Southern Xinjiang Group Tour 12 Day Scenic Loop at the Foot of Continuous Snowy Mountains in Highland Valleys Comprehensive Price Comparison Analysis for Travel Recommended Route Price
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and quotation.
New Choice for Group Tours in Southern Xinjiang:A 12-Day In-Depth Exploration of Continuous Snow-Capped Mountains and Plateau Valleys
Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination
Southern Xinjiang, a land embraced by the Kunlun and Tianshan mountain ranges, attracts countless travelers with its magnificent natural scenery and profound cultural heritage. In 2026, a 12-day circular route connecting snow-capped mountains, lakes, wetlands, ancient trails, and border scenery has become a popular choice. The itinerary covers core attractions such as the Old Town of Kashgar, the Pamir Plateau, Muztagh Ata, Karakul Lake, the Wakhjir Pass, Baisha Lake, and the Taxkorgan Wetland. Along the way, travelers can experience the unique customs of various ethnic settlements, witness the magical climate of ‘four seasons in a day and different weather every ten miles,’ and experience vertical topographical changes from an altitude of 1,200 meters to 4,700 meters.
The highlights of this route lie in the combination of ‘panoramic coverage’ and ‘in-depth experience’:It includes classic road trip sections such as the Duku Highway and the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, as well as venturing into lesser-known destinations like Taxkorgan County (Tashkurgan) and Muji Township to explore unique landscapes such as volcanic craters, plateau wetlands, and border areas. During the journey, travelers can stroll through the Old Town of Kashgar to feel the Western Region’s vibrant atmosphere, wait for the reflection of Muztagh Ata by Karakul Lake, navigate the more than 600 bends of the Wakhjir Pass, overlook the border mountains at Khunjerab Pass, and accompany cattle and sheep on the meadow of the Taxkorgan Wetland. Every stop holds unexpected surprises.
Simple Itinerary
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Arrive in Urumqi and check into the hotel. You can freely visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar to experience the local atmosphere or go to Lingguan Lane to taste special snacks such as meat-filled naan and baked buns.
Day 2:Urumqi – Dushanzi Grand Canyon – Northern Section of Duku Highway – Tangbula百里画廊 (Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery)
New Choice for Group Tours in Southern Xinjiang: A 12-Day In-Depth Exploration of Continuous Snow-Capped Mountains and Plateau ValleysTravel through the northern section of the Duku Highway, passing by the震撼裂痕 (shocking cracks) of the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, listen to stories of road-building heroes at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery, and arrive at the Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery in the evening to stay in a grassland homestay.
Day 3:Tangbula – Bayinbuluk Grassland
Head to Bayinbuluk, the second-largest grassland in China, take a shuttle bus to visit Swan Lake, and wait for the sunset at the Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends in the evening. If lucky, you may witness the wonder of ‘Nine Suns.’
Day 4:Bayinbuluk – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Big and Small Dragon Pools – Secret Grand Canyon of Tianshan – Kuqa
Travel through the southern section of the Duku Highway, passing by the alpine lakes of the Big and Small Dragon Pools, explore the reddish-brown rock walls of the Secret Grand Canyon of Tianshan, and stay overnight in Kuqa.
Day 5:Kuqa – Wensu Grand Canyon -阿拉尔 (Aral)
Transfer to an off-road vehicle to delve into the Wensu Grand Canyon, capture wild western-style blockbuster photos, traverse the desert highway in the evening, and arrive in the city of Aral.
Day 6:Aral – Hotan
Head north along the G580 desert highway, admire the shifting dunes of the Taklimakan Desert along the way, arrive in Hotan in the evening, take a night tour of the Hotan Night Market, and taste grilled pigeons and red willow skewers.
Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or DestinationDay 7:Hotan – Shache – Kashgar
Visit the Yarkant Khanate Palace in Shache, photograph the blue architecture, arrive in Kashgar in the evening, and stay in a characteristic inn in the Old Town.
Day 8:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Muji Volcanic Crater – Taxkorgan
After obtaining a travel permit, proceed along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, passing by the blue-green waters of Baisha Lake and the silver-white sand mountains, visit the ‘Eye of the Pamir’ at the Muji Volcanic Crater, and stay overnight in Taxkorgan.
Day 9:Taxkorgan – Wakhan Corridor – Khunjerab Pass – Wakhjir Pass – Bandir Blue Lake – Taxkorgan
Traverse the Wakhan Corridor, arrive at Khunjerab Pass (subject to change based on opening conditions), challenge the more than 600 bends of the Wakhjir Pass, check in at the Tiffany blue waters of Bandir Blue Lake, and return to Taxkorgan for rest and recuperation.
Day 10:Taxkorgan – Muztagh Ata – Karakul Lake – Aytak Red Valley – Kashgar
Observe the glaciers of Muztagh Ata up close, wait for the reflection of the snow-capped mountains at Karakul Lake, traverse the ‘Martian surface’ of the Aytak Red Valley, and return to Kashgar in the evening.
Day 11:In-Depth Tour of the Old Town of Kashgar
Southern Xinjiang, a land embraced by the Kunlun and Tianshan mountain ranges, attracts countless travelers with its magnificent natural scenery and profound cultural heritage. In 2026, a 12-day circular route connecting snow-capped mountains, lakes, wetlands, ancient trails, and border scenery has become a popular choice. The itinerary covers core attractions such as the Old Town of Kashgar, the Pamir Plateau, Muztagh Ata, Karakul Lake, the Wakhjir Pass, Baisha Lake, and the Taxkorgan Wetland. Along the way, travelers can experience the unique customs of various ethnic settlements, witness the magical climate of ‘four seasons in a day and different weather every ten miles,’ and experience vertical topographical changes from an altitude of 1,200 meters to 4,700 meters.Participate in the opening ceremony of the Old Town of Kashgar, stroll through the Id Kah Mosque and the Century-Old Tea House, experience traditional costumes and travel photography of various ethnic groups, and freely explore the alleys of the Old Town.
Day 12:Departure from Kashgar
See off according to the flight schedule and conclude the itinerary.
Price Description
The price of the 12-day group tour in Southern Xinjiang in 2026 varies by season and configuration:
Low Season (November – March of the following year):The per capita reference price starts at 8,800 yuan, including 11 nights of accommodation (characteristic homestays in the Old Town of Kashgar, business hotels in Taxkorgan, comfortable hotels in Hotan, etc.), a formal tour bus for the entire journey, first admission tickets and shuttle buses for core attractions, 11 breakfasts and 18 regular meals (including a roast whole lamb experience), guide services, and travel accident insurance.
Peak Season (April – October):The per capita reference price starts at 10,800 yuan, with accommodation upgraded to four-diamond/high-end hotels. Ticket and transportation costs increase slightly with the increase in tourist flow, but there are no hidden charges.
The price does not include round-trip transportation from the departure location to Kashgar/Urumqi, self-funded items within the scenic area (such as horseback riding on the grassland), personal consumption, and single room supplements. The specific price is subject to the contract signed and may fluctuate with the tour schedule. It is recommended to consult with Manager Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, in advance.
Registration Method
The highlights of this route lie in the combination of ‘panoramic coverage’ and ‘in-depth experience’: It includes classic road trip sections such as the Duku Highway and the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, as well as venturing into lesser-known destinations like Taxkorgan County (Tashkurgan) and Muji Township to explore unique landscapes such as volcanic craters, plateau wetlands, and border areas. During the journey, travelers can stroll through the Old Town of Kashgar to feel the Western Region’s vibrant atmosphere, wait for the reflection of Muztagh Ata by Karakul Lake, navigate the more than 600 bends of the Wakhjir Pass, overlook the border mountains at Khunjerab Pass, and accompany cattle and sheep on the meadow of the Taxkorgan Wetland. Every stop holds unexpected surprises. You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. When registering, you need to provide valid identification information, contact details, and travel dates. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will assist in confirming available spots and sending the itinerary.
Fee Description and Service Description
Fees Included
Accommodation:Standard rooms in hotels or homestays indicated in the itinerary (single registrants will do their best to coordinate room sharing; special circumstances require negotiation on room supplements).
Transportation:A formal tour bus for the entire journey (including fuel and toll fees), with transfers to off-road vehicles for certain sections.
Meals:11 breakfasts and 18 regular meals, with an average of 50 yuan per regular meal, including Xinjiang specialty cuisine.
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets and shuttle bus fees listed in the itinerary.
Services:Accompaniment by a professional guide, travel accident insurance, and basic travel photography services (1-hour follow-shot in the Old Town of Kashgar, all raw photos provided + 3 refined photos).
Fees Not Included
Simple ItineraryMajor Transportation:Round-trip air tickets or train tickets from the departure location to Kashgar/Urumqi.
Self-Funded Items:Voluntary experience items such as boat rides, horseback riding, and helicopter tours within the scenic area.
Personal Consumption:Meals, consumption, and other unmentioned expenses during free activities.
The specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. If uncontrollable factors such as weather or policies are encountered during the itinerary, both parties can reasonably modify the itinerary through mutual agreement.
Warm Tips
Travel Permit:A travel permit is required to visit Taxkorgan, Muji, and Khunjerab Pass. It is recommended to obtain it for free at the public security bureau in your household registration location before departure or have the travel agency handle it on your behalf.
Altitude Adaptation:The altitude rises from 1,200 meters to 4,700 meters throughout the journey. It is recommended to prepare anti-altitude sickness medication in advance, avoid strenuous exercise, and gradually adapt to the altitude.
Supply Preparation:There is a large temperature difference between day and night on the plateau. It is necessary to bring a three-in-one jacket and sun protection items (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen). There are few supply points along the way, so it is recommended to bring your own dry food and drinking water.
Outfit Suggestions:Even in summer, it is necessary to bring a thick coat. For grassland and desert sections, it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes. For travel photography, you can bring your own light-colored clothing and makeup.
The 12 days in Southern Xinjiang are a journey from the bustling human world to the snowy secret realm, a double feast of nature and culture. Whether it is the tranquil lakes at the foot of the snow-capped mountains or the border at the end of the ancient trails, every step is engraved with the unique memories of this land. Choose Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to let professional services escort your journey and embark on a Southern Xinjiang exploration tour without regrets.
Contact Manager Maizi at 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and quotation.
