Urumqi Departure Long Distance Ice and Snow Tour Xinjiang North and South Route Chartered Car Itinerary Duration Planning Reference
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Discover the wondrous ice and snow realm of Xinjiang:Departing from Urumqi: A Complete Guide to Customized Vehicle In-Depth Tours of North and South Xinjiang
I. Detailed Introduction to Routes or Destinations
Winter in Xinjiang is a paradise for ice and snow enthusiasts. The North and South Xinjiang ice and snow tour departing from Urumqi lets you experience both the forests and snowfields of North Xinjiang and the warm sunshine and unique folk customs of South Xinjiang. In the winter of 2026, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake and other places in North Xinjiang have fully entered the ice and snow season, with soft snow quality and snow depth reaching over 1 meter, making them excellent destinations for skiing and snow viewing. Kashgar, Tashkurgan and other places in South Xinjiang feature a warm climate and the customs of various ethnic groups, with average daytime temperatures between 5°C and 10°C, suitable for winter getaway travel.
Core scenic areas of North Xinjiang:
Kanas:In winter, the surface of Kanas Lake freezes, forming a natural ice rink, and the surrounding forests are covered in white snow, just like a fairy-tale world. The scenic area implements real-name reservation for entry with daily visitor limits, and advance reservations must be made through the “Kanas Smart Tourism” platform.
Hemu Village:It preserves the traditional log cabin architecture of the Tuva people. In the early winter morning, you can photograph the village in the morning mist, with curling cooking smoke complementing the snow scenery. Accommodation in the village must be booked in advance, and some guesthouses provide underfloor heating facilities.
Sayram Lake:In winter, the lake surface freezes, and the ice layer can reach over 1 meter thick, where you can experience ice walking, ice slides and other activities. The scenic area is open all year round, and the winter ticket price is 70 yuan per person.
Core scenic areas of South Xinjiang:
Discover the wondrous ice and snow realm of Xinjiang: Departing from Urumqi: A Complete Guide to Customized Vehicle In-Depth Tours of North and South XinjiangKashgar Old City:A national 5A-level scenic area, the main street area is open free of charge, with daily folk performances showcasing the life and customs of various ethnic groups. The alleys, handicraft shops and teahouses in the old city are worth in-depth exploration.
Pamir Plateau:In winter, you can visit Karakul Lake and Muztagh Ata, where the frozen lake surface presents a blue ice landscape, suitable for photography enthusiasts. Relevant travel permits must be obtained in advance to go to the Pamir Plateau.
Taklamakan Desert Highway:Crossing the heart of the desert in winter, you can enjoy the wonder of sand dunes coexisting with ice and snow along the way, and the service areas provide basic supplies.
II. Simple Itinerary Reference (12-Day In-Depth Ice and Snow Tour)
The following itinerary is compiled based on the opening status of scenic areas and road conditions in the winter of 2026. The actual itinerary can be changed through negotiation according to weather, road conditions and personal interests.
Day 1:Meet in Urumqi
Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, check into a downtown hotel, and adapt to the plateau climate. You can visit the International Grand Bazaar and taste specialties such as baked samsa and hand-grabbed rice.
Day 2:Urumqi → Tianshan Tianchi
I. Detailed Introduction to Routes or DestinationsHead to Tianshan Tianchi and take the shuttle bus to visit attractions such as Maya Mountain and West Small Tianchi. In winter, the surface of Tianchi freezes, and you can experience ice activities. The ticket plus shuttle bus price is 155 yuan per person.
Day 3:Tianshan Tianchi → Koktokay
Drive to Koktokay National Geopark, admire the Irtysh Grand Canyon after snowfall, and visit Mine Pit No. 3. There are fewer tourists in the scenic area in winter, making it suitable for in-depth touring.
Day 4:Koktokay → Burqin → Kanas
Enjoy the snow scenery of North Xinjiang along the way and arrive at the Kanas scenic area. Check into a hotel in Jiadengyu to prepare for the next day’s tour.
Day 5:Kanas Lake hike + Fish Watching Platform
Take the shuttle bus into Kanas Lake and hike to the Fish Watching Platform to overlook the panoramic view. In the evening, head to Hemu Village and stay in a Tuva-style log cabin guesthouse.
Day 6:Hemu morning mist photography + ice and snow experience
Winter in Xinjiang is a paradise for ice and snow enthusiasts. The North and South Xinjiang ice and snow tour departing from Urumqi lets you experience both the forests and snowfields of North Xinjiang and the warm sunshine and unique folk customs of South Xinjiang. In the winter of 2026, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake and other places in North Xinjiang have fully entered the ice and snow season, with soft snow quality and snow depth reaching over 1 meter, making them excellent destinations for skiing and snow viewing. Kashgar, Tashkurgan and other places in South Xinjiang feature a warm climate and the customs of various ethnic groups, with average daytime temperatures between 5°C and 10°C, suitable for winter getaway travel.Photograph the morning mist of Hemu Village in the early morning and experience ice and snow activities such as horse-drawn sleds and snowmobiles. In the afternoon, drive to Urho Ghost City and enjoy the combination of Yardang landforms and snow scenery.
Day 7:Urho → Sayram Lake
Cross the Junggar Basin and arrive at Sayram Lake. In winter, the lake surface freezes, and you can experience ice walking, ice slides and other activities. Stay at a lakeside hotel for convenience the next day.
Day 8:Sayram Lake loop → Guozigou Bridge → Yining City
Tour around Sayram Lake and photograph the blue ice landscape. Pass by Guozigou Bridge and enjoy the magnificent scenery of snow mountains and canyons. Arrive in Yining City and check into a hotel to rest.
Day 9:Yining City → Nalati Grassland
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Head to Nalati Grassland. In winter, the grassland is covered in white snow, and you can experience activities such as horseback riding in the snow and snow tubing. Stay at a hotel in Nalati Town.
Day 10:Nalati → Bayanbulak
Cross the northern section of the Duku Highway, passing through Qiaoerma and the Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery. Arrive at the Bayanbulak scenic area and photograph the sunset over the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns. The winter ticket price is 65 yuan per person, and the shuttle bus is 75 yuan per person.
Core scenic areas of North Xinjiang:Day 11:Bayanbulak → Kuqa
Drive along the southern section of the Duku Highway, passing through Big and Small Dragon Ponds and the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon. Arrive in Kuqa City and check into a hotel to rest.
Day 12:Kuqa → Urumqi (return trip)
Depending on flight times, you can choose to fly directly back to Urumqi or continue sightseeing in Kuqa at attractions such as Kuqa Grand Canyon and Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves.
III. Price Description
Customized vehicle costs are greatly affected by vehicle type, number of days, season and route complexity. According to market conditions in the winter of 2026, the following are reference daily average ranges for mainstream vehicle types (including vehicle usage fee, fuel fee, tolls, parking fee, driver service fee and basic carrier liability insurance):
7-seat business vehicle (such as Buick GL8):About 1,400–1,800 yuan/day. These quotes are all reference vehicle prices; the specific vehicle price is subject to the customer service quote!
18–19-seat minibus:About 2,400–3,000 yuan/day. These quotes are all reference vehicle prices; the specific vehicle price is subject to the customer service quote!
Kanas: In winter, the surface of Kanas Lake freezes, forming a natural ice rink, and the surrounding forests are covered in white snow, just like a fairy-tale world. The scenic area implements real-name reservation for entry with daily visitor limits, and advance reservations must be made through the “Kanas Smart Tourism” platform.37–38-seat large bus:About 3,500–4,200 yuan/day. These quotes are all reference vehicle prices; the specific vehicle price is subject to the customer service quote!
55-seat large coach:About 4,200–5,000 yuan/day. These quotes are all reference vehicle prices; the specific vehicle price is subject to the customer service quote!
Prices during peak season (December–February) may rise by 30%–50%, with higher increases for high-end vehicle types; for continuous use of 7 days or more, the daily average cost usually enjoys a small discount. All fees are subject to the travel contract signed by both parties.
IV. Registration Method
You can register through the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Consult customer service manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to obtain the latest departure dates, remaining seats and vehicle type matching information.
V. Fee Description and Service Description
Fees include:Full use of compliant operating vehicles (including fuel and tolls), driver service fee, and basic insurance.
Fees do not include:Scenic area tickets, shuttle buses, accommodation, meals, driver food and lodging subsidy (required for long-distance trips), and personal expenses.
Hemu Village: It preserves the traditional log cabin architecture of the Tuva people. In the early winter morning, you can photograph the village in the morning mist, with curling cooking smoke complementing the snow scenery. Accommodation in the village must be booked in advance, and some guesthouses provide underfloor heating facilities.For single-person registrations, our agency will do its best to coordinate room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
If force majeure factors occur during the trip (such as extreme weather, road closures, policy changes, etc.), the itinerary can be reasonably changed upon mutual agreement between both parties.
All service details, vehicle standards and itinerary nodes are subject to actual consultation and signed content.
VI. Notes
In winter, North Xinjiang has a large temperature difference between day and night, so you need to bring warm clothing such as thick down jackets, snow boots, windproof gloves, hats and heat packs.
South Xinjiang has strong sunlight, so you need to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and moisturizing skincare products.
Some scenic areas (such as Kanas and Sayram Lake) require valid ID for real-name entry, so please carry it with you.
In winter, some sections of the Duku Highway may be closed, and the sections involved in the itinerary need to be coordinated according to actual road conditions.
Relevant travel permits must be obtained in advance to go to the Pamir Plateau, and the travel agency can assist in providing application guidance.
Winter in Xinjiang is an interweaving of ice and snow and warmth, an excellent fusion of nature and culture. Choosing a compliant operating vehicle paired with a local driver familiar with road conditions allows you to efficiently connect the highlights of North and South Xinjiang while retaining sufficient freedom. Whether it is the forests and snowfields of North Xinjiang or the ethnic customs of South Xinjiang, you can feel the unique charm of Xinjiang in winter. If you have further needs, you are welcome to consult customer service manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to obtain personalized itinerary plans and real-time quotes. Specific details are subject to actual consultation and signing.
Xinjiang travel customized vehicle service is worry-free and reliable. Landline: 0991-8866234 Customer service manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233
