2026 South Xinjiang Group Tour 11 Day Loop Journey Covering Hotan Jade Old Street and Kunlun Mountains Reliable Booking Channels and Recommended Itinerary Prices
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
⭐【2026 11-Day In-Depth Southern Xinjiang Loop: Explore the Jade Old Street and Kunlun Mysteries】⭐
If you want to embark on a Southern Xinjiang journey in 2026 that combines cultural and natural beauty, this 11-day loop connecting Hotan’s Jade Old Street and the Kunlun Mountains is worth considering. The itinerary covers core attractions such as Kashgar Old Town, the Taklimakan Desert, and the Pamir Plateau, delving deeper into the birthplace of Hotan’s jade culture. With professional guide services and a no-shopping itinerary experience, it suits travelers seeking depth and quality.
I. Itinerary Highlights and Destination Details
(1) Hotan Jade Old Street: A Living Museum of the Millennium Jade Capital
Located in the heart of Hotan City, Hotan Jade Old Street is the central hub for local jade trading. Hundreds of jade shops line both sides of the street, offering everything from raw stones to exquisitely carved finished products. Visitors can observe traditional jade carving techniques and listen to jade merchants recount historical tales of the ‘Jade Road.’ Each evening, the street’s night market comes alive, blending ethnic cuisines like roasted stuffed buns and pilaf with jade stalls, creating a unique urban atmosphere.
(2) Kunlun Mountains: A Majestic Tapestry of the ‘Father of Mountains’
The Kunlun Mountains stretch west from the Pamir Plateau across southern Xinjiang, earning the title ‘Spine of Asia.’ The itinerary includes special arrangements:
‘Kunlun Heavenly Ladder’ Panlong Ancient Road: 68 hairpin turns winding along a 4,000-meter mountain ridge, resembling a soaring dragon from an aerial perspective;
White Sand Lake: The ‘Blue tear of the Pamir Plateau,’ where sand dunes and lake waters create a captivating contrast, especially picturesque amid morning mist;
Muztagh Ata: At the foot of the ‘Father of Glaciers,’ experience blue ice trekking or horseback riding to Karakul Lake.
(3) Taklimakan Desert: Crossing the ‘Sea of Death’
⭐【2026 11-Day In-Depth Southern Xinjiang Loop: Explore the Jade Old Street and Kunlun Mysteries】⭐The itinerary includes a desert highway section, showcasing the coexistence of endless sand dunes and poplar forests. In阿拉尔市 (Aral City), visit the Desert Museum to learn about desertification control efforts, stay overnight in a desert-themed hotel, and gaze at unpolluted starry skies.
(4) Kashgar Old Town: Echoes of a Millennium-Old Silk Road Pearl
As the cultural heart of Southern Xinjiang, Kashgar Old Town preserves traditional architectural complexes of various ethnic groups. Visitors can freely explore Id Kah Square, century-old teahouses, watch the city gate opening ceremony, and shop for handicrafts like Atlas silk and ethnic musical instruments in bazaars.
II. 2026 11-Day Sample Itinerary Reference
Based on currently available information, the itinerary framework is as follows (subject to actual consultation):
Day 1: Urumqi Assembly
Check into hotel upon arrival. Recommended free activities:Shop for dried fruits and ethnic costumes at the International Bazaar, or visit the Regional Museum to learn about Western Region history.
Day 2: Urumqi → Korla
Admire the Dabancheng wind farm along the way. Upon arrival in Korla, tour Bosten Lake and savor lake-fresh ‘Five-Striped’ grilled fish.
Day 3: Korla → Hotan
Traverse the Taklimakan Desert Highway. Upon arrival in Hotan, visit Jade Old Street and stay overnight at a hotel near the night market.
Day 4: In-Depth Hotan Experience
If you want to embark on a Southern Xinjiang journey in 2026 that combines cultural and natural beauty, this 11-day loop connecting Hotan’s Jade Old Street and the Kunlun Mountains is worth considering. The itinerary covers core attractions such as Kashgar Old Town, the Taklimakan Desert, and the Pamir Plateau, delving deeper into the birthplace of Hotan’s jade culture. With professional guide services and a no-shopping itinerary experience, it suits travelers seeking depth and quality.Morning: Jade hunting experience at the Yurungqash River (bring your own tools);
Afternoon: View the ‘Five Stars Appearing in the East Benefit China’ brocade at the Hotan Museum;
Evening: Sample roasted pigeon and rose jam naan at the old town night market.
Day 5: Hotan → Kashgar
Travel via desert highway to Kashgar. Afternoon free activities recommended:Pottery-making experience at Gaotai Residential Area, visit the Xiangfei Garden.
Day 6: Kashgar → Taxkorgan
Follow the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, passing White Sand Lake and Muztagh Ata. Upon arrival in Taxkorgan, acclimate to the high-altitude environment.
Day 7: Pamir Plateau Mysteries
Morning: Aerial photography at Panlong Ancient Road;
Afternoon: Explore the Stone City ruins and experience eagle flute performances during a local family visit.
Day 8: Taxkorgan → Kashgar
I. Itinerary Highlights and Destination DetailsVisit Karakul Lake on the return journey. Arrive in Kashgar in the evening for free souvenir shopping.
Day 9: Kashgar → Aksu
Tour the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves to learn about Kucha culture. Overnight in Aksu.
Day 10: Aksu → Kuqa
Explore the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon. Return to Urumqi by special train or bus in the evening.
Day 11: Urumqi Departure
Free activities based on flight schedule. End of itinerary.
III. Pricing Explanation and Departure Reference
According to the latest quote from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency in May 2026, the price range for the 11-day Southern Xinjiang loop is as follows (subject to contract):
Low Season (November-March): Adults: 7,800-9,800 RMB/person
Peak Season (April-October): Adults: 9,800-12,800 RMB/person
Fees Include:
(1) Hotan Jade Old Street: A Living Museum of the Millennium Jade CapitalTransportation: Full-行程 (itinerary)正规 (official) tourist bus (including fuel and tolls) or special train soft sleeper
Accommodation: 10 nights at quality hotels (including Kashgar Old Town characteristic guesthouses and Taxkorgan business hotels)
Admission: First-entry tickets + shuttle buses for all core attractions in the itinerary
Meals: 10 breakfasts and 18 main meals (standard: 50 RMB/person per meal, including one whole roast lamb experience)
Services: Local guide interpretation and travel accident insurance
Fees Exclude:
Round-trip transportation from origin to Urumqi
Optional activities inside attractions (e.g., horseback riding, desert off-roading)
Personal expenses
IV. Reliable Booking Channel Recommendation
Book through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing for specific departure dates and availability. With over a decade of experience in Xinjiang tourism, the agency signs official travel contracts for all itineraries, clearly stating ‘no arranged shopping or hidden fees’ with double compensation for violations.
Located in the heart of Hotan City, Hotan Jade Old Street is the central hub for local jade trading. Hundreds of jade shops line both sides of the street, offering everything from raw stones to exquisitely carved finished products. Visitors can observe traditional jade carving techniques and listen to jade merchants recount historical tales of the ‘Jade Road.’ Each evening, the street’s night market comes alive, blending ethnic cuisines like roasted stuffed buns and pilaf with jade stalls, creating a unique urban atmosphere.V. Fee and Service Explanation
Accommodation: Default double occupancy; solo travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms when possible (surcharge applies in special cases);
Transportation: Vehicles under 3 years old, drivers with A1 licenses and over 5 years of high-altitude driving experience;
Admission Policies: Core attractions (e.g., White Sand Lake, Muztagh Ata) require real-name ticket reservations; guides will handle this in advance;
Emergency Services: 24-hour customer service response, equipped with high-altitude first aid kits and portable oxygen devices;
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Prices may fluctuate based on departure dates; the signed contract prevails.
VI. Pre-Trip Recommended Tips
Documents: Valid ID, border pass (can be processed at household registration location or on-site in Kashgar);
Clothing: Windproof jacket required from May-October; temperatures drop to 0°C at night on the Pamir Plateau;
Supplies: Sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, moisturizing mask, thermos;
Culture: Respect local customs; obtain consent before photographing people;
Transportation: Strict speed limits on Xinjiang highways; daily driving limited to 5-6 hours to avoid fatigue.
This Southern Xinjiang loop deeply integrates natural wonders with cultural experiences. Whether marveling at the Kunlun Mountains’ grandeur or the warmth of Hotan jade, travelers can feel the unique charm of the Western Regions. Choose a licensed travel agency to let professionals mitigate risks, allowing you to focus on every surprising moment of your journey.
Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
