12 Day In Depth Cross Regional Group Tour of Southern Xinjiang Scenery Along the Route from Kuqa to Hotan with Precise Travel Cost Calculation Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send the itinerary and quotation.
Southern Xinjiang Mystery Crossing Plan:12-Day In-Depth Exploration Tour from Kuqa to Hotan✨
I. Itinerary Highlights: Traverse the Millennium Silk Road and Touch Geographical Wonders
Southern Xinjiang, covering 40% of Xinjiang’s total area, is home to the world’s second-largest mobile desert, the Taklimakan Desert, China’s longest inland river, the Tarim River, and well-preserved cultures of various ethnic groups. This 12-day itinerary starts in Kuqa and extends westward along the southern edge of the Tarim Basin to Hotan, connecting core attractions such as the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, the Wensu Grand Canyon, the Desert Highway, and the Old Town of Shache, forming a golden route that integrates historical exploration, geological wonders, and folk customs experiences.
The itinerary design follows three major principles:
① Daily driving time is controlled within 4-5 hours, leaving 3-4 hours for in-depth exploration.
② Cover 8 high-quality geological landscapes (Danxia/Yadan/Canyon/Desert/Populus euphratica/Salt Lake/Snow Mountain/Wetland).
③ Arrange 5 intangible cultural heritage experiences (Twelve Mukam performances, earthenware making, Atlas silk weaving, etc.).
II. Itinerary Planning: Daily Key Experiences
Days 1-2:Cultural Roots in Kuqa
Visit the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves (the earliest excavated grotto complex in China, with 349 existing caves).
Traverse the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon (reddish-brown rocks display flame patterns under the setting sun).
Stay overnight in the Old Town of Kuqa and taste the Kuqa Big Nang (with a diameter of up to 60 cm).
Southern Xinjiang Mystery Crossing Plan: 12-Day In-Depth Exploration Tour from Kuqa to Hotan✨Days 3-4:Geological Wonders in Wensu
Hike through the Wensu Tomur Grand Canyon (a convergence zone of Danxia and Yadan landforms).
Visit the Aksu Museum (housing artifacts unearthed from the Xiahe Cemetery 3,000 years ago).
Special Arrangement:Desert Sunset Picnic (providing traditional tableware sets for various ethnic groups).
Days 5-6:Desert Highway Crossing
Drive 522 kilometers along the Taklimakan Desert Highway (the world’s longest mobile desert highway).
Take commemorative photos of the Desert Highway at Border Viewpoint 138.
Stay overnight in Hotan and experience the Hotan Night Market (featuring 30 types of special snacks such as roasted pigeons and rose jam nang).
Days 7-8:Intangible Cultural Heritage Tour in Shache
Visit the Yarkant Khan Palace (the birthplace of the Twelve Mukam art).
Experience the Atlas silk tie-dyeing craft (a high-quality intangible cultural heritage project).
Visit the King Walnut Tree (1,560 years old, requiring 8 people to embrace it).
I. Itinerary Highlights: Traverse the Millennium Silk Road and Touch Geographical WondersDays 9-10:Stroll Through the Old Town of Kashgar
Attend the Old Town Opening Ceremony (daily at 10:30, featuring song and dance performances by various ethnic groups).
Climb the Id Kah Mosque Minaret (offering a panoramic view of the entire old town).
Special Arrangement:Afternoon Tea at a Century-Old Teahouse (accompanied by a nut platter and ethnic musical instrument performances).
Days 11-12:Extension to the Pamir Plateau
Cross the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (Karakoram Highway).
Visit the White Sand Lake (the lake water displays a blue-green gradient with changing light).
Undertake plateau acclimatization hiking at the foot of Muztagh Ata.
III. Cost Explanation: Transparent Consumption System
Reference Range for Basic Tour Fee:8,980-10,980 yuan/person (2-6 person boutique small group).
Included Items:
√ Transportation:Four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle (including fuel costs/toll fees/driver service fees).
√ Accommodation:7 nights in four-star hotels + 4 nights in characteristic homestays (all including breakfast).
Southern Xinjiang, covering 40% of Xinjiang’s total area, is home to the world’s second-largest mobile desert, the Taklimakan Desert, China’s longest inland river, the Tarim River, and well-preserved cultures of various ethnic groups. This 12-day itinerary starts in Kuqa and extends westward along the southern edge of the Tarim Basin to Hotan, connecting core attractions such as the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, the Wensu Grand Canyon, the Desert Highway, and the Old Town of Shache, forming a golden route that integrates historical exploration, geological wonders, and folk customs experiences.√ Meals:11 formal meals (standard of 80-120 yuan/person per meal).
√ Admission Tickets:First admission tickets for 8 major attractions including the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves and the Wensu Grand Canyon.
√ Experiences:3 intangible cultural heritage handicraft courses + professional photography follow-up service.
√ Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance + 500,000 yuan travel accident insurance.
Reference for Self-Funded Items:
Desert Highway Off-Road Vehicle Sand Dashing:380 yuan/person.
Travel Photography in the Old Town of Kashgar:680 yuan/set (including 3 sets of costumes + 15 refined photos).
Glacier Hiking at Muztagh Ata:520 yuan/person (including a professional guide).
Special Reminders:
① June-August is the peak tourist season, and tour fees may increase by 10%-15%.
② A discount for shared rooms is available for two people traveling together, while a single supplement of 1,200 yuan is required for solo travelers.
③ Seniors over 60 years old can enjoy admission ticket reductions with valid certificates (the difference will be refunded on-site).
The itinerary design follows three major principles:IV. Service Guarantees: Professional Team Escort
① Vehicle Configuration:Each vehicle is equipped with a first aid kit, a car refrigerator, and plateau oxygen cylinders.
② Tour Guide Qualifications:Certified bilingual tour guides (familiar with the history of Southern Xinjiang and the cultures of various ethnic groups).
③ Itinerary Changes:In case of extreme weather, alternative attractions such as the Lop Nur Village can be substituted.
④ Emergency Response:24-hour customer service manager Zhang Jing is online, responding to needs within 30 minutes.
V. Registration Instructions
You can register through the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and need to provide the following information:
① Names of travelers + valid ID numbers (for purchasing insurance).
② Special dietary requirements (vegetarian/allergens, etc.).
③ Equipment Suggestions:Bring sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, and a windbreaker (large temperature differences between day and night in plateau areas).
VI. Pre-Trip Tips
✈ ️ Transportation Connections:
① Daily driving time is controlled within 4-5 hours, leaving 3-4 hours for in-depth exploration.It is recommended to choose an early morning flight from Urumqi to Kuqa (flight time of 1.5 hours).
It is recommended to reserve a 3-hour buffer time at the airport for the return trip from Hotan.
📜 Document Preparation:
Original valid ID documents (for accommodation registration).
Pass (can be obtained free of charge at the Kashgar International Self-Driving and RV Camp).
🎒 Equipment Checklist:
Photography Equipment:It is recommended to bring a 24-70mm zoom lens (suitable for shooting canyons/deserts).
Protective Supplies:Anti-sand masks, high-top hiking shoes, and moisturizing lip balm.
Consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to obtain the latest schedule and remaining seat information for 2026. The specific arrangements for this itinerary are subject to actual consultation and contracting. Prices may change with market fluctuations, and it is recommended to book 30 days in advance to lock in discounts.
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[Special Statement]
① The opening hours of attractions involved in the itinerary are subject to the daily announcements of the scenic spots.
② In case of force majeure factors, both parties can reasonably change the itinerary through mutual agreement.
③ This promotional material is valid until December 31, 2026, and is ultimately owned by the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send the itinerary and quotation.
