14 Day Self Drive Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang Explore Lakes, Ancient Cities, and Gobi Landscapes with Clear Overall Charter Prices Recommended Routes and Pricing

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

14-Day Customized Car Tour of Northern and Southern Tianshan: Unlock the Magnificent Scenery of Lakes, Ancient Cities, and Gobi Deserts
🌄 Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination
The northern and southern regions of Xinjiang present a dual tapestry of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Northern Xinjiang is characterized by snow-capped mountains, lakes, and grasslands, with the azure waves of Kanas Lake, the deep blue of Sayram Lake, and the green waves of Nalati Grassland forming the stunning scenery of the ‘Oriental Switzerland’. Southern Xinjiang, on the other hand, features ancient cities, Gobi deserts, and plateaus, with the labyrinthine alleys of Kashgar Old City, the Muztagh Ata Peak of the Pamir Plateau, and the vast expanse of the Taklimakan Desert narrating the legends of the ancient Silk Road. This 14-day customized car tour connects the highlights of northern and southern Tianshan, covering six major themes: lakes, grasslands, canyons, ancient cities, deserts, and plateaus. With an average daily driving time of 4-6 hours, the itinerary offers a balanced pace suitable for families, friends, or photography enthusiasts seeking an in-depth experience.
🚗 Simple Itinerary (Real-time reference for 2026)
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Arrive in Urumqi, check into a partner hotel, and acclimate to the climate with free activities. We recommend visiting the International Bazaar to sample local specialties such as baked buns and pilaf.
Day 2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake (approx. 520 km, 6 hours)
Travel west along the Lianhuo Expressway, crossing the Junggar Basin, and arrive at Sayram Lake, known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic,’ in the evening. Tour around the lake, capture the sunset over the golden mountains, and stay at a lakeside hotel.

14-Day Customized Car Tour of Northern and Southern Tianshan: Unlock the Magnificent Scenery of Lakes, Ancient Cities, and Gobi DesertsDay 3:Sayram Lake → Yining → Karajun Grassland (approx. 280 km, 4 hours)
Capture the morning mist over Sayram Lake, drive to Yining, visit the Kazanqi Folk Street to experience traditional handicrafts of various ethnic groups. In the afternoon, enter Karajun Grassland, hike to the ‘Human Body Grassland’ viewpoint, and stay in Tekes Bagua City.
Day 4:Karajun → Nalati Grassland (approx. 220 km, 3.5 hours)
Spend the morning exploring the Koksu Grand Canyon in Karajun and take a boat ride through the canyon. In the afternoon, arrive at Nalati Grassland, choose between the aerial grassland or river valley grassland routes, experience horseback riding, archery, and other grassland activities, and stay in Nalati Town.
Day 5:Nalati → Bayanbulak (approx. 90 km, 2 hours)
Travel south along the northern section of the Duku Highway, crossing the Tianshan Mountains, and enjoy the three-dimensional landscape of snow-capped mountains, canyons, and grasslands along the way. Arrive at Bayanbulak in the evening, capture the sunset over the ‘Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns,’ and stay at a hotel within the scenic area.
Day 6:Bayanbulak → Kuqa (approx. 260 km, 4 hours)
Continue south along the southern section of the Duku Highway, passing through the Large and Small Dragon Pools, and arrive in Kuqa. Visit the Kuqa Grand Canyon, experience the visual impact of the red rock walls, and stay at a hotel in Kuqa.
Day 7:Kuqa → Aksu (approx. 260 km, 3.5 hours)

🌄 Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or DestinationVisit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves in the morning to learn about Buddhist art in the Western Regions, drive to Aksu in the afternoon, check into a hotel, and enjoy free activities. We recommend sampling the large Kuqa naan bread.
Day 8:Aksu → Kashgar (approx. 460 km, 6 hours)
Travel through the Gobi Desert and oases to arrive in Kashgar. Visit Kashgar Old City, tour the Id Kah Mosque, experience the slow life at a century-old teahouse, and stay at a hotel near the old city.
Day 9:Kashgar → Pamir Plateau (approx. 300 km, 5 hours)
After obtaining a travel permit, head to the Pamir Plateau along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway. Visit Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and overlook Muztagh Ata Peak, staying at a hotel in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County.
Day 10:In-depth Tour of the Pamir Plateau
Visit the ruins of Shitou City in the morning, experience the folk customs of various ethnic groups in the afternoon, tour the Panlong Ancient Road (subject to road conditions), and return to Kashgar to stay.
Day 11:Kashgar → Hotan (approx. 500 km, 7 hours)
Travel along the edge of the Taklimakan Desert to arrive in Hotan. Visit Hotan Tuancheng, experience the jade trading market, and stay at a hotel in Hotan.

The northern and southern regions of Xinjiang present a dual tapestry of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Northern Xinjiang is characterized by snow-capped mountains, lakes, and grasslands, with the azure waves of Kanas Lake, the deep blue of Sayram Lake, and the green waves of Nalati Grassland forming the stunning scenery of the ‘Oriental Switzerland’. Southern Xinjiang, on the other hand, features ancient cities, Gobi deserts, and plateaus, with the labyrinthine alleys of Kashgar Old City, the Muztagh Ata Peak of the Pamir Plateau, and the vast expanse of the Taklimakan Desert narrating the legends of the ancient Silk Road. This 14-day customized car tour connects the highlights of northern and southern Tianshan, covering six major themes: lakes, grasslands, canyons, ancient cities, deserts, and plateaus. With an average daily driving time of 4-6 hours, the itinerary offers a balanced pace suitable for families, friends, or photography enthusiasts seeking an in-depth experience.Day 12:Hotan → Korla (approx. 600 km, 8 hours)
Travel north along the desert highway, admire the coexistence of the desert and poplar forests, and arrive in Korla. Visit the Kongque River scenic belt and stay at a hotel.
Day 13:Korla → Turpan (approx. 380 km, 5 hours)
Drive to Turpan, visit Grape Valley and Flaming Mountains, experience the ancient wisdom of the karez irrigation system, and stay at a hotel in Turpan.
Day 14:Turpan → Urumqi (approx. 180 km, 2.5 hours)
Visit the Jiaohe Ancient City in the morning, return to Urumqi in the afternoon, and transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule to end the tour.
💰 Price Description (Reference range for 2026)
The cost of customized car services varies depending on the vehicle type, season, and route. The following are real-time quotations provided by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency (including vehicle usage fees, fuel costs, tolls, parking fees, driver’s wages, and basic insurance):

🚗 Simple Itinerary (Real-time reference for 2026)Seven-seater business vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8, Maxus G10):Approximately 1,000-1,500 yuan/day during the low season (November-March), and approximately 1,500-2,200 yuan/day during the peak season (June-October);
Twelve-seater medium-sized bus (e.g., JMC Coaster):Approximately 1,200-1,800 yuan/day during the low season, and approximately 1,800-2,600 yuan/day during the peak season;
Seventeen-seater minibus (e.g., Yutong bus):Approximately 1,500-2,200 yuan/day during the low season, and approximately 2,200-3,000 yuan/day during the peak season.
The cost does not include: scenic area admission tickets and shuttle buses (approximately 1,500 yuan/person), accommodation (three-star or above hotels, approximately 300-600 yuan/night), meals (approximately 50-100 yuan/meal/person), driver’s accommodation and meal allowances (approximately 150-200 yuan/day, or as per agreement), and overtime or excess mileage fees. The specific price is subject to the contract signed with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Prices may increase during the peak season, and slight discounts may be available for the average daily price of long-distance itineraries.
📞 How to Register
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency by consulting with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing. Provide information such as the number of travelers, number of days, general route, departure date, and budget range to obtain a detailed itinerary plan and quotation.
📝 Cost Description and Service Description
Cost Includes:Vehicle usage fees, fuel costs, tolls, parking fees, driver’s wages, and basic insurance.
Cost Does Not Include:Scenic area admission tickets, shuttle buses, accommodation, meals, personal expenses, driver’s accommodation and meal allowances (if not included in the contract), and overtime or excess mileage fees.

Day 1: Gather in UrumqiService Commitments:Regular operating vehicles with licensed drivers familiar with Xinjiang’s road conditions and scenic area information; signing of a formal travel contract to protect the rights and interests of both parties; itinerary changes can be negotiated based on weather, road conditions, and other factors.
Single Registration:Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency will make every effort to coordinate shared rooms. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
The specific information is subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Prices and availability are subject to contract or customer service confirmation and may fluctuate with departure dates. The contract signed by both parties shall prevail.
📌 Precautions
Document Preparation:A travel permit is required to visit the Pamir Plateau (you can consult the travel agency in advance for assistance).
Clothing Recommendations:Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night. Bring windproof jackets, sun protection clothing, sunglasses, and warm clothing.
Sun Protection Measures:The ultraviolet rays are strong. Apply high-SPF sunscreen and wear a hat.
Medication Preparation:It is recommended to bring common medications such as cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, and motion sickness medicine.
Other Items:Thermos, power bank, and a small amount of cash (poor signal in some areas).
This 14-day customized car tour of northern and southern Xinjiang will take you through the Tianshan Mountains, from the lakes and mountains of northern Xinjiang to the ancient cities and deserts of southern Xinjiang, allowing you to experience the diverse charm of Xinjiang. Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a nature explorer, or a cultural experience seeker, you can find your own inspiration on this land. Choose Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to let a professional team plan your itinerary, making it worry-free and reliable!

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