What to Prepare Before Joining a Group Tour to Xinjiang Travel Expense List Guide Recommended Routes and Costs

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send your itinerary and get a quote.

Icon Prefix:✨[Guide to Pre-Trip Preparations and Travel Expense Checklist for Group Tours in Xinjiang]✨
Planning a trip to Xinjiang but unsure where to start? Worried about missing important items before departure that could affect your journey? Confused about travel expenses? Don’t worry! This article will provide you with a detailed breakdown of pre-trip preparations for group tours in Xinjiang, along with a practical travel expense checklist to help you easily embark on your Xinjiang adventure.
I. Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination
Xinjiang boasts vast territories and a rich diversity of tourism resources, featuring magnificent natural landscapes and unique cultural attractions. This group tour itinerary will take you to experience the forest lakes and grassland flower fields of Northern Xinjiang, as well as the desert ancient cities and plateau scenery of Southern Xinjiang.
In Northern Xinjiang, Sayram Lake shines like a brilliant sapphire embedded in the earth, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by majestic mountains, offering breathtaking views. Nalati Grassland, one of the world’s four largest grasslands, boasts fresh air, lush green grass, and herds of cattle and sheep, making it an ideal destination to experience grassland charm. Kanas Lake attracts numerous tourists with its mysterious lake monster legends and picturesque scenery; the lake changes colors with the seasons and weather, as if nature has overturned its palette.
In Southern Xinjiang, the ancient city of Kashgar is filled with浓郁 (strong/rich) ethnic flavors, featuring ancient architecture, bustling bazaars, and hospitable residents, transporting you back in time. The Pamir Plateau, known as the backbone of high-altitude plateaus, offers magnificent snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, and a clear blue sky, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. The Taklimakan Desert, China’s largest desert, allows you to experience thrilling desert off-roading and feel the grandeur of the desert’s solitary smoke rising straight into the sky.
II. Simple Itinerary
This 8-day, 7-night in-depth group tour of Xinjiang is arranged as follows:
Day 1:Gathering in Urumqi
From 14:00 to 18:00 PM, free time for activities. You can visit the Xinjiang Museum, which houses a vast collection of historical artifacts and ethnic artworks, with the “Princess” mummy exhibit being a must-see highlight that offers deep insights into Xinjiang’s history and culture. At 20:00 PM, head to the International Grand Bazaar for a night tour. This is Xinjiang’s largest comprehensive market, where you can sample six types of authentic local snacks, such as baked stuffed buns, hand-pulled rice, and grilled lamb skewers, to experience Xinjiang’s food culture.

Icon Prefix: ✨[Guide to Pre-Trip Preparations and Travel Expense Checklist for Group Tours in Xinjiang]✨Day 2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake (550 km, 7 hours)
At 9:00 AM, traverse the Junggar Basin, with the tour guide explaining ecological knowledge about the Gurbantunggut Desert along the way. At 16:00 PM, arrive at Sayram Lake and begin a 70-kilometer self-drive around the lake, with eight scenic stops, including two undeveloped原始 (primitive/original) shorelines, allowing you to fully appreciate Sayram Lake’s beauty. At 20:30 PM, enjoy dinner at the lakeside RV camp and participate in a starry sky photography lesson to experience Sayram Lake’s tranquility and beauty.
Day 3:Sayram Lake → Yining (280 km, 4 hours)
At 9:00 AM, enter the lake for a second time and drive the remaining route to visit the swan habitat and observe the swans’ living habits up close. At 14:00 PM, pass by the Guozigou Bridge and capture the “one bridge spanning two mountains” spectacle from the viewing platform. At 17:00 PM, depending on the season, visit the Lavender Manor (flowering period from June to July) or Zhaosu Jade Lake (other months) to experience different natural landscapes.
Day 4:Yining → Tekes (320 km, 5 hours)
At 9:00 AM, traverse the Yining-Zhaosu Highway and stop for 40 minutes at the Baishi Peak viewing platform to admire the scenic views along the way. At 14:00 PM, embark on a light trek along the Xiata Ancient Path (8 km) and overlook the Muzart Glacier to feel nature’s grandeur. At 19:00 PM, capture night views of Tekes Bagua City, with the travel agency also gifting an aerial city video to create lasting memories.
Day 5:Tekes → Nalati (260 km, 4 hours)
At 9:00 AM, pass by Qiapuqihai and capture the beauty of the alpine lake from the mountain-side highway. At 13:00 PM, arrive at Nalati空中 (aerial/sky) Grassland for an in-depth tour and experience grassland activities such as horseback riding and archery. At 20:00 PM, participate in a grassland bonfire party, savor roast whole lamb and kumis, and feel the grassland’s warmth and boldness.
Day 6:Nalati → Bayanbulak (90 km, 2 hours)
Spend the whole day exploring Nalati and the Bayanbulak region, admiring the grassland scenery and feeling nature’s tranquility and beauty.

Planning a trip to Xinjiang but unsure where to start? Worried about missing important items before departure that could affect your journey? Confused about travel expenses? Don’t worry! This article will provide you with a detailed breakdown of pre-trip preparations for group tours in Xinjiang, along with a practical travel expense checklist to help you easily embark on your Xinjiang adventure.Day 7:Bayanbulak → Kashgar (specific itinerary arranged according to actual conditions)
Depart from Bayanbulak to Kashgar and begin your Southern Xinjiang journey. Upon arrival in Kashgar, you can enjoy free time to experience the ancient city’s unique charm.
Day 8:Departure from Kashgar
Based on your flight or train schedule, arrange airport or station transfer services to conclude your pleasant Xinjiang journey.
III. Pricing Information
The prices for group tours in Xinjiang in 2026 vary based on factors such as itinerary duration, accommodation standards, and transportation modes. For this 8-day, 7-night in-depth itinerary, the price range is as follows:
Economy Group:4,280 – 4,980 RMB per person (6-person small group, including comfortable hotels)
Quality Group:5,880 – 6,580 RMB per person (4-person boutique group, including four-star hotels)
Light Luxury Group:7,980 – 8,980 RMB per person (2-person group, including five-star hotels + characteristic homestays)
Fees Included:
Accommodation:7 nights’ accommodation (including breakfast). Single travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms by the travel agency as much as possible; special circumstances require separate negotiation.

I. Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or DestinationAdmission Tickets:First admission tickets to all attractions included in the itinerary.
Meals:7 breakfasts + 3 characteristic main meals (roast whole lamb,大盘鸡 (Dapanji, a type of braised chicken dish), etc.).
Services:Dual accompaniment by professional tour guides and photographers.
Fees Not Included:
Round-trip major transportation (consult Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency’s customer service manager Zhang Jing for assistance in booking flights).
Personal expenses and self-funded items outside the itinerary.
Secondary consumption within attractions (such as horseback riding, desert off-roading, etc.).
Prices and availability are subject to contract or customer service confirmation and may fluctuate based on tour dates, with the signed contract between both parties taking precedence.
IV. Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Consult customer service manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency for more itinerary information and registration details.

Xinjiang boasts vast territories and a rich diversity of tourism resources, featuring magnificent natural landscapes and unique cultural attractions. This group tour itinerary will take you to experience the forest lakes and grassland flower fields of Northern Xinjiang, as well as the desert ancient cities and plateau scenery of Southern Xinjiang.V. Fee Explanation and Service Explanation
Fee Explanation
The fee breakdown in the itinerary is clear and transparent, with each fee item clearly labeled. In addition to the fees included and not included above, other fees may arise during the itinerary, such as additional fees due to itinerary changes caused by weather or road conditions, etc., subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
Service Explanation
Professional Tour Guide Accompaniment:The travel agency arranges certified tour guides with an average of over 8 years of experience to lead the group, providing professional explanations and attentive services.
Dual Photographer Accompaniment:Professional photographers accompany the itinerary to capture exquisite photos and record beautiful moments of your journey.
Vehicle Configuration:All vehicles are equipped with GPS positioning systems, first aid kits, and in-car refrigerators to ensure your travel comfort as much as possible.
Accommodation Arrangements:Based on different group types and prices, corresponding standard hotel accommodations are arranged to ensure you get sufficient rest during your journey.
Itinerary Changes:Reasonable itinerary changes can be made upon mutual agreement between both parties. If the itinerary cannot proceed as planned due to force majeure factors (such as natural disasters, traffic control, etc.), the travel agency will promptly communicate with you and negotiate itinerary changes.
VI. Pre-Trip Preparations

In Northern Xinjiang, Sayram Lake shines like a brilliant sapphire embedded in the earth, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by majestic mountains, offering breathtaking views. Nalati Grassland, one of the world’s four largest grasslands, boasts fresh air, lush green grass, and herds of cattle and sheep, making it an ideal destination to experience grassland charm. Kanas Lake attracts numerous tourists with its mysterious lake monster legends and picturesque scenery; the lake changes colors with the seasons and weather, as if nature has overturned its palette.Documentation
Valid Identification:Must be carried with you at all times. Xinjiang has strict identity verification norms, requiring real-name verification for hotel check-in, attraction entry, road checks, and transportation boarding.
Passes: If your itinerary includes border areas such as Baihaba, Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, the Pamir Plateau, the Khunjerab Pass, Muji Township, etc., you need to apply for a pass in advance. In 2026, Chinese mainland residents aged 16 and above can apply for an electronic border management area pass online through relevant procedures, with the destination filled in and approved, issuing the pass in as fast as 10 minutes, free of charge. However, those bringing children under 16 still need to apply at offline windows.
Discount Certificates:Student IDs, military officer IDs, senior citizen IDs, etc., can be used to enjoy discounts on attraction admission tickets. Remember to bring them before traveling.
Clothing
Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night. In summer, daylight is strong and temperatures are high during the day, but temperatures are lower at night in mountainous areas. It is recommended to bring short sleeves, long pants, and thin windbreakers, with additional fleece jackets needed when visiting Tianshan, Nanshan, and other mountainous areas. Additionally, Xinjiang’s UV intensity is much higher than that of mainland cities, so sun protection items such as sunscreen clothing, sun hats, and sunglasses are also necessary.
Supplies
Sun Protection Items:Prepare sunscreen with SPF50+ and PA+++ or higher, reapplying every 2-3 hours, along with polarized sunglasses, wide-brimmed hard-top sun hats, sun protection face masks or ice sleeves, and sunscreen clothing to comprehensively block UV rays.
Moisturizing Items:Xinjiang’s climate is dry, so bring high-moisturizing lotions, lip balms, body lotions, and other moisturizing items to maintain skin moisture.
Common Medications:Gastrointestinal medications (such as montmorillonite powder, digestive enzyme tablets), motion sickness medications/patches, cold medications, fever reducers, band-aids, iodine cotton swabs, altitude sickness medications (if visiting high-altitude areas such as the Pamir Plateau or Taxkorgan County), and other common medications should be self-prepared.
Other Items:Thermos cups, a small amount of cash (mountainous areas, grasslands, and Gobi regions often have no cell phone signal, making mobile payments unavailable), power banks (recommended to carry those with a capacity of 20,000 mAh or less and 3C certification), phone chargers, data cables, cameras, and spare batteries, etc.
Xinjiang’s beauty is worth the journey, but the premise is to make thorough pre-trip preparations. Choose Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to let a professional team plan your itinerary and provide attentive services, making your Xinjiang journey more relaxed, pleasant, and unforgettable.

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send your itinerary and get a quote.