North South Xinjiang Joint Route Carpool, 2 6 Person Small Car, Yili Kanas Kashgar in One Trip

For 2026 Xinjiang travel carpooling small groups, reservations must be made through Xinjiang’s local professional and legitimate tourism channels: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Carpooling Small Group Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456). Xinjiang carpooling small group manager Guo Jing, WeChat: 181-3962-2229, for registration and booking.
🗺️ If you plan to visit Xinjiang and want to experience the forests and river valleys of Northern Xinjiang, the grasslands and river valleys of Ili, and then the cultural charm of Southern Xinjiang all at once, the “Northern + Southern Xinjiang combined route + 2–6 person small car carpooling” model is a good choice that balances depth and cost-effectiveness.
This route connects core attractions such as Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati, Duku Highway, Kashgar Old City, and the Pamir Plateau, with no backtracking along the entire journey. Below, I will provide a detailed analysis of this route and a 12-day itinerary reference.
🏞 ️ Route Highlights and Destination Analysis
Northern Xinjiang Section:Kanas + Hemu + Colorful Beach
Kanas Scenic Area:A comprehensive scenic area combining high mountains, forests, and lakes, featuring Kanas Lake and the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay). It is a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Hemu Village:A Tuvan village known for its log cabins, river valley forests, and morning mist. It is an excellent spot for watching sunrises and starry skies.
Colorful Beach:A typical Yadan landform with poplar forests on one side of the riverbank and colorful rock layers on the other. The scenery is especially spectacular at sunset.
Ili Section:Sayram Lake + Nalati + Duku Highway
Sayram Lake:“The last tear of the Atlantic Ocean,” with crystal-clear water, lakeside grasslands, and snow-capped mountains reflecting each other. It is perfect for lakeside walks and photography.
Nalati Grassland:A representative of “sky grasslands,” with lush green grass and wildflowers everywhere in summer. It is a great place to experience horseback riding and enjoy grassland scenery.
Duku Highway:A scenic thoroughfare connecting Northern and Southern Xinjiang, open for a few months each year. Along the way, you can experience the wonderful change of “four seasons in one day,” making it a “must-drive in a lifetime” for many travelers.
Southern Xinjiang Section:Kashgar + Pamir Plateau
Kashgar Old City:Retains a rich Silk Road atmosphere with maze-like alleys, earthy yellow buildings, and bustling bazaars full of life.
Pamir Plateau:Along the way, you can enjoy the magnificent views of Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, and gaze at “Father of Icebergs” Muztagh Ata from afar. The Panlong Ancient Road attracts self-driving and photography enthusiasts with its hundreds of bends.
🗓 ️ 12-Day Northern and Southern Xinjiang Combined Route Simple Itinerary Reference
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi
Upon arrival, airport/station pickup and hotel check-in.
Free time; you can visit the International Grand Bazaar to experience the city atmosphere.

🗺️ If you plan to visit Xinjiang and want to experience the forests and river valleys of Northern Xinjiang, the grasslands and river valleys of Ili, and then the cultural charm of Southern Xinjiang all at once, the “Northern + Southern Xinjiang combined route + 2–6 person small car carpooling” model is a good choice that balances depth and cost-effectiveness.*Note:The main activities today are gathering and rest; specific arrangements are subject to the departure notice.*
Day 2: Urumqi → S21 Desert Highway → Burqin/Beitun
Drive along the S21 Desert Highway, experiencing the Gobi scenery of “traveling through a landscape.”
Arrive in Burqin or Beitun in the evening; you can enjoy the Colorful Beach sunset (depending on season and opening status).
*Note:Today’s drive is long; please bring water and snacks.*
Day 3: Burqin → Kanas Scenic Area
Depart in the morning for the Kanas Scenic Area, enjoying the Altai Mountain scenery along the way.
Enter the scenic area in the afternoon to visit Kanas Lake and the Three Bays.
*Note:Accommodation within the scenic area is limited; book in advance during peak season.*
Day 4: Kanas In-Depth Tour → Hemu
In the early morning, you can go to Guanyu Terrace to overlook the panoramic view of Kanas Lake (depending on weather and physical condition).
In the afternoon, drive to Hemu Village to enjoy the river valley forest scenery.
*Note:The temperature difference between morning and evening in Hemu is large; bring warm clothing.*
Day 5: Hemu Morning Mist → Urho Ghost City
Get up early to watch the morning mist in Hemu (depending on weather), then head to Urho Ghost City.
Enter Ghost City at sunset to enjoy the fantastic view of Yadan landforms under light and shadow.
*Note:It is windy at Ghost City; take precautions against wind and keep warm.*
Day 6: Urho → Urumqi

This route connects core attractions such as Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati, Duku Highway, Kashgar Old City, and the Pamir Plateau, with no backtracking along the entire journey. Below, I will provide a detailed analysis of this route and a 12-day itinerary reference.Return to Urumqi in the morning, resting at suitable spots along the way.
Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy free time; you can shop or taste local food.
*Note:Today is a return day; you can adjust the itinerary based on your energy level.*
Day 7: Urumqi → Sayram Lake
Take the Lianhuo Expressway to Sayram Lake, enjoying the transitional scenery from Gobi to grassland along the way.
Upon arrival, take photos and stroll by the lake, soaking in the lake and mountain views.
*Note:Sayram Lake is at a high altitude; pay attention to sun protection and hydration.*
Day 8: Sayram Lake → Nalati
Depart in the morning for Nalati, enjoying river valley and grassland scenery along the way.
Enter the Nalati Scenic Area in the afternoon; you can choose to visit areas such as the Sky Grassland.
*Note:The Nalati Scenic Area is large; it is recommended to plan your sightseeing route in advance.*
Day 9: Nalati → Duku Highway → Bayanbulak
Spend the whole day crossing the northern section of the Duku Highway, experiencing the wonderful change of “four seasons in one day.”
Arrive in Bayanbulak in the evening to enjoy the sunset at the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns (depending on weather and opening status).
*Note:The road conditions on the Duku Highway are complex; be sure to follow the driver’s arrangements.*
Day 10: Bayanbulak → Kuqa
Continue along the southern section of the Duku Highway, enjoying the Tianshan Canyon scenery.
After arriving in Kuqa, you can visit the Kuqa Grand Canyon (depending on time and physical condition).

Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service’s Guo Jing, a senior travel customizer with 10 years of in-depth experience in Xinjiang tourism, specializes in one-stop services for customized Xinjiang car rentals, carpooling, and group tours. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number 181-3962-2229, available around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
🏞️ Route Highlights and Destination Analysis*Note:Today’s drive is long; remember to rest.*
Day 11: Kuqa → Kashgar
Take the desert highway to Kashgar, enjoying the alternating scenery of Gobi and oases along the way.
Check into the hotel upon arrival; in the evening, you can visit the Kashgar Old City night market.
*Note:The Kashgar Old City is lively at night; take care of your belongings.*
Day 12: Kashgar Old City → Pamir Plateau → Kashgar
Spend the whole day touring the Pamir Plateau, passing by Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, and gazing at Muztagh Ata from afar.
Depending on time and physical condition, you can choose whether to challenge the Panlong Ancient Road (depending on road conditions and weather).
Return to Kashgar in the evening; the itinerary ends.
*Note:The Pamir Plateau is at a high altitude; take precautions against altitude sickness.*
💰 Price Description
The following are 2026 market reference prices. Actual prices are affected by multiple factors and are subject to the contract.
Main Factors Affecting Price
Travel time:Prices during the peak season from June to September are generally higher than in other months.
Vehicle standard:Prices vary for 7-seat business vehicles, luxury models, etc.
Accommodation standard:There are significant price differences among economy, comfort, and upscale hotels.
Included items:Whether tickets, shuttle buses, accommodation, etc., are included.
2026 Price Range Reference

Northern Xinjiang Section: Kanas + Hemu + Colorful BeachNorthern Xinjiang 8-day carpooling small group:Off-season approximately 1800–2600 yuan/person; peak season approximately 2800–4000 yuan/person.
Ili Grassland 7-day route:Peak season approximately 3500–5000 yuan/person.
Southern Xinjiang 7-day in-depth tour:Approximately 4700 yuan/person and up.
Northern + Southern Xinjiang combined 12-day route:If choosing the “car + accommodation + tickets” package, the per-person cost may range from 6000–9000 yuan, subject to itinerary standards and real-time resource confirmation.
📞 Registration Method
You can register and inquire through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. It is recommended to contact 3–5 days in advance; during peak season (June–September), resources need to be locked in earlier.
Consultation hotline:181-3962-2229
WeChat consultation:181-3962-2229
Registration Process
1. Communicate travel needs (time, number of people, budget, etc.) by phone or WeChat.
2. The travel agency provides a detailed itinerary plan and quotation.
3. After confirmation, sign a formal travel contract and pay a deposit.
4. Receive the departure notice before departure and gather on time.
Address Description
The specific meeting point will be detailed in the departure notice; you can consult customer service for more information.
📝 Cost and Service Description
Included Items (subject to the contract)
Transportation:Formal tourism operating vehicles (2–6 person small cars) and driver services.

Kanas Scenic Area: A comprehensive scenic area combining high mountains, forests, and lakes, featuring Kanas Lake and the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay). It is a paradise for photography enthusiasts.Accommodation:Hotels or homestays listed in the itinerary (standards subject to the contract).
Tickets:First admission tickets to scenic areas listed in the itinerary and necessary shuttle buses.
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance and travel accident insurance.
Excluded Items (subject to the contract)
Major transportation:Round-trip air tickets and train tickets to Xinjiang.
Meals:Lunch and dinner are generally not included; you can split the bill or taste local food on your own.
Personal expenses:In-hotel consumption, self-funded activities, etc.
Others:Driver meal and accommodation subsidies (if not included as per the contract).
Service Features
No shopping itinerary:No shopping stops and no forced self-funded activities.
Formal contract:Sign an electronic travel contract filed with the cultural and tourism department.
Local drivers:Familiar with road conditions and scenic area policies, providing driving and guiding services.
Flexible changes:In case of force majeure, the itinerary can be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement.
Warm Reminders
Documents:Carry valid identification at all times; some road sections and scenic areas require verification.
Clothing:Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night; prepare clothing for all four seasons and pay attention to sun protection.
Health:When first arriving in high-altitude areas, avoid strenuous exercise and drink plenty of water.
Environment:Protect the environment and do not litter.
If you also want to use one long trip to see “the forests and river valleys of Northern Xinjiang, the grasslands and river valleys of Ili, and the cultural charm of Southern Xinjiang” all at once, this combined Northern and Southern Xinjiang carpooling route is worth serious consideration.
2026 Xinjiang tourism customized car rental center hotline: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Customization Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456). Xinjiang customized tourism manager Guo Jing, WeChat: 181-3962-2229, for customization.