Kashgar Group Tour to Zepu Poplar Forest Route Price and Recommended Options

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.

Exploring the Autumn Colors of Southern Xinjiang:In-depth Cultural Journey to the Populus Euphratica Forest in Zepu, Kashgar
(I) Itinerary Highlights and Destination Details
Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica National Forest Park:Autumn Secret Realm of Southern Xinjiang
As one of Xinjiang’s “Four Great Populus Euphratica Forests,” Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica is renowned for its “water poplars.” The Yarkant River winds through the scenic area, creating a unique landscape of “one river, two banks”: golden poplars reflected in the clear waters, with distant snow-capped mountains and nearby wetlands forming a layered, picturesque scene. The park features a wooden boardwalk around the lake, observation decks, and a vintage mini-train, suitable for visitors of all ages to stroll and take photos. In autumn 2026, the park will launch a special “Populus Euphratica Culture Week,” featuring daily traditional song and dance performances by various ethnic groups and hands-on experiences in mulberry paper making, allowing visitors to experience the charm of intangible cultural heritage up close.
Kashgar Old Town:Living Museum of the Millennium Silk Road
As a labyrinthine ancient city in China characterized by its cultural heritage, Kashgar Old Town retains its original appearance from the early 21st century. Strolling through, visitors can explore century-old teahouses, pottery workshops, and Atlas silk workshops, experiencing a four-dimensional cultural immersion of “seeing, hearing, tasting, and touching.” In 2026, the old town will introduce a new nighttime light show, the “Silk Road Light and Shadow Corridor,” which will be open for free from 20:00 to 22:00 every Friday and Saturday night, using light and shadow art to recreate the grandeur of ancient caravans with their camel bells.
Pamir Plateau:A Visual Feast on the High Plateau
The itinerary includes a special westward journey along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, passing iconic attractions such as Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and Muztagh Ata. Baisha Lake’s milky blue waters contrast beautifully with the silver-white sand dunes, while Karakul Lake reflects the majestic Muztagh Ata, known as the “Father of Ice Mountains,” both must-see spots for photography enthusiasts. In 2026, Tashkurgan County will introduce a digital restoration display of the Shitou City ruins, allowing visitors to “travel” back to the Tang Dynasty capital of Qiepantuo through AR devices, experiencing the blend of history and reality.
(II) 2026 7-Day Sample Itinerary
Day 1:Arrival in Kashgar · First Impressions of the Old Town

Exploring the Autumn Colors of Southern Xinjiang: In-depth Cultural Journey to the Populus Euphratica Forest in Zepu, KashgarAfternoon:After airport pickup, check into a four-star hotel in downtown Kashgar. Recommended free activities: shopping for handicrafts at Kashgar Bazaar or capturing panoramic views of the old town from the Gaotai Residential Observation Deck.
Evening:Guided stroll through the eastern district of the old town, sampling specialty snacks like baked buns and pot-cooked meat.
Day 2:In-depth Cultural Experience in Kashgar
Morning:Visit the Xiangfei Garden to learn about the history of the Rongfei family during the Qianlong period and watch performances of wedding ceremonies from various ethnic groups.
Afternoon:Visit the Id Kah Mosque (external viewing), followed by tea tasting and listening to Mukam music at a century-old teahouse.
Evening:Free time, recommended to experience the old town night market.
Day 3:Kashgar to Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica Forest
Morning:Travel by car to Zepu, with a stop at the Shache Royal Mausoleum to visit the Amannisha Khan Memorial Mausoleum.
Afternoon:Full-day tour of the Golden Populus Euphratica scenic area, including a mini-train loop, mulberry paper workshop experience, and poplar forest photography.
Accommodation:Stay in a characteristic guesthouse near the Zepu scenic area, including breakfast.
Day 4:Zepu to Pamir Plateau

(I) Itinerary Highlights and Destination DetailsMorning:Travel west along the China-Pakistan Highway, with multiple stops at observation decks to photograph Oyitake Red Mountain, Baisha Lake, and Karakul Lake.
Afternoon:Arrive in Tashkurgan County and visit the Shitou City ruins and Golden Grassland Wetland.
Accommodation:Stay in a three-star hotel in Tashkurgan, with oxygen generators in rooms.
Day 5:In-depth Exploration of the Pamir Plateau
Morning:Tour around Bandier Blue Lake and take an electric cart to explore the plateau wetlands.
Afternoon:On the return trip to Kashgar, overlook the glaciers at Muztagh Ata Glacier Park (subject to weather conditions).
Accommodation:Stay in a four-star hotel in downtown Kashgar.
Day 6:Free Day in Kashgar
Full-day free schedule, recommended options:
Option A:Handicraft experience in Kashgar Old Town (pottery making, Atlas silk tie-dyeing)
Option B:Rural tour around Kashgar (Dawakun Desert or Akto Oyitake Glacier)

Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica National Forest Park: Autumn Secret Realm of Southern XinjiangEvening:Farewell dinner, sampling traditional medicinal cuisine from southern Xinjiang.
Day 7:Departure
Airport transfer based on flight schedule, concluding the itinerary.
(III) Pricing Information and Departure Dates
Basic Price Range:The market reference price for July 2026 starts at 2980 RMB per person (including 6 nights’ accommodation, full transportation, first entrance tickets to scenic spots, guide services, and 6 breakfasts and 4 main meals).
Inclusions:
Transportation:Official tourist bus for the entire journey starting and ending in Kashgar, including airport transfers.
Accommodation:6 nights’ accommodation, including 4 nights in four-star hotels in Kashgar, 1 night in a characteristic guesthouse in Zepu, and 1 night in a three-star hotel in Tashkurgan.
Entrance Tickets:First entrance tickets to scenic spots included in the itinerary, such as Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica, Xiangfei Garden, Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and Shitou City.
Meals:6 breakfasts and 4 main meals, with a standard of 40 RMB per person per meal, including special meals like roast whole lamb and pilaf.

As one of Xinjiang’s “Four Great Populus Euphratica Forests,” Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica is renowned for its “water poplars.” The Yarkant River winds through the scenic area, creating a unique landscape of “one river, two banks”: golden poplars reflected in the clear waters, with distant snow-capped mountains and nearby wetlands forming a layered, picturesque scene. The park features a wooden boardwalk around the lake, observation decks, and a vintage mini-train, suitable for visitors of all ages to stroll and take photos. In autumn 2026, the park will launch a special “Populus Euphratica Culture Week,” featuring daily traditional song and dance performances by various ethnic groups and hands-on experiences in mulberry paper making, allowing visitors to experience the charm of intangible cultural heritage up close.Services:Licensed guide讲解 (explanation) + driver services, with a dedicated photography leader for groups of 20 or more.
Exclusions:
Personal Expenses:Laundry, beverages, tobacco, and alcohol in hotels.
Optional Items:Secondary consumption such as electric carts and mini-trains within scenic spots.
：Single travelers must pay a room difference, with the specific amount to be confirmed by customer service.
Departure Date Tips:July-August is the peak tourist season in southern Xinjiang, so it is recommended to book 15 days in advance. Prices may fluctuate based on market supply and demand, with the final price subject to the contract signed by both parties.
(IV) Registration Methods and Consultation Channels
Registration can be done through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for details. Valid identification information must be provided for insurance purchase and scenic spot reservations. Foreign tourists need to notify in advance to assist with relevant procedures.
(V) Service Instructions and Precautions
Contract Specifications:Itinerary details, cost breakdowns, and cancellation policies are subject to the cultural and tourism electronic contract, which takes effect after both parties sign.
Policy Changes:In case of extreme weather or temporary closure of scenic spots, both parties can agree to reasonably modify the itinerary, replacing it with equivalent attractions or refunding corresponding fees.

Kashgar Old Town: Living Museum of the Millennium Silk RoadSpecial Groups:Individuals over 70 years old must sign a liability waiver or be accompanied by their children; pregnant women and those with severe hypertension or heart disease are not recommended to join the group.
Equipment Suggestions:Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night, so bring windproof jackets, quick-drying clothes, and comfortable hiking shoes; for the plateau section, it is recommended to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and moisturizing skincare products.
Cultural Respect:Appropriate attire is required when visiting royal mausoleums and other venues; women are advised to bring headscarves; consent must be obtained before photographing local residents.
(VI) Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Are there any shopping stops on the itinerary?
A:This itinerary is a no-shopping tour with no arranged shopping stops. If you wish to purchase specialties, you can visit Kashgar Bazaar on your free day on Day 6.
Q:How to deal with altitude sickness?
A:The accommodation in Tashkurgan is at an altitude of 3100 meters, with oxygen generators in all rooms; portable oxygen cylinders and common medications are carried in the vehicle, and the guide has high-altitude first aid qualifications.
Q:How are children charged?
A:Children under 12 years old who do not occupy a bed can receive a room difference reduction, with tickets purchased on-site according to scenic spot policies; those who occupy a bed are charged the same as adults.
(VII) Conclusion
From the vibrant atmosphere of Kashgar Old Town to the golden waves of Zepu’s poplars, from the pure blue of Baisha Lake to the vast snowfields of the Pamir Plateau, this itinerary condenses the natural wonders and cultural heritage of southern Xinjiang into a 7-day journey. Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or a family on a亲子 (parent-child) tour, you can find your own autumn memories here. For specific itinerary details and availability, consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to start your in-depth cultural journey to southern Xinjiang.

Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.