How to Arrange a Group Tour to Panlong Ancient Road in Kashgar Route and Cost Recommended Itinerary and Price
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send your itinerary and quotation.
Exploring Southern Xinjiang:Comprehensive Guide to the In-Depth Group Tour of Panlong Ancient Road in Kashgar✨
Highlights of the Itinerary and Detailed Destination Descriptions
“The Giant Dragon” Highway on the Pamir Plateau
The Panlong Ancient Road, located in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Region, spans 75 kilometers in total, with a 36-kilometer section densely packed with 608 S-shaped bends. The altitude rises from 3,000 meters to 4,216 meters, with a drop of 1,200 meters. Known as the “ECG of the Kunlun Mountains” for its resemblance to a giant dragon perched on the mountain ridge, this highway offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear blue lakes along the way, making it an iconic self-drive and photography destination in southern Xinjiang.
【Combination of Core Landscapes】
Panlong Ancient Road:From an aerial perspective, the highway winds around the mountains like a black ribbon. The sign at the entrance that reads, “Today, I’ve traversed all the winding paths; from now on, my life will be smooth sailing,” has become a popular spot for internet celebrities to take photos.
Baisha Lake:Surrounded by white sand dunes, the Tiffany-blue waters of Baisha Lake reflect the Muztagh Ata peak when the light is soft, earning it the nickname “The Blue Tear of the Pamir Plateau.”
Bander Blue Lake:The lake’s sapphire-blue hue, due to its mineral content, creates a picturesque scene with the reflection of snow-capped mountains in autumn and winter, offering a relaxing atmosphere.
Tasha Ancient Road:The ancient road taken by Xuanzang on his return journey east, it winds through canyons along the Yarkant River, with villages of various ethnic groups intertwined with apricot blossom forests, showcasing the primitive ecology of southern Xinjiang.
【Cultural Experiences】
Ethnic Group Customs:Visit Taxkorgan County to participate in home visits with local families, savor specialty hand-grabbed rice and yak meat, and enjoy performances of eagle flutes and dances from various ethnic groups.
Exploring Southern Xinjiang: Comprehensive Guide to the In-Depth Group Tour of Panlong Ancient Road in Kashgar✨Stone City Ruins:A ruins site of an ancient city on the Silk Road, it was once a place where Xuanzang gave lectures. Climbing the city walls offers a panoramic view of the Jincaotan Wetland and snow-capped mountains.
Sample Itinerary (Based on a 7-day tour by Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency)
【Day 1:Gathering in Kashgar · Initial Exploration of the Ancient City】
Morning:Arrive in Kashgar. Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency arranges airport pickup and checks you into a hotel in the city center.
Afternoon:Tour Kashgar Ancient City, visit the Id Kah Mosque, watch the ancient city’s opening ceremony, and stroll through the Century-Old Teahouse.
Evening:Freely explore the Khan Bazaar Night Market and sample roasted stuffed buns, pot meat, and pomegranate juice.
【Day 2:China-Pakistan Highway · Twin Lakes on the Plateau】
Morning:Travel along the G314 China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to Taxkorgan County, passing by the Aytag Red Mountains and Baisha Lake (stop for 1.5 hours for photos).
Afternoon:Arrive at Karakul Lake, overlook the Muztagh Ata peak, and take a stroll or horseback ride by the lake (at your own expense).
Evening:Check into a plateau hotel in Taxkorgan County to acclimate to the altitude.
【Day 3:Panlong Ancient Road · Bander Blue Lake】
Morning:Challenge the Panlong Ancient Road, a journey of about 3 hours (including photo and aerial photography time), with the tour guide assisting in taking “smooth sailing in life” photo souvenirs.
Highlights of the Itinerary and Detailed Destination DescriptionsAfternoon:Head to Bander Blue Lake, hike along the lakeside boardwalk, and admire the reflection of snow-capped mountains.
Evening:Return to Taxkorgan County and experience a bonfire party with local ethnic groups (seasonal activity).
【Day 4:Tasha Ancient Road · Apricot Blossom Paradise】
All day:Traverse the精华段 (highlight section) of the Tasha Ancient Road, explore apricot blossom villages along the Yarkant River (optimal bloom in April), and photograph the canyon and village scenery.
Evening:Return to Kashgar and check into a city center hotel.
【Day 5:Desert Highway · Poplar Wonder】
Morning:Drive to the Taklimakan Desert Highway, with a stop at a desert viewpoint along the way.
Afternoon:Arrive at the Luntai Poplar Forest (autumn exclusive) and photograph the magnificent scene of golden poplars intertwined with the desert.
Evening:Check into a homestay on the edge of the desert and experience stargazing camping (optional upgrade at your own expense).
【Day 6:In-Depth Kashgar · Cultural Heritage】
Morning:Visit the Xiangfei Garden to learn about the architecture and history of various ethnic groups.
Afternoon:Free time for activities. We recommend purchasing Hetian jade, dried fruits, and other specialties, or experiencing ancient city travel photography (at your own expense).
“The Giant Dragon” Highway on the Pamir PlateauEvening:Farewell dinner, savoring southern Xinjiang specialties like big plate chicken and roast whole lamb.
【Day 7:Departure and Disbandment】
Morning:Airport drop-off based on flight schedule, concluding the itinerary.
Price Description and Reference for Tour Dates
【Price Range】
7-day Economy Tour:Approximately 3,800-4,500 yuan per person (including 6 nights of accommodation, full transportation, first entrance tickets, and tour guide services).
10-day In-Depth Tour:Approximately 5,200-6,500 yuan per person (additional activities such as desert hiking and Muztagh Ata Glacier exploration).
Prices may fluctuate based on season and hotel class. The specific contract provided by Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency shall prevail.
【Tour Date Options】
Optimal Travel Season:April to October (lush green grasslands from June to August, golden poplars from September to October).
Off-Season Discounts:November to March of the following year (fewer tourists, serene scenery, and some hotel prices reduced by 30%).
The Panlong Ancient Road, located in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Region, spans 75 kilometers in total, with a 36-kilometer section densely packed with 608 S-shaped bends. The altitude rises from 3,000 meters to 4,216 meters, with a drop of 1,200 meters. Known as the “ECG of the Kunlun Mountains” for its resemblance to a giant dragon perched on the mountain ridge, this highway offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear blue lakes along the way, making it an iconic self-drive and photography destination in southern Xinjiang.Registration Method and Service Guarantees
【Registration Process】
Contact Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, providing the number of travelers, dates, and special needs (such as accompanying elders/children).
Sign an electronic contract after confirming itinerary details and pay a deposit (balance to be paid 7 days before departure).
【What’s Included】
Transportation:Full air-conditioned tour bus or SUV (allocated based on the number of people).
Accommodation:6 nights in comfortable hotels/characteristic homestays (single travelers will be coordinated for room-sharing as much as possible; please inform in advance if a supplement is needed).
Entrance Tickets:First entrance tickets to Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Panlong Ancient Road, Stone City, etc.
Meals:6 breakfasts + 5 main meals (including special meals such as ethnic group home banquets and desert barbecues).
Services:Professional tour guide accompaniment, free handling of permits, basic oxygen cylinders, and travel accident insurance.
【What’s Not Included】
Optional Activities:Horseback riding, travel photography, desert entertainment projects, etc.
【Combination of Core Landscapes】Personal Expenses:Laundry, phone calls, and other expenses incurred at the hotel.
Precautions and Practical Tips
Document Preparation:Valid identification, permits (Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency can assist with handling).
Packing List:Sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, windproof face mask, layered clothing (both thin and thick), power bank, and common medications.
Altitude Acclimation:Avoid strenuous exercise upon arrival in Taxkorgan County. Do not wash your hair or take a shower on the first day. Carry an oxygen cylinder with you.
Photography Tips:The optimal light for Panlong Ancient Road is from 3-5 PM, while Baisha Lake is bluest from 9-11 AM.
Policy Reminder:Scenic spot opening hours may change due to weather. Both parties can reasonably adjust the itinerary through mutual agreement.
Why Choose Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency?
Professional Expertise:10 years of experience operating southern Xinjiang routes, familiar with plateau road conditions and folk customs taboos.
Resource Guarantees:Long-term cooperation with local hotels and vehicle fleets to ensure stable accommodation and transportation during peak seasons.
Emergency Response System:Equipped with plateau doctors, satellite phones, and established a green channel with Kashgar regional hospitals.
Transparent Consumption:No arranged shopping stops during the itinerary. Optional activities are clearly marked, and hidden consumption is refused.
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast pursuing top-notch scenery or a traveler eager for an in-depth experience of various ethnic cultures, this Panlong Ancient Road loop can meet your expectations. Contact Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to embark on your southern Xinjiang adventure!✨
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send your itinerary and quotation.

