency rescue costs (covered by our team, but expenses borne by participant).
- 6. Miscellaneous * Any expenses not explicitly listed.
Tour Plan
Activity:
Travelers can fly to Urumqi and take an evening train to Yining (Ili), or fly directly to Yining. Yining’s low altitude minimizes altitude sickness risks. Early arrivals may explore Liuxing Street (Six-Star Street) or the Ili River. A welcome dinner and briefing session will be held in the evening.
Note:
- If short on time, take the Urumqi-Yining overnight sleeper train (arrive at Yining hotel by morning).
- Recommended Xinjiang dishes: Hand-torn lamb, pilaf, naan bread, roast lamb buns, "big plate chicken," spicy cumin chicken, laghman noodles.
Meals: Dinner included
Accommodation: Hotel twin room
Activity:
After breakfast, drive to Tekes County (the "Bagua City" designed using the I Ching’s Eight Trigrams layout). Stock up on supplies here. Continue to Qiongkushitai Village, a historic Kazakh herding village nestled in mountain valleys. Begin a 10km hike (4–5 hours) along the Qiongkushitai River, passing pine forests and wooden bridges. Camp at 2,462m.
Note:
- Trail access may occasionally be restricted due to local policies (backup plans in place).
Meals: All meals included
Accommodation: Camping
Challenge: River crossings + high-altitude pass.
Activity:
Hike 20km (8 hours) through rocky terrain and alpine meadows to conquer Qiongdaban Pass (3,744m). Descend into the Kunuosai Valley, camping at 3,051m.
Meals: All meals included
Accommodation: Camping
Highlight: Thrilling zip-line over the milky-white Kokesu River.
Activity:
Descend through narrow V-shaped valleys to the roaring Kokesu River. Cross via a traditional manual zip-line (40m wide!) operated by local herders. Camp on the river’s opposite bank.
Meals: All meals included
Accommodation: Camping
Activity:
Hike downstream along the Kokesu River, crossing icy streams seven times through pristine forests. Ascend a 3,400m pass to reach Heaven Lake (Akekule Lake)—a crescent-shaped alpine gem surrounded by snow peaks.
Meals: All meals included
Accommodation: Camping
Challenge: Steep snow pass.
Activity:
Hike past the iconic Tiger’s Mouth cliff at Heaven Lake. Ascend the Akebulak Pass (3,900m) with icy slopes (caution required). Descend 20km into the Bozikeerg Valley, camping at 2,300m.
Meals: All meals included
Accommodation: Camping
Challenge: Repeated cold river crossings (knee-to-waist deep).
Activity:
Traverse the Bozikeerg Valley, crossing the same river ~40 times. Use waterproof gear or opt for a horse (extra cost). Celebrate in Kuqa with a farewell dinner, certificates, and medals.
Note:
- Book Kuqa-Urumqi sleeper train in advance (we’ll adjust hotel bookings).
- Allow 1–2 flexible days for weather/policy changes.
Meals: All meals included
Accommodation: Hotel twin room
Activity:
Transfer to Kuqa airport/station. Optional extension to Kashgar or the Duku Highway.
Meals: Self-arranged
Accommodation: Self-arranged
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