Urumqi Departure North South Xinjiang Panorama Group Tour 18 Day Complete Itinerary
Xinjiang tourism customized car use for a worry-free trip, regular fleet with fully customizable itineraries. Consultation hotline landline: 0991-8866234 Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, customized consultation Manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (copy to add friend for detailed consultation on Xinjiang travel routes and prices)
Icon start ✨ [18-day North and South Xinjiang Panorama Group Tour from Urumqi:A Moving Feast Across Four Seasons] ✨
If you wish to understand Xinjiang’s grandeur and gentleness in 18 days, from the Gobi deserts of the Junggar Basin to the oasis civilization of the Tarim River, from the songs and dances of various ethnic groups to the melodies of the Twelve Muqam, this route connecting the natural wonders of Northern Xinjiang and the cultural secrets of Southern Xinjiang will take you on an immersive journey to the Western Regions.
1. Detailed introduction to the route or destination: One vehicle, one world, panoramic views with no blind spots
[Complete Coverage of Geographic Units]
The itinerary starts from Urumqi, crossing three major geographic units: the Tianshan Mountains, the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, and the Pamir Plateau. The Northern Xinjiang section focuses on Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Sayram Lake, showcasing the pristine beauty of snow-capped mountains, lakes, and grassland pastures; the Southern Xinjiang section goes deep into Kashgar Old City, the Pamir Plateau, and the Taklamakan Desert, experiencing the thousand-year-old Silk Road civilization and the life of various ethnic groups.
[Key Scenic Highlights]
Kanas Lake:Known as ‘a picturesque wonderland on earth’, the scenic area implements a time-slot reservation system in 2026. Visitors can take the shuttle bus to tour the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Sleeping Dragon Bay), or climb to the Fish Viewing Pavilion to overlook the entire lake.
Hemu Village:A primitive Tuva ethnic village. In the early morning, climbing to the Haden Platform allows you to photograph wooden houses with cooking smoke in the morning mist. In 2026, a new stargazing point was added for viewing the Milky Way at night.
Sayram Lake:The lakeside road is fully open, with access from the East Gate, South Gate, and North Gate. In summer, golden lotus flowers bloom along the lakeshore; in winter, the blue ice spectacle can be observed.
Nalati Grassland:The aerial grassland area has a daily visitor limit and requires advance real-name reservation. Visitors can ride horses through the flower sea or experience home visits with various ethnic groups.
Kashgar Old City:In 2026, a nighttime light show and performances at century-old teahouses were added. Visitors can freely wander through the maze-like alleys and experience the life of various ethnic groups.
Pamir Plateau:Traveling along National Highway G314, you can visit Baisha Lake (free but requires reservation), Karakul Lake (ticket 50 yuan/person), and Muztagh Glacier Park (altitude 4,400 meters, reservation required). Entering Tashkurgan County requires obtaining a border defense permit in advance.
[Special Train Design Features]
The train uses AC380V 25G passenger carriages, equipped with large viewing windows, charging ports, and smart service terminals. Each carriage has a cultural display area showcasing traditional costumes, musical instrument models, and photography works of various ethnic groups. The upper level of the double-deck observation carriage features 360-degree rotating seats and a panoramic skylight, while the lower level has an observation bar and cultural display area, allowing passengers to experience the charm of Western Regions culture while on the move.
Icon start ✨ [18-day North and South Xinjiang Panorama Group Tour from Urumqi: A Moving Feast Across Four Seasons] ✨2. Simplified itinerary: Travel by day, ride by night, smart design
[Itinerary Overview]
Days 1-3:Gather in Urumqi → Heavenly Lake of Tianshan → Beitun
Days 4-6:In-depth Kanas tour → Hemu morning mist → Colorful Beach
Days 7-9:Sayram Lake lakeside tour → Nalati Grassland → Bayanbulak
Days 10-12:Duku Highway crossing → Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon → Kuqa
Days 13-15:Kashgar Old City → Pamir Plateau → Karakul Lake
Days 16-18:Taklamakan Desert → Lop Nur Village → Return journey
[Daily Key Arrangements]
D1:Gather in Urumqi
After arriving in the afternoon, check into a 4-diamond hotel. Free time recommended at the International Grand Bazaar. Dinner included:Burqin cold-water fish feast.
D2:Heavenly Lake of Tianshan – Beitun
Visit Heavenly Lake of Tianshan in the morning (shuttle bus included), board the special train in the evening. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
D3:In-depth Kanas tour
Spend the full day visiting Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Sleeping Dragon Bay, staying overnight in characteristic wooden houses at Jadengyu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
If you wish to understand Xinjiang’s grandeur and gentleness in 18 days, from the Gobi deserts of the Junggar Basin to the oasis civilization of the Tarim River, from the songs and dances of various ethnic groups to the melodies of the Twelve Muqam, this route connecting the natural wonders of Northern Xinjiang and the cultural secrets of Southern Xinjiang will take you on an immersive journey to the Western Regions.D4:Hemu morning mist – Colorful Beach
Photograph the morning mist over Hemu Village at dawn, enjoy the sunset at Colorful Beach in the evening, then take the special train to Yining in the evening. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
D5:Sayram Lake lakeside tour
Spend the full day touring around the lake, with an afternoon tea arranged by the lakeside, passing by the Guozigou Bridge photo spot. Stay overnight at a 4-diamond hotel in Yining. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
D6:Nalati Grassland – Bayanbulak
Experience horseback riding on the aerial grassland in the morning, enjoy the sunset at the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns in the evening, and stay overnight in a scenic-view room within the scenic area. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
D7-D8:Crossing the Duku Highway
Special arrangement for the southern section crossing experience, visiting the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included (D8 overnight on the special train).
D9-D10:Kashgar cultural days
Visit Id Kah Mosque and Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb, watch the ‘Western Regions Daughter Kingdom’ song and dance performance, and experience home visits with local residents. Stay overnight in characteristic guesthouses in Tashkurgan County. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
D11-D12:Desert adventure
Visit Lop Nur Village, experience desert off-roading or desert stargazing camping, passing by the Dabancheng windmill farm photo spot. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included (overnight on the special train).
D13-D18:Return journey and summary
Pass through Lanzhou, Chongqing, Xiangtan, and other places along the way, finally arriving in Guangzhou to conclude the trip. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
3. Price explanation: Transparent pricing, reference range
1. Detailed introduction to the route or destination: One vehicle, one world, panoramic views with no blind spots[Special Train Cabin Types and Prices]
Blue Diamond Series (Economy Comfort Type)
4-person cabin upper berth:9,999-17,999 yuan/person
4-person cabin lower berth:10,999-18,999 yuan/person
2-person cabin:19,999-24,999 yuan/person
Silver Diamond Series (Premium Upgrade Type)
4-person cabin:12,999-21,888 yuan/person
Executive room:20,999-26,888 yuan/person
[Price Includes]
No worries about touring North and South Xinjiang – professional customized car service for free travel. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency landline hotline: 0991-8866234, dedicated customer service manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (WeChat same number, addable)
Special train berths, land accommodation (4-5 diamond hotels, upgraded to 5 diamond in Kashgar)
All meals indicated in the itinerary (main meals at 8 dishes + 1 soup standard)
First admission tickets to scenic spots and shuttle bus fees
Professional tour guide accompaniment service
Travel accident insurance
[Price Excludes]
[Complete Coverage of Geographic Units] Transportation from departure point to Urumqi
Personal expenses and self-funded items
Single room supplement (efforts will be made to arrange room sharing; special cases require separate negotiation)
Additional expenses caused by force majeure factors
[Price Fluctuation Explanation]
During the peak season from June to September, prices may increase by 10%-15%. It is recommended to book 60 days in advance to enjoy early bird discounts. Prices and available seats are subject to contract confirmation and may fluctuate with departure dates. Specific details are subject to the contract signed by both parties.
4. Registration method: Standardized service process
You can register through the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. The specific process is as follows:
Choose itinerary:12 standard departure dates available (including the inaugural departure on May 7).
Confirm seat:Choose Blue Diamond/Silver Diamond series based on budget.
Pay deposit:Pay a deposit of 2,000-5,000 yuan/person according to cabin type.
Settle balance:Pay the remaining amount 30 days before departure.
5. Fee explanation and service description: Clear rights and responsibilities, comprehensive protection
[Fee Includes]
Use of soft sleeper berth on the special train for the entire journey
The itinerary starts from Urumqi, crossing three major geographic units: the Tianshan Mountains, the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, and the Pamir Plateau. The Northern Xinjiang section focuses on Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Sayram Lake, showcasing the pristine beauty of snow-capped mountains, lakes, and grassland pastures; the Southern Xinjiang section goes deep into Kashgar Old City, the Pamir Plateau, and the Taklamakan Desert, experiencing the thousand-year-old Silk Road civilization and the life of various ethnic groups. Land section accommodation in 4-5 diamond hotels (upgraded to 5 diamond in Kashgar)
All meals indicated in the itinerary (main meals at 8 dishes + 1 soup standard)
First admission tickets to scenic spots and shuttle bus fees
Professional tour guide accompaniment service
Travel accident insurance
[Service Guarantees]
Each tour group is equipped with a doctor providing basic medical support
Luggage stored on the special train throughout the journey, no need for transfers
Daily provision of Xinjiang specialty snacks (naan bread, baked buns, etc.)
Professional photography time slots arranged at key scenic spots during sunrise/sunset
[Special Reminders]
Document preparation:Bring original valid documents. A border permit must be obtained in advance when traveling to the Pamir Plateau.
Equipment recommendations:Large temperature differences between day and night. It is recommended to bring a windbreaker, sunscreen, and comfortable hiking shoes.
Cultural etiquette:Knee-length clothing is required when visiting. Ask for permission before taking photos with local residents.
Policy changes:Scenic area opening hours and ticket prices may change with the seasons. Please confirm with customer service before departure.
[Key Scenic Highlights]Reasonable itinerary changes may be made upon mutual agreement between both parties: Due to uncontrollable factors such as weather, road conditions, railway dispatch, and scenic area policies, the travel agency may make reasonable changes to the itinerary order or accommodation locations with the consent of the tourists. All service details and cancellation/refund rules are executed in accordance with the Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China and relevant regulations.
6. Vehicle recommendations: Compliant operation, flexible choices
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency provides 7-55 seat regular tourist operating vehicles, supporting flexible route changes based on needs. The following are reference vehicle models and quotes (these quotes are reference vehicle prices only; actual vehicle prices are subject to customer service quotes!):
Regular 7-seat business vehicle (e.g., Maxus G10, Buick GL8):1,200-1,500 yuan/day
9-seat converted to 7-seat high-roof business vehicle (more space, adjustable seats):1,300-1,800 yuan/day
14-seat converted to 7-seat 1+1 seat luxury business vehicle (aviation seats with leg rests):1,500-2,400 yuan/day
15-18 seat medium business vehicle (e.g., Jiangling, King Long):1,600-2,600 yuan/day
38-seat luxury coach (Foton, Yutong and other brands):1,800-2,800 yuan/day
[Vehicle Selection Recommendations]
Family travel:Recommended 7-seat business vehicle or 9-seat high-roof business vehicle, combining comfort and privacy.
Small group travel:14-seat or 15-seat business vehicles offer spacious interiors, suitable for groups of 6-8 people.
Large groups:38-seat coaches offer good value for money, suitable for groups of 10 or more.
7. Consultation method: Professional service, attentive answers
For detailed itineraries, seat availability, or assistance with cabin selection, please consult customer service manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. All bookings require signing the national unified electronic tourism contract to protect the rights of both parties. Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
✨ [Travel Message] ✨
From the emerald waters of Kanas to the snow-capped mountains and lakes of the Pamir Plateau, from the century-old teahouses of Kashgar Old City to the desert starry sky of the Taklamakan, this 18-day panoramic route will take you through Xinjiang’s four seasons and geographic units. Choosing a compliant travel agency, signing a transparent contract, and planning your itinerary in advance are the keys to avoiding pitfalls and enjoying a comfortable, unforgettable journey to the Western Regions.
For Xinjiang travel, choose Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customized car service for a worry-free and reliable trip. Landline: 0991-8866234 Customer service manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233
