Xinjiang Tourism Special Train Loulan Express Kashgar Ancient City and Pamir 7 Day Trip How Much Does It Cost Recommended Itinerary and Price
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation
A Western Regions tapestry woven with stars and moon:Embark on a 7-day in-depth journey through Kashgar Old City and the Pamir Plateau aboard the Loulan Express
Itinerary Highlights:A moving observation deck connecting millennia of civilization
As a newly upgraded tourist train by Xinjiang Railway in 2026, the Loulan double-decker train adopts the core design concept of ‘cultural immersion + direct access to landscapes.’ The upper deck features panoramic skylights allowing passengers to gaze at the starry sky of the Pamir Plateau from their sleeping berths, while the lower deck’s multifunctional activity area includes traditional ethnic musical instrument experience corners and Western Regions cuisine workshops. The train departs from Urumqi Station at 19:00 daily and arrives at Kashgar Station at 07:30 the next day, with nighttime operation cleverly avoiding the scorching sun and allowing passengers to traverse the edge of the Taklimakan Desert in cool comfort.
The carriage features a specially designed ‘Mobile Museum’ displaying cultural relics such as the ‘Five Stars Rising in the East Benefit China’ brocade unearthed from the Niya Site and restored images of unique folk customs through holographic projections. Each carriage is staffed with bilingual cultural guides who introduce intangible cultural heritage knowledge along the way, including the mural techniques of the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and the Twelve Mukam music system. The dining car offers an improved ‘Silk Road Set Meal’ featuring special combinations like walnut sesame candy with medicinal tea and roasted stuffed buns with pomegranate juice.
Simple Itinerary:A feast of landscapes alternating between day and night
[Day 1:Urumqi → Kashgar]
19:00 Depart from Urumqi Station; participate in the ‘Western Regions Cultural Salon’ onboard
22:00 Experience the Aidelaisi silk tie-dye workshop in the carriage
07:30 Arrive at Kashgar Station the next day; transfer by private car to the East Gate of the Old City
10:30 Watch the Old City opening ceremony and visit the Century-Old Teahouse
14:00 Sample pot meat and roasted pigeon at Khan Bazaar food street
17:00 Ascend Kunlun Tower for panoramic views of the Old City
[Day 2:Kashgar → Pamir Plateau]
A Western Regions tapestry woven with stars and moon: Embark on a 7-day in-depth journey through Kashgar Old City and the Pamir Plateau aboard the Loulan Express08:00 Obtain border passes (free with valid identification)
09:30 Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, passing through the Aoyitake Red Valley
12:30 Picnic by Baisha Lake (train provides medicinal tea and naan from various ethnic groups)
15:00 Visit the Muji Volcano Crater and observe the Eighteen Arhats Snow Peaks
19:00 Arrive in Taxkorgan County; check into a characteristic homestay
[Day 3:Plateau Secret Realm Exploration]
09:00 Hike the Stone City ruins with views of Muztagata Peak
11:30 Birdwatch at Jincaotan Wetland and experience eagle dances from various ethnic groups
14:00 Traverse the Panlong Ancient Road and check in at the ‘Smooth Life’ road sign
17:00 Photography session at Bandier Blue Lake (drone rental available)
20:00 Participate in a home visit with various ethnic groups; sample butter tea and hand-grabbed meat
[Day 4:And the Ancient Road]
08:00 Hike the Wakhan Corridor tracing Xuanzang’s westward journey
Itinerary Highlights: A moving observation deck connecting millennia of civilization11:00 Visit Khunjerab Pass (confirm opening policy in advance)
14:00 Return to Taxkorgan; visit the China-Pakistan Friendship Memorial Hall
17:00 Shop for ethnic embroidery and Pamir gemstones
19:30 Depart on special train (screening of ‘Encountering Kashgar’ performance excerpts in carriage)
[Day 5:Desert and Oasis]
07:00 Train traverses the edge of the Taklimakan Desert
10:00 Experience sandboarding and camel riding at Dawakun Desert
13:00 Sample pigeon feast in Shache Old City; visit the Twelve Mukam Heritage Center
16:00 Tour the Yarkant Khan’s Palace and watch traditional Dolan dance performances
19:00 Return to special train; participate in ‘Western Regions Poetry Chain’ activity
[Day 6:Cultural Immersion Day]
09:00 Intangible cultural heritage experiences in Kashgar Old City:Earthenware making and block printing
12:00 Feed pigeons at Id Kah Square and observe local market life
As a newly upgraded tourist train by Xinjiang Railway in 2026, the Loulan double-decker train adopts the core design concept of ‘cultural immersion + direct access to landscapes.’ The upper deck features panoramic skylights allowing passengers to gaze at the starry sky of the Pamir Plateau from their sleeping berths, while the lower deck’s multifunctional activity area includes traditional ethnic musical instrument experience corners and Western Regions cuisine workshops. The train departs from Urumqi Station at 19:00 daily and arrives at Kashgar Station at 07:30 the next day, with nighttime operation cleverly avoiding the scorching sun and allowing passengers to traverse the edge of the Taklimakan Desert in cool comfort.15:00 Explore the Gaotai Residential Area and visit traditional homes of various ethnic groups
18:00 In-depth experience at the Cattle and Sheep Bazaar (recommended on Sundays)
21:00 Night tour of the Old City; photograph the blue alleyway light show
[Day 7:Return and Commemoration]
09:00 Visit the Fragrant Concubine’s Garden and learn about the Apak Hoja family history
11:00 Shop for dried figs, almonds, and other specialties at Kashgar Bazaar
13:00 Transfer by private car to Kashgar Airport/Railway Station
15:00 End of journey (optional extension to Hotan available)
Pricing System:Transparent itemized quotations
Basic Package (4-person soft sleeper compartment):Starting at 5,980 RMB per person
Includes:Round-trip tickets on the Loulan Express (including basic meals), guided tours of Kashgar Old City, first entrance tickets to Pamir Plateau scenic spots, 5 nights’ accommodation (2 nights on special train + 3 nights in characteristic homestays), full transportation transfers, and assistance with border pass applications
Upgraded Package (2-person deluxe soft sleeper compartment):Starting at 7,980 RMB per person
Additional inclusions:Upgraded accommodation at Baisha Lake scenic area, in-depth home visit experiences with various ethnic groups, professional photography services, specialty gourmet package (Shache pigeon feast + Taxkorgan yak hotpot), and desert entertainment projects including specified itinerary items
The carriage features a specially designed ‘Mobile Museum’ displaying cultural relics such as the ‘Five Stars Rising in the East Benefit China’ brocade unearthed from the Niya Site and restored images of unique folk customs through holographic projections. Each carriage is staffed with bilingual cultural guides who introduce intangible cultural heritage knowledge along the way, including the mural techniques of the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and the Twelve Mukam music system. The dining car offers an improved ‘Silk Road Set Meal’ featuring special combinations like walnut sesame candy with medicinal tea and roasted stuffed buns with pomegranate juice.Children’s Discounts:Children aged 6-12 receive a 30% discount (no bed allocation)
：Single travelers must pay a 1,200 RMB supplement
Pricing Notes:
Prices may fluctuate by 10%-15% during peak tourist season (June-August)
Included items are subject to contract details; personal expenses and insurance are not included
Final price is subject to the signed contract with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency
Registration Methods:Professional Service Guarantees
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency for the following services:
Send ‘Western Regions Travel Guide’ (including climate guide and folk customs taboos) 72 hours before departure
Arrange bilingual customer service manager Zhang Jing for itinerary Q&A
Provide electronic tutorial for border pass application
Assist with booking characteristic homestays in Kashgar Old City
Service Commitments and Risk Warnings
Simple Itinerary: A feast of landscapes alternating between day and night [Service Standards]
Each tour group is accompanied by 1 cultural guide + 1 staff member
24-hour medical consultation available on special train
Complimentary 300 RMB travel souvenir package (including Aidelaisi silk bookmark and Twelve Mukam CD)
[Precautions]
The Pamir Plateau averages 3,500 meters above sea level; red ginseng is recommended in advance
Kashgar experiences a 15°C day-night temperature difference in May; bring windproof jackets and moisturizing skincare
The Cattle and Sheep Bazaar is recommended on Sundays; confirm participation intentions in advance
Reasonable itinerary changes may be made by mutual agreement
[Special Notes]
Specific service content is subject to actual consultation and contract signing
Special train schedules may be slightly adjusted due to weather or railway dispatching
Scenic spot opening policies are subject to the latest announcements from local authorities
Travel insurance must be purchased independently or entrusted to the travel agency for handling
As the Loulan Express’s whistle pierces through Kashgar’s morning mist, you’ll embark on a journey through time and space. On this land covering one-sixth of China’s territory, snow-capped mountains dance with deserts, ancient cities nestle beside oases, and the wisdom of various ethnic groups weaves a brilliant civilization tapestry along the Silk Road. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency provides professional services to ensure every step you take follows historical veins and every glance fills with Western Regions starlight.
Contact Manager Maizi at 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation
