New Oriental Express Snow Lotus Luxury Train 2 Person Cabin Booking Process and Itinerary Reference
No need to drive yourself or endure endless transfers—sit back on the Xinjiang tourist train and slowly take in the scenery north and south of the Tianshan Mountains. Choose freely from multiple classes, from economy to luxury. We specialize in Xinjiang tourism train charter tours. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency consultation landline: 0991-8866234; Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (add as friend to receive free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)
✨ [New Oriental Express Snow Lotus: A mobile viewing platform crossing north and south of the Tianshan Mountains]✨
🚂 Route highlights:Redefining the “speed and depth” of Xinjiang travel
As Xinjiang’s first all-sleeper luxury tourist train, the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus, after its 2023 upgrade and renovation, with its unique design of “sightseeing by day, traveling by night,” connects 12 5A-level scenic areas including Kanas in northern Xinjiang and the Pamir Plateau in southern Xinjiang. Recent 2026 data shows that this train uses a 7-carriage design and includes 2 types of compartments: the Xiyue Golden Diamond compartment is equipped with a 1.5-meter double bed, bathroom, and 24-hour floor heating; the Noble Golden Diamond compartment adds panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and an intelligent temperature control system, meeting the needs of different customer groups.
The train passes through sections such as the Duku Highway and Ahe Highway, which are subject to seasonal traffic restrictions (usually open from June to October), so the itinerary must be changed according to real-time road conditions. A recent 2026 announcement by the transportation department shows that the train has established a coordination mechanism with local highways. In case of extreme weather, a backup route via the S21 Desert Highway to Altay will be used to maximize itinerary continuity.
📅 Simple itinerary (2026 summer edition)
▶ Day01:Travel from various places to Urumqi for assembly
✨[New Oriental Express Snow Lotus: A mobile viewing platform crossing north and south of the Tianshan Mountains]✨It is recommended to arrive one day in advance and freely visit the International Grand Bazaar or the Xinjiang Museum (reservation required 3 days in advance). The train departs from Urumqi Station at 20:00 that day; it is recommended to complete boarding procedures 1 hour in advance.
▶ Day02:Urumqi-Keketuohai-Altay
In the morning, visit Pit No. 3 in Keketuohai National Geopark (ticket 120 yuan/person, including shuttle bus). After arriving in Altay in the afternoon, you may experience snowmobile crossing General Mountain at your own expense (about 300 yuan/person, operating until mid-October).
▶ Day03:Altay-Ahe Highway-Hemu Village
Cross the Ahe Highway, “China’s most beautiful autumn-color highway” (only vehicles with more than 7 seats are allowed), with stops at viewing platforms such as Xiaodonggou and Tuolehaite along the way. Accommodation in Hemu Village is upgraded to a Tuvan wooden cabin standard room (including breakfast, reference price 800 yuan/room/night).
▶ Day04:Hemu-Kanas
In the early morning, climb the Haden Platform to photograph the morning mist; in the afternoon, take the shuttle bus to visit Kanas Lake, Immortal Bay, and other scenic spots. After the 2026 scenic area policy change, visitors must uniformly take environmentally friendly buses into the core area (ticket 160 yuan/person, half price for those over 70).
🚂 Route highlights: Redefining the “speed and depth” of Xinjiang travel▶ Day05:Kanas-Chonghu’er-Wucaitan-Train
In the morning, cross the “Birch Forest Corridor” in Chonghu’er Town; in the afternoon, photograph the yardang landform at Wucaitan in Burqin (best at sunset). Board the train at 22:00 that night and travel along the Irtysh River.
▶ Day06:Jinghe-Sayram Lake-Yining
Self-drive around Sayram Lake (vehicles with 7-55 seats are all permitted; these quoted prices are reference vehicle prices, and the specific vehicle price is subject to customer service quotation!). Key stops include Jiangtai and Keleyongzhu. In the afternoon, head to Yining via the Guozigou Bridge; for dinner, you may taste roast pigeon at Kazanqi Folk Village at your own expense (about 50 yuan/portion).
▶ Day07:Yining-Nalati Grassland
Horse riding on the Nalati Sky Grassland (about 200 yuan/person for 2 hours), or take a helicopter at your own expense to overlook Snow Lotus Valley (880 yuan/person, advance reservation required). Stay overnight in a hotel within the scenic area for convenience in watching the sunrise the next day.
As Xinjiang’s first all-sleeper luxury tourist train, the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus, after its 2023 upgrade and renovation, with its unique design of “sightseeing by day, traveling by night,” connects 12 5A-level scenic areas including Kanas in northern Xinjiang and the Pamir Plateau in southern Xinjiang. Recent 2026 data shows that this train uses a 7-carriage design and includes 2 types of compartments: the Xiyue Golden Diamond compartment is equipped with a 1.5-meter double bed, bathroom, and 24-hour floor heating; the Noble Golden Diamond compartment adds panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and an intelligent temperature control system, meeting the needs of different customer groups.▶ Day08-09:Duku Highway in-depth tour
Cross the Duku Highway over two days. Key stops in the northern section include the Qiao’erma Martyrs Cemetery and the Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery; the southern section visits the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon (ticket 45 yuan/person). Recent 2026 traffic tests show that a 7-seat business vehicle takes about 40 minutes to pass Hashilegen Pass, and anti-skid chains must be prepared (mandatory use from November to March of the following year).
▶ Day10-11:Kashgar cultural tour
Watch the city-opening ceremony in Kashgar Old City (two shows at 10:30/18:00) and visit the Id Kah Mosque (ticket 45 yuan/person). For the Tashkurgan itinerary, a permit must be obtained in advance (free; apply with valid documents at the Kashgar International Self-Driving RV Camp).
▶ Day12-14:Turpan return trip
Take the tourist train to enjoy beautiful Xinjiang. Choose freely from multiple classes, from economy to luxury. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency consultation landline: 0991-8866234; Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (add as friend to receive free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)
Visit the Flaming Mountains and Karez Paradise, and taste wine brewed by farmers in Grape Valley (about 80 yuan/bottle). On the last day, the train arrives at Urumqi Station at 10:00; it is recommended to book a return flight after 14:00.
💰 Price explanation (2026 reference)
The train passes through sections such as the Duku Highway and Ahe Highway, which are subject to seasonal traffic restrictions (usually open from June to October), so the itinerary must be changed according to real-time road conditions. A recent 2026 announcement by the transportation department shows that the train has established a coordination mechanism with local highways. In case of extreme weather, a backup route via the S21 Desert Highway to Altay will be used to maximize itinerary continuity.▶ Xiyue Golden Diamond compartment:From 58,999 yuan/person
Includes 4 compartments in 1 carriage, capacity 8 people, equipped with a dedicated butler and 24-hour dining bar.
▶ Noble Golden Diamond compartment:From 65,999 yuan/person
Includes 3 compartments in 1 carriage, capacity 6 people, with an added mini wine cellar and viewing terrace.
Price includes: full-train accommodation, first admission tickets to scenic areas, 10 main meals and 9 breakfasts (including 3 specialty meals), 7-55 seat air-conditioned vehicle transfers (these quoted prices are reference vehicle prices, and the specific vehicle price is subject to customer service quotation!). Prices and remaining seats are subject to contract confirmation and may fluctuate with departure dates; the signed contract between both parties shall prevail.
📝 Registration method
📅 Simple itinerary (2026 summer edition)You can register through the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and provide “name + valid ID number + contact information” to complete pre-registration. Staff will call within 24 hours to confirm remaining seats and contract details.
💡 Cost explanation and service standards
▶ Single registration:Our agency will make every effort to arrange room sharing; if room sharing cannot be arranged, a supplement will be required (the specific amount is subject to signing).
▶ Child policy:Children under 12 not occupying a bed receive a 3,000 yuan discount; those occupying a bed pay the same as adults.
▶ Vehicle configuration:Throughout the trip, regular tourist vehicles with 7-55 seats are used, and each vehicle is equipped with a first-aid kit and USB charging ports.
▶ Catering standard:The standard for main meals is no less than 60 yuan/person, including Xinjiang specialty dishes such as big plate chicken and hand-grabbed rice.
▶ Insurance included:Travel agency liability insurance + travel accident insurance (maximum coverage 500,000 yuan/person).
▶ Day01: Travel from various places to Urumqi for assemblyThe specific details are subject to actual consultation and signing.
⚠ ️ Notes
▶ Document requirements:In addition to valid documents, a permit is required to go to Tashkurgan (Xinjiang household registration can apply at the place of household registration; out-of-province tourists can apply on site in Kashgar).
▶ Clothing suggestions:From September to October, bring a windbreaker; nighttime temperatures in Kanas may drop to 0°C.
▶ Photography equipment:Drones are prohibited at scenic spots such as Sayram Lake and Kanas and must be stored in advance.
▶ Policy changes:If a scenic area is temporarily closed (such as Kanas closing due to snow in winter), it will be replaced with a similar scenic spot such as Tianshan Tianchi.
📞 Consultation channel
Consult Zhang Jing, customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, to obtain the latest 2026 departure schedule and remaining-seat table and a contract template. Staff will provide personalized itinerary suggestions according to your needs and strive to make the travel experience meet expectations.
For more details about Xinjiang tourist trains, consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing, phone: 181 3962 2233 (add as friend to receive free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)
