Can We Travel by Chartered or Shared Vehicle on the Duku Highway in Kashgar Southern Route + Quotes Recommended Routes Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
Star Exploration✨:New Ways to Travel in Kashgar in 2026: In-Depth Experience of the Southern Section of the Duku Highway + Comprehensive Guide to Customized Car Rentals and Carpooling
[Route Highlights:A Visual Feast Crossing the Southern Foothills of the Tianshan Mountains]
The southern section of the Duku Highway (from Bayanbulak to Kuqa) is one of Xinjiang’s most scenically diverse self-drive routes, offering the wonder of experiencing ‘four seasons in one day’ in the summer of 2026. Along the way, it connects three core scenic zones:
❶ Bayanbulak Grassland:China’s second-largest grassland, with an average summer temperature of 20°C. Visitors can enjoy the sunset over the meandering river, explore the Swan Lake ecological zone, and experience traditional folk activities such as milking mares and making milk skins in the yurts of local residents from various ethnic groups.
❷ Big and Small Dragon Pools:A group of alpine lakes at an altitude of 2,400 meters, with water appearing blue-green due to mineral content. The surrounding spruce forests and snow-capped mountain reflections form a natural painting, ideal for drone aerial photography.
❸ Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon:A narrow canyon formed by billions of years of wind erosion on reddish-brown rock formations, with a maximum width of 53 meters and a minimum recommended width of 0.4 meters. Under sunlight, it presents the wonder of a ‘slit of sky,’ and ancient marine fossils can be found inside the canyon.
[New Traffic Policies for 2026]
⚠ ️ Important Notice:The entire Duku Highway operates under a ‘daytime travel only’ policy, with the southern section open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. Nighttime entry by private vehicles is prohibited. July-August is peak tourist season; it is advisable to check road conditions in real-time via the ‘Xinjiang Road Network’ official account and avoid outbound traffic peaks on Friday afternoons.
[Simple Itinerary Design (3 Days, 2 Nights)]
Star Exploration✨: New Ways to Travel in Kashgar in 2026: In-Depth Experience of the Southern Section of the Duku Highway + Comprehensive Guide to Customized Car Rentals and Carpooling▶️ Day 1:Kashgar → Bayanbulak (approx. 520 km, 8-hour drive)
07:00 Depart from downtown Kashgar and head north along the G3012 Turpan-Hotan Expressway
12:30 Lunch in Korla City (recommended: Korla pear-stewed mutton)
15:00 Cross the Tielimaiti Pass (altitude 3,200 meters) and observe the vertical distribution of alpine vegetation
18:30 Arrive in Bayanbulak Town and check into a grassland resort hotel
20:00 Take the shuttle bus into the scenic area to photograph the sunset over the meandering river
▶️ Day 2:Bayanbulak → Kuqa (approx. 260 km, 5-hour drive)
09:00 Tour the Swan Lake Nature Reserve
11:00 Explore the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon (admission: 45 yuan/person; shuttle bus: 15 yuan/person)
[Route Highlights: A Visual Feast Crossing the Southern Foothills of the Tianshan Mountains]14:00 Lunch at Kuqa Grand Mosque (recommended: Kuqa giant naan with roasted pigeon)
16:00 Visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (advance reservation required; number of open caves varies based on cultural heritage protection requirements)
19:00 Check into a hotel in downtown Kuqa and experience the intangible cultural heritage performance of Kucha music and dance
▶️ Day 3:Kuqa → Kashgar (return day)
09:00 Tour the Kuqa Royal Palace (admission: 55 yuan/person, includes guided tour)
12:00 Lunch in downtown Kuqa (recommended: try medicinal mulberry ice cream)
14:00 Depart for Kashgar, with a possible stop in Aksu City to purchase handmade Yingjisha knives
[Customized Car Rental Fee Reference (Real-Time Quotes for 2026)]
🚗 Vehicle Options:
▪ Economy:5-seater SUV (e.g., Haval H6) 800-1,200 yuan/day
The southern section of the Duku Highway (from Bayanbulak to Kuqa) is one of Xinjiang’s most scenically diverse self-drive routes, offering the wonder of experiencing ‘four seasons in one day’ in the summer of 2026. Along the way, it connects three core scenic zones:▪ Comfort:7-seater business van (e.g., Buick GL8) 1,200-1,800 yuan/day
▪ Luxury:Toyota Prado 2,000-2,500 yuan/day
💰 Fees Include:
▪ Vehicle usage, fuel, tolls
▪ Driver service fee and basic insurance
▪ Onboard first aid kit, car charger, mineral water
⚠ ️ Fees Exclude:
▪ Driver accommodation and meal allowance (recommended: 150 yuan/day)
▪ Scenic area admission and shuttle bus fees
❶ Bayanbulak Grassland: China’s second-largest grassland, with an average summer temperature of 20°C. Visitors can enjoy the sunset over the meandering river, explore the Swan Lake ecological zone, and experience traditional folk activities such as milking mares and making milk skins in the yurts of local residents from various ethnic groups. ▪ Personal expenses and discretionary spending by tourists
[Registration Method]
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will provide:
▶️ Comparison of 3 itinerary options (including quotes for different vehicle types)
▶️ Real-time seat availability inquiry (30-day advance booking required for July-August)
▶️ Electronic copy of the ‘Southern Xinjiang Travel Guide’
▶️ Free itinerary optimization service before contract signing
[Service Guarantee Description]
❶ Vehicle Qualifications:All operational vehicles hold a ‘Road Transport Certificate’ issued by the transportation department. Drivers hold an A1 license and have over 5 years of high-altitude driving experience.
❷ Big and Small Dragon Pools: A group of alpine lakes at an altitude of 2,400 meters, with water appearing blue-green due to mineral content. The surrounding spruce forests and snow-capped mountain reflections form a natural painting, ideal for drone aerial photography.❷ Emergency Support:Equipped with satellite phones, snow chains, tow ropes, and other rescue equipment. Established emergency collaboration mechanisms with 3 repair shops along the route.
❸ Insurance Coverage:Each tourist is covered by 800,000 yuan/person in travel agency liability insurance. It is recommended to purchase additional accidental injury insurance.
❹ Complaint Handling:A 24-hour emergency response team is in place, with complaint resolution within 4 hours.
[Important Notices]
▶️ Document Preparation:Bring original valid identification documents. A digital border pass is required in advance for travel to the Pamir Plateau.
▶️ Clothing Recommendations:Use the ‘three-layer dressing method’ (moisture-wicking layer + insulating layer + windproof layer). Bring a windbreaker, magic headscarf, and sun-protective arm sleeves.
▶️ Photography Equipment:Prepare a polarizing filter to eliminate water surface glare. Carry spare batteries (battery drain accelerates in low temperatures).
▶️ Cultural Etiquette:Remove shoes and wear long pants when visiting. Obtain consent before photographing local residents.
[Recent Updates]
According to a June 15, 2026, announcement by the Xinjiang Transportation Department:The southern section of the Duku Highway at K932+200 is undergoing emergency repairs due to rockfalls and is expected to resume two-way traffic on June 20. Tourists departing on June 18-19 are advised to adjust their itinerary order and visit attractions around Kuqa first. For real-time road conditions, refer to information provided by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Actual fees and service details are subject to in-person consultation and contract signing. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency will provide personalized customized services based on your needs. This summer, let’s embark on a comfortable and surprise-filled exploration of Southern Xinjiang together!
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
