Xinjiang Group Tour Southern Xinjiang Loop How Much 8 Day Cultural Route Quotation Recommended Route Cost and Price
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation
[In-depth Cultural Tour of the Southern Xinjiang Loop:An 8-Day Journey Through the Millennium-Old Silk Road and Ethnic Cultures]
✨ Route Highlights:Explore the ruins of ancient Western Region kingdoms and immerse yourself in the intangible cultural heritage of various ethnic groups
The Southern Xinjiang Loop starts from Kashgar, connecting the Pamir Plateau, the edge of the Taklimakan Desert, and the Yarkant River Basin. The itinerary covers 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 3 high-quality intangible cultural heritage experiences, and 2 border ports. The newly upgraded route for 2026 includes special interactive sessions at the ‘Eagle Dance Inheritors Workshop of Various Ethnic Groups’ and the ‘Hotan Herbal Tea Making Workshop,’ where tourists can create traditional handicrafts and participate in folk rituals.
[Detailed Introduction to Core Destinations of the Route]
Kashgar Old Town (5A-rated scenic spot)
Current Opening Hours:09:00-20:00 daily (extended to 21:00 in summer)
Special Experiences:Listen to the Twelve Muqam performances in a century-old teahouse, watch the opening ceremony at Id Kah Square
Recent Policies:Real-name reservation required via the ‘Visit Xinjiang’ platform, with a daily limit of 12,000 visitors
Transportation:Approximately 15-minute drive from Kashgar Airport to the Old Town; shuttle buses arranged for groups
Pamir Plateau (China-Pakistan Friendship Highway Section)
Must-visit spots:White Sand Lake, Muztagh Ata, Karakul Lake
Recent road conditions in 2026:Fully paved G314 National Highway, open from 08:00-18:00 daily (subject to change in winter based on weather)
Special Reminder:Border pass required in advance (arranged uniformly by the tour group)
[In-depth Cultural Tour of the Southern Xinjiang Loop: An 8-Day Journey Through the Millennium-Old Silk Road and Ethnic Cultures]Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Open Caves:Special exhibition in Cave 38 newly added in 2026 (recommended for group visits)
Guided Tours:Audio guides available in Chinese, English, and Russian
Visit Duration:Approximately 2.5 hours (including transportation)
Hotan Tuancheng (High-quality tourism and leisure district)
Night Tour Highlights:Light shows and ethnic song and dance performances after 20:00
Special Shopping:Direct purchase at the Atlas silk workshop, treasure appraisal experience at the Hotan Jade Culture Museum
Simple Itinerary
Day 1:Assembly Day in Kashgar
Recommended free activities for the day:Pottery experience at the Gaotai Folk Residence, dried fruit shopping at Kashgar Bazaar
Includes airport pickup service + welcome dinner (featuring specialties like roasted pigeon and pot meat)
Day 2:Kashgar – White Sand Lake – Karakul Lake (approx. 300 km)
Stopovers along the way:Photography spot at the Oytagh Red Mountain Canyon
Accommodation Upgrade:Four-star hotel in Taxkorgan County (with oxygen supply equipment)
✨Route Highlights: Explore the ruins of ancient Western Region kingdoms and immerse yourself in the intangible cultural heritage of various ethnic groupsDay 3:In-depth Tour of the Pamir Plateau
Key Activities:Guided tour of the Stone City ruins, hiking in the Jincaotan Wetland
Special Arrangement:Home visit to families of various ethnic groups (taste kumis and learn to play the eagle flute)
Day 4:Taxkorgan – Kashgar (return trip)
Experience along the way:Photo opportunity at the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway viewpoint
Evening Activity:Night tour of Kashgar Old City (professional photographer arranged for the group)
Day 5:Kashgar – Aksu (by hard sleeper train)
Recent train schedule for 2026:Train K9788 08:45-15:30
Onboard Services:Bilingual (Uyghur-Chinese) travel guide and emergency medical kit provided
Day 6:Aksu – Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves – Kuqa
Cultural Experience:Mural copying course at the Thousand Buddha Caves (guided by professional artists)
Transportation Upgrade:Business vehicles provided throughout (limited to 12 passengers per vehicle)
Day 7:Kuqa – Hotan (desert highway section)
Special Arrangement:Afternoon tea in the heart of the Taklimakan Desert (with camel milk ice cream)
The Southern Xinjiang Loop starts from Kashgar, connecting the Pamir Plateau, the edge of the Taklimakan Desert, and the Yarkant River Basin. The itinerary covers 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 3 high-quality intangible cultural heritage experiences, and 2 border ports. The newly upgraded route for 2026 includes special interactive sessions at the ‘Eagle Dance Inheritors Workshop of Various Ethnic Groups’ and the ‘Hotan Herbal Tea Making Workshop,’ where tourists can create traditional handicrafts and participate in folk rituals.Accommodation Highlight:Five-star hotel next to Hotan Night Market (3-minute walk away)
Day 8:Hotan – Departure
Final Experience:Treasure appraisal course at the Hotan Jade Culture Museum
Includes airport drop-off service + souvenir package (including an Atlas silk bookmark)
Price Description (Reference Range for 2026)
Adult Price:7,980-8,980 RMB per person
Child Price (under 12 years old, no extra bed):5,580-6,280 RMB per person
Price Includes:
Full transportation (including off-road vehicles for the desert highway section)
7 nights at four-star or higher accommodations (including 2 nights at特色民宿)
12 dinners and 7 breakfasts (including 3 special banquets)
First entrance tickets + shuttle buses for all attractions
Professional tour leader + local bilingual guide services
Price Fluctuation Description:
[Detailed Introduction to Core Destinations of the Route]Flat season from April to June; prices increase by about 15% in July-August and during National Day holidays
Groups of 16 or more enjoy a 5% discount
Final prices are subject to confirmation in the contract with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency
Registration Method
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency by providing the following information:
Traveler’s name + valid ID number
Contact information (recommended for itinerary notifications)
Special requests (e.g., dietary restrictions, health conditions)
Registration Deadline:15 days before the departure of each tour group
Fee Description and Service Description
Fees Include:
Transportation:All land transportation within the itinerary (including fuel surcharges)
Accommodation:Hotel beds provided as per standard (single travelers will be coordinated for room-sharing as much as possible)
Meals:Group meals as indicated in the itinerary
Kashgar Old Town (5A-rated scenic spot)Entrance Tickets:First entrance tickets for all listed attractions
Services:Professional tour leader throughout + 24-hour emergency support
Fees Do Not Include:
Personal expenses (e.g., shopping, optional activities)
Round-trip transportation (assistance available for booking flights/train tickets)
Insurance:Travel accident insurance recommended to be purchased independently
Special Notes:
In case of unavoidable factors causing itinerary changes, reasonable adjustments can be made upon mutual agreement
Specific service standards are subject to actual consultation and contract signing
Travel Tips
Document Preparation:In addition to valid IDs, a border pass is required for the Pamir Plateau section (arranged uniformly by the tour group)
Clothing Suggestions:Windproof jacket for the plateau section; high-top hiking shoes recommended for the desert section
Cultural Etiquette:Shoes must be removed for visits; women are required to wear headscarves (spare headscarves provided by the tour group)
Photography Notes:Flash photography prohibited inside the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves; photography prohibited in some caves
Consult Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, for the latest 2026 schedules and availability. Prices and availability are subject to contract confirmation and may fluctuate by departure date. Early booking 30 days in advance is recommended to secure seats.
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation
