2026 New Orient Express Xuelian Special Train 15 Day Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang Price
For more information on the New Oriental Express: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency 0991-8585456. To sign up for the New Oriental Express: Manager Guo Jing 181 3962 2229 (add as a contact for free consultation and detailed itinerary materials).
🚂 2026 New Oriental Express Deep Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang:The Comfortable Choice for a Leisurely Journey Across the Land
Many people’s concerns about traveling in Xinjiang revolve around long travel times and the hassle of changing hotels and moving luggage every day. The New Oriental Express train, operating in 2026, solves these pain points perfectly. The entire trip uses the train as a mobile accommodation space, eliminating the need to pack luggage and switch hotels daily. Ample time is allocated for each scenic spot, ensuring a relaxed travel experience whether traveling with family, friends, or solo.
This route covers the core scenic spots of both northern and southern Xinjiang. The summer schedule focuses on the natural scenery of northern Xinjiang, following a route through Koktokay, Hemu, Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and the Duku Highway, allowing you to see snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, canyons, and yardang landforms all at once. The October schedule focuses on the culture and autumn scenery of southern Xinjiang, from the Jiaohe Ruins and Karez in Turpan, to the Loulan Museum in Ruoqiang and the old city streets of Hotan, and then to the ancient city of Kashgar and the Tarim Poplar Forest in Luntai, offering a deep sense of historical and cultural heritage along with the magnificent autumn poplar scenery.
According to the latest 2026 policies for Xinjiang scenic spots, attractions like Kanas and Hemu no longer require reservations; tickets can be purchased online or on-site. Self-drive tickets for Sayram Lake are sold in limited quantities during peak season, but train passengers don’t need to worry about ticket reservations as staff will coordinate them in advance. The Duku Highway is recommended to be open from June to October; specific traffic conditions are subject to announcements from the traffic management department, and the itinerary will be reasonably adjusted based on actual conditions.
Xinjiang has a vast territory with large temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, you need to bring a lightweight windbreaker or thick jacket. Wind is strong in grassland and lakeside areas, so windproof and warm clothing is essential. The Pamir Plateau area has a high altitude; elderly people and children can prepare portable oxygen canisters based on their physical condition. The local sunlight is intense; it is recommended to prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, lip balm, and other sun protection and moisturizing supplies in advance. There is about a 2-hour time difference between Xinjiang and inland China, so daily routines can be adjusted accordingly. Scenic spot visiting hours are mostly adapted to the local late sunset, allowing plenty of time for photos and sightseeing. Local cuisine is rich and varied; big plate chicken, hand-grabbed rice, baked buns, lamb skewers, naan pit meat, pepper chicken, pulled noodles, yogurt zongzi, and various seasonal fruits are all worth trying. Restaurant portions are generally large, so order less and add more to avoid waste.
Pre-trip Preparation Tips:
Carry valid identification documents with you at all times; they need to be checked throughout the trip and for park entry.
Prepare clothing according to the travel season in advance. Bring a windproof thick jacket even in summer; for October trips, bring thermal clothing.
Prepare high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, lip balm, and other sun protection and moisturizing supplies to avoid sunburn from UV rays.
You can bring common gastrointestinal medicines, cold medicines, and motion sickness pills. In high-altitude areas, you can prepare portable oxygen canisters based on your condition.
Bring a small amount of cash, as mobile payments may not be available in remote areas with weak signals.
If you plan to bring a drone, consult the staff in advance about scenic area regulations and reporting requirements.
📋 Simplified Itinerary
🚂 2026 New Oriental Express Deep Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: The Comfortable Choice for a Leisurely Journey Across the LandQuick Itinerary Overview (Summer Version)
Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Day 02:Urumqi – New Oriental Express – Koktokay – New Oriental Express – Altay
Day 03:Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
Day 04:Hemu – Kanas
Day 05:Kanas – Chonghur – Colorful Beach – New Oriental Express Train
Day 06:Jinghe – Sayram Lake – Yining
Day 07:Yining – Nalati Grassland
Day 08:Nalati Grassland – Middle Section of Duku Highway – Bayanbulak
Day 09:Bayanbulak – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Kuqa Grand Canyon – New Oriental Express Train
Day 10:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Pamir Scenic Area – Taxkorgan County
Day 11:Taxkorgan County – Tajik Home Visit – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Day 12:Kashgar – Turpan – New Oriental Express Train
Many people’s concerns about traveling in Xinjiang revolve around long travel times and the hassle of changing hotels and moving luggage every day. The New Oriental Express train, operating in 2026, solves these pain points perfectly. The entire trip uses the train as a mobile accommodation space, eliminating the need to pack luggage and switch hotels daily. Ample time is allocated for each scenic spot, ensuring a relaxed travel experience whether traveling with family, friends, or solo.Day 13:Turpan – Urumqi
Day 14:Urumqi – Farewell
October Southern Xinjiang Itinerary
Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Day 02:Train to Turpan – Jiaohe Ruins – Karez – Grape Manor, evening train to Ruoqiang
Day 03:Milan Ruins – Loulan Museum – Loulan Park – Ruoqiang Red Date Picking, evening train to Hotan
Day 04:Arrive in Hotan in the morning – Hotan Tuancheng – Yurungkash River Treasure Hunt – Grape Corridor – Walnut King Tree – Yotkan Ancient City Night View
Day 05:Train to Shache – Yarkand Khan’s Palace – Amannisa Khan’s Mausoleum, then to Kashgar
Day 06:Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, return to Kashgar
Day 07:Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, High Platform Homes, evening train to Kuqa
Day 08:Arrive in Kuqa in the morning, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa Palace, Restan Old Street, Qiuci Alley
Day 09:To Luntai, Tarim Poplar Forest, evening train to Urumqi
Day 10:Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi Farewell Dinner
Day 11:Urumqi – Farewell
Contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Manager Guo Jing at 181 3962 2229. Add as a contact to receive itineraries and prices.
This route covers the core scenic spots of both northern and southern Xinjiang. The summer schedule focuses on the natural scenery of northern Xinjiang, following a route through Koktokay, Hemu, Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and the Duku Highway, allowing you to see snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, canyons, and yardang landforms all at once. The October schedule focuses on the culture and autumn scenery of southern Xinjiang, from the Jiaohe Ruins and Karez in Turpan, to the Loulan Museum in Ruoqiang and the old city streets of Hotan, and then to the ancient city of Kashgar and the Tarim Poplar Forest in Luntai, offering a deep sense of historical and cultural heritage along with the magnificent autumn poplar scenery.💴 Price Description
May 6, May 14
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 59,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 54,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 49,999 RMB/person, Third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
June 1, June 30
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 67,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 62,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 56,999 RMB/person, Third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
June 11, June 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 69,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 63,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 58,999 RMB/person, Third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
According to the latest 2026 policies for Xinjiang scenic spots, attractions like Kanas and Hemu no longer require reservations; tickets can be purchased online or on-site. Self-drive tickets for Sayram Lake are sold in limited quantities during peak season, but train passengers don’t need to worry about ticket reservations as staff will coordinate them in advance. The Duku Highway is recommended to be open from June to October; specific traffic conditions are subject to announcements from the traffic management department, and the itinerary will be reasonably adjusted based on actual conditions.September 3
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 71,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 65,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 59,999 RMB/person, Third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
October 15, October 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 44,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 39,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 36,999 RMB/person, Third and fourth person 20,000 RMB/person
The above are reference prices. Prices and availability may fluctuate based on schedule and market supply and demand. Please refer to the contract or confirmation on the day for specifics.
📞 Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Consultation hotline:181-3962-2229, WeChat same number: 181-3962-2229. Contact customer service for the specific address.
📝 Fee and Service Description
Reference Scope of Fees Included:
Xinjiang has a vast territory with large temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, you need to bring a lightweight windbreaker or thick jacket. Wind is strong in grassland and lakeside areas, so windproof and warm clothing is essential. The Pamir Plateau area has a high altitude; elderly people and children can prepare portable oxygen canisters based on their physical condition. The local sunlight is intense; it is recommended to prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, lip balm, and other sun protection and moisturizing supplies in advance. There is about a 2-hour time difference between Xinjiang and inland China, so daily routines can be adjusted accordingly. Scenic spot visiting hours are mostly adapted to the local late sunset, allowing plenty of time for photos and sightseeing. Local cuisine is rich and varied; big plate chicken, hand-grabbed rice, baked buns, lamb skewers, naan pit meat, pepper chicken, pulled noodles, yogurt zongzi, and various seasonal fruits are all worth trying. Restaurant portions are generally large, so order less and add more to avoid waste.Corresponding class train cabin accommodation
First admission tickets and shuttle bus fees for all scenic spots on the itinerary
Local transportation for sightseeing as per the itinerary
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (including train meals and local specialty meals)
Tour guide service and train butler service
Travel accident insurance
Scope of Fees Not Included:
Round-trip transportation costs to and from Urumqi from various locations
Personal expenses outside the itinerary (such as shopping, extra meals, optional paid activities, etc.)
Service Description:
The itinerary may be reasonably adjusted due to factors such as weather, road conditions, scenic area opening policies, and traffic management announcements, subject to mutual agreement.
The train is equipped with basic medical emergency equipment. Please inform staff immediately if you experience severe discomfort. Medical expenses incurred will be borne by the individual.
Minors must be accompanied by adult family members. Please consult customer service for relevant discount policies.
Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. All itinerary and service agreements are based on the signed tourism contract. Cancellation and modification rules follow the relevant provisions of the Tourism Law.
If you have customization needs for the itinerary, such as family cabin decoration or special dietary requirements, please inform the staff during consultation, and they will try their best to accommodate. Consultations for the 2026 schedules are now open. Interested travelers can contact us in advance to confirm availability and plan their travel time.
Friends interested in the New Oriental Express ‘Snow Lotus’ are welcome to contact the New Oriental Express Department Manager: Guo Jing: 181 3962 2229 (add as a contact for free consultation and detailed route information).
