17 Day Group Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang In Depth Experience of Multi Ethnic Folk Culture with Clear Pricing for the Entire Trip Recommended Itinerary Price

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation

17-Day Panoramic Group Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang:Traverse the Tianshan Mountains and Unlock the Lifestyle Secrets of Various Ethnic Groups
[Itinerary Highlights:From Snow-Capped Mountains to Oases: Experience the Interweaving of Diverse Cultures]
This 17-day itinerary spanning northern and southern Xinjiang focuses on ‘cultural immersion,’ avoiding the superficiality of conventional group tours. Through methods such as ‘staying with local families,’ ‘participating in traditional crafts,’ and ‘experiencing folk festivals,’ it brings visitors into the real-life scenarios of various ethnic groups. The journey covers six core regions: Urumqi, Ili, Kashgar, Tashkurgan, Turpan, and Altay, linking diverse landscapes including grasslands, deserts, snow-capped mountains, canyons, and lakes. It also incorporates traditional customs and festival activities of various ethnic groups, enabling visitors to understand human stories amid natural scenery.
The itinerary emphasizes a ‘slow pace’ and ‘in-depth experiences’:Learn to make butter tea in the yurts of local residents by the Kanas Lake, craft pottery by hand in the artisan workshops of Kashgar’s Old Town, and ride yaks together with local residents in Tashkurgan to tour the Pamir Plateau… Each day features 1-2 core cultural experience activities paired with natural landscape tours to avoid exhausting travel.
[Simple Itinerary:Clear daily highlights with a balanced pace]
(Compiled based on the latest 2026 transportation and scenic area policies; specifics subject to actual consultation and contracting)
Days 1-2:Urumqi Assembly • Cultural Exploration
Arrive in Urumqi and check into a downtown hotel for convenient exploration of the International Bazaar.

17-Day Panoramic Group Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: Traverse the Tianshan Mountains and Unlock the Lifestyle Secrets of Various Ethnic GroupsVisit the Xinjiang Museum, focusing on the ‘Ethnic Costume Exhibition’ and ‘Mummy Display Hall’ to understand the historical context of the Western Regions.
For dinner, savor authentic pilaf and baked stuffed buns while experiencing the hospitality rituals of local residents.
Days 3-5:Ili Valley • Pastoral Melodies
Take the high-speed rail to Yining (approx. 5 hours), enjoying views of the Junggar Basin along the way.
Stay in yurts of local residents on the Nalati Grassland and participate in daily tasks like milking cows and baking nang bread.
Explore Tekes八卦城 (Bagua City) and learn about the inheritance of the ‘Epic of Manas’ among local residents.
Attend the grassland Naadam Festival (if coinciding with the event) to watch traditional competitions like horse racing and goat snatching.
Days 6-8:Kashgar Old Town • Silk Road Memories
Fly to Kashgar (approx. 1.5 hours) and check into a characteristic guesthouse within the Old Town.

[Itinerary Highlights: From Snow-Capped Mountains to Oases: Experience the Interweaving of Diverse Cultures] Follow intangible cultural heritage inheritors to learn woodblock printing techniques of local residents and create personalized souvenirs.
Stroll through the Gaotai Folk Residences, observing traditional craft workshops for pottery firing and copperware making.
Take a night tour of Id Kah Square and watch people from various ethnic groups dance the ‘Sama Dance’ together.
Days 9-11:Pamir Plateau • Tajik Charms
Obtain a travel permit and head to Tashkurgan, traversing Baisha Lake and Muztagh Ata along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway.
Listen to elders of local residents recount the legend of the ‘Eagle Flute’ beside the Stone City ruins and learn playing techniques.
Participate in the ‘肖贡巴哈尔节’ (Xiaogongbahar Festival) of local residents (if coinciding with the event) and experience rituals like the ‘Water Diversion Festival’ and ‘Sowing Festival.’
Days 12-14:Turpan • Oasis Civilization
Take the bullet train to Turpan (approx. 3 hours) and visit the Karez Park to understand the operation of this ancient irrigation system.

This 17-day itinerary spanning northern and southern Xinjiang focuses on ‘cultural immersion,’ avoiding the superficiality of conventional group tours. Through methods such as ‘staying with local families,’ ‘participating in traditional crafts,’ and ‘experiencing folk festivals,’ it brings visitors into the real-life scenarios of various ethnic groups. The journey covers six core regions: Urumqi, Ili, Kashgar, Tashkurgan, Turpan, and Altay, linking diverse landscapes including grasslands, deserts, snow-capped mountains, canyons, and lakes. It also incorporates traditional customs and festival activities of various ethnic groups, enabling visitors to understand human stories amid natural scenery. Learn to make raisins at a local resident’s farmhouse in the Grape Valley and taste fresh seedless grapes just picked.
Explore the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves beneath the Flaming Mountains and compare the artistic styles of Buddhist art among different ethnic groups.
Days 15-17:Altay • Snowy Secret Realm
Fly to Altay (approx. 1 hour) and check into a cabin within the Kanas Scenic Area.
Follow Tuwa guides on a hike through the Three Bays to uncover the ecological secrets behind the legend of the ‘Kanas Lake Monster.’
Participate in the ‘Winter Slaughter Festival’ of local residents in Hemu Village (if coinciding with the event) and learn to make dried meat and horse intestines.
Before departure, experience a snowmobile crossing and overlook the panoramic view of the Altay winter pastures.
[Price Information:Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Fees]

The itinerary emphasizes a ‘slow pace’ and ‘in-depth experiences’: Learn to make butter tea in the yurts of local residents by the Kanas Lake, craft pottery by hand in the artisan workshops of Kashgar’s Old Town, and ride yaks together with local residents in Tashkurgan to tour the Pamir Plateau… Each day features 1-2 core cultural experience activities paired with natural landscape tours to avoid exhausting travel.(2026 Reference Price:Adults: 12,800 RMB/person onwards; Children: 8,800 RMB/person onwards. Specifics subject to actual consultation and contracting.)
Fees Include:Round-trip air-conditioned tour bus, 16 nights of comfortable hotel/characteristic guesthouse accommodations, 16 breakfasts and 30 main meals (including 8 ethnic-style meals), first-entry tickets to scenic spots, cultural experience activity fees, and professional guide services.
Fees Exclude:Round-trip transportation to Urumqi, personal expenses, permit processing fees (approx. 50 RMB), and optional in-scenic-area activities (e.g., Kanas boat tours, snowmobile rides).
Price Fluctuation Notice:Due to factors like holidays, hotel room types, and transportation schedules, the final price is subject to the contract confirmed by Zhang Jing, Customer Service Manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, and may fluctuate based on departure dates.
[Registration Method:Professional Services for a Comfortable Journey]
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency; Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing will provide detailed itinerary consultations, contract signing, and follow-up services. A minimum of 20 participants is required to form a group, and travel dates can be changed free of charge up to 30 days before departure (subject to mutual agreement).
[Fee Information and Service Details]
Accommodation Arrangements:Throughout the journey, comfortable hotels or ethnic-style guesthouses are selected. Accommodations within scenic areas like Kanas and Hemu have limited conditions but feature thoughtful bathrooms and 24-hour hot water.
Dining Standards:Main meals are based on 8 dishes and 1 soup, supplemented by ethnic specialties (e.g., pilaf, roast whole lamb, naryn). Fresh seasonal fruits are provided daily.

[Simple Itinerary: Clear daily highlights with a balanced pace]Guide Services:Bilingual guides (Mandarin + basic Uyghur/Kazakh) provide full explanations of ethnic cultural customs and historical backgrounds.
Insurance Coverage:Complimentary travel accident insurance (coverage: 500,000 RMB/person). Visitors are advised to purchase additional insurance based on personal needs.
Handling Special Circumstances:If extreme weather or policy changes necessitate itinerary adjustments, reasonable modifications may be made upon mutual agreement, with refunds or additional charges applied as needed.
Single Traveler Registration:Our agency will strive to arrange shared rooms. If sharing is unavailable, a supplement (approx. 2,000 RMB for the entire journey) may apply. Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contracting.
[Travel Tips]
Document Preparation:Valid identification, travel permits (required for Tashkurgan; can be entrusted to the travel agency for processing).
Clothing Recommendations:Significant temperature variations between northern and southern Xinjiang require windbreakers, thermal underwear, and comfortable hiking shoes. Sun protection items are necessary for summer visits to Turpan.
Cultural Etiquette:Remove shoes and wear long pants/skirts when visiting certain sites; obtain consent before taking photos with local residents; avoid pointing fingers at Buddha statues or prayer flags.
Optimal Seasons:May-June for grassland flower fields, September-October for breathtaking autumn scenery, and December-February for snow experiences. Different seasons offer opportunities to experience ethnic festivals.
This itinerary enables visitors to truly integrate into the lifestyles of various ethnic groups through three core experiences: ‘staying with local families,’ ‘participating in traditional festivals,’ and ‘learning intangible cultural heritage skills.’ Whether exploring the grassland culture of local residents, the Silk Road memories of local residents, or the Pamir charms of local residents, all can be unlocked during this 17-day journey. For specific itinerary details and availability, consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency; confirmations are subject to the contract.

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation